EVDOinfo.com

While there are a myriad of cellphones and smartphones available from Verizon, from your basic bare-bones flip phone to the latest touch-screen PDAs, we at EVDOinfo.com have found a true gem amongst the available models: the LG Dare.

We then attached it to a Cradlepoint CTR350 router at the exact same location and saw similar results:

Obviously, your speeds will vary based on how strong your signal is and whether you are in a Rev-A coverage area, but these strong results make the Dare a great candidate for tethering and even using in a router. Here's how it looks/works in the Cradlepoint PHS300:

Rev-A compatibility is just one of the features we like on the Dare. Let's take a look at some of the other features it offers:

• 3.2-megapixel camera has settings like face detection, noise reduction, panorama photo stitching
• Cradlepoint Router compatible - share the connection with multiple computers!
• Drag and drop icons to make your own customized shortcuts on the home screen
• Integrated GPS
• Full (virtual) QWERTY kepyad
• Handwriting recognition (that actually works)
• Bluetooth support
• Full HTML browser
• Good music player interface
• MicroSD slot that supports up to 8GB of additional memory
• Excellent voice quality
• Horizontal and vertical display views (like the iPhone)

As with any device, there are a few downsides:

• While it does have an antenna port (and 3G Store carries the proper cable to attach a Booster Antenna to it), the port is located underneath the battery cover. In order to access it, you have to drill a hole in the cover!
• Using a touch screen can be a difficult adjustment for people who have always used standard input phones. It's not impossible to learn, of course, but do expect a learning curve.
• The browser is not as nice as the one the iPhone uses - Safari.
• Like most Verizon phones, the Dare does not have WiFi connectivity.
  
• When in tether mode, you will not be able to answer calls without interrupting the internet connection. The phone will ring, and you have the option of answering or ignoring the call. If you ignore it, the caller will be sent to voicemail and your internet connection remains intact; if you choose to answer the call you will be disconnected from the internet.

Who is this phone best for?

Because of the Rev-A access, the LG Dare would be a great option for people who want to occassionally use their phone as a modem, either in a router or directly to a computer. For people that would like to use mobile broadband but don't use it often enough to warrant purchasing an aircard and committing to paying $59.99 per month for two years, using your phone as a modem is a great solution. It costs $59.99 per month to add the tether feature to your phone plan, BUT it is not a permanent feature. You can add and remove it as you need it and only pay for the days it is active.

Even if tethering is not important to you, the phone is also an attractive option if you're looking for a device that doubles as a media device and offers a lot of the same features as the iPhone.

How much does it cost?

Verizon's price for the LG Dare is $169.99 with a 2-year contract. If you purchase from 3G Store, your price is $99 ($149.99 minus a $50 mail-in rebate) when you sign up for a new 2-year contract.

Monthly plans start at $39.99 per month for 450 minutes and go up from there. VCast (internet) access is $15/month (first month free) and there are many other options to choose from, such as text messaging plans and extended warranties. Tethering is $49.99/month but is a removable feature - you pay only when the feature is active.

Tech Specs:

• Cellular technology CDMA2000 1X
• Band / mode CDMA2000 1X 1900/800
• Wireless Interface Bluetooth (A2DP)

• Service provider Verizon Wireless
• Vibrating Alert Yes
• Voice Recorder Yes
• Speakerphone Yes
• Polyphonic Ringer Yes
• Alarm Clock Yes
• Calendar Yes
• Phone style Candy bar
• Automatic Redial Yes
• Call Divert Yes
• Call Barring Yes
• Call Timer Yes
• Caller ID Yes
• Call Waiting Yes
• Volume Control Yes
• Ringer Control Yes
• Conference Call Capability Yes
• Computer Link Yes
• Additional Features Handwriting recognition, Touch-screen

• Camera 3.2 megapixels
• Still image resolution 640 x 480

• Voice Mail Capability Yes
• Short Messaging Service (SMS) Yes
• Internet Browser Yes
• Messaging / Data Features Text messages
• 3G Services / Included Services VCAST, VZ Navigator

• Digital player supported digital audio standards MP3, AAC
• Digital player/recorder type Digital player

• Display Type LCD display
• Display technology TFT
• Display Resolution 240 x 400 pixels
• Color Support Color
• Color Depth 18-bit (262000 Colors)

• Talk time Up to 280 min
• Audible Battery Alert Yes

• Dimensions 4.1" (H) x 2.2" (W) x 0.5" (D)
• Weight 3.76 oz
• Antenna Integrated

• Service & support type 1 year limited warranty

How do I order?

To place an order, first look over your plan options and then call 3G Store at 866-347-8673!