After on-again, off-again release dates, the HTC ThunderBolt is finally available for customers from Verizon Wireless
online and in stores. It is priced at $249.99 with a contract for voice and a $29.99 unlimited data plan. Mobile hotspot service is free until May 15. Verizon emails tout "Immense power. Scorching speed" that puts lightning in the palm of your hand.
Verizon is prepared and has its stores well-stocked with HTC ThunderBolt smartphones. We called our local Verizon store and were told that they had 100 units in stock. We were also told that, if sells out, we could get fast delivery. Because of all the preorders at Best Buy, it appears that there haven't been long lines. Some online retailers have sold out and are now taking backorders.
Tuesday,we reviewed all the enticing features of the HTC ThunderBolt and compared it to other 4G LTE smartphones coming from Verizon, and we also showed tips and tricks. We're waiting for reviews to appear so that we can compile a Review of Reviews of the HTC ThunderBolt. In the meantime, comments on the Verizon Wireless Facebook wall have been exciting, and its making iPhone owners jealous:
- "OMG SPEEDS ARE INSANE SOOO CRAZY I LOVE THIS PHONEEEE !"
- "Grr that makes me so mad I bought an iPhone 4 20
days ago because they said they had no idea when the thunderbolt was
coming out. Wonder if they would let me do a trade in?" - "I got my at 11:30 this morning and so far I love it."
Commenters have already found the cheapest price for the Verizon HTC ThunderBolt at Amazon Wireless for $179.99 with a contract, and it is now backordered with expected shipping within 8 to 9 days. Wirefly is offering it at a discount with a 30-day low price guarantee. As of this writing, Wirefly had HTC ThunderBolt in stock.
Update 03/18/11 -: There's now at $25 off coupon code at Wirefly:
Use Coupon Code THUNDER0321 for $25 off the HTC ThunderBolt - Must Click Here to Redeem. It expires 3/21 at 12:00 am PST.
So that the HTC ThunderBolt will not be alone, HTC has another sibling in the works, the HTC Pyramid, due from Sprint this spring.
The HTC ThunderBolt appears on our list of the top Android an' Droid phones now and later.
- Top Ten (Plus) Best Coolest Free Android an' Droid Apps Review of Reviews.
- Top Incredible, EVO 4G and HTC Aria tips from HTC's Eric Lin.
- Top Best Android an' Droid Battery Saving Tips.