LG Revolution 4G Android Phone (Verizon Wireless) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)LG hasn't really been known in the past for their high end phones. Usually you have seen them mainly in the freebie bins. Though with the recent releases of both the X2 and now the Revolution it seems that LG is trying to change the way they are precieved. And in my eyes, they have done well so far.
I am going to say this right off the bat, the battery is neither horrible nor is it great. Unplugged at 7AM the battery with moderately heavy usage it usually makes it past 6PM with around 10% left. Thats with a few phone calls, moderate surfing (I live and work in a 4G area and usually have 2-4 bars) running of apps/games and of course some Netflix and HBO GO usage. Some days vary though and I need to recharge before 6PM. So as with any other LTE phone, you may want to have a spare charger around with you. Keep in mind though, my battery is in no way fully conditioned, so hopefully it will improve some. With the battery thing out of the way you will be greeted with a spectacular phone. The screen is crisp and clear. Not as good as the Droid Charge, but hands down superior to the HTC Thunderbolt.
The phone also comes with 16GB internal storage which is the most of any of the current LTE offerings. This phone also scores higher than both of the other devices in Quadrant usually getting me 2100. Granted not dual core territory, but great for a single core. Menus, games and the internet move quickly and smoothly. And chances are if you are looking at this phone, LTE is probably the most imporant thing on your mind.
The phone , like the other LTE devices, ships with Froyo 2.2.2 and hopefully Gingerbread will be out shortly. Lg has been speedy in getting Gingerbread out for the X2 so hopefully they'll have the same diligence with the Revolution, but we can only speculate with that. The phone also has VoLTE built in, which is nice but the sevice won't be turned on until next year.
A quick run down of differences/advantages between the current LTE phones:
Screen - (Droid Charge with the Super AMOLED+)
Screen/Menu Responsiveness - (LG revolution)
4G Speed - (All Even)
3G Speed - (Revolution has the newest verisons)
3G Data and Voice - (Thunderbolt can only do this)
VoLTE - (Revolution only, but again the service is turned off)
Battery Life Usage - (Charge 660min > Revolution 435min> Thunderbolt 378min)
RAM - (Thunderbolt & Revolution @ 768MB, Charge @ 512MB)
Onboard Memory - ( Revolution @ 16GB/14GB (installed/usable) Thunderbolt @ 8GB/2.5GB Charge 2GB/??)
Max Memory - (Revolution 48GB, Thunderbolt 40GB, Charge 34GB)
Camera - (Charge by far has superior Cameras than not only both phones but mostly every phone currently available save the Galaxy S II)
Netflix - (Revolution only)
HDMI - ( Revolution & Charge only)
All in all, you'll have advantages in some areas and will fall short in others. The Revolution is a well rounded LTE offering and in my opinion was enough to warrant a purchase and 2 year contract from me. If you're looking to get the fastest phone out there, you may want to look at one of the new dual core offerings, but know this, you'll be stuck on 3g. If you want LTE and want to lock yourself into unlimited 4g before Verizon switches over to tiered internet this should be your phone of choice. Dreams of a dual core phone with unlimited LTE support most likely got killed with the delay of the Bionic.

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Combining the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE mobile broadband network with the power of Android 2.2, the Revolution by LG also offers complete HD support for streaming, playing and recording video multimedia while on the go. You'll be able to download movies and games in seconds, shoot HD videos and share them instantly, seamlessly multitask, and browse the web.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network provides speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless' 3G network. With 4G LTE, you'll enjoy simultaneous voice and data capabilities, allowing you to check e-mail, browse the web, download an app, and check directions while on a call. Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network currently reaches one-third of all Americans, with plans to expand the network to the company's entire 3G coverage area over the next three years (learn more about 4G below).

In addition to high-speed 4G connectivity, you can also share the built-in Mobile Hotspot via Wi-Fi among up to eight devices--laptop, another phone, MP3 player, and more (additional service charge).

Stay up-to-date with friends and family over video chat with the front-facing camera, and snap crystal clear images with the 5-megapixel autofocus camera on the back. The LG Revolution also records video in HD 720p resolution, perfect for showing on HDTVs via the HDMI video output (or wirelessly via DLNA connectivity).

