Rounding out the flurry of interesting
Verizon Wireless launches today are the
BlackBerry Curve 8530 and
LG Chocolate Touch (pictured). The 8530 is pretty much just the Verizon edition of T-Mobile's 8520, but the LG Chocolate Touch bears closer examination. Basically it's just a war on the eyeballs of anyone who's ever seen the
BL40, with the front, back, materials and interface of the device all falling incredibly short of aesthetic pleasure. However, the $80 phone does have a relatively responsive and usable touchscreen interface for a "dumbphone," and we've used worse touchscreen keyboards on Windows Mobile. So it's not a complete tragedy, but we really feel sorry for someone who skips over the
DROID ERIS for this just handset just to save $20.
posted Nov 5th 2009 12:41PM
That's nice. Now where's that HD2 video review?!
(sorry for high jacking thread)
I've been waiting on that here as well. It looks like the person at Engadget who has the HD2 for review forgot all about the video review.
The unboxing of the HD2 was from SlashGear and yes not nice hijacking the post. They have not done the full review yet.
This opens up a very philosophical/moral issue: Is it okay to hijack a thread if it is for a good cause?
that LG looks a cheap knock-off/KIRF
it looks like a non-updated, 2-year-later version of my LG Dare
which already basically is... a touch version of the chocolate
like all Verizon LG phones. they're all the same practically
what the hell?
Well, the people who would choose the new chocolate over the Eris wouldn't be doing it for a mere $20 savings. You also have to factor in the extra $30 charge per month for a data plan on the Eris, over 2 years that adds up.
Why would Verizon market this and not the New Chocolate?
I mean, the latter device actually LOOKS like chocolate...
What kind of phone do u have bro?
here word goes again with his rather old and annoying iPhone comments....
I read awhile back that Verizon did a user study that included this phone and the BL40...and the general conclusion was that people picked this one instead. I think it was a mistake by Verizon because the BL40 would have been one of the more stylish phones that didn't require a data plan. This looks barely better than the Env Touch..or even Versa. I bet it will be a moderate success regardless.
The chocolate is still one of the ugliest phones I've ever seen, but I really love the keyboard. I'd like to test it out.
Looks nice but the Droids have awesome virtual keyboards as well.
they would skip on the droid to save $20 PLUS $30 a month...no required data plan
Yeah, I was about to say that. Not everyone needs a smart phone (esp with the more expensive data plan). But if there was an option to get the Droid Eris without the data plan (and still only $20 less) then it would be worth it (but unlikely to happen since most carriers require you to get a more expensive data plan if you have a smart phone).
I'm tired of two things from engadget.
1. Using dumphone instead of featurephone or some similar term. Phones like the Chocolate Touch and enV Touch are not the opposite of a smartphone.
2. Not considering the cost of owning the phone beyond the price of the handset. People would skip over the Droid Eris to buy this phone because phones like these do not require a $30 data plan per phone. Your goddamn right I'd love to by a Droid and so would my wife, but beyond our shared minutes and text, we'd be paying $60 a month for data on two Droid phones or Droid Eris phones. We both own enV Touch phones and SHARE unlimited data on our family plan for about $15.
dumphone...self-lawl.
There may be data required, similar to the Samsung Rogue. I was told all future HTML browser phones will require it.
superfresh I have the same shared $15 as you do but with my family (I'm a college kid)
It works really nicely with my Dare. But I'm starting to think corporate email will really help my startup business
Plus, I'm obviously a gadget nerd so... the Droid is making drool
I'm thinking it's time to get a smartphone
Holy shit its the same BB as the last 100 of them. I think we should all applaud the fine work RIM has done to keep this BB the same as the rest. No wonder why android phones seem so cool. I don't care if my Hero looks like a zero at least we got some innovation.
Remember Star Wars,
RIM = the Old Republic with the Clones
Google = The Empire with the Droids
:D
May Full Bars be with you.
But RIM really created Google as a way to start a civil war only to turn on the jedi that were supporting RIM so RIM could become the emperor of the galaxy
wait what
You guys want to pass that shit....
Let me guess vzw crippled wifi,?
meh... The Chocolate just melts in the presence of the Droids..... and the blackberry just went smoothie...
Relax. Just wanna know what His comments are based on mine are all based on hands on experience.
You say that someone might be crazy for passing over the Eris when it only cost $20 more but they also have to think about the extra cost of a data plan as well. If they don't want a data plan than its really likely that someone is going to pass over any Droid device for this.
"Basically it's just a war on the eyeballs" Best UI description ever.
I think it's worth mentioning how much you'd be saving with this phone including the monthly plan since I'd be all over the Eris if I could get it without paying for the $30 monthly data plan and just use wifi.
Droid Eris will cost a lot more per month to use due to PDA plan.
looks like the same old crappy lg/verizon phones. Next
The Chocolate Touch and Droid Eris are aimed at two different market segments. If you could get the Eris without a data plan then yeah, no brainer. But why compare the two in terms of value when the overall cost through the length of the two-year contract can't be compared? $740 is enough to swing many people's minds.
A good "dumbphone" will last days without needing a recharge, can tolerant frequent drops and rough treatment, can comfortably fit in pants pockets, and doesn't require a premium service plan...
Don't care.
I was about to say what has already been mentioned above. The allure of this phone is that it doesn't require a data plan, so for people that don't want to spend the money, or don't need the data features, its probably one of the better options out there for touchscreens on VZ.
@obxKevin - I agree with you - and I think verizon would actually move a lot more Eris units if they offered it without the data plan. As it stands right now I have a feeling the Eris will get passed up by a number of people for the Droid and Passion.
The Choclate Touch looks like it was designed in China. And by China, I mean Shenzhen.
I guess I'm with several of you above. I don't want a data plan since I never tweet and don't browse or do my email on the phone. Just the occasional text message. But I do want a phone with a decent camera, a usable keyboard, some good music features, and a "real" headphone jack. I've loved my Chocolate 8550 over the past couple years and this new Chocolate looks pretty good to me. FM radio? Sure, why not. Although I don't think I'll be "drumming along" with any songs. There's a place in the world for "dumb" phones, not everyone needs mega data phones (and charges).
When did Verizon start calling it 3G instead of EV1X? Not that I'm complaining, but it seems rather sudden.
The past year or so they have been making that change in their phones. I welcome it, I mean the general public is too stupid to know that EVDO (Ev) = 3G.
Looks like someone who drives a Nissan Cube may like the LG Chocolate Touch...
As mentioned a few times above, I just passed on the droid Eris today for myself and wife. Most certainly do not need the data plan, and at 30 (x2) bucks a month, could not justify it. Not even going to try and justify the additional monthly cost. Nice phone, but at the cost they are tying to it, they can keep it. Makes the LG seem absolutely lovely in comparison.
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I'm glad most readers have already managed to point out that the greatest thing about this phone is not needing to have a data plan. Not everyone uses the internet on their phone. The touchscreen on this phone is THE best I've used that's not an iPhone.
I also might add that if engadget bothered to take a closer look at this phone, they'd realize what a serious punch the music player in this phone packs. The chocolate line has always been about the music.
I've always been someone to keep my cell phone and my iPod separate, but this phone my just end up replacing my iPod. It really is that good.