A mixed bag - 0.01$ A phone

I both love and hate this phone. I love the Android operating system. It's very elegant and easy to use. The Market is filled with Apps, and I was able to find an app for everything that I needed to do. I've used several different Android phones and generally found that the Android OS is reliable and stable. The phone and the user interface is also visually appealing. Simply put, the phone and the OS are beautiful.

HTC is known for adding its own modifications to the internal OS on all of its phones, and this one is no exception. HTC has modified Android on this phone to make it better looking and in some cases easier to use. However, those modifications may also have introduced problems, as I'll explain, below.

There also seem to be some serious build quality issues at HTC. The first phone that I got experienced an intermittent problem that caused the voice recognition feature to never work the first time. If more than 30 seconds passed and I tried to use it, it would be wrong the first time, no matter what I said. This was a minor issue, but there's really no reason why it should have occurred on one phone and not on another. I got a replacment phone, and the voice recognition now works, but it takes forever (up to 20 seconds after I stop talking) to work at times. There are a ton of posts on the internet about voice dialing problems on this phone, and so I'm not the only one complaining.

Voice dialing is a major issue with this phone because the phone lacks any tactile keys. When you're driving and you want to make a call, you can dial on a phone with a regular keypad by touch. Since this phone has no keys, you either have to look at the keypad, or you have to use voice dialing. Voice dialing on other phones (including the Samsung Moment and even my very old Motorola RAZR) can work very, very well. Unfortunately, on this phone, it just doesn't.

HTC also makes the Google Nexus One, and it too has had a mixed reception on quality issues.

Even worse, my first Hero also had repeated crashes of software that should have worked fine, including the application that you use to program the phone with your phone # and MSID. These are basic phone functions, and they really shouldn't crash.

My second phone continues to have application crashes for apps that I know should work fine, and do work fine on other phones. For example, today, the telephone dialer application crashed. The telephone dialer application is the application that gives you a dialpad so you can use the phone. It's a basic application, and shouldn't EVER crash. Yet, on the HTC Hero it crashed for me today.

I suspect that HTC's modifications to Android are responsible, as the problems have occurred on two different HTC Hero phones, and I've found that other Android phones are very reliable.

While HTC's modifications make the Android OS visually appealing, they also replace text based labels which are easy to understand with often confusing icons. HTC's modifications also make the phone take about 30 seconds longer to boot-up. There is simply no reason why HTC needed to do this to its customers. Honestly, I'd rather they at least give me the option to disable their enhancements...

(Update: Apparently, you can disable at least SOME of them: Go to the Home Screen, Press MENU button, Press Settings, Press Applications, Press Manage Applications, wait for the OS to compute application usage, Scroll down the list until you see HTC Sense and select it to go to the Application Info page, Press the Clear Defaults button, Press the HOME button. You will be prompted to select which app to compete the action with. Select Home and chose to make this the default action. If you want SenseUI back, follow the same steps, but instead of selecting "HTC Sense" from the applications list, select the application called "Home" (not the HOME button), and then clear the defaults.)

The processor may also be a bit slow. I've noticed on several occasions that the phone seemed to miss the fact that I pushed on certain buttons. For example, in order to answer calls on an HTC modified phone, you have to swipe your finger down the screen. On several occasions, I've actually missed calls because the phone didn't register my swipe until the call went to voicemail.

Why not just use the hard buttons? Good question! The layout of the call and answer buttons makes them very hard to use for someone with medium to large size hands, so its difficult to push one of them without also pushing one of the other nearby buttons. The speakerphone volume is also a bit low, making it almost useless when you're in a car.

Also, if you have a bluetooth headset and you're used to using the button on it to activate voice dialing, you're going to be disappointed. For some reason, HTC didn't properly implement that feature. So, if you push the button on your bluetooth headset or speakerphone, nothing happens. Again, this is a basic feature built into most phones nowadays, and it surprises me that HTC didn't implement it on their flagship Android phone.

I've also used a Motorola Cliq (which also runs Android) and the Samsung Moment and found them to be quite reliable. The Moment definitely has a better screen, is a little larger than the Hero, and has a slide-out keyboard. Given my experience thus far, I think that I like the Moment better. Although it's a bit larger and I don't really care about a slide out keyboard, I can't stand the apps crashing on the HTC Hero..

Interesting idea, badly executed

This is a beautiful phone. It feels great in your hand. It has a premium finish. I like the way the phone gives tactile feedback when you're using the on screen keyboard.

