LG Dare Review

LG Dare Review

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Published on: 03 July, 2008 by PhoneArena Team

LG Dare Review

LG has been a leader in the touchscreen non-smart phone market since 2007 with their introduction of the PRADA GSM model in Europe. Since then, they have developed and released additional touchscreen phones, such as the Voyager, Glimmer, Vu, and Viewty; each with their own unique features. The newest device to be released is the Dare, which is available through Verizon Wireless...

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127.
I tested out the Dare at the VZW Store... Then I went to the AT&T Store nearby to test the iphone... I found out that the iphone is faster on 3G (Despite slow connection) than on the Dare at displaying complex websites like NYT.com

I would like the best Web experience on a phone so I picked me up an iphone... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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128.
I've had my Dare since Saturday. I love it. I've played with an iPhone and it's fine, but has a bad speakerphone and is less a phone that does other things than it is a web/email appliance that does phone. I want a phone that does pictures, texting, and can do some web and email, and the Dare is awesome for that. It has a great speaker phone, does great texting, I love VZ Navigator, the email could be better but it's workable and maybe they'll come out with an email client that's more like their texting app. I'm pleased with my buy.
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130.
does anyone know if Opera Mini can be used on this phone?
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131.
Allright, so I have had the LG Dare for about a week now. I haven't yet received the 8gb microSD card that I purchased, so I cannot comment on the music player functionality (no music has been added). This is my first review, so please bear with me because I am an honest, hopefully non-partial reviewer.

I had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the iPhone 3G model since it had been announced, but the base monthly plan for that phone is $70.00. The Dare could be had for $40.00 base, albeit without internet ($15.00 additional), so I decided to check it out. Key features that were crucial to me are the mp3 player, UI, screen display and ease of use, and size.

At first I valued the iPhone's heat sensitive display over the LG Dare, and to a point I still do. However, at this point I play UI and touch displays of both phones at about even. The LG Dare allows for use of a stylus, and for everyone (including all of these reviewing websites) bashing the handwriting recognition system implemented on this phone doesn't yet realize the potency of this feature. With the stylus from a Nintendo DS, which I believe can be purchased separately, I was able to use the touch screen as I would a piece of paper to write my text messages. I haven't had any problems with pressing the right buttons or responsiveness with a stylus. I have mispressed buttons on a few occasions without one, but I honestly cannot attribute it to a faulty screen. The fact is (and this is true even of the iPhone), that with touch screens of relatively small size (3" or less, which includes probably all phones at this point), you will have that issue. The pad of your finger makes it difficult. To my experience, the screen has been as accurate as I could have possibly hoped. One thing to also mention, is that some may prefer the heat-sensitive approach of the iPhone. By hand, I would place the iPhone higher than the Dare in screen functionality.

With the camera, I have taken pictures but haven't yet printed them so I cannot truthfully comment on picture quality. For those who place camera quality as a major priority, I apologize. The pictures look good on the screen, but I don't plan on taking quality photos with this phone even though that is one of its major features. I have my Canon Powershot for that. In an ideal world, I would have the camera quality of a Canon + iPod mp3 player + slim, feature-filled phone all in one device, but that isn't possible.

One cool feature is that with text messages, you can have the message relayed to you by voice in that weird, computer-like tone. It is a novelty, but nonetheless a fun one.

You can activate auto-lock on the phone (lockiing it after the backlight display turns off) or disengage it, whichever you prefer. There are many, many changes that you can make to the phones display and overall feel, like font change, font size, screen color, animated wallpaper, layout, analog/digital clock, and more that I can't think of at the moment.

Favorites link on the home display where you can put up to 9 (I believe, correct me if I'm wrong) contacts with photo displays. Pretty cool feature in my opinion.

Went to Verizon earlier today and they don't have screen protectors in stores just yet. Representative said that they would become available probably by next month. (7/26/08). Clear, plastic cases are available however.

One complaint that I have is that they need to have an attachment for a stylus! With a touch-sensitive phone you need to have the option of using a stylus, but there is nowhere on the phone where you can attach one. You CAN attach a lanyard, and ... glue the stylus on (?!?) but... yeah.

Phone size is smaller than the iPhone of course, but really it is not all that slim. I had a Motorala E815 model from over 2 years ago (not in production anymore), and while not thinner, the overall phone size is comparably similar. The height and width of my previous, ancient phone was much smaller. That's to be expected with these touch screen models because of the display. It fits well in the pocket. Personally, it will take some getting used to in talking with this phone just because it is so thin that I can't cradle it between my shoulder and ear. Not a big deal, though.

The phone's design is sick, you can't really ask for more. Good rubber backing material prevents slippage, I've read that this phone is a huge iPhone knockoff and I can't exactly disagree with that, but what really is the problem in that? As a Verizon customer who considered switching to ATT for the iPhone, I want the features and things that the iPhone did right without paying the ridiculous monthly fee; hence, the Dare.

