LG eXpo GW820 Windows Phone (AT&T) Review

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(More customer reviews)My carrier is AT&T and I didn't want to go through the hassle to switch carriers so I stuck with AT&T, and I wanted to get a smartphone so my choices are basically iPhone, WinMo or Blackberry. I read some reviews and decided to pick the LG eXpo over the HTC Tilt 2 or other phones.
First Impression:
+ Cool looking phone, with a chrome-plated rim on the side,
+ Impressive specs, Quad-band, HSPDA/UMTS, Wi-Fi
+ has QWERTY keyboard, the keys are easy to press
+ Has dedicated button for access to task manager, by default set to the LG Task Manager, you can change it to the WinMo Task Manager or something else
- Takes a while to boot up, feels like 10 secs
- The touch screen takes a while to get used to, it's not bad, but not as responsive as iPhone
+ Fingerprint sensor doubles as scrolling control
+ dedicated volume buttons
o By default the "today" screen is set to the WinMo default screen, but LG also implemented it's own, so I switched to that one, which is an improvement over the WinMo apps in terms of finger-friendliness (the WinMo ones were mostly designed for stylus use).
- The contacts manager is unintuitive and hard to use. Functionality as simple as "jump to contacts that start with C" is lacking.
- The task manager: has screen shots for the opened applications, but the close buttons are too small
After playing with the phone a bit more:
- Fingerprint sensor is cool, but don't be surprised if it takes more than a few swipes to recognize your fingerprint, you have to swipe slowly. Also, it traps dust.
o Camera is 5MP, but quality is so-so
o No dropped calls yet, but I haven't seen the reception bar reach full yet.
- Loaded with tons of trial software that I can't get rid of (they're in the ROM, so unless you flash the ROM they'll be there forever)
- Internet Explorer is slow, so I replaced with Opera Mobile 10 beta, but some AT&T specific links now won't work (all those Media Net links)
- The LG (called LGIdle) shell is better than the WinMo default Today screen, but would be great if I could customize some of the buttons (e.g. replace IE with Opera and remove links to the trial software)
- Replaced the LG contact manager with iContact, which looks like the iPhone contact manager
- Looking into replacing the shell with PointUI (good) or SPB Home (best!)
- Some apps try to connect to the 3G network even when I have the WiFi connection
- Some apps (esp, WinMo Marketplace) tend to lock up when they're accessing the Internet and the phone become unresponsive.
Conclusion:
It's a cool phone but the software that comes with it out of the box is lacking and be prepared to spend time researching (and $$) to get some better apps.
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Update #1:
- Specs: I neglected to mention that this phone has a 1Ghz processor, and 480x800 screen. So spec-by-spec the eXpo blows many of it's competitors out of the water (iPhone, Droid, HTC tilt 2). The actual experience is another question though.
- Touch screen sensitivity issues: it's usable, but since it has a resistive screen, you need to apply a little pressure. Compared to the iPhone which has a capacitive touch screen, the eXpo's touch screen definitely feels inferior. There are few if any phones running windows mobile with capacitive touch screens, the only one I know of is HTC HD2 which is yet to come to the US.
- Battery life is poor, I have to recharge every 2-3 days depending on usage.
- Apps. Again, out of the box it won't have many great apps.
* Some noteworthy mention: The LG calculator can do a little more than simple arithmetic (sin, cos, tan, exp, etc), the tip calculator is handy, the schedules/tasks app is more finger friendly than the default WinMo one.
* there's a lot of apps out there you can find on the internet, that problem is that they're scattered across different sites, many good ones aren't free and not all are finger-friendly. You need to spend time to try/research good ones.
* WinMo Marketplace still has room for improvement, many apps aren't up-to-date (e.g. Bing is 4.7 but latest is 5.0, Skyfire is 1.0 but latest is 1.5); also, it has to check for updates when it starts up, and often it hangs and causes the phone is become unresponsive for a while as well.
- I tried out the voice command functionality a couple of times. Usable, but not great, and it requires you to assign a button as the "voice command" button, the problem is there aren't many buttons that you can program (one for task manager and one for camera, the other 4 are on the slide-out keyboard)
- If you select to unlock the phone using your fingerprint sensor it means you won't be able to use the default WinMo locking screen (which has info like your upcoming appointments and missed calls, see image I uploaded), instead, you'll see the screen that instructs you to swipe your finger on the sensor
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Update #2:
- (re. voice command in update #1) I realized that I don't need to assign a dedicated voice command button. The "back" button is used for that purpose. Press and hold the "back" button and voice command will be activated. The manual (which you need to download yourself) mentions that.
- Also, press and hold the "end call" button to lock the phone.
- it seems that the LG in-call menus is not integrated well into WinMo or the lock screen. If you use the fingerprint lock screen and receive a call when the phone is locked, you can receive the call but you won't see the in-call menu (buttons like hold,speaker, end call, etc). Also, if you use the WinMo lock screen and receive a call when the phone is locked, the WinMo UI for receiving calls show up instead of the LG one.