For only being up for so short a time, the Market (app store) is very full of (sometimes) useful and inexpensive apps. The Android OS itself seems like it is well planned out.

I also have to say that during the forty or so hours I've been on the phone with them, the folks at Sprint (their advanced technical folks) and the folks at HTC have been quite nice. Very friendly.

I'm currently on my second handset in as many months. The first one refused to let me see texts, or voice mails. It had about a 3 hour battery life (due to what I was told was an issue with the text application). The processor was never allowed by that app to ever sleep. It was running 100% of the time.

Those nice folks at Sprint sent me a new phone and battery.

The new one has had some of the same issues, and others that have been baffling. The browser would refuse to ever open. Apparently you have to clear the History just about daily to keep this from happening. The browser seemed to think I was in Germany, flipping over to that language despite my never requesting it.

The thing still won't let me see all my voice mails, sometimes dropping them in days later. Changing over to the Handcent text app (per those same nice folks at Sprint) seemed to clear up the sleep issue with the processor, but now Sprint is telling me Handcent may be to blame for my phone locking up and not letting me answer phone calls.

I cannot get my Hotmail account to load to the phone. You have to use an Advanced Task Killer to preserve the battery. The phone is already to quiet, and heaven help you if you get a case for it, as it will muffle the phone's speaker phone by huge amounts.

Apparently, if you use too much of the internal memory (the only place apps can reside) it will cause the phone to loose its mind as well.

I've just tried turning off the HTC Sense. That reduces the number of screens and types of widgets you can use, but since they've got me paranoid about using the internal memory, it isn't a huge hit.

REALLY SAD I GOT THIS PHONE. That said, my fiancee's phone has worked with little or no problem. That's why it is getting two stars. I'd not give it any.

Lagging processor, unreliable build quality, OS that kills the phone's usefulness. Stay away. Stay far, far away.

Plagued by bugs and will not receive Android 2.2 upgrade

This is a very attractive phone and the HTC Sense enhancements to the native Android OS makes HTC phones much more polished than non-HTC phones. HTC enhancements include multi-touch, integration between Facebook and contacts (the Facebook profile photos of your contacts can automatically be associated with the contacts in your phone, for instance), and more. Android by itself is great, especially if you use Google Contacts and Google Calendar since the ability to sync between the phone and these apps is part of the Android OS. The phone looks cool, has a decently-sized screen, isn't bulky, has a nice built-in camera, and is generally a nice product from a hardware standpoint.

The problem is that Sprint's version of Android leaves a lot to be desired. Specifically (based on my own experiences and/or experiences of others):

* The phone ships with Android 1.5, even though 1.6 was released in September 2009, 2.0 in October, and 2.1 in January. The Sprint/HTC version of Android 2.1 doesn't actually provide full Android 2.1 support, however. Live Wallpapers, for instance, is mysteriously missing from the upgrade. And, to add insult to injury, the upgrade to 2.1 requires a Windows computer. The irony here is that Android is built on Linux, yet Linux users can't use Linux to upgrade their Linux phones. The last time I checked, even Mac users appeared to be left without a way to upgrade.

* Android 1.5 for the Hero is buggy. Receiving picture messages (MMS) while the phone is connected to WiFi, for instance, is just one huge bug. There are also GPS-related bugs requiring either temporary disabling of GPS and/or reboots of the phone (which take several minutes to complete) and problems where the phone will go to voicemail after only ringing a couple of times, if at all.

* Sprint/HTC's Android 2.1 upgrade has released even more bugs that include reports of random crashes, delayed dialing (in some cases it takes several minutes to be able to dial out), inability to answer some incoming calls or shut off the alarm, and problems with Bluetooth among other things. A quick web search should turn up a lot of complaints.

* The Android ships with preinstalled NFL, NASCAR, Sprint TV and other apps that use resources but cannot be uninstalled. Personally, I like the Sprint TV app but have no need for the NASCAR or NFL apps but I can't uninstall them. The only way to get rid of them is to "root" the phone, which voids the warranty on the phone.

* Sprint has confirmed that it will not be providing the Android 2.2 upgrade for HTC Hero phones, despite the fact that 2.2 actually provides incredible speed enhancements for Android phones and Hero users who have rooted their phones and installed 2.2 from other sources report huge performance increases with the Hero.

If you want a phone that fully supports Android 2.1 and above, and if you want a phone that will support Android upgrades in the foreseeable future, do not purchase the Hero--and certainly not on a 2-year contract in which your contract will outlive Sprint's commitment to keeping the phone upgraded (that appears to have already ended). There are a lot of angry Hero owners who are furious at how Sprint has handled upgrades for this phone. You're probably better off either paying a bit extra for the HTC Evo, or looking at other Android phones from other service providers.