Keep yourself entertained with the latest movies on the go with the pre-loaded Netflix app. You can also load movies from your PC in multiple formats, including DivX, and experience rich sound quality with Dolby Mobile. And the LG Revolution comes pre-loaded with games, including Rock Band and Let's Golf 2.

Other features include a pre-loaded 16 GB microSD memory card (with expansion up to 32 GB via optional cards), Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo audio streaming, GPS turn-by-turn directions via free Google Maps with Navigation (plus optional VZ Navigator service), access to both personal and corporate e-mail, and up to 7.25 hours of talk time.

Vital Statistics
The LG Revolution weighs 6.06 ounces and measures 5.03 x 2.63 x 0.52 inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7.25 hours (435 minutes) of talk time, and up to 335 hours (14 days) of standby time. It runs on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, as well as EV-DO, Rev A 3G and CDMA 800/1900 frequencies where 4G LTE is not available.
What's in the Box
LG Revolution handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, 16 GB microSD card, quick start guide

Android Operating System
The LG Revolution runs the Android operating system--OS 2.2 (aka, Froyo)--which provides a faster overall Android experience as well as greater multitasking capabilities. You'll be able to receive notifications, listen to music, and even record GPS data without keeping the application open. And it features a plethora of new enhancements, including an improved onscreen QWERTY keyboard, full push corporate e-mail, and support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 for access to the full Web. It also offers enhanced Exchange support, with Calendar syncing, Global Address Lookup, improved security, auto-discovery, and more.

With integrated Google technology, the LG Revolution brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, GTalk instant messaging (with presence capabilities), YouTube, and Picasa. The LG Revolution also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. And through Android Market, you'll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets, and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day.

Swype Keyboard
An alternative to the Android virtual keyboard, the Swype virtual keyboard allows you to input text by swiping the finger with one continuous finger or stylus motion across the screen keyboard. Based on testing, speed and accuracy are equal to or better than the traditional keyboard-tapping method. You can activate the Swype keyboard by pressing and holding in a text field, wait for popup to appear, click Input Method, and then select Swype.

In the image to the right, the word "quick" was generated from tracing the path shown above in a fraction of a second, by roughly aiming to pass through the letters of the word. A key advantage to Swype is that there is no need to be very accurate, enabling very rapid text entry.

Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network
The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network allows you to download photos, apps, and games in seconds and entire movies in minutes. LTE (or Long Term Evolution provides significantly increased upload and download speeds over 3G networks, as well as significantly reduced latency (or lag time). Verizon Wireless expects 4G LTE average data rates to be 5-12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2-5 Mbps on the uplink in real-world, loaded network environments.

With these blazing fast speeds, you'll be able to stream HD movies without the annoyance of constant pauses to buffer the video stream--as well as quickly download HD-quality movies right to your phone in minutes. Additionally, you'll be able to download a new song file in about 4 seconds or upload a photo to your favorite social networking site in about 6 seconds.

And with Skype Mobile with video calling capabilities via the 4G LTE network, you'll see callers face-to-face while you're on the go. In addition to chatting with other compatible smartphones, you'll be able to video conference to users on PCs.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE mobile broadband network will also redefine the mobile office for business users. Business applications that used to require wired networks will be untethered forever, allowing you maximized productivity and efficiency while you're out of the confines of your office. Enhanced security lets you tap into most VPN networks with less waiting, and faster responsiveness enables you to upload 10 MB presentations back to your team in less than 25 seconds.

