LG Incite CT810 Phone, Silver (AT&T) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Wow! The reviews of this item are all love or all hate! I suppose nobody posts a review if they feel just okay about an item. But I thought I'd put something up here that doesn't sound like a press release and also doesn't make this sound like it will give you diseases.
This is a perfectly good phone/organizer with which you will be perfectly happy if you don't set your standards irrationally high. It's got a load of features and they all work as advertised.
The major complaints seem to be about it being slow and unresponsive. It runs Windows Mobile 6.1. Slow and unresponsive are hallmarks of the Windows brand, what did you expect? But it is fast enough to make your calls and organize your contacts and play your music, which is what you want this phone for. If you want this phone for too much else, you don't want this phone: you want an iPhone, and you're going to have to pay for an iPhone.
This is not an iPhone, but it also doesn't cost nearly as much as an iPhone.
I think a major culprit to the "slow and unresponsive" complaint is the "haptic response." This is a cool idea that has fallen a little behind in the implementation. The idea is that it runs the vibrator a little when you hit a key. Unfortunately, what it does is it hits the vibrator a little *after* you hit the key. This immediate feedback really makes any little lag hit home. If you turn this feature off, you probably won't notice the delay at all: it'll run just like any other of your Windows CE or Windows Mobile devices.
Also, for a speed boost, try deleting some of the Java game demos and parasite-ware that come on it. If you're not going to pay for the full version of Ms. Pacman or Finance Mobile, wipe them and get that memory back.
The complaint about the full qwerty keyboard being too big is entirely valid. It is really useless. However, it still has the default Windows Mobile full qwerty keyboard available---which is much smaller---and one of the best handwriting recognition tools in the hand-held device market. (If you're really feeling hackish, try out the Dasher input method!)
There's a complaint that the interface, beyond the "Today" screen, is standard Windows Mobile fare and requires the silly little stylus fob. True, the stylus fob is really... well... it's gay. (It's gay in that way that homosexual people almost never are, if you must know.) On the other hand, the touch screen (slow as it is) is pretty good at working out where the center of your finger is. I've got big flat sausage fingers, but I can navigate the Windows menus fine and even play the tiny little game of solitaire without the silly little stylus. So the stylus is a non-issue. (And get yourself one of those pen/pencil/stylus combos from any Wallgreen's if it is an issue for you.)
Someone had a complaint that the registration was off: when you hit the screen with the stylus, the hit registered off on a diagonal. You need to configure your screen. There's a little test they give you where you have to chase a cross around the screen with the stylus. They used to do this on first boot and whenever the OS was reset. Now you have to dig a little to find the program that does this, but it's still there. Under the Start Menu (upper left) hit settings, then hit the "System" tab and hit "Screen." This is a pain, I know, when your screen is badly misaligned (as it will be out of the box), but the thumb-wheel will help you. You need to run through it three times: once for portrait mode and once for each of the landscape modes.
Here is the absolute coolest part of this phone: Google.
AT&T has a turn-by-turn GPS map app that they charge you extra to use. But the GPS is built into the phone. If you download Google Maps, it is able to use the GPS data from your phone and track you in real time... for free! (Well, you're still paying for the data package, but you're not paying additional for the map service.) Google Sync also works: for this device, Google pretends to be an Exchange Server and you point Active Sync at m.google.com. This syncs your Google Calendar and GMail Contacts to your phone. (These can by synced to your desktop or laptop with other software.) The mail app has IMAP support, so you can use that to sync to your GMail messages or use the mobile version of GMail in either of the two built-in browsers (IE or Access Whoozit, the AT&T browser.)
Google Docs all have mobile versions. There's a mobile YouTube app if you don't like the Cingular Video service. Post to your Orkut profile with ease (you have an Orkut profile, right? No? Well, anyway...)
This phone + Google's mobile apps is really pretty fly!
Here's the bottom line: if you've played with an iPhone and are looking for an iPhone: get an iPhone. This is not an iPhone.
If, on the other hand, you're looking for an inexpensive organizer/phone with a fair amount of style (stupid little dangly stylus aside), or if you're upgrading from an older Windows CE device, this is really a solid choice. There's a lot of value here for the money.
***UPDATE***
The too-large full qwerty keyboard that everybody hates? It has a little arrow in the lower right that makes the control bar at the bottom of the screen go away, giving you another line of input. This doesn't always make the difference you hope it would, but it makes the full qwerty usable for text messages in particular and for entering searches in the Google Mobile app (not included).

