We like LG phones. We liked LG phones BEFORE the Chocolate. