{"id":14462,"date":"2010-07-22T12:04:50","date_gmt":"2010-07-22T20:04:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/198.46.88.49\/?p=14462"},"modified":"2010-07-22T12:04:50","modified_gmt":"2010-07-22T20:04:50","slug":"verizon-smartphones-tech-under-50","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/198.46.88.49\/electrotech\/verizon-smartphones-tech-under-50","title":{"rendered":"Verizon Smartphones: Tech Under $50"},"content":{"rendered":"

Smartphones<\/a> can be pretty expensive. \u00c2\u00a0The monthly contracts tack on more fees (and services) than feature phones, which add up over time. \u00c2\u00a0Even at the outset, they are also quite expensive. \u00c2\u00a0Phones like the previous version of the iPhone (currently the 3GS) are selling for $99, but there are still a lack of smartphones in the $100 or less category. \u00c2\u00a0Unlike wine, vintage technology is rarely in demand, but if you’re willing to sacrifice some of the latest and greatest features, there are a few decent phones to be had at a relative bargain.<\/p>\n

Palm Pre Plus<\/strong> $49.99 {Verizon<\/a>}:<\/p>\n

$\"\"$ The Palm Pre Plus is the fastest phone available running WebOS, though with only four such phones in existence, that might not be much to brag about. \u00c2\u00a0WebOS has a slew of interesting features like Synergy which will merge your Gmail and Facebook contacts into the address book if you set it with those accounts. \u00c2\u00a0It also handles multitasking with an elegant card system. \u00c2\u00a0As for speed? It may run a bit slowly compared to recent competitors, and have a relatively small screen, but it’s not a bad phone by any stretch.
\n $\"\"$
\nHTC Droid Eris<\/strong> $0.01 {Amazon<\/a>}:<\/p>\n

$\"\"$ The HTC Droid Eris is essentially the same as the original HTC Hero, but with a different shell. \u00c2\u00a0It now runs on Android 2.1 with HTC’s Sense UI over the top of it, similar to the HTC EVO or Droid Incredible. The processor is not nearly as fast as either of those phones (528 MHz as compared to 1 GHz for EVO and Incredible), but still runs fairly well. \u00c2\u00a0It is certainly more easily pocketable than the likes of the EVO or the Droid X with it’s smaller 3.2-inch screen. \u00c2\u00a0It won’t be getting any more OS updates, but being stuck on 2.1 at the moment isn’t so bad – particularly compared to those phones still stuck on Android 1.6 or lower.
\n $\"\"$
\nLG Ally<\/strong> $0.01 {Amazon<\/a>}<\/p>\n

$\"\"$ The LG Ally is the second phone on this list with a physical keyboard, but unlike the Pre Plus, it runs on Android 2.1. \u00c2\u00a0The phone is actually fairly new, having launched on Verizon to little fanfare in May. \u00c2\u00a0There’s no talk of a Froyo update as of yet, but as LG’s first Android phone, it’s a pretty good opening shot. \u00c2\u00a0The phone’s processor would clock in around the Eris, but it runs on stock Android with an optional themes app that could mean less of a drain on the battery. \u00c2\u00a0If you want a smartphone on Verizon with a physical keyboard that isn’t as cramped as the Pre Plus, and don’t want to spring for a Droid, the LG Ally is a good choice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"