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Blending premium capabilities with ultramodern design, the LG Incite for AT&T features a brilliantly colorful 3-inch touchscreen that offers a choice of on-screen virtual keyboards with haptic keys that provide vibration feedback. Built for business with the power of the updated Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, you'll stay easily connected to your business and personal data on the go with support for a wide variety of email accounts as well as the ability to edit Microsoft Office documents.
You'll be able to quickly download video, music and more over AT&T's lightning quick HSPDA 3G network--and it's compatible with 2100 MHz 3G networks in foreign territories. In addition to access to AT&T Mobile Music (compatible with Napster and eMusic subscriptions), this GPS-enabled phone is compatible with the AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions as well as its Video Share service, which enables you to send video of yourself to another compatible phone while making a voice call. This phone also features Bluetooth connectivity for both communication headsets and stereo music streaming, Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), 3-megapixel camera, multi-format digital audio player, MicroSD memory expansion up to 32 GB, and up to 8.7 hours of talk time. The LG Incite's software has also been updated; learn more below.
AT&T Service This AT&T phone can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T's 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the dual-band UMTS 850/1900 MHz network, and this phone is also compatible with 2100 MHz 3G networks (found in international territories). The AT&T 3G network provides download speeds ranging from 700 Kbps to 1.7 Mbps, and upload speeds ranging from 500 Kbps to 1.2 Mbps. This makes it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services. (For use outside the United States, an AT&T international data plan is recommended.)
In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go. You'll also enjoy quad-band GSM connectivity, which allows you to make calls in more than 190 countries and access data applications in the more than 135 countries where AT&T offers international data roaming.
With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access AT&T's Video Share service, which enables you to send a live, one-way video stream to another compatible phone during a standard voice call. The service also allows you to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call. (Customers must be in an area served by the company's 3G network and have a Video Share-enabled phone.) A majority of users in the architecture, engineering and construction industries rated the ability to share live video through Video Share highly, according to research commissioned by AT&T. Video Share lets you see progress on a job site or review the day's work without having to drive from an office or other site to do so.
You can take advantage of the AT&T Navigator GPS software and service, a full-featured premium navigation application that 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.
With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the go, access the Napster and eMusic subscription music services, stream music video, discover what's playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what's hot with The Buzz music news portal.
It's also pre-loaded with AT&T's Mobile Banking application, which is compatible with accounts from banks including Wachovia, SunTrust, Synovus, and BancorpSouth. Mobile Banking from AT&T affords you the flexibility to stay on top of your banking needs while you're on the move, enabling you to check your account balance, securely transfer funds between your eligible accounts, view and pay bills, and review your transaction history. AT&T customers pay no additional fee to access mobile banking and, because the application resides on the handset, the service is optimized to reduce the number of new page views necessary to complete a transaction. Minimal data usage charges apply and vary based on individual use.
Phone Features Sleekly sophisticated, the LG Incite's 3-inch touchscreen offers a 240 x 400-pixel resolution with a 65K color depth. It presents you with a choice of on-screen virtual keyboards--a full, QWERTY keyboard in landscape mode and a 20-key keyboard in portrait view--with haptic keys that provide vibration feedback. You can navigate by simply using your fingers to move through the Incite's friendly user interface, manipulating the scroll button to the upper right of the screen, or using the included stylus. A configurable, drag-and-drop favorites menu provides quick access to the applications that matter most to you. The phone comes with physical send/end keys on the front of the face, as well as physical volume up/down keys and a jog dial on the right side. It also has an automatic screen and key lock to prevent unwanted tapping.
The Incite has a 256 MB ROM/128 MB RAM internal memory, which can be expanded via optional MicroSD memory cards up to 32 GB in size (currently tested to 16 GB). The Outlook Address book can store an unlimited amount of contacts, and it provides over 40 data fields, including 12 phone numbers, 3 emails, 2 physical addresses, and picture ID.
The Incite connects to business and personal e-mail access through Microsoft Direct Push and AT&T's Xpress Mail service. The Incite also supports Microsoft's System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, an enterprise-grade mobile solution for managing and protecting Windows Mobile 6.1 phones. Mobile Device Manager helps companies provide its mobile workers with software updates and applications over the air, as well as security-enhanced access to company data.
Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone also provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.0), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and file transfer--sending contacts, calendar events, tasks, notes, and pictures to other Bluetooth-enabled users. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server. You can save up to 9,999 Bluetooth pairings--more than enough to satisfy all your gadgets.
The 3-megapixel camera provides five resolution settings--2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200 (default setting), 1024 x 768, 640 x 480, and 320 x 240 pixels--and it offers a landscape viewfinder for a real-camera feel. Other features include a 2x digital zoom, panorama shot capabilities, white balance and brightness settings, and a self timer. Once you've shot an image, the internal image editor can crop and rotate it as well as add color effects. You can also capture video clips for as long as you have available memory (or up to 600 KB for sending via MMS messaging). It provides four resolution options--400 x 240, 320 x 240, 176 x 144 (default), and 128 x 96 pixels.
The digital audio player (Windows Media Player 10 Mobile for Pocket PC) is compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ formats, and it allows you to multitask in other sections of the phone while continue to play music. Playlists are auto-arranged by artist/album/genre, and you can also play videos in WMV, MP4 and 3GP formats. The phone also includes an FM radio tuner.
Other features include:
Organizer tools: Alarm clock, calendar, notepad, calculator, world clock, tasks, Stopwatch
Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g)
Four unique ringtones with silent and vibrate modes
Speaker-independent voice commands; voice-activated dialing
Voice memo recording
ActiveSync synchronizes Outlook, Office, and contents from Microsoft Exchange Server to keep personal information organized and updated
AT&T Xpress Mail for accessing IMAP and POP3 email (up to 5 accounts) through your mobile device, viewing PDF attachments, and accessing corporate e-mail address books
Instant messaging via AOL (AIM), Yahoo!, and Windows Live
Java 2.0 support for downloadable applications and games
Bluetooth version 2.0 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BIP (for sending images to another device), BPP (basic printing profile for text, email), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), HID (support for mice or joysticks), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures), PAN (personal area networking), PBA (transfer contacts), SPP (serial port profile)

