The HTC Thunderbolt (codenamed: HTC Mecha) was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month as the 1st 4G LTE device to join Verizon Wireless’ arsenal of Android handsets. The word around the web tonight is the Thunderbolt is set to release on February 24th at several prices:
- 2 year contract = $249
- 1 year contract = $329
- No contract/full price = $599
Those of you anxiously awaiting the release of the Verizon iPhone 4 should seriously consider waiting for the Thunderbolt, 
because if you buy the iPhone on February 10th you will be unable to return it on the 24th when you realize how much better this phone is. At least review this comparison chart before hopping and skipping to your local store on the 10th to opt for 3G only phone that does not support using data and voice at the same time.
The HTC Thunderbolt sports the following specifications:
- 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
- 768MB RAM
- 8GB internal storage
- 32GB pre-install, removable SD card
- 4.3″ Super LCD screen
- 8MP rear facing camera w/dual LED flash
- 1.3MP front facing camera
- 4G LTE capable
- Mobile hotspot for up to 8 devices
- Android 2.2 w/HTC Sense 2.0 user interface
HTC Sense 2.0 is fairly new and brings you the awesome features of htcsense.com like: locating your lost phone, remote wipe if stolen, making your phone ring even when it is on silent and you cannot find it, managing your contacts and SMS messages, and more. Skype has even been added to HTC Sense so you can begin video chatting with someone in your Gmail contacts instead of opening the application and finding your friends in an additional contact list.
Apparently, Skype and the hotspot capability will not be available at launch, but those who purchase the device will receive notification once those features have been fine-tuned and readied for release. Also note, the HTC Thunderbolt will allow for simultaneous data and voice over 3G, but the carrier is coaching their representatives to not promise the service as a selling point with customers, meaning the experience may vary in quality on a case by case basis. I hope HTC does not get a lot of heat for the lack of these features at release, but I cannot blame them for wanting to get this device out to the public as early as competitively possible and to hold the title of 1st to release a 4G handset on all US carriers.
A personal friend of mine who works for Verizon had some hands-on time with the Thunderbolt earlier this week and said it was awesome! If that does not sell you right there, I do not know what will. Just kidding!
Sources:
Popular Posts:
