HTC Thunderbolt

            If you want a phone - a FAST phone - that does just about everything paralleling today's needs for mobile devices, than the HTC Thunderbolt is right for you. If 4G and Google is not enough to float your boat, than you may want to read on to see what else this phone provides in it's elegant package Otherwise, I'm sure that you tech-fans are aware of this phone's incredible ability! It's hard to believe these are still called phones/smartphones, as with the Thunderbolt, it's almost insulting when looking at all of its features.

            Some neat features include:

• spacious 4.3-inch WVGA display
• 8 megapixel camera
• dual-LED flash
•  Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
•  integrated kickstand
•  a second "4G" radio
•  access to Verizon's LTE network

If you're still paying attention, it's no wonder that the Thunderbolt has a very real opportunity to be the finest 4.3-inch device HTC has ever created, at least for now...

Remember I mentioned FAST? Take a look at the AVERAGE 4G speed below:

     This is insanely fast, considering that there were only 2 bars!!!

            Underneath the kickstand (which has "with Google" engraved on it, how kool is that?!! -> In case you've haven't noticed, Google is taking over), there's a metal grating that hides a loudspeaker -- which is exactly that, quite loud!! The Thunderbolt's thickness and design details seemed to be improved from the EVO and the camera's rim is pretty flush with the back and the lens is actually counter-sunk, so do NOT worry about scratching up the 8 megapixel lens by setting the phone down. Did we mention that the 32GB microSD card can come pre-installed! That's 32GB the size of a pinky finger nail! I remember when hard drives were 1GB in the old PII PCs...

            Anyway, there are some downsides, in my opinion. There is a rather weak 1400mAh battery underneath the back case, which is very difficult to remove. This will make it less appealing when thinking about removing the microSD card. Besides this, I cannot see much flaw with this phone. The edges of the Thunderbolt are clean and simple and there is an HDMI-out  which is great for those who like to film with the 720p camera built into the phone! The power button is nicely seated and the volume rocker is also perfectly shaped, sized, and in the best possible location along the right edge. Also, the display is simply amazing.

            Overall, this phone is quite a force. My bet is that it will get better in newer generations, but for now, this smartphone is a leader for sure.

-Joe