Mind you, if you want unlimited internet access (VCast) and text messages the price will increase substantially. Still, you will be paying about $15 less a month for the same minutes and same features, since text messages cost extra for both phones. You do get a Flash-enabled browser, great Youtube access, ease of use during browsing, etc with the iPhone, so that would be a matter of personal preference. For me, I am never too far away from a computer with cable internet, so I would much rather check my e-mail and other tasks with a computer. Internet browsing on phones is still too difficult and slow for me for me to seriously consider using internet on my phone extensively. I can complete the same tasks on a computer in 15 seconds that would require at least 2 minutes on a phone. Just my two cents, feel free to agree or disagree.

I love the phone, and I have no regrets about purchasing it. I have some complaints that were mentioned above, but none of them seriously warrant a trip back to the store for a refund.

Oh, the first Dare I purchased (from verizonwireless.com) had an issue. The phone powered off a few times within the first week, so I took it back today and exchanged it for a brand new one. I had all the contacts and pictures transferred, so I am hoping the new one doesn't have the same problem! I am not worried about it at all because they have a 30-day warranty for replacement of any defective phones.

Please let me know if you have any questions, I can answer all of them the best I can. Thanks for reading!

0
137.
I have used the Dare for 30 days now and am finally comfortable with it enought to comment to you all on it. First, re-calibrate your phone right now with a stylus or pen cap. Do so like you were typing on the key board, sideways. This will make a HUGE diffence in your texting speed and accuracy. Fingers work fine, but a stylus is the way to go. Verizon sells a leather case with a very small metal ring on the side, perfect to hold the stylus without losing it if you tuck it inside the case. They also sell a box of 5 stylus pens for $10. Secondly, get an invisa-shield.com screen protector. It is custom made for any type of phone and is comparable to the skin on your body. It has a lifetime guarantee and allows your touch screen to be fully protected and 1000x more sensitive than Verizon's plastic protectors. Plus it makes your phone look awesome. it is $20. Third, G-mail offers a free email account and works terrific with the dare. it is quick and easy to read. Just move the "Browser" icon to the front of your phone for quick access. Fourth, the browesr is good, but much easier if you save "google" as a favorite and then enter all of your favorite sites on it and then save them as favorites as well. While navigating your sites, use the volume buttons on the side to enlarge or diminish your view. Fifth, Text messaging is faster if you place the icon on the front of the phone. Also, check out "Jott.com" and set up a free account to have access to verbal texting. It is awesome while driving or for unlimited group texts. Just talk and send. It sends the voice message in text form to a phone, computer or both. You just save the Jott phone number on your speed dial go to the site and set up your Jott phone list and call away. It is awesome. Music player pairs well with all bluetooth devices and car kits and sounds great. I have synced 1900 songs effortlessly thru Media player. It works far better than the other one they promote now. Problems with song order though. It doesn't shuffle well at all. Camera is good, but confusing at times. The only fault I have worth talking about is the view outside in the daylight. You can barely see the phone screen! Sound quality is awesome and of course there is the network. I give it a 9 out of 10. P.S. Get the insurance for $4 a month, you won't regret it!
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156.
Just got the Dare...you're review helped, Thanks! Love this phone! Just would add that the video edditing is a great tool.
I am new to this...almost a smartphone world...is there a way to download books and read them on the phone? I know how to get the book I want for free...I just don't know how to download it so that I can read it on the phone. Any advice?
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #137 ( Show )
Reply to Peter916 Hide 2 replies to this comment
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132.
the iphone is better!!
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133.
I'm upgrading in two months, and I'm very interested in this phone. I'm considering the Voyager, the Env2 , and this.
I'm a frequent texter and on my vx8300 i am very speedy. How is the transition from tactile texting to virtual texting on this phone? I'm worried that I won't be able to text as fast on this phone, compared to the Voyager or Env2, where there are actual buttons.
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134.
This phones touchscreen is not very good so it think it would be hard to text fast. If I was you I would go with the Voyager because you would have a touchscreen and actual buttons.
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150.
the phones touchscreen is fine. i went from the 8300 to the dare as well and i like the phone. i text a lot when i drive though which is a negative because i have to look at the dare where as when i had an actual key pad i could feel the buttons and didnt have to look at all when i text.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #134 ( Show )
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164.
anonymous # 150 - do NOT text while you drive !!!!!!!

Sorry to go off-topic, folks, but here's a tidbit of info. In many states now, when you're in an accident, they will check your cell records if there are any injuries, deaths, or lawsuits. If it is found that you were talking and/or texting while driving, you can be in some extremely serious crap with the law. Please - when you drive, do just ONE thing - DRIVE.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #150 ( Show )
Reply to jordan Hide 3 replies to this comment
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136.
What's the difference between this phone and the LG Vu?
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138.
the carrier and the vu feels cheaper. better cam on dare. looks at the touch screen review for the full comparison
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139.
best phone by VZW this year. period.
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140.
So, I jumped on the Dare yesterday, just to try it out. I love the interface, it's so fun! The camera takes excellent photos, and the design is awesome! I can't take my hands off this phone! The texting, is very difficult at first but if you calibrate it right it works pretty well. I'm still getting used to the texting; it takes me a while to get a message out, and when I do i feel very accomplished. I'm going to Las Vegas next week for one week, and if I don't have texting down and fast by the time I get back, I'll probably switch to the Voyager. The only reason I didn't get the voyager was because it's older, bigger, and not as stylish. Other than the style and the camera though, are most of the features the same?
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