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ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1215N-PU17-BK 12.1-Inch Netbook with 6 Hours of Battery Life - Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When I first reviewed the Asus 1201N in January 2010 (see my Amazon review for that netbook), I stated that it was the best netbook on the market. A lot of time (in the consumer electronics world) has passed since that review, and Asus has released the upgrade to the 1201N, in the form of the 1215N. Does the 1215N take the crown from the 1201N, and is the 1215N the best netbook available today (September 2010) on the market?
In a word, YES! The major gripe about the 1201N was of course the limited battery life, approximately 3.5 hours on average. Even though I primarily used my 1201N near an electrical outlet, there were times when I had to go portable with it, and the short battery life was painfully insufficient. Asus has upgraded both the processor and the graphics technology for the 1215N. The processor is the desktop grade Intel D525 1.8 GHz dual-core processor, a step-up from the dual core Atom 330s powering the initial 1201N. While I would've liked to see Intel's new N550 dual core Atom processors on the 1215N instead, the D525s are more than sufficient. I suspect that Asus will release their next version of the 12XXN series with some sort of new lower power dual core processor and graphics technology.
Note, the N550 processors are a new generation of 1.5 GHz low power dual core processors, and suffice it to say, the days of single core N450 type processors are quickly disappearing. Asus has announced a 1215P netbook, which is equipped with the N550 but NO Nvidia ION2 technology, and relies solely on Intel's GMA3150 integrated graphics solution, which is increasingly antiquated when used as a standalone. The 1215P is intended as an upgraded to the previously poorly received 1201PN, and while it will have an improved battery life, it will have difficulty handling games and high definition 1080P media.
CPU wise, the general variety of the dual core powered netbooks on the market presently are as follows; D525, N550, AMD Athlon II Neo K325.
Base on clockspeed only, the general order of CPU ranking is as follows;
D525 > N550 > K325
The Athlon IIs are powerful adversaries, but according to other online reviews, suffer from poor battery life, on par with that of the original 1201N, ~ 3.5 hours. Such Athlon II Neo equipped platforms include the 11.6" Dell Inspiron M101z (K325) and the Acer Aspire One (K125). But a Dell M101z with Neo K325, 4GB of RAM, and 320 GB HDD will cost you $579; $100 more than the 1215N, and with its poor battery performance, is really just a faster 1201N.
The N550s are found on platforms such as the HP Mini 5103 and are good low power competitors to the D525s, but are crippled because they appear to be bundled with the Intel GMA 3150s. A comparably optioned Mini 5103 and Crystal Broadcom HD Chip will likely run into the $500-$600 range. And the Mini 5103 only has a 10.1" screen.
Where does that leave the D525 then? While the desktop/nettop chip is quite powerful, Intel has intentionally embedded some features which limit the maximum potential of the 1215N. The D525's embedded memory controller limits usable RAM to 2.8 GB, meaning that it is probably NOT advisable to purchase the 4 GB version of the 1215N. The RAM runs in single channel mode only, and the D525 is limited to 32-bit addressing, which may render installation of 64-bit Windows 7 moot. However, don't let these nitpicks drag you down; they are limitations you might want to consider if you're extremely critical about your netbook, but for the average user like myself, they don't bother me, since I'm not interested in using the 1215N as a 64 bit powerhouse.
Asus has paired the D525s with the Nvidia Ion 2 graphics solution, which gives the 1215N comparable battery performance to the lower power N550 matched with integrated solutions, an incredible feat. The Ion 2 used in the 1215N comprises the G210 GPU with integrated GMA3150, and when combined with Nvidia's Optimus switching technology, allows use of the G210 for intensive gaming sessions, while using the low power GMA 3150 for more mundane tasks. The result is a battery life nearly double that of the 1201N. The Ion2 uses all 16 cores of the GT2XX chip and is clocked at 475 MHz. The original Nvidia Ion is comparable to a 9400M, and the Ion 2 is roughly 60% faster than the Ion. However, there is a potential bottleneck, again due to intentional limitations from Intel. The Ion 2's potential is hindered by Intel refusing to share its DMI interface with Nvidia, forcing the Ion 2 to operate on the PCI-e 1x lane, where it cannot operate at full bandwidth. Again, like the caveats with the D525s, this is a limitation you might want to consider if you're extremely critical about your netbook, but for the average user like myself, they don't bother me and the effects aren't noticeable. Make sure you use the latest Nvidia drivers, otherwise the Optimus switching may not turn on correctly.Enough about the history and theoretical considerations of the 1215N. How does the 1215N look, operate, and compare to the 1201N?INITIAL THOUGHTS/DIFFERENCES WITH 1201N: The biggest and most welcome change from the 1201N is the new matte top lid. This helps tremendously in preventing your netbook from becoming a fingerprint magnet. The black matte lid still acquires some fingerprints, and I'd recommend the silver color as the way to go. Amazon does not appear to sell the brown and red colored variations at this time, and I assume those also have a matte finish. The wrist rest has a semi-glossy appearance, and picks up some grease, albeit much less than the 1201N. The SD card reader has been moved from the right side (1201N) to the left side (1215N).
The keyboard appears to have the same layout as the 1201N; some users complained of keyboard flexing, but I didn't notice any flexing. In fact, it seems to have much less flex than the 1201N and seems quite rigid. The 1215N's keyboard is a pure chiclet style; whereas the 1201N's keyboard was contained in a plastic well, the 1215N's keys are raised above the base surface of the netbook. This does not appear to cause any functional differences, but the visual difference is apparent when compared with the 1201N. The 1215N also features a sturdier power button, which feels of higher quality.
The trackpad is no longer dimpled, and this makes the mouse cursor significantly easier to move around. The same one-bar button selector is used (as found on the 1201N, which I actually liked), but the one-bar could've benefited from a matte finish as it picks up fingerprints easily. I strongly prefer the new trackpad on 1215N; navigation is significantly easier now.
The hard drive is only a 5400 rpm spec model, but I found it to be as quiet as the one on the 1201N.
Lastly, the web-camera has a shutter that protects it when not in use; the resolution is the same as that of the 1201N.
I was disappointed to find that the package did not come with a Windows 7 Home Premium installation CD. Didn't I pay for the CD?!BLOATWARE: Unfortunately, like the 1201N, the 1215N also comes pre-installed with a lot of bloatware. It seems a bunch of random wireless card software programs are installed, even though some of those wireless cards aren't even installed into the machine! The bloatware is easy enough to remove though; just remove them under the remove programs tab in Control Panel.GRAPHICAL PERFORMANCE: I tested the 1215N against my 1201N. I achieved a 3DMark06 benchmark score of 1583 (CPU Score 811) on my stock 1201N. By comparison, 3DMark06 on the 1215N achieve a score 1100 points higher, 2692! Playing a 1080P media file on the 1201N using the CoreAVC codec required 60% CPU utilization. Playing the same 1080P media file on the 1215N using the CoreAVC 2.0 codec required just 16-20% CPU utilization!!
BATTERY LIFE: So far, I'm eking out around 5-6 hours of battery life on light to moderate usage.GAMING: I haven't had a chance yet to extensively test gaming capabilities of the 1215N, but from what I've read, the 1215N can handle the following games;
Starcraft 2 @ 15-20 fps, 1280 x 720 pixels, medium settings (various youtube videos confirming this)
FIFA 2010 @ 20 fps, lowest resolution and details
Call of Duty: Modern Wafare 2 @ 30 fps, provided there aren't a lot of scripted scenes/characters.
World of Warcraft @ 45 fps, 1366 x 768 pixels, low details
Left 4 Dead @ 20 fps, 1366 x 768 pixels, low details
Half-Life Episode 2 @ 28 fps, 1280 x 720 pixels
Also, bear in mind that since the Ion 2 is relatively new, not many games are supported yet. Make sure the drivers are up-to-date. If you overclock the 1215N, assuming it is overclockable, then higher framerates and performance may be possible. Note, I am not suggesting or advising anyone to overclock their machine.PROS/CONS: PROS
-Great performance for the price
-Ion 2 battery saving graphics
-Fast processors
-12.1" size with 1366 x 768 resolution
-Solid build quality
-New matte lids minimize fingerprint collection
-Comes with Windows Home Premium (rather than Windows Starter)CONS
-2.8 GB usable RAM limit
-RAM runs in single channel mode only.
-No USB 3.0 capability on US models for now (though this doesn't bother me since I don't have any USB 3.0 devices anyway, and by the time 3.0 devices become mainstream, Asus will have released another netbook by then).
-No Bluetooth (though this doesn't bother me since I don't use BT with my netbooks,...Read more›