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The perfect balance of powerful computing and thrilling multimedia, the LG eXpo for AT&T is the first smartphone in North America to use the Qualcomm 1 GHz processor, which offers fast processing speeds for running multiple applications without losing performance. In addition to a responsive touchscreen interface, the eXpo offers a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard.
This phone can quickly download video, music and more over AT&T's lightning quick HSPDA 3G network. Additionally, with AT&T's 3G network, you can listen to a conference call on a headset while sending and receiving e-mail attachments, picture messages or Web pages at the same time. It will also be compatible with AT&T's High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 Mbps technology, which provides a considerable speed boost to the already fast AT&T 3G network.
The innovative LG eXpo includes an innovative fingerprint sensor for easy navigation and added security functionality--use it to quickly scroll and navigate within applications and protect sensitive information with biometric security that can only be unlocked with your unique fingerprint. It's also the first device in North America to support an optional integrated pico projector, which snaps onto the back of the device and allows users to share presentations, slideshows and even online videos straight from eXpo
It's powered by Windows Mobile 6.5, which includes a revamped Internet Explorer Mobile Web browser and a customizable Today screen that enables you to access the features and apps you use the most. You'll stay easily connected to your business and personal data on the go with support for a wide variety of e-mail accounts as well as the ability to edit Microsoft Office documents. And with the new Microsoft My Phone and Windows Marketplace for Mobile services, you can easily back up your data to the web and download great apps respectively.
This GPS-enabled phone can access 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. Other features include a 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with flash, video capture capabilities, Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity for stereo music streaming and PC tethering, and threaded SMS text messaging.

Key Features
Fast 3G connectivity via AT&T's HSDPA/UMTS network as well as compatibility with foreign 3G networks while roaming (850/1900/2100 MHz bands; 3.6/7.2 Mbps speeds with network availability).
Simultaneous voice and data with multi-tasking
Quad-band GSM phone for good global voice connectivity (850/900/1800/1900 MHz bands)
GPS navigation capabilities via AT&T Navigator service includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options.
Blazing fast Qualcomm 1 GHz processor enables easy simultaneous access to multiple applications without sacrificing performance.
Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system provides enhancements such as a touch-friendly user interface and improved browser with Flash support. Content and applications are just a fingertip away on the redesigned Start Menu and Internet Explorer Mobile supports the rich experiences you find on Web pages viewed on your PC. (Learn more)
3.2-inch touchscreen display (800 x 480 pixels, 16 million colors)
Slide-out full QWERTY keyboard
Smart Sensor fingerprint recognition from AuthenTec delivers a new level of added smart and personal security. The Smart Sensor complements the touchscreen user interface by also providing precise cursor control for text editing, 4-way menu navigation, and AuthenTec's unique turbo-scroll feature for rapid browsing of long e-mails, contact lists or websites.
Optional integrated pico projector enables you to hold meetings anywhere and project images, video and Web pages up to a 40-inch screen size onto any surface. The optional projector weighs only 1.8 ounces and is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand.
5-megapixel auto-focus camera with built-in flash and 3x digital zoom.
Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots on the go.
Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity with stereo music streaming (A2DP) capabilities as well as hands-free headsets and car kits. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send e-mail, and access files from a server (additional charges or subscription applicable).
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 MSN).
Conversation view messaging displays messages in time-order from a contact.
Web browsing via Internet Explorer Mobile
Windows Media Player for digital audio and video playback
Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off

Vital Statistics The LG eXpo weighs measures 4.45 x 2.24 x 0.65 inches. It has a 1500 mAh lithium-polymer battery for excellent talk and standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T's dual-band 3G network (850/1900 MHz; HSDPA/UMTS). This phone is also compatible with 2100 MHz 3G networks (HSDPA) in foreign territories.
What's in the Box LG eXpo handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, 3.5mm headset with adapter, quick start guide

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Top Features in Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional

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