LG VX8800:
Product summary:
The good:
Integrated 1.3-megapixel camera with video; solid call quality; support for high-speed EV-DO third-generation networks; plays MP3s; speakerphone.
The bad: High-speed networks are available only in limited areas; no Bluetooth or infrared port; hefty.
The bottom line: The VX8000 offers an admirable combination of features and performance. Before you jump onboard, though, make sure Verizon's EV-DO network is available in your area.
Specifications:
Carrier: Verizon Wireless
Band / mode: 1xEV-DO , CDMA 800/1900
Talk time: Up to 280 min
The bad:
High-speed networks are available only in limited areas; no Bluetooth or infrared port; hefty.
The bottom line:
The VX8000 offers an admirable combination of features and performance. Before you jump onboard, though, make sure Verizon's EV-DO network is available in your area.
Specifications:
Carrier: Verizon Wireless
Band / mode: 1xEV-DO , CDMA 800/1900
Talk time: Up to 280 min
General:
Cellular phone: With digital camera
Width: 2 in .
Depth: 0.9 in .
Height: 3.7 in .
Weight: 3.9 oz
Cellular:
Technology: EV-DO , CDMA .
Band: 1xEV-DO , CDMA 800/1900
Phone Design: Folder type phone .
Antenna: External
Vibrating Alert : Yes
Polyphonic Ringer : Yes
Voice Dialing: Yes
Call Timer : Yes
Voice Recorder : Yes
Speakerphone : Yes
Reviews:
The LG VX8000 for Verizon Wireless is the carrier's first EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) capable handset. A more than worthy cell phone in its own right, the mobile is designed to benefit from Verizon Wireless's recently rolled-out third-generation-esque network, which promises average data speeds of 300Kbps to 500Kbps. In addition to boasting high-end extras such as a 1.3-megapixel camera and loads of messaging features, the VX8000's real selling point is its ability to allow users to access Video On Demand news, sports, and entertainment using the carrier's V Cast service. Kudos aside, we wish the VX8000 shipped with Bluetooth support. Nevertheless, at $199 after a $70 mail-in rebate and with a two-year service agreement, the LG VX8000 is fairly priced, considering its ample list of features.As expected, a cell phone with all of these features is bound to be hefty. The LG VX8000 comes in at 3.7 by 1.9 by 0.9 inches and weighs a hair less than 4 ounces, but it feels quite solid in the hand. An extendable antenna adds more bulk, but it's sturdier than most others we've seen. Speaking to its multimedia pedigree, on the front cover you'll find some interesting features. In addition to the 1.25-inch-diagonal, 262,000-color external display, you'll find the camera lens, which boasts a switch that changes the camera from portrait to macro mode for extreme close-ups. There's also a flash, and the external screen acts as a viewfinder for self-portraits. Below the display are three buttons: rewind, play/stop, and fast-forward, which allow you to control the playback of the multimedia files that you can download via V Cast. Sound for VCast files and the speakerphone comes through small stereo speakers on the front face, or you can use the included stereo headphones to listen to your files in private.
In addition to photo caller ID (where available), the external display shows the date, time, battery life, and signal strength. We were pleased that you can change the font size and the backlighting on the external display, but the maximum is just 30 seconds. After that, it goes dim but not completely dark. That said, pressing any of the external controls on the handset turns on the screen, so users don't have to open the flip to check the time. But the display has the really cool ability to act as a minimenu for the camera features. To access the menu, simply press the dedicated camera button on the right spine. Then, using the left-spine volume rocker and the aforementioned rewind, play/stop, and fast-forward buttons, you can take a picture or a video, as well as access your photo gallery. Below the volume rocker on the left spine is a key that activates voice dialing.
We were glad to see a nice design inside the mobile as well. The VX8000's internal 262,000-color screen is set in a mirrored frame and measures an ample 2.25 inches diagonally. A multimedia device, the LG unsurprisingly has a screen that is quite vivid and easy to view in a variety of lighting conditions. Furthermore, users familiar with the LG VX7000 will have no problem navigating the various menus. The similarity is no accident, as Verizon is starting a program to standardize the menus on its handsets. They're easy to use, but they require some acclimation.
Battery life was about average. We fell a half hour short of the rated talk time of 4.5 hours, but we met the promised standby time of 7.7 days. According to the FCC, the LG VX8000 has a digital SAR rating of 0.86 watts per kilogram.