If, on the other hand, you don't mind voiding the warranty and hacking the phone a bit to use non-Sprint Android software, you may find that you're able to tap into the phone's real potential and surpass the limitations and frustrations experienced by those who have played by the warranty rules.

Slowest phone ever

This phone has a LOT of potential, unfortunately the software is TERRIBLE and it is either extremely underpowered or just poorly designed software. When the phone is new it is responsive to your touch, has a little bit of a lag when moving around but that's normal.

Once you load apps on it and start attempting to use it towards it's potential the phone becomes crippled and in my opinion is the worst phone I've had it 10 yrs. I often wait 3-5 sec after clicking on pretty much any button for my input to be acknowledged. When dialing a call I will hit the person's name and it will actually not start the call for 35+ seconds. I've timed it with a stopwatch. It is so bad that in the beginning I thought it didn't take my input so I'd retouch the screen. Fortunately, this phone is so smart that it would recognize both inputs with the huge lag so it would connect my call with person A, and then when i was on the call with person A it would dial person A again at the same time so I'd be talking to them and we'd both hear the phone ringing. They'd ask me, why are you calling again when we're on the phone and I'd have to explain how ridiculously slow the phone is to respond and the problems. Only way to remedy this situtation is to hang up and retry.

The phone drops calls in areas where my old phone never dropped calls, so i'd rate reception as worse.

The battery life is awful. I use it fairly heavily, but after owning it for 6 months my phone battery is usually done after about 6hrs of being unplugged.

I upgraded to the new Android OS 2.1 but this makes things even worse. Seems to have some nice newer features but that just makes the phone hog the internet more and be less responsive.

Terrible lag when typing messages.

Why can't the software developers figure out that this is a SINGLE CORE processor and it CANNOT multi-task. If the user is actively using the phone, background tasks need to be halted so that the phone can be responsive. I'm tired of waiting 5 seconds between each click, and actually set the phone down when navigating through screens (e.g. like adding a new contact, seriously!!)

Do not build deslike toward the phone based on the Sprint Store

I am an old Iphone user. One day a friend of our showed up with her brand new Palm Pre in our house. I begun playing with the Pre and I liked what I saw. Thus because I HATED ATT I DECIDED TO SWITCH TO SPRINT. I assumed that this would be better experience and etc. Well I love Sprint Service....

BUT I had horrible problem with Palm Pre. I had to go throughout three phones and all of them were horrible. I was painstriken and hated every second of choosing the PRE. After some conversation with Amazon staf I was told to return the PRE and order other phone.

I was torn between two Android Phones HTC Hero or Samsung Moment... I have read gazilion reviews and discussions on the internet. One of the major factors for me was the screen and the other one was the build and processor speed. I could not decide what to do, what phone should I get. The HTC Hero in the local store was slow and horrible to use. But I had a bright idea of restarting the phone, and I was plesently surprised at the speed of the UI and how fluid everything was.

Thus I decided that the build quality and hope that HTC is going to release updates more frequent then Samsung I took a plunge. I realy like this phone, it is faster then Iphone 3G and slightly slower then my Ipod 3rd gen ohhh and it is much less buggy then WebOS device.

Now, the screen it dose have problems, these problems are noticeble on gradients in the form of banding. The phone can not handle them well (65K screen will have some banding) Thus for exemple app like slacker will show some unsightly banding in the botom, or facebook client will display barely noticeble hallo on the background. Samsung moment is better in that regarding. But the quality of coating is beter on HTC hero, screen feels smooth and has good contrast. My phone dose have slight light bleed in the conner but that is about it.

Speed, it is fast. Most of the time user will not notice any difference in performance between Samsung Moment and HTC hero. And with Hero you can get more screens. The system seems to be solid, user experience excellent, phone is working awesome. (knock on wood)

The Android seems to be beter then Iphone and Web Os at helping some one to manage their time and resources more efficiently.

love my phone

I've had my phone for about 5 months now. i bought it within the first two weeks of its release. i still really love it. it's actually been transformative in my daily life.

this is my first smartphone, so i don't have much to compare it with. but i was looking for a few things in my phone.
first, i wanted to be able to develop apps for it without having to buy a mac or pay some fee. so android was pretty much it. secondly, i didn't want to be on the ATT network since i felt that it was probably getting slammed by all of the iphone usage. i'd heard too many people complain about poor service especially at large events.

