Is the Verizon Voyager Worth the Money?

When the iPhone debuted, to widespread customer approval and seemingly world wide love, it also struck fear and loathing into the hearts of other major cell phone providers and production companies. Just from the initial receptions and sales of the iPhone, it should have seemed only natural that other companies were going to want to follow the example set by Apple, and create a phone with similar capabilities and style. Although it may be very difficult to imagine a device replacing the iPhone so soon, one of the first "competitors" to spring up is the Verizon Voyager, which strides to perform the same basic functions as the iPhone, but also offer some additional features and keep the price lower than the base iPhone model.

However, while the Voyager may set out with the best intentions, the question remains as to whether or not it actually compares with the iPhone, let alone surpasses it. However, before we begin comparisons, let us first consider the actual design of the Voyager, and what it means to Verizon. Essentially, the Voyager is the new and updated version of the LG enV. And, as such, the two phones share much of the same design. The front of the Voyager is very similar to that of the enV, only slightly wider and with touch screen abilities. In addition to the three basic navigation buttons at the bottom of the phone, touching it controls the rest of the front screen. However, while it may sound very similar to the iPhone, the entire layout and the response to the touches are not nearly as precise and the interface not nearly as smooth. In fact, it seems as though one is navigating the typically blocky and boring Verizon interface, but this time by pressing it with fingers instead of just clicking on a button.

Also, when one calls up the text or phone feature on the Voyager, there is no actual keyboard to speak of, the small size of the front of the device makes sure that this cannot be displayed, so a simple number keypad is given instead. Which, although functional, kind of takes the joy out of typing with one's fingers. However, although it may be a strange idea, the t9 texting features can actually be more effective than the full keyboard of the iPhone, depending on the style and manner that one prefers when it comes to composing text messages.

However, complaints about interface aside, it can be admitted that the Voyager does many of the same things as the iPhone, it just not does not do them quite as well or with as much style. However, the most lacking area by far is the internet abilities of the Voyager. Although it has been updated, the browser is still the same Verizon "almost internet" interface, and does not have the same flexibility and capabilities of the mobile version of Safari that is included with every iPhone.

But still, there is some comfort in knowing that flipping open the Voyager reveals a full QWERTY keyboard, and this is definitely a nice feature for those who prefer texting and instant messaging as a primary method of mobile communication. However, while the full keyboard on the previous enV was easy to use and offered comfort for the fingers and wrists, the Voyager doesn't seem to do this quite so well. Perhaps it is the larger size of the keys, or the reduced weight of the device. However, something just doesn't feel quite as good when using the Voyager keyboard, and although this is not a major deal, it is definitely something to think about.

In other areas, the Voyager offers much of the same capabilities as any other next generation cell phone. This includes Bluetooth capabilities, a now standard 2.0 megapixel camera, the ability to store and write on SD media card to increase storage space, a music/media player, and Verizon's exclusive V-Cast service. For those who are not aware, V-Cast is a feature created by Verizon that lets users download and view content on demand, such as television shows, videos, music, games, and pictures.

While the Voyager is definitely an interesting device, and there is plenty to make consumers happy, there just doesn't seem to be enough to justify either of it's major premises. Either that is designed to compete and replace the iPhone, or that it is an updated version of the enV. Quite simply, it does not have the style or the function to be considered an honest competitor to the iPhone. Also, if one already has the current generation enV, besides the touch screen on the front of the device, there is very little reason to consider upgrading to the Voyager, most of the basic features are the same, and it does not make sense to spend over $300 for a device that is largely the same. Still though, for those who are looking for a Verizon phone with an interesting design, packed with features, and offered at a fairly reasonable price (expect to see package deals and other discounts available after the Christmas season) the Voyager is an excellent choice, and although it may not be the iPhone killer that Verizon was hoping for, the Voyager is an excellent phone in it's own right.