Verizon turned on its LTE (or long-term evolution) network last fall. The network promises download speeds of up to 12 megabits per second, which is about 10 times faster than the top speeds offered on Verizon's older 3G data network.
The Thunderbolt is the first smartphone that can access that network, which until now could be accessed only by a PC using a USB modem.
In my tests, the Thunderbolt clocked impressive connection speeds. Outside my office, I saw download speeds as fast as 5 megabits per second and upload speeds as fast as 4 megabits a second. That kind of throughput was about 5 times faster than what I've seen on the Verizon version of Apple's iPhone, which is a 3G device.
And that speed does make a difference. It allows users to download Web pages, online games or digital songs much faster than they would be able to do otherwise.
Web surfing in particular was a joy on the Thunderbolt. Downloading pages is nearly instantaneous, similar to the experience one gets when connecting a smartphone to a fast landline network via a WiFi hot spot.
I also enjoyed using the Thunderbolt's large screen and high-resolution camera. The screen made Web pages easy to read, and the camera took beautiful, vibrant shots that looked great on the Thunderbolt's display.
But there was a lot about the Thunderbolt that left me underwhelmed.
For instance, your ability to use it to access the Internet at ultrafast speeds may be limited. Verizon is still building out its LTE network. It covers much of the San Francisco Bay Area and other major metropolitan areas, but those areas of coverage are like little islands; outside of them, you won't get LTE service.