anyway, i read reviews about this product prior to purchasing it, and i haven't found any of the common problems to really bother me that much. typing was something that people complained about, and that hasn't affected my usage. although honestly, i don't type too much on it. just a few short messages a day. some had complained about lag time in screen response, but i have not noticed any problems. the screen is very responsive maybe once a day or so, it gets a little slow, but nothing that i get frustrated over.

it's a great size, very slim.
takes great pictures.

and i've never had any service issues with it.
the one thing that i think could be improved is the battery life. but even that is managable.
i just plug it in to my computer for maybe an hour or so during the day, and charge it at night when i sleep, and it's been fine.

all in all, it's a great device.
i'm definitely happy with my purchase.

additionally, the sprint monthly service contract is so cheap. i have 450 min/mo, with unlimited data, unlimited mobile to mobile (any carrier not just sprint), and nights/weekends start at 7, for 69.99. can't beat the price.

HTC Hero Android Phone (Sprint) - Just 0.01$

Built on the Android Platform, the HTC Hero for Sprint offers a rich mobile Internet experience, an intuitive user interface for extraordinary personalization power, and a full capacitive touchscreen display. With the Android smartphone platform, you'll be able to access built-in Google mobile services--including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail and YouTube. 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.

Stay connected using the integrated social networking apps including Facebook, Twitter and Flickr, as well as add more apps via the Android Market.

Capture on-the-go memories with the 5.0-megapixel camera/camcorder.

It also includes HTC Sense, a user interface overlay from HTC that makes it easy for you to create an individualized mobile experience tailored specifically to your needs. You'll enjoy high-speed connectivity via Sprint's dependable 3G network (EV-DO Rev. 0.) as well as such optional services as Sprint Navigation for GPS turn-by-turn directions and Sprint TV's video-on-demand with full-motion video and vivid sound (see more details on optional services below).
Stay connected using the integrated social networking apps including Facebook, Twitter and Flickr, and capture memories with the 5.0-megapixel camera/camcorder. You can also get quick and easy access to specific voicemail messages via the Visual Voicemail feature, which enables you to go directly to a specific message, without needing to listen to or skip past previous messages. Other features include Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), microSD memory expansion (up to 32 GB), access to personal and corporate e-mail, and up to 5 hours of talk time.

HTC Sense and Smart User Features

The intuitive HTC Sense overlay allows the HTC Hero to be completely customized according to your desires and needs via the seven-panel wide home screen, which can be populated with customizable widgets that bring information to the surface. The HTC Hero users can easily create and switch between Scenes to reflect different moments or roles in your life, such as work, social, travel and play. For example, a work Scene can be easily set up to include stock updates, work e-mail and calendar; a play Scene could have music, weather, and a Twitter feed; or a travel Scene could offer instant access to the local time, weather and maps.
You can silence the HTC Hero by simply turning it over. It also offers an advanced smart dialer for quickly accessing contacts with just a few letters or numbers and a dedicated search key that automatically searches for only information relevant to the current function. When pressed in the mail application, the search will be for text within the mailbox, while a press of the same key from the browser will initiate a Google search.
This device also offers the HTC Footprints application, which enables you to chronicle your on-the-go special moments by capturing a digital postcard on their phone. Once captured, Footprints provides the ability to take notes and an audio clip of that favorite restaurant or special place while identifying its specific location. In addition to identifying each postcard with its specific GPS coordinates, Footprints also auto-names each postcard with its general location or area.

Key Features

• Powered by the Android operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
• Fast 3G connectivity thanks to Sprint's EV–DO, Rev 0 network
• GPS using Sprint Navigation for turn by turn directions, and points of interest searches
• 3.2-inch touch-enabled screen (320 x 480 pixels, 262K color depth, LED backlighting)
• 5-megapixel camera with auto-focus lens
• Video capture capabilities
• Digital audio player allows you to transfer music files from a PC or download tunes from the Amazon MP3 Store.
• Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
• Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity with stereo music streaming (A2DP) capabilities as well as hands-free headsets and car kits.
• Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
• Access to personal and corporate e-mail with Microsoft Direct Push Technology and HTML support. Send and receive email from multiple corporate and personal email accounts. Also, get wireless email access to popular commercial POP3 and IMAP accounts like AOL, Gmail, and Yahoo!
• Instant messaging via popular services including Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger.
• View documents including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF on the go to maximize your productivity
• Visual Voicemail gives you quick and easy access to just the messages you want to listen to by letting you go directly to a specific message, without needing to listen to or skip past previous messages.
• Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
• TTY compatible
• Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) with a rating of M3 for hearing aids operating in the acoustic mode. This handset has a HAC rating of T3 for hearing aids operating in the telecoil mode.
• 3.5mm stereo headset jack

