[KhaOZ]

The iPhone 3G may be a must-have gadget for some, but for other people, it's got one big catch: the AT&T contract. Even though it will be possible to buy prepaid iPhones this time around, the handset will still be physically locked to AT&T's network. While AT&T has a terrific phone selection and a very speedy 3G network, the carrier hasn't fared well in our annual reader surveys, with respondents citing Sprint and T-Mobile as offering better prices and Verizon as featuring better network quality.

Both Sprint and Verizon have recently debuted direct assaults on Apple's phone. And while these new entries might not exude the sheer sexiness of the iPhone, they should satisfy the cravings of touch-screen lovers who don't want to make the carrier switch.

LG's new Dare VX9700 for Verizon is better than the iPhone in some ways. Take the camera, for instance: It's a 3.2-megapixel shooter with a bright flash that can take full VGA, 640-by-480 videos. The Dare also supports subscription music from Rhapsody. And you can use it as a 3G modem for your PC, unlike the iPhone.

But most important, the Dare, like Apple's phone, is fun to use. It has all sorts of interesting little interface touches, such as a Favorites screen with photos of your contacts, which replaces boring old speed dial. And like the iPhone, the Dare just works. The touch screen is accurate, the accelerometer rotates the screen as expected, and the applications run quickly and smoothly. We were so impressed with the Dare, it's our new Editors' Choice feature phone for Verizon.

-PCMAG

Good little read for people who like the iphone but may not want to deal with ATT, or maybe ATT has shitty coverage in your area etc.