14 DAY TRIAL // The entry-level Android-powered LG Optimus One P500 will soon be one of the few smartphones widely spread in the US. Recently launched by T-Mobile under a different codename, LG Optimus T, the device will pretty soon be available through Sprint, as Optimus S, and Verizon Wireless, as Optimus Vortex.
By the end of the year LG Optimus One will be available through all major carriers in the US, so every Android fan will be able to taste Google's OS, which is one of the most successful mobile platforms in 2010.
While T-Mobile's LG Optimus T is now available in Burgundy colors for as low as $30, it looks like that Verizon is offering its version of the Optimus One, the LG Vortex for free on a two-year contract. Still, customers will have to pay $100 upfront, then get mailed a $100 debit card.
Apparently T-Mobile found out about it and is now offering LG Optimus T for free on a two-year contract, but only the Black color of the device.
It is unclear when exactly LG Vortex will hit the shelves, but it will be one of the best options for those looking to buy an Android-based smartphone.
The device is powered by a 600 MHz processor and runs on Android 2.2 Froyo platform out-of-the-box. It features a 3.2-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen with 262k colors and 320 x 480 pixel resolution.
Other key features of the smartphone include: accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate, proximity sensor for auto turn-off, Swype text input, 170 MB internal memory, microSD card slot for memory expansion (up to 32GB, 2GB included), 3.5 mm audio jack, Stereo FM radio.
The entry-level Android smartphone sports a 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus and video recording capabilities (VGA@18fps). Connectivity tools include: HSDPA 7.2 Mbps, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP support, microUSB 2.0, GPS with A-GPS support, Digital compass.
It looks like LG Vortex will feature the full Bing package instead of Google services, which might be its only downside.