LG Optimus V User Considering HTC Aria

[larrytxeast]

I have been trying out the LG Optimus V (Virgin Mobile) since Friday, it's my first-ever Android device, however I also have an AT&T account (Blackberry Bold 9000). Trying the LG out I've become excited about having an Android phone, yet simultaneously frustrated with how awful the service has been; there has been a nationwide outage of data and I've only had data service 1 day the entire time.

I'm pondering selling it, dropping Virgin Mobile altogether, and trying out the HTC Aria on my AT&T account.

They seem to be similar in level, both with 3.2" screen and 480x320 resolution (if I'm correct). I think they both use 600MHz processors (although the LG has a graphics CPU as well, not sure about the HTC). Basically, it seems that if the LG Optimus V satisfied me (when it worked--I've used it a lot at home via Wi-Fi otherwise), then so should the HTC Aria.

I do realize the HTC has Android 2.1 while the LG has 2.2, and that AT&T restricts non Android market apps unless you get the sideloading workaround.

I don't play games or multimedia a lot (though I figure I'd do YouTube some or play MP4 video clips off the microSD card). I use my device more as a PDA type of thing, on my LG, I even installed a memopad application (AK Notepad, I believe). I also installed the iPhone Keyboard Emulator from SixGreenLabs. I use GMail.

A couple of questions:

Are they (the LG Optimus V vs HTC Aria) similar in their level of ability, speed etc?

The HTC Aria is now updated "officially" with 2.2, right? Does it make a difference in performance?

I know there are apps which lock the screen from switching to landscape--are there any that lock it in landscape? (I use landscape a lot for typing out things.)

Thanks for any help.

 

[ls377]

The Aria and the Optimus V have the same exact processor, so if you're happy with the speed of your Optimus, the Aria should be good for you.

The Aria does have 2.2 now. A method hasn't been found (and may never be found) to root 2.2 on the Aria yet, so if that's important for you, then you might want to look elsewhere. If not, then the Aria is a great little phone.

 

[larrytxeast]

<b>Ls377</b> Yes I remember reading somewhere that if your HTC Aria has 2.2 on it that you can't root it. That should be okay, so far anyway I haven't had the interest in doing so. I might could use the sideloading application in case I found 3rd party applications to install, beyond that--so far, anyway, based on how I've tinkered with my LG Optimus V--I'd likely be fine with that.

I like my LG Optimus V but the Virgin Mobile service has just been horrible.

LRH

 

[telepheedian]

<b>Ls377</b> Yes I remember reading somewhere that if your HTC Aria has 2.2 on it that you can't root it. That should be okay, so far anyway I haven't had the interest in doing so. I might could use the sideloading application in case I found 3rd party applications to install, beyond that--so far, anyway, based on how I've tinkered with my LG Optimus V--I'd likely be fine with that.

I like my LG Optimus V but the Virgin Mobile service has just been horrible.

LRH

I'd wait it out a bit, it looks like service on Virgin has been fixed. I'm personally giving them a month to fix stuff.

 

[Baconator]

My Aria has seemed to lag ever since I updated it to 2.2.