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HD-enhanced Entertainment with NVIDIA Optimus Technology With more HD content available now than ever before, you need a netbook that can keep up with the pace. The Eee PC 1215N has both the performance and mobility to meet the call. It features the new Intel Atom D525 dual-core processor, Next-Generation NVIDIA ION graphics, and a stunning 12.1-inch HD display to give you all the power needed for on-the-go HD enjoyment. And with NVIDIA Optimus Technology, the Eee PC 1215N intelligently switches between NVIDIA ION graphics and embedded graphics to optimize battery life without compromising performance. Add in the LED-backlit display and ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, you can stay unplugged up to 7 hours between charges.1 Along with long-lasting mobility, it has a compact, scratch-resistant design that fits nicely in carrying cases and backpacks – ideal for both long trips or day-to-day errands. The Eee PC 1215N is also one of the select few with HDMI connectivity. So when you feel like super-sizing your HD movies, simply connect to an HDTV and enjoy Full 1080p HD visuals and up to 8 channel sound. What's more, you get a total of 750GB of hybrid storage – 500GB of ASUS WebStorage2 and a spacious 250GB hard drive – to store, share, and back up your music, videos, and other valuable data. The Eee PC 1215N comes with full-size chiclet keyboard, stereo speakers, high-speed wireless N, 2GB of DDR2 memory, and Windows 7 Home Premium. Awards Received Editor's Choice – Laptop Magazine 9 out of 10 – Maximum PC 92%, Must Have Best Features Award – Tweak Town 4 out 5 editor's rating – PCMag.com 4 out of 5 stars – CNET editor's rating

