More touch phones now available
The cosmic power of the touch phone seemed to be exclusive to Apple’s iPhone since June 2007 but the market has expanded and now consumers have more options.
While most people looking for a new touch phone are obligated to choose from whatever carrier they already have, it is useful to know what is available and decide if it is worth switching service providers.
AT&T is the only cell phone provider to carry Apple’s iPhone, but now other services, such as Sprint and Verizon, have their own touch phones.
Now that multiple touch phones are available, it is important to know which one is best.
LG Voyager
One of the biggest issues people have with the iPhone is how it is only usable through touch, which can make it difficult to type on. The Voyager offers a solution to this problem by offering a flip function that reveals a functioning keyboard underneath the touch screen.
According to Verizon’s Web site, this phone has an ample amount of features worth looking at.
This phone boasts Bluetooth capability, camera, camcorder, music player and full HTML browsing, like the iPhone.
What makes it unique is the V CAST Mobile TV ability, making it possible for the user to watch television on it, obtain turn-by-turn directions and its QWERTY (full) keyboard.
The phone is supported by Verizon and it costs 300 dollars with a two-year contract.
LG Venus
Like the Voyager, this phone is also supported by Verizon but the Venus is a slider phone.
This phone is up to date with the other touch phones with its features including a music player, removable memory for extra storage, Bluetooth, camera, camcorder and Verizon V CAST technology.
What makes this touch phone unique is its use of two screens, one normal and one for touch, as well as multiple color options. So far the phone is available through the Verizon’s Web site in pink and black.
This phone is a little cheaper than the Voyager at $200 with a two-year contract.
Touch by HTC
This phone is Sprint’s attempt to enter the touch war and has plenty to offer to consumers.
Sprint’sWeb site supplies a long list of features available on the Touch.
Contrary to Apple’s phone, this one features Windows Mobile as well as plenty of Sprint exclusive services such as Sprint’s Music Store and Sprint TV.
Like the other phones, the standard features are also available such as Bluetooth, speakerphone, Internet capabilities, voice dialing and a camera.
Available on the Sprint Web site, the Touch costs $250 after rebates.
iPhone
While most people have probably heard enough about Apple’s iPhone, it is still worth mentioning.
There is a reason it has dominated the market for so long: this phone has a lot of features that people enjoy having.
While the phone is pricey (The <"a href=http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&node=home/iphone/iphone" target="out">Apple Store is shipping it for 400 dollars) it features a music player, video player, Wi-Fi, a full internet browser, YouTube and plenty of aftermarket customizable widgets that always keep the phone interesting.
While more phones are available with touch, it may be awhile before students tear away from the popular iPhone.
“I bought my iPhone on the first day that it came out and it really has provided everything that Apple has promised,” said Nick Bradley, 19, a junior aerospace major. “Basically, it’s a handheld computer. People say that they can do the same thing with Palm or Blackberry handhelds, but Apple has invented a totally revolutionary user interface with easy to navigate programs and very useful functionality.”
Only time will tell if the other touch phones catch on like the iPhone has.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Cameron Naish at cameron.naish@thecampuspress.com
