I picked up a new cell phone after using the most basic of phones for years.  I needed something that was internet capable.  After researching phone capabilities, I found the LG Voyager had all the features I wanted (and a few I didn’t need).  The phone is awesome.  It can connect to any POP3 or IMAP mail server so it was no problem having it talk to my mail server - one of my prime requirements.  It can also browse the internet, not the most pleasant activity on the tiny screen, but necessary at times in my work.  It has a touch screen on the outside, similar to Apple’s iPhone, and a qwerty keyboard when you pop it open.  it’s way too small to touch type, of course, but very nice for typing text messages, emails, etc compared to using a phone keypad - something I hate doing so much that I don’t text message.  It also has bluetooth, a camera (not important to me), GPS with voice directions, and can play mp3s and even videos (wtf!).  I thought I had found the perfect cell phone.

Unfortunately, the phone is only available through Verizon, and in the infinite wisdom of their marketing department, they completely fucked it up by locking it down tighter than a gnat’s ass.  The only programs you can load onto the phone must be obtained through their “Get It Now” service.  That guaranteed I couldn’t get an ssh client (one of my major desires).  It won’t even let me run Google’s Mobile Maps because of their anal retentive policy.  Their mapping software included for free with my service is ok, but I want to use Google’s.  My attitude is it’s my damn phone, I paid for it.  I will use it as I damn well please.  Since there is no way around their idiotic policy (it can’t be hacked), I will return it this weekend since they have a 30 day return policy.

This could have been the iPhone killer.  This could have been the best cell phone available.  However, their desire to extract every single penny they can from their customers has ruined it.  Message to Verizon: Stop treating your customers like sheep to be sheared.  Some of us won’t tolerate it.

I’m again researching cell phones.  So far, though, I haven’t found something as nice as the Voyager.  The “Tilt” looks promising, but it’s Windows based.  I’m a Linux system administrator, so using it would be wrong!

Follow up: I should point out that I have very specialized requirements.  The LG Voyager doesn’t meet my needs.  However, for most people it would be an excellent choice.  If you want a cool gadget.  If you would be happy with the limited selection of programs offered through Verizon’s GIN system.  If you don’t mind third party applications being locked out, then by all means, get one.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 5th, 2008 at 11:29 pm and is filed under Gadgets. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.