Key Features
12.1-inch LED-backlit HD display for HD-quality visuals wherever, whenever (Learn more)
Intel Atom D525 dual-core processor for energy-efficient multitasking (Learn more)
Next-Generation NVIDIA ION graphics for a premium mobile HD experience (Learn more)
NVIDIA Optimus Technology instantly switches between powerful NVIDIA and energy-efficient Intel graphics to save battery life without compromising performance (Learn more)
ASUS Super Hybrid Engine maximizes battery life up to 7 hours between charges1 (Learn more)
HDMI connectivity for streaming Full HD video and digital sound to HDTVs and compatible external displays (Learn more)
High-speed wireless N for unplugged surfing (Learn more)
750GB Hybrid Storage: 250GB hard drive plus 500GB ASUS WebStorage2 (Learn more)

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Power with Enhanced Battery Life
Immersive Multimedia
Comfort On-the-Go
Your Portable Internet Companion
Relax, ASUS Has You Covered Ranked as the #1 most reliable PC brand by 3 independent sources,3 readers and editors alike choose ASUS as their trusted notebook and netbook. We tirelessly strive to exceed expectations of quality to ensure you an unmatched peace of mind every time you start your PC. We also back our commitment with the industry's most comprehensive warranty.
1 Year ASUS Global Warranty4
Offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars to the price of competing netbooks:

1 year global warranty
6 month battery warranty
24/7 tech support
Free 1-way standard shipping

What's in the Box
Eee PC 1215N
Power Adapter
User Manual
Warranty Card

Specifications
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium
Display: 12.1-inch LED-Backlit WXGA display (1366 x 768)
CPU: Intel Atom D525 dual-core processor (1.8 GHz)
GPU: Next-Generation NVIDIA ION graphics with NVIDIA Optimus Technology
Wireless Data Network: WLAN 802.11b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz)
Memory: 2GB DDR3, 1 x SODIMM slot (expandable to 4GB)
Storage: 250GB 5400RPm hard drive + 500GB ASUS WebStorage2
Camera: 0.3 megapixel with security lens cover
Audio: Hi-definition stereo speakers, high-definition audio CODEC, Microphone
Storage Cards: 2-in-1 MMC, SD(SDHC) flash card slot
Input / Output: 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor), 1 x HDMI, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks (Headphone & Mic-in)
Battery Pack: 6 cell battery (up to 7 hours2)
Dimensions: 11.54 (W) x 8.11 (D) x 1.06~ 1.30 (H) inches
Weight: 3.22 lbs
Color: Silver, Black

All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in images. 1 Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. The estimated maximum battery life in Windows 7 is measured with MobileMark 2007 in reader mode. 2 Complimentary one-year 500GB ASUS WebStorage trial. Please visit www.asuswebstorage.com for more details. 3 Rated number 1 Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com's Service & Reliability Report 2009. Rate number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumer warranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ ). Rated number 1 reliable PC maker in Spring 2009's RESCUECOM report http://www.rescuecom.com/RESCUECOM269.html 4 ASUS reserves the right to exclude certain SKUs; check with your retailer to confirm coverage of specific models. Valid for notebooks purchased in the US and Canada only. For complete details, please visit: usa.asus.com/event/ASUS360.

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