LG's Entry-Level Optimus Android Turns Up Again

By Joseph Palenchar On Dec 6 2010 - 6:01am

DALLAS — LG’s low-priced Android smartphone, the Optimus, has turned up at another carrier.

Following the launch of Optimus by T-Mobile and Sprint, prepaid carrier MetroPCS is launching the Optimus M as its initial entry into the Android smartphone market. MetroPCS already offers two smartphones: the BlackBerry Curve 8530 and Windows Mobile-based Samsung Code.

Optimus is part of an onslaught of low-priced Android phones hitting the market in recent weeks.

MetroPCS’s Optimus M, equipped with CDMA 1x EV-DO wireless data, went on sale through MetroPCSowned stores, authorized reseller stores, and the carrier’s website at $229 with a prepaid $50/month service plan that includes nationwide unlimited talk, text and web.

At T-Mobile, the carrier’s LG Optimus T became available Nov. 3 on a post-paid basis at $29.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate with a two-year service agreement and qualifying data plan. Sprint’s Optimus model launched Oct. 31 at $49.99 with postpaid contract and qualifying plan.

All versions feature 3.2-inch touchscreen with virtual QWERTY keyboard, Swype text input, 3.2-megapoixel camera, Wi-Fi and multiple home screens to organize apps. Like other Android phones, it can download more than 100,000 apps from the Android Market.