Quantum or Focus?

[VernonEL]

I am able to get a free WP7 phone through AT&T in a couple weeks. I will probably go with the Focus or Quantum. I don't care about screen size or clarity. I don't feel that I would utilize the DLNA option. It has come down to being about the physical overall size, and the potential for using/needing a physical keyboard.

Any and all input is greatly appreciated, so here are a few questions for current Quantum users:

What percentage of your text entry is done with the slide-out keyboard?

How does the keyboard compare to others you have used?

How do you feel about the differences between OEM apps, and the value of LG's 10 free apps?

How is the "heft" of the device?

How is the "pocketability" of the device?

Do you find a need to use a belt holster?

Do you use a protective case?

Thanks!!

 

[DavidB]

Love my Quantum

I am able to get a free WP7 phone through AT&T in a couple weeks. I will probably go with the Focus or Quantum. I don't care about screen size or clarity. I don't feel that I would utilize the DLNA option. It has come down to being about the physical overall size, and the potential for using/needing a physical keyboard.

Any and all input is greatly appreciated, so here are a few questions for current Quantum users:

What percentage of your text entry is done with the slide-out keyboard?
50-60%

How does the keyboard compare to others you have used?
Excellent-previously had a Palm Pre

How do you feel about the differences between OEM apps, and the value of LG's 10 free apps?
They're pretty cool - wouldn't be a a purchase factor for me

How is the "heft" of the device?
Funny but I haven't noticed it - I keep it in my shirt pocket and can't believe it doesn't make more of a difference as it is 1/2 higher and 2 or three ounces heavier than Pre. Nice rounded shape helps.

How is the "pocketability" of the device?
Great

Do you find a need to use a belt holster?
Nope. Used to with Pre sometimes

Do you use a protective case?
Just an Ishield on the front, love the rubber back.

Thanks!!

Good battery life too because of the smaller screen!

 

[VernonEL]

Thanks DavidB! I'm getting closer to my decision!

 

[selfcreation]

oops.

 

[Ivan006]

I recently got a LG Quantum and I'd be glad to answer these questions.

1. I use the physical keyboard 70% of the time. It's only when I'm using the email and on the internet. I find I use the on-screen keyboard for text messages, mainly because it's faster this way.

2. The keyboard is very good. I don't know what was the last keyboard phone you used, but I used to own a Treo 600 and this is a lot better. Mainly because the keys are bigger and easier to hit. I tried playing with a Blackberry keyboard before getting this phone and this is a lot easier to use. I will say though that having the shift key in the left side of the keyboard (and the fact that it's small) is a challenge to get use to. I strongly suggest you go into a store to try it out, because a lot of reviews say this is the downside of the keyboard experience on the LG Quantum. I've gotten use to it, but like I said, try it out.

3. The LG Apps are Ok. You'll end up trying the free apps, then probably removing them cause you'll find something better. I find the Panorama App and the voice to text to be the best ones from LG.

4. Personally, the "heft" of the device is great. I wear suits most of the time and I only really notice the weight when I put it in my pants pocket, but at least I know it's there.

5. I'm not going to lie about the "pocketability" of the device, it will look like a bulge in your pocket. It fit's perfect in the pocket, but unless you wear baggy pants, it might feel weird in your front (or back) pocket.

6. I haven't gotten a belt holster, because I usually carry the device in the inside of my jacket. I may consider one in the near future.

7. When I got the device, I immediately bought the "BodyGuardZ" product from WPCentral. It works great and I totally recommend it.

Hope this helps.

 

[VernonEL]

I Chose Well

1)What percentage of your text entry is done with the slide-out keyboard?

2)How does the keyboard compare to others you have used?

3)How do you feel about the differences between OEM apps, and the value of LG's 10 free apps?

4)How is the "heft" of the device?

5)How is the "pocketability" of the device?

6)Do you find a need to use a belt holster?

7)Do you use a protective case?

I ended up getting the Quantum, and I feel that I chose well. I figured I would now comment on how I feel about it in the catagories I felt were important at the time.

