Mirror, Mirror, in My Phone... (4/4)
LG Incite with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
BENCHMARKS
Spb Benchmark from has been used for the
following benchmark comparisons with LG Incite.
In terms of performance, the Incite is lacking compared to other Windows Mobile devices. This is probably because of a deficiency of RAM, or poor software optimization. Moving from screen to screen is generally snappy, but there is often some lag.
BATTERY
The battery on the LG Incite is a solid 1300mAh, and performance is pretty good. For the heavy user with a lot of calls, internet browsing and GPS use, expect to last 1 days. For moderate users, expect to last 1.5-2 days, and for light use, expect to go about 3 days before needing a charge.
BUGS AND WISHES
In terms of bugs, the Incite was generally stable. As I mentioned above, the Incite isn't the best performing device, probably because a lack of RAM.
I have a lot of issues with this device. Let's begin by the hardware design. While I like the trend from manufacturers for there to be fewer buttons and cleaner designs, this shouldn't be an excuse to remove the D-Pad, especially on a Windows Mobile device, which necessitates the inclusion of a D-Pad. The Incite is just not finger friendly enough for there to be no D-Pad, although the scroll wheel does help in some situations when you want to move up and down.
Build quality on the LG Incite is low. If you look closely at my Incite, which I've had for just a few days, you can see places where the silver metallic paint has tiny bubbles. I'd imagine that in short time, some paint would start to chip off. Also, all of the buttons on the device feel cheaply placed, like they could be picked off. There's even some "creaking" that goes on if you press on the bottom of the device.
The camera on the Incite is pretty bad - the colors aren't vivid, the focus doesn't work that well, and the lack of flash can mean lots of noise for those indoor shots.
The included browser on the Incite, NetFront, is horrible. After a lot of time of trying to get the hang of it, I've decided that prospective Incite users are much better off downloading Opera Mobile 9.5 beta. It works generally well on the Incite - but I found myself having to press harder than usual to tap and drag the page around.
The screen of the Incite, compared to a device like the Omnia, seems to have a milky white tint on it, causing colors to be dull, and brightness to be limited. Also, I wish LG would have made the screen slightly bigger to fill out more of the front of the device.
And while we talk about the screen - I wish I could adjust the sensitivity of the automatic screen rotation. There were times when the screen would rotate too easily (like when I'd be walking up steps and thus moving the phone around a bit) or when it wouldn't rotate easily enough.
I'm not sure why Samsung and LG decided to not include a built-in stylus. Most Windows Mobile screens aren't sensitive enough yet to where you can operate everything with a finger, the Incite included. There are times when a stylus is just indispensable. If you want to use the stylus for the Incite, you have to carry around the "stylus extremity" shown on the first page of this review. I can't think of anyone that would want a stylus hanging from their phone like a piece of ugly jewelry.
And finally - on software, the Incite has a ton of Java-based trialware, much like the Epix on AT&T. The included Pandora application is great, but it has an $8 per month subscription fee associated with it. The iPhone's version is free - why shouldn't the LG Incite version?
PURCHASING
The LG Incite can be purchased from AT&T with a new two year contract for $199.99. If you buy it with no commitment, it will run you $499.99.
PROS
- Sleek design
- Great Today screen experience
- Has a proximity sensor
- Solid battery life
- Automatic screen rotation everywhere
- Capacious landscape keyboard
- Lightweight
- Includes a 3.5mm audio jack
- WiFi/aGPS/HSDPA/FM Radio
CONS
- Performance is lacking
- Lacks D-Pad and enough programmable buttons
- Poor build quality
- Poor camera
- Included NetFront browser is weak
- Automatic screen rotation can be imprecise
- Low amount of RAM
- Mediocre screen brightness and color depth
- Has no inbuilt stylus
- Parts of the OS are not finger-friendly (small menus)
- Pandora application costs $8/month
- Includes a lot of java-based trialware
| Value |  |
| Ease of Use |  |
| Features |  |
Overall |
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OVERALL IMPRESSION
The Incite packs some great features found only in high-end smartphones, but unfortunately, the device is saddled with so many usability and quality problems that it's hard to get excited about it. Using the Incite has made me miss the refinement that is found on HTC and Samsung Windows Mobile devices. If you're on the AT&T network and have an extra $100 to spend, get the Fuze - you'll be a lot happier.
