Pantech Hotshot


I think there is a clear mistake in naming the Pantech Hotshot just that, although I am not quite sure just which party is to be blamed. After all, Verizon Wireless is just a carrier, and will they have enough clout to call whatever they’re offering to the masses as they like? Still, we are in the business of bringing you news, and for folks whose contracts are about to expire and want to get a decent entry-level smartphone device, I guess the Pantech Hotshot would fit the bill rather nicely after all.

Available online from October 6th onwards (that is this Thursday just in case your Calendar app is all wonky), the Hotshot will do what a basic smartphone is supposed o – and do it well. With a 3.2″ LCD touchscreen display, navigating through the bunch of home screens, apps, emails, browser windows and text messages would be a breeze and not be taxing on your eyes, although those who are used to far beefier (in terms of specifications) handsets from the likes of Samsung and HTC might feel rather restricted by just three home screens available for customization.

As for other hardware specifications that are crammed into a 0.35″ thin form factor, they include a 3.2-megapixel shooter at the back that does video recording as well – and since there is no mention of a front-facing camera (and neither do we see one on the right), this is no phone to get if you want to experience video chats on the go. Not only that, Verizon has thrown in VZ Navigator that helps you get around places, even speaking out turn-by-turn directions in unfamiliar territory so that you can concentrate on the road ahead. As for V CAST Tones, that lets you download ringtones and ringback tones.

A microSD memory card slot is there for expansion purposes, and each purchase will come with a 2GB microSD memory card pre-installed with relevant apps. Do expect to fork out $99.99 for the Pantech Hotshot, and this price is applicable only after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.

Press Release

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