Vital Statistics
The HTC Hero weighs 4.5 ounces and measures 4.5 x 2.2 x 0.5 inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5 hours of talk time. It runs on the 800/1900 CDMA/EV-DO Rev. 0 frequencies.
What's in the Box
HTC Hero handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 2 GB microSD memory card, USB cable, quick start guide, user manual

Sprint Services

• Broadband-like 3G network: Supporting the EV-DO Rev. A high-speed data standard, this phone enables you to download and stream high-quality video, straight onto your phone. Where coverage is available, EV-DO Rev. A connectivity provides average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps, with peak rates up to 2 Mbps.
• GPS capable with Sprint Navigation: This GPS-enabled phone provides optional access to Sprint Navigation for driving directions on your mobile phone--by voice and onscreen. Along the way, turn-by-turn directions will be announced in a clear voice and displayed on your phone. For example, Sprint Navigation will say, "Go 1.2 miles and turn right on Elm Street." As you approach the turn, you will hear, "Turn right on Elm Street." Sprint Navigation also provides proactive traffic alerts with one click re-routing. And it's easy to find restaurants, banks, cafes, hotels and more from over 10 million points of interest across the U.S.
• Sprint TV enabled:
  
  
  
  
  With Sprint TV, you can make your cell phone your always-on source for news, weather, sports and more. This comprehensive video service combines high-quality streaming audio and video from channels including ABC, The Weather Channel, Fox Sports, E!, CNN, The Discovery Channel, and more.
• Stay Sporty with Sprint: With NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile, instantly connect to the NASCAR information you want, when you want it. Follow NASCAR action from practice to race day with real-time leaderboard and alerts. Get exclusive access to your favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver with real-time driver stats, breaking news and more. Live in-car audio, race radio, NASCAR on SPEED and other audio/video only available on select phones. Visit sprint.com/speed for details. To access, just text "NASCAR" to 7777 on your Sprint phone or visit the Sprint Digital Lounge to download NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile (standard text messaging and data rates apply).
  This phone also provides access to Sprint Football Live--free for any phone with a data plan. You'll be able to follow all the live play-by-play action with the Live Game Center for both pro and college football games, as well as stay on top of the pro football draft with a Live Draft Tracker and in-depth analysis and bios on nearly 500 top prospects. Access by texting "FOOTBALL" to 7777 on the handset to download Sprint Football Live from Sprint Digital Lounge (standard text messaging and data rates apply).

HTC Hero Android Phone (Sprint) - Just 0.01$ Save 100%

List Price:	$599.99
Price:	$0.01 (with new service plan)
You Save:	$599.98 (100%)

Availability: Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

Requirements: This phone can only be used with a compatible service plan.

Limited-Time Offer: Free Activation When You Buy a Sprint Device Purchase a new Sprint device and receive an activation-fee credit for up to $36 for each qualifying line of service activated on a new two-year individual or family plan account purchased from Amazon.com between midnight PDT July 11, 2010, through 11:59 p.m. PDT July 17, 2010. This offer is sponsored by Sprint and is valid in the United States and Puerto Rico. Activation-fee credit will appear on your bill and may take three billing cycles to appear. Standard early cancellation fee and other up-front and monthly charges and fees may apply. ›  See more product promotions

Get a $5 Amazon MP3 Credit with Purchase

Get a $5 promotional code from Amazon MP3 and download some of your favorite tunes when you buy this phone. The Amazon MP3 application is free and comes pre-installed. Offer good through September 30, 2010. Here's how (restrictions apply). 

Product Features

• Android-powered, 3G-enabled smartphone with 3.2-inch touchscreen display and easy access to social networking sites
• Sprint Mobile Broadband Network via EV-DO connectivity; Sprint TV and Amazon MP3 Store enabled; GPS turn-by-turn directions via Sprint Navigation
• 5-megapixel camera/camcorder; Wi-Fi networking; Bluetooth stereo music; microSD memory expansion; personal and corporate e-mail
• Up to 5 hours of talk time
• What's in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 2 GB microSD memory card, USB cable, quick start guide, user manual

Dimensions

• Size (LWH): 4.46 inches, 2.22 inches, 0.54 inches
• Weight: 4.51499118165785 ounces

Product Features

• Network Compatibility: CDMA

So far so good!

