If you're on Verizon, you may have commented recently about the lack of Android phone available to you. However, you don't have to worry about that for too much longer: meet the LG Ally, one of the phones on Verizon's Android lineup. While the phone has been out for a few months, there's nothing wrong with picking up an Ally if it meets your needs.

However, just what features does the LG Ally have to offer? Well, for starters, the slide out keyboard is definitely something that deserves a top mention. Instead of having to have an exposed keyboard, you can use the slide out keyboard on your terms -- always a good thing.

It has a much smaller screen than some other Android phones, but there's plenty of room for phones like the Ally that may not have a super-charged system underneath the hood. This is a phone that would be good for people looking for a full keyboard that can take advantage of the Android platform but don't want as much firepower as what you might find with the Sprint EVO 4G, or even the Droid Incredible.



Are there people like that out there? Definitely. For example, if you've always wanted to get your parents to enter the new world of smartphones, a phone like the LG Ally could be exactly what brings them over. A phone that has more features than what they're used to could be overwhelming, but something like the Ally has a balance between old and new to the point where your parents could probably get used to it.

Are there downsides to the Ally? Every phone has them, but it has to be said that you won't get every last feature you want out of the LG Ally. For example, the small keys may be a bit difficult to get used to if you're a first time keyboard users. For some, using the small keys won't be a problem. Turning on predictive text can make using the full keyboard a bit easier, if you're used to using it on a "dumb phone".

On the other hand, the lack of customization may be the deal-breaker when it comes to the Ally. The custom skin feature isn't something to really write home about, but it does give some customization options.

Overall, if you want a phone that has all the bells and whistles you can think of, the Ally from LG may not be the phone to reach for. However, if you're looking for a more basic phone that will allow you to grow with the Android platform, this phone is definitely for you.