LITTLE ROCK — It’s a phone! It’s a tablet! It’s a phablet!
No kidding, that’s what they’re calling certain smartphone devices nowadays that are similar to small tablet computers.
The LG Intuition is one such “phablet.” It’s a smart phone, but the 5-inch screen makes it look more like a mini tablet computer. The question is, does it work well as both?
The Intuition looks more like a mini tablet than a phone. It’s very thin, but the 5.5-inchby-4-inch dimensions make it a bit difficult for smaller hands to hold as easily as a standard smart phone. But it is easier to hold than most tablet computers. It is a little wide for some pockets.
The Intuition has decent battery life, as long as you’re not playing too many games or videos. Otherwise, you’ll need to make sure you have a charger nearby. Luckily, it can charge with a standard mini-USB cable, which means chargers are readily available if you need to purchase more than the one that comes with the phone. In truth, the battery life seems about standard with many other smart phones I’ve tried. It will get you through most of the day with standard use.
The Intuition includes the latest Android operating system, dubbed Ice Cream Sandwich (don’t you love it?). The operating system offers smooth, easy navigation that makes it easy to put your favorite apps on the main screen or tuck them away at the bottom of the screen. A touch of the “apps” icon will let you scroll through the list of your phone’s programs.
The best feature on the Intuition is the QuickNote button at the top. Touching this button will capture whatever image is on the screen, then open it in a notepad application so you can write on that image. So, if you want to show someone exactly where your house is on a map, you can take a snapshot of the map, circle your house and send the marked-up image to your friend. You can even post it on social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter. It may seem like a fancy little extra, but it’s amazing how useful it turns out to be. It quickly became my favorite feature about the Intuition.
It doesn’t stop with just the QuickNote. The Intuition’s Notebook app lets you type or write with your finger. You can even use it to sketch, using different “writing instrument” textures such as pencil, marker and spray paint.
The only real disappointment here was in the camera. It’s an 8-megapixel camera capable of both photos and high-definition video. However, the indoor photos weren’t terribly impressive. They were far grainier than I expected. Outdoor shots looked great, though, and it is nice to have HD video at your fingertips.
While the camera doesn’t impress me much, the processor does. The speed of the Intuition is fantastic. It’s so easy to move from one program to another without hiccups or speed loss. While the operating system makes navigation easier, the fast processor and built-in 32GB of memory make everything else easier, from loading applications to downloading Internet content. The 4G LTE wireless capability helps with those downloads as well.
While the Intuition is impressive, there are a couple of issues. First, the size of the device makes it incredibly awkward as a phone, to say the least. It’s hard enough to grip,but to grip and hold it up to your ear is very difficult and, frankly, looks a little weird. It’s like holding a big notepad up to your face. Yeah, weird.
The other thing is the included stylus, which is about 3 inches long and thinner than a ballpoint pen.
Sure, it’s nice to have and it does make it easy to use the touch screen. But not only is it not necessary to use the Intuition, there is no place on the device to store the stylus. It’s not a question of whether you’re going to lose this stylus, but when. Your best bet maybe to just leave it in the box.
The Intuition may be a bit of a challenge as a traditional phone, but it’s an impressive device otherwise. The Quick-Memo button and feature is fantastic and so incredibly convenient. The speed and easy navigation make it simple to use. Keep the battery charger close and ditch the stylus and you’ll be all set with this “phablet.”
Phablet … goodness. What will they come up with next?
Melissa L. Jones can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].
Where it’s @
The LG Intuition retails for $599 or $199 with a two-year contract from Verizon Wireless. Verizon has an online discount special of $50 off, so the current price online is $149. More information is available at www.lg.com.
Business, Pages 21 on 11/19/2012