I recently got this phone because I am now off my family's cell phone plan and I wanted a cheaper alternative to getting a contract. I was hesitant at first to get a pay-as-you-go phone, but as soon as I saw this phone being offered at at&t I thought I would give it a shot. I use my phone mainly for text messaging and the occasional call, so this phone is perfect for me (I got a $10/month for 1000 text message plan added to the $1 mobile to mobile plan).

As for the actual phone, I think it is great. I have never had a touch screen phone, so I don't have much to compare it to, but for a first time user of a touch screen phone it has been fantastic. It took some getting used to, but I love it. I haven't experienced any frozen screens as I have heard people complain about on other touch screen phones. The ring can be nice and loud if you want it, and the screen is very easy to read. You can change the font sizes too, which I know is useful for some people.

The only negative thing I can say about this phone (and maybe it is something that can be fixed but I haven't figured out yet) is that during a phone call the screen will lock. This is fine, but if you are calling your voicemail, or a number where you have to select options from a menu, it can get to be pretty annoying. Other than that, the complaints I have had about phones in the past (bad voice call quality, bad battery life) have not been present with this phone. That being said, I have only had it for about a week so we'll see.

Oh and the $50 credit makes this phone totally worth the money.

LG Prime, good entry level touch screen

The delivery, the free air time, and the SIM:
My LG Prime was delivered at a great price, and came a day early - thanks for another great experience from Amazon and their suppliers. Tracking worked, too. The LG Prime had a sticker on the back upon delivery telling me to boot up with my old SIM card, and that I could receive the free air time when I did this - worked great for me, but I caution that Amazon, LG, and AT&T did not know how the phone would be received, or if this was possible - so maybe it changes by area.

BEFORE I DID THIS, I backed up my contacts on my old phone to my SIM, then transferred the old SIM to the new phone. My contacts transferred perfectly, and my phone number was in tact, no problem - fired right up, WITH MY FREE AIR TIME. Worked nice.

AND I DID NOT START MY NEW PHONE WITH THE NEW SIM CARD, SINCE THAT NEW SIM CARD WOULD HAVE A NEW PHONE NUMBER - I ONLY STARTED WITH THE OLD ONE - NOT SURE IF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM AS FAR AS THE FREE AIR TIME - I STRONGLY SUSPECT IT COULD BE, BUT MAYBE NOT. In that event, you should be able to use the new SIM until the credit is gone, and maybe switch back and forth as needed. TALK TO AT&T FIRST if you did this by mistake, or for the best advice.


The touchscreen:
The LG Prime is a good entry level touch screen phone. Others say the touch screen is not very sensitive, but it is easy for you to get used to it. If you never had an iPhone, or a highly sensitive 'capacitive' touch screen, you likely will not notice this. In the past, I had a capacitive touch screen, and it still doesn't bother me. In the future, when I spend a lot of money for a top-of-the-line smartphone, I will insist on a capacitive touchscreen, or AMOLED - but mostly because I am paying for it.

For the price, I have seen touchscreens which are much worse than this one (usually resistive with thin, soft plastic screens), and even require a stylus - not the LG Prime - my fingers work fine, and the screen is glass (or very hard plastic which looks like glass - not 100% sure, seems like glass - I haven't scratched it yet either, but hasn't been very long either - seems like it could be pretty good surface. Screen protector might make the screen less sensitive, also.

If you really want the best touch screens, 'capacitive' and 'AMOLED' touch screens are the best - AMOLED promises to be the best by far, and takes less power because it is LED. At the time I am writing this, it seems to me that the 'capacitive' touchscreen phones start around 200 bucks, and AMOLED touchscreens 600 bucks.


The OS:
In the past I had an iPhone 3G, and loved it. LG Prime does not really compare to that very much - only in some ways. The power and speed of the phone hardware/connectivity make me feel like I will not fully use the very good Android OS which is installed - mostly just talk and text. (However, you might be in an area where you are less capable on speed anyway - see below). Android looks very good to me, but look to other reviews for full web/email functionality of this phone, also.


The connection speed:
This phone is not terribly slow, but this is not a 3G phone, is not UMTS/HSDPA, and does not have wifi. If you want high speed data transfer, (with AT&T or through a wifi), you MIGHT need to go to another phone with better network connectivity, wifi, and/or even a phone with a better processor. HOWEVER - if you live in an area where 3G, or UMTS/HSDPA, or EDGE/GPRS capabilities are not available anyway (meaning your area is 2G/GSM only), maybe this can work for you since you will likely be slow with any phone.