1) Quite a bit less than I was anticipating. The keyboard itself is really very good, aside from the very minor inconvenience of the oddly-placed shift and function buttons. I have found that I use the soft (virtual) keyboard probably about 90% of the time. I would say that this is because the soft keyboard is so amazing. Really!

2) The slide-out keyboard is the best one that I have used. I have used the Touch Pro, Touch Pro 2, and Bold 9650. Only the TP2 comes close.

3) The value (cost) of the free LG apps is insignificant. The quality of standard LG apps is relatively good though.

4) I like the solid feel of my Quantum. It is heavy, but I don't mind, and it just feels more robust.

5) Since it is not huge like the Focus or the HD7, it fits fine in my front jeans pocket. Even with the extra thickness from the keyboard, it is not too bulky.

6) I have not purchased a belt holster for it yet. I have been shopping around, but have not been in a real big rush.

7) I purchased the specific screen protector for the Quantum that AT&T had for sale. I also got the matte black plastic case for it. I cannot remember the brands, but I'll look them up if someone wants.

I've been using my Quantum for over a month now, and so far it has exceeded my expectations!

 

[Duvi]

my nephew has the Quantum and the physical kb is one of the best i have ever used.

i have used a lot of phones... every gsm blackberry that came to at&t or t-mo, winmo devices (treo and htc) and the list goes on.

i on the other hand, rather use the touchscreen keyboard as the iPhone spoiled me. i can type very fast on the touchscreen and love how much thinner devices are when they do not have the physical keyboard.

glad you're happy with your purchase... wp7 ftw!

 

[danielm298]

i have both: and i love both but they are very different. So it will have to depend on what u are looking for. The Focus is light and the screen is great but NO buttons..the LG...KEYBOARD!!! and its a bit heavy, but i think its faster then the Focus. I first bought the LG because of the keyboard, then i played with the Focus and fell for the screen. Now i switch from both. I'm waiting now for the Samsung SG I677 ( slider, WM7 Mongo, with wifi and touch screen Samsung SGH-i677 a new WP7 Mango handset, may have a keyboard | WMPoweruser )

 

[selfcreation]

when i whent to Telus to get my Surround ( witch i switch for my FOCUS ) the girl was trying to sell em the LG cause it was her *fav* one lmao ... its for sure a NICE ONE its for sure sexy ,

but im a samsung ****** and a S-AMOLED fan boy so .. focus hands down!

 

[ruefrak]

I was also debating between the Quantum and the Focus and was hoping for some input from some Quantum owners.
Every review says that the Focus is the one to get and don't even bother with the Quantum. But there are some things about the Focus that just don't give me a warm feeling. The screen may be large and beautiful, but on every demo unit I've played with, I see there is a distinct screen burn-in that won't go away. It can also have its storage expanded, and that may or may not work (and if it doesn't work, you just lost the use of your sd card).
The feature that I find the most intriguing about the Quantum, and I can't seem to find any information about it, is the Play To feature. Does anyone have any comments on how well or not this feature works? In theory, I should be able to use it with a PS3 to display photos/videos/music, correct? That seems like a very appealing feature. Plus, it has 16gb of storage without the hassle of the sd card, and a screen not as prone to burn in.
Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Dagolara]

I love my Quantum and wouldn't trade it for any of the other phones out, including the two HTCs that were just announced. I haven't used the DLNA feature so someone else will have to speak to that. What I love about the phone is that well it feel like one, very sturdy but not too heavy. I'm a slave to the keyboard but my only quibble is the recessed FN and Shift keys but this is something you get used to over time. Whichever direction you go you'll get a solid phone and will be happy with your purchase.

 

[VernonEL]

I'll Take A Shot As These

Every review says that the Focus is the one to get and don't even bother with the Quantum.

The Focus is by far the most popular Windows Phone, and by most accounts, there is little wrong with it. It also gets much more attention and sales purely because it; is a Samsung, has a large screen, weighs very little, is thin, and the screen's brilliance is remarkable.

