LG notebooks

In 2004 Verizon introduced their EV-DO 3G data business services to select markets in the US. Months later at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show, they finally rolled out their first 3G consumer offering, named VCAST. For $15 per month, Verizon's VCAST service offers an unlimited number of streaming video clip downloads over their high-speed EV-DO network. The user gets access to daily updated content from news organizations such as CNN, CNBC, and ESPN as well as entertainment content from the likes of Comedy Central and others. If you live in one of the markets covered by their EV-DO 3G service, then you can get this on your mobile phone.

Of course, you need an EV-DO cell phone such as the LG VX8000 to view VCAST content. The VX8000 was the first handset to be launched with the VCAST service, and was the star of Verizon's VCAST launch event. It is a somewhat large clamshell handset that comes equipped with a 1.3 megapixel camera with a macro lens setting for close-up photography. The camera takes photos that range anywhere from decent to very good in quality, depending on lighting conditions and settings (try out the manual White Balance settings). The VX8000 can also record 14 second long video clips that are also typically quite nice. Photos and videos can be painlessly uploaded to Verizon's PixPlace website, though the photos will be greatly reduced in resolution, or they can be easily sent to any internet email address. Sending a photo to an email address is the only way to get a full resolution 1.3 megapixel photo off of the VX8000, since it has no IR, Bluetooth, or data cable.

The photos and videos you take will look great on the VX8000, thanks to its dual 262k color displays. The main 2.2" display is very colorful and clear, and the unusually large 128x160 pixel external display is equally nice. The external display serves as the camera's viewfinder when you have the phone closed, allowing you to record perfectly centered photos and video clips of yourself. The controls under the display and the volume rocker allow you to navigate through your photos with the phone closed, which is handy.

The VX8000 has a very well laid out keypad, with large buttons that are as easy to read as to use. The 5-way directional-pad controller is also large, and has a nice big OK button in the middle for selecting things in the VX8000's menus. The user interface is consistent and simple to use, but has some organizational issues thanks to Verizon's desire to drive people towards their Get It Now download services (which typically costs extra). In their defense, Verizon does offer a wide selection of ringtones from various partners, and has some of the best 3D games I have seen on a mobile phone to date.

As far as doing normal phone things go, the VX8000 has pretty good reception, decent audio quality, and a simply fantastic speakerphone. The speakerphone is probably the best I have ever tested. Battery life is probably going to be an issue for most people, though. 4.5 hours of talk time is decent, but the standby time is rarely much more than two days with no calls being made, and that is unacceptable. Best to opt for the extended battery, which will provide 50% more power.

The VX8000 is a solid phone. Verizon's VCAST service will provide you with timely news and some entertainment, but might be a bit expensive for most people at this time - though it is sure to get cheaper eventually. The VX8000's camera is very nice, as are its dual displays. If nothing else, the VX8000 will let you be the first kid on the block with a 3G phone.

Pros:

• 3G Service
• Nice 1.3 megapixel camera
• Dual 262k color displays

Cons:

• Bulky
• Short standby battery life

What's in the Box:
VX8000 handset, standard lithium-polymer battery, home charger, stereo headset.

--Reviewed by Michael Oryl, editor in chief of www.MobileBurn.com

Features

• Supports EV-DO high-speed data
• Ultra smooth streaming video
• Megapixel camera w/ Flash
• Dual high-resolution TFT color displays
• Built-in stereo sound

If you like to travel light, but need to stay in touch, the LX150 is the perfect phone for you! With an internal antenna and compact design, this slim phone fits easily in your pocket. With Bluetooth capabilities, one-touch speakerphone and voice-activated dialing, you can easily stay connected while on the move. Want to send a text message quickly? Just tap the dedicated text messaging key for instant menu access and faster texting ability.

Features

• Very Small, Lightweight Flip Phone
• Bluetooth Wireless Technology
• Color Main Display
• Send or Receive Text Messages
• Built-in Speakerphone

Overview

Compatible with Cingular cell phone service, the LG L1200 features a nifty built-in digital camera, a mobile Internet minibrowser, Java compatibility, MMS, and plenty of other phone and organizer features, all displayed on a high-resolution 128 x 160 pixel, 65k color inside screen.

Calling Features

Used simply as a phone, the L1200's primary calling features include vibrating alert, voice dialing for ten entries, custom ring tones, group ringer ID and picture ID, 40-chord polyphonic ring tones, and more. Caller ID can be displayed on the external monochrome 96 x 64 pixel LCD screen as well. LG also supports TTY/TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf).

Messaging and Internet

The phone's WAP microbrowser technology provides Internet access and GPRS high-speed data transmission, as well as text, picture, and instant messaging; e-mail; and T9 predictive text input and text templates. Since the L1200 is Java-compatible (version MIDP 2.0), you can also download Java-based applications and games to expand the phone's functionality.

Organizer and Camera

The phone's organizer features include space for ten 30-second voice memos, a phone book with up to 255 contacts; a calendar, a calculator with unit converter, and an alarm clock that can function while the phone is off. The L1200 also comes with a digital still camera (VGA resolution) that has a timer function and a cool, 9-frame "motor" function, so you can snap off nine shots very quickly and increase you chances of getting one with the subject's eyes open and smile intact.

Vital Statistics

This phone weighs 3.35 ounces and measures 3.39 x 1.73 x 1.02 inches. Its Lithium Ion batteries are rated at up to 3.4 hours digital talk time, and up to 250 hours digital standby time.

Features

• Integrated VGA Camera w/65k Color TFT Display, Zoom and Brightness Control
• Mobile Instant Messaging using AOL Instant Messenger
• Downloadable Polyphonic/Super Tone/Full-Audio Ringtones, Graphics & Games
• Calendar with monthly/daily views, calculator, alarm clock and note pad
• Includes phone, charger and user documentation

Features

• Quality- Brand new OEM high quality lithium-ion battery.
• Battery Type - Lithium Ion cell delivers the most power per ounce and can be recharged hundreds of times with no lost of performance from "memory effect". Advanced lithium ion technology makes it possible.
• Operation Time - All talk and standby times are approximate. Battery performance depends on network configuration, signal strength, operating temperature, features selected, and voice, data and other application usage pattern.
• Compatibility: LG VX6000 VX-6000

Overview

Compatible with Cingular cell phone service, the thin, stylish LG G4010 works on dual-band 800/1900 GSM technology, and features GPRS class 10 high-speed data, a WAP Internet browser, EMS, and more, all displayed on a 128x128 grayscale LCD screen.

Calling Features

Used simply as a phone, the G4010 includes vibrate mode, English and Spanish support, a 100-entry phone book with 3 numbers per entry, and 40-chord polyphonic ring tones.

Messaging and Internet

Mobile messaging features are fairly standard: users can send, edit, forward, and receive image and text messages to and from compatible phones or PCs. There's also conventional e-mail, and T9 predictive text input. Using the built-in Internet browser, you can download new wallpaper and graphics, and more games in addition to Black Jack, which is already included with the phone. The phone also supports high speed data download (GPRS class 10).

Organizer

To help you get organized, the G4010 provides a calendar, calculator with unit converter, and an alarm, among other features.

Vital Statistics The LG G4010 runs on an included LiIon battery rated at 2.5 hours talk time and 144 hours standby time. It weighs 2.93 ounces, and measures 3.23 x 1.73 x 0.79 inches.

Features

• This dual-band phone is very compact with its thin profile
• Send two-way text messages to your friends with SMS or EMS
• Access cellphone-enabled web sites with the included internet browser
• Download additional ring tones and graphics to personalize your phone
• Comes with 750 mAh Li-Ion battery and AWS Sim card