If you don't know about your network, check AT&T maps for your areas coverage - make sure you click 'voice, data, go phone, 3G' tabs above the map, also:
[...]

Although I have not fully tested the web/email capability of the LG Prime, I checked the weather with the web browser once - speed was OK, not great - looked at radar maps on weather.com, (2 different maps) - costed me $2.50 to do this - took me 90 seconds or so - in what is a very good AT&T area, (best AT&T GSM color on the map linked above). OK - maybe i had my $1/day charge included in that, but I don't think so.

Either way, if your web browsing/emailing everyday, you should get a data plan. In fact, unlimited data plans might make this worth while for some people, but for me, my laptop will do this faster for now. In my opinion, if I will attempt to replace my laptop, (or even tether my laptop, which LG Prime will not do), LG Prime won't do it - not very close - whereas the iPhone3G was close - I would often pick up my iPhone3G instead of my laptop - not with the LG Prime, not in my area, not for me. This also does not speak against the Android OS, only the fact that the phone has lower technology connectivity, and therefore lower speed. (Near my signal bars, the phone always reads 'E', and this phone will never be able to say '3G' or 'EDGE' the way it is built).

If others say they are good with the web/email capability of Android OS - I would say they are right, I'm mostly saying look at this phone's capability versus a better connected/higher processing phone - if it is important to you, or even available to you.


USB Cable connectivity:
This phone is an LG Prime GS390. DO NOT BUY A USB CABLE for any other type of phone. I bought the cable:
USB Sync Charging Data Cable for LG Vu CU915 CU920, GT365 Neon, VX10000 Voyager

LG Customer service told me this cable would work on the LG Prime and it did not! My only other experience with them was OK, but not this bad - hit and miss - like most customer service these days, right? (LG says it's a new phone and they didn't have the specs at customer service yet - but they said it would work on my first contact with them. So help me, or buy/send me a cable, right? Nope, not even after I requested a new cable.) Then they updated the webite after the mistake with me (next day), to include the LG Prime, (wasn't listed before this) - so you're welcome - but still no cable. :-)


The phone/software speed:
The processor/software is very adequate for talk and text - it can slow the screen, but only rarely it seems, and never for a long time - mostly it keeps up and is highly responsive, but not instant. (I put an 8GB microSD in to store my contacts, photos, etc., also - cost me 15 bucks - probably helps the speed a little). As far as I know, only most expensive and newest smartphones will respond instantly - seems to be true in my experience and reading.



The Apps:
For now, AT&T has an app store, and so does Android - hopefully another reviewer will clear up where the best apps are for the LG on the Android platform. Hard to say for me, but I will post again if I learn more about this.

You can do a google search for the best Android Apps and learn a lot that way, also - depends what you want - I think the options are very good now.

LG also states they plan to have apps available in their app store worldwide - the USA Appstore is the last to come on line on the LG website. USA does not have a date posted for LG to start up the app sales - not that I have found. Likely, Android and AT&T have apps covered very well, and you don't need LG, but it might be interesting to see what LG puts forward for their phones.


Overall:
For the price, the good delivery, the 'seems very good so far' Android OS, the smooth SIM change, being able to transfer my free air time, keeping my contacts, and for a nice looking phone/touchscreen/display, I give 5 stars. After I shopped, I couldn't find a glass touchscreen phone with this kind of capability at a better price. And I am very pleased to not be using my entry-level Nokia go phone anymore. If the price was higher, I would remove a star for the screen locking/unlocking button, and how it functions - but I am used to it already, and who am I to complain about one semantic when the price is so very right. And if it bothers me later, I will make it better by gently filing the top of the button down so it can't be bumped anymore. So 5 stars it is.

This was a great deal by Amazon at the time I purchased it. (My local AT&T store didn't even want to try to match or beat this price, either.) With all of this, my satisfaction level is very high, but know what you are buying, also. My review is not negative on the LG Prime, but rather intends to help you understand what you are reviewing/buying.

LG Prime Prepaid GoPhone (AT&T) with $50 Airtime Credit

Sleek and solid, fun and functional, the LG Prime helps you stay connected whenever and wherever you roam thanks to the included AT&T Social Net application, which allows you to view and manage all your social networking connections and updates from Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. It also features a bright touchscreen display and 2-megapixel camera/camcorder for snapping pics and recording video on the go.

The LG Prime features a 3-inch touchscreen display and 2-megapixel camera/camcorder.

