Just before I returned the HP Mini to Verizon I was given the opportunity to get my hands on what may be the hottest phone out there right now: the Droid Incredible by htc.

Droid Incredible

I’ve had about 3 weeks with this phone and love the technology.  The 1GHz processor is incredibly fast, the 8mp camera takes amazing pictures and the touch screen has “pinch to zoom” and a technology that makes typing feel like you are actually touching buttons.  It has 8GB of storage and has a mini SD slot that can add up to 32GB more.

Beyond the technical aspects, though, this is just a cool phone.   Even my husband’s 18 year old nephew was impressed by my technology.

During the time I had the Incredible we made a trip to Kansas City and another to Dallas.  Both times we arrived well after dark; both times we were staying at a hotel we hadn’t been to before.  The Google Maps™ navigation was beyond easy to use- I didn’t even have to know an address.  I just typed in the name of the hotel and where it was (example: Marriott downtown Kansas City) and a list of options appeared.  I chose the correct one and it was inserted.  I could then follow the listed directions, look at the map or have it lead me to it- turn by turn- like a “real” GPS unit.  It even offered alternate routes and reset quickly if you missed a turn (which we did- just to see how quick it would correct).

The voice search makes navigation even easier.  By preceding the destination name with “navigate to” the directions appear- no typing involved.  You just have to make sure to speak clearly and with details such as “Marriott Downtown Kansas City” as opposed to “Kansas City Marriott” as the latter will bring up a few options.  You can also use voice search to find websites or information (like “where is the biggest ball of twine?”)

Because this is a Droid phone the apps are seemingly endless (I think it’s around 32,000) so you should be able to find whatever you need.  I downloaded a mileage app, Friend Stream (which brings all your social media together in one place), a Twitter app, Facebook, Google Goggles (this one is amazing: scan a logo or bar code and Google will tell you the closest place to get it) and Google Sky Map (tells you what constellations you are viewing).

Because I knew I had to give this back I didn’t input much onto the calendar; just enough to know that, for a scheduling freak like me, it can keep me organized.

The downside to this phone?  Only a couple that I found.  1)  You can’t talk and use data at the same time.  2)  It should come with a car adapter because, if you use the navigation, the battery will drain within 2 hours.

Those two downsides aside, I found this phone to live up to it’s name and would definitely buy it if my “new every 2″ was coming up soon.

The Droid Incredible is available through Verizon Wireless.  The cost is $199 with a 2 year contract.  A data plan of $29.99 or higher is required.

Disclosure: I have been a Verizon customer for over 5 years (as an AT&T customer previously I have personally found that their coverage doesn’t work many places my family ventures) and have been happy with their extensive coverage areas and products. The Droid Incredible was loaned to me by Verizon Wireless. I did not receive cash or product compensation for this post.