The never ending race to have the newest, coolest phone heated up this week. Apple fired the 1st shot of the summer season, introducing the 3rd generation of the much lauded iPhone: the iPhone 3G. Fortunately for those using Verizon Wireless instead of AT&T, the agonizing decision to purchase an iPhone is eliminated (unless you want to switch carriers of course).

For those of us on Verizon, however, several phones are available which approach the look and feel of the iPhone as well as the functionality. One of the most notable contenders is the LG Voyager. One of the most cited drawbacks of the Voyager is the size, being compared to a brick in many reviews. The price has also been a barrier for many, costing upwards of $400 when it was 1st released. Recently, however, the price of the Voyager has been reduced to $199 (with $50 rebate and 2 year activation). For customers with the "new every two" feature, a $100 credit towards a purchase of a new phone is also available assuming your contract is expiring. With the credit, the Voyager can be had for a cool $99 plus tax.

The temptation to buy the Voyager is hard to fight back at a $100 price tag although any time a price drop occurs with electronics, your suspicions should be raised. Specifically, a new  or upgraded version must be right around the corner. Guess what Verizon just announced today, three new phones:

For the hottest looks and coolest features in wireless phones this summer, Verizon Wireless is expanding its LG line-up with three devices that offer unique features with loads of possibilities. The LG Dare™, LG Decoy™ and the new LG Chocolate™ 3 are scheduled for their debut on the nation’s most reliable wireless network through July.

LG Dare
From the sleek, slim appearance, to the all touch-screen operation, the LG Dare will be the talk of the season. Loaded with multimedia functionality, this 3G V CAST-capable phone has VZ Navigator(SM), V CAST Music, and a 3.2 megapixel still and video camera that automatically adapts to low or unevenly distributed light for better quality pictures. The photo editing tool lets customers turn their photos into personal masterpieces with features that include borders, landscape and a fun doodle feature right on the screen. Customized photos can be uploaded to a social networking site directly from the phone. The intuitive and graphical contact list allows customers to find the right number with the flick of a finger for speedy texting, e-mailing and phoning. Favorite contacts can be reached with a drag and drop photo interface. Additional information on the LG Dare will be available later this month.

Now an apparently straight forward choice to purchase the Voyager becomes complicated by the introduction of the Dare.  As the press release implies, little information exists on the Dare at the moment.  A few pictures have made it out from wherever the Dare is currently locked away awaiting release:

The wait for more information on the Dare is going to be extremely frustrating but it looks too neat to pass up for the Voyager.  A touch screen qwerty keyboard may be clumsy, but the thinner form factor will be worth it.

If you have a comments on Voyager vs. Dare or what Verizon phones are good in general, feel free to comment.  It's going to be a long wait...

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