With AT&T's GoPhone pay-as-you-go service, you pay for just the minutes you use without having to sign up for an annual contract--this phone even comes with $50 of airtime included (see more details below). You can easily refill your minutes via prepaid cards or the Internet, or choose to prepay each month and roll over unused minutes. This GPS-enabled phone can access the AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions as well as its AT&T Mobile Music service with MusicID functionality to identify songs your listening to.
Other features include a multi-format digital audio player, an integrated FM radio, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, microSD memory expansion (to 16 GB), access to mobile e-mail and instant messaging services, and up to 4 hours of talk time.

Key Features

• EDGE data connectivity with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps--fast enough to support a range of data services including full picture messaging, Internet access, and e-mail on the go.
• GPS navigation capabilities via AT&T Navigator service includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options. This phone also includes a digital compass.
• 3-inch touchscreen display
• 2-megapixel camera/camcorder with up to 2x digital zoom
• Multi-format digital audio player compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC/AAC+ formats
• Integrated FM radio
• Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
• Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 16 GB.
• Full messaging capabilities including SMS text, MMS picture and IM instant messaging (via popular services including AOL, Yahoo!, and Windows Live).
• Access to personal e-mail (AOL, Gmail, Yahoo!, and Windows Live)
• AT&T Social Net provides easy access to all your social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter and MySpace in one easy-to-use interface.
• Web browser
• Voice dialing and voice command capabilities
• Organizer tools including calendar, alarm clock, tasks, world clock, and calculator.
• Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
• USB connectivity (cable not included)
• TTY/TTD compatible
• Hearing Aid (HAC) rating: M3/T3

Vital Statistics
The LG Prime weighs 3.14 ounces and measures 4.25 x 2.08 x 0.5 inches. Its 900 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4 hours of talk time, and up to 384 hours (16 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies.
What's in the Box
LG Prime handset, rechargeable battery, charger, quick start guide, user manual

Enjoy quick social networking access via AT&T Social Net.

AT&T GoPhone Service

AT&T's pay-as-you-go GoPhone plans are wireless plans made easy. Simply pay in advance for what you need. No long-term contracts, credit checks, or surprise bills--just all the benefits of wireless, with no complications. In addition, AT&T's Rollover Balance feature lets you carry over your unused account balance when you purchase refill minutes before your balance expires. Other great features include no long distance or roaming fees across AT&T's national service area, the ability to track usage via text messages with an updated balance after each call, and the ability to refill your minutes 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. You can also cancel any time without penalty.
With the Pay As You Go option, you'll choose the rate plan that fits your needs and then start dialing. Your balance is lowered each time you make or receive a call or use services such as text messaging. You can then refill the minutes in your account via the Internet, using your phone (by calling 611 from your cell), or purchasing a pre-paid card in denominations up to $100.
With the Pick Your Plan option, you'll set up monthly, automatic payments with your credit/debit card or checking account. If you need to make more calls or you use up your balance during the month, just add minutes to your account at any time--you'll pay the same per-minute rate as your plan. You can buy more minutes in increments of $15 and $25 using your credit/debit card or checking account.
AT&T has also introduced a new $3 Unlimited calling plan, which charges you $3 per day for unlimited voice calls to anyone nationwide with no per-minute charges. The $3 per day fee is only charged on days when you make or receive a voice call, and the service does not require a deposit or long-term commitment.

$50 GoPhone Airtime Credit

The $50 airtime credit available only to GoPhone Pay As You Go customers activating or upgrading using the device contained with the airtime credit package. GoPhone Pick Your Plan is not eligible for any credits. Postpaid customers using this device as an upgrade may be eligible for a credit of 150 minutes. Airtime or minutes credit are provided only in connection with this new device purchase and will not be applied to an account using any other device. Airtime will be credited automatically after activation of the included device. Airtime credit will expire 90 days from the date it is applied to the account.
For new GoPhone customers, once the device and SIM are activated SIM cannot be used with any other device for a set period of time. Existing customers replacing their handsets must have been active customers for at least 4 months on the date of upgrade to receive the airtime or minutes credit and are only qualified to receive one credit every 6 months. Existing postpaid customers must also be on a Rollover plan. Existing customers must use their existing SIM with the new phone not the new SIM. For GoPhone service details and rate plan terms and conditions, see applicable brochure and User Guide or go to terms and conditions.

AT&T Optional Services

The full-featured, premium AT&T Navigator GPS navigation application includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps (additional charges applicable). AT&T Navigator offers several other features to make your commute more enjoyable and reliable, including mobile access to Yellowpages.com. Additionally, AT&T Navigator is the only mobile phone-based GPS service that provides integrated speech recognition for address entry and points of interest search.