15
Mar
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Verizon Announces First Software Update For Pantech Marauder (Version S910LVWD211F.D1)

Posted by in Device Updates, Marauder, News

Verizon has just announced a software update for the QWERTY-sliding Pantech Marauder, a phone we reviewed last August. The software update includes the now-standard Verizon Remote Diagnostics support utility, and a substantial list of software changes. The stock email app now supports a combined inbox mode and conversation view, Google Chrome has been added, and the Pantech 'Simple Mode' UI has been enhanced. The phone apparently doesn't reboot after a modem crash anymore, either, which is probably good.

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There's no Android version upgrade included, unfortunately. The new update will likely be headed out some time in the next week or two.

20
Aug
1

[Deal Alert] Pantech Marauder On Verizon Free From Amazon Wireless And Wirefly

Posted by in Deals, Marauder, News, Verizon Wireless

We don't normally make a fuss over budget phones, and we definitely don't readily recommend that people buy them (even when they're free). For the Pantech Marauder on Verizon Wireless, however, we'll make an exception. Its Snapdragon S4 processor, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and 4G LTE connectivity make this a budget device that stands out from the pack.

For the unfamiliar, the Marauder is a new offering from Verizon, packing some very respectable hardware (for the most part, anyway):

  • Processor: 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4
  • RAM: 1GB
  • Storage: 4GB
  • Display: 3.8" 480x800
  • Battery: 1680mAh
  • OS: Android 4.0
  • Dimensions: 5.07" (H) x 2.57" (W) x 0.46" (D)
  • Camera: 5MP rear, VGA front
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11b/g/n, WiFi Direct

The clear downside of the Marauder is its smaller-ish 3.8" display, but if you loved the OG Droid and no other phone has been able to fill that void since, the Marauder is your best choice.

15
Aug
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Pantech Marauder Review: "Budget" Isn't Such A Bad Place To Be

Posted by in Marauder, Phone Reviews, Verizon Wireless

While everyone loves to gush over flagship phones, the truth of the matter is that for many customers, cheaper phones - be they last-gen's flagships or this-gen's budget devices - are the route of choice. Traditionally, the former route tended to work out better, especially for enthusiasts; after all, generation-old flagships tend to still outperform and out-feature current-gen budget devices. Plus, high-end devices generally have a ton of developer support and are usually better supported by the manufacturer. But is buying a used flagship still the better option for a budget-conscious consumer? After spending some time with a brand new budget phone from Pantech and Verizon, I'm not so sure.