The screen may be large and beautiful, but on every demo unit I've played with, I see there is a distinct screen burn-in that won't go away.

I have played around with several friends' "Foci", and have not noticed any "burn in", but I have heard from several people that they have witnessed what you describe.
As far as screen quality difference between the Quantum and the Focus, remember that they are both 480 by 800, but having .5" smaller screen on the Quantum equates to higher better pixel density.
Also, the Quantum's screen is quite noticably better than all the HTCs'; even the small-screened (3.6") Arrive's (Touch Pro 7).

It can also have its storage expanded, and that may or may not work (and if it doesn't work, you just lost the use of your sd card).

Although many of the problems with adding storage have been figured out, there are still many who have not committed to adding an external card, and their user experience may be less appealing because of the limited storage space.
I find that I typically have between 10 to 14 gigs on my Quantum at any given time.

The feature that I find the most intriguing about the Quantum, and I can't seem to find any information about it, is the Play To feature. ... In theory, I should be able to use it with a PS3 to display photos/videos/music, correct?

Correct. ...in theory. I have had a tough time getting both my wireless sync and the DLNA features to work, but I'm fairly confident that my PC is the culprit. I honestly don't have as much use for it as others may have.
However, you have re-inspired me to try to get these two features figured out again, just for curiosity's sake.
That's not to day that it doesn't work. I have heard of people that use both "Play To" and wireless sync just fine. I just haven't tried hard enough top get them figured out.

I hope that helps!

 

[slinky826]

The screen may be large and beautiful, but on every demo unit I've played with, I see there is a distinct screen burn-in that won't go away.

Finally, someone else who doesn't think the Focus screen is all that. I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one.

 

[ruefrak]

@BurnEthanol
If you do get your Play To to work could you post again with your results. I have been scouring the web trying to find a demo of this working, but I can't find anything. Even the DLNA thread here on wpccentral has no replies. For me the physical keyboard is something that to me is nice but not a deal maker. I could live without it, but this DLNA feature seems like something unique that I could use a lot (if it works that is).
I'm coming from using a Nokia N900 and an ipod touch, so the screen size of the quantum seems a more natural fit. The Focus to me seems a little on the big side, but I keep thinking that there has to be a reason why so many people choose it over the Quantum. Is it because it has a beeter camera? Or because it has 512mb of ram compared to the Quantum's 256?

 

[VernonEL]

Do doubt.
I will try DLNA again tonight. I have gotten the feeling that it is a great feature that doesn't really get utilized as much because there is still little awareness, and not that it doesn't work.
Like I said, I haven't gotten it to work, but honestly, I only gave it one quick half-hearted attempt. Also, it really seemed like it was on my PC side that it got held up.

About the RAM, 256 is not correct for the Quantum. 512 is. Also, many people have noticed that they think that the Quantum is actually just a bit quicker than the Focus. For most users though, it would barely be noticeable, if at all.

It sounds like I am biased towards the Quantum, because I am. I chose it alter all! But the Focus is still an amazing device. The Quantum's keyboard is really good, but the Windows Phone virtual keyboard has been considered by some to be the best out there right now, so going without a slider doesn't set most people back. The "huge size" of the Focus is something that people easily get used to.

I still think I chose wisely.
I hope that helps!

Sent from my LG-C900 using Board Express

 

[ruefrak]

Well, for what it's worth, after a bunch of research and mild testing, I have come to the conclusion that the Play To feature does not work with a PS3. I'm not sure about the XBOX, but it will work with PC's running Media Player 12 as well as DLNA-DMR enable televisions.
By the way, why is there so much confusion about how much ram the Quantum has? Most websites that mention it say it has 256mb (which is how I got my number) but the LG website does say 512. I wonder why all the bad information.
Anyway, I think in the end my decision will be, to quote John Hurt from "Contact" "Why build one when you can have two at twice the price?!" When you can't decide between two, just get them both. I think I'll sell my iPod and use the Focus as a pmp and get the Quantum as my daily phone. That way I can finally (FINALLY!) get iTunes out of my life, and off my computer, once and for all.