Vital Statistics The LG Incite weighs 4.23 ounces and measures 4.21 x 2.2 x 0.55 inches. Its 1300 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 8.7 hours of talk time, and up to 504 hours (21 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies.
Software Update The LG Incite's software has been updated with the following enhancements.

Customizable bottom icons on the home screen
New Default applications selected for the bottom icons
When a new text message or email is received, a small circular bubble with the quantity of new messages is superimposed on either the text message or email icon on the home screen.
Keyboard Enhancements:
Added clarity to show when T9 is ON or OFF
In horizontal mode, an automatic popup message was added to the QWERTY keyboard to let the user know that they can reclaim viewable typing area by selecting a down arrow in the far right hand corner. The popup will display every time the user access the landscape mode text entry until they check the box to not show this message again.

Favorites menu usability enhanced with single click to launch app
"Message Sent" notification pops up after SMS text message is sent
To download and install the update, see this LG Incite ROM Update page.
Powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.1 offers a number of handy features that make searching through email, editing Microsoft Office documents, and staying on top of your most important communications even easier. Emails can now be viewed in their original rich HTML format and now offer the ability to visit embedded links. It also includes Windows Live for Windows Mobile, which provides a full set of Windows Live services, such as the Windows Live Messenger IM application, which now enables you to chat with more than one person at one time or send a file.
With Windows Mobile 6.1, your phone will finally be able to emulate the power and features of your PC's Microsoft Office suite. You'll be able to neatly view, navigate and edit Word documents and Excel spreadsheets in their original formatting--without affecting tables, images or text--as well as view PowerPoint presentations.
Microsoft Office Word Mobile features include spell-check, Find and Replace commands, bulleted lists, text formatting, and support for tables for the first time.
With Excel Mobile, you're not just confined to editing charts: with the new Chart Wizard you can create charts quickly and easily.
PowerPoint Mobile allows you to view the full presentation, rehearse timings, check the order and any live links you may have in your presentation. You can then email comments back to the team or communicate via MSN Messenger for an immediate response.
After creating or editing a Word document or Excel spreadsheet, you can synchronize it with your PC and it will automatically be converted to the PC version.

All Windows Mobile 6.1 powered devices include Direct Push Technology for up-to-date e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars, tasks and contacts through Microsoft Exchange Server. It also offers a set of important device security and management features that include the capability to remotely wipe all data from a device should it be lost or stolen, helping ensure that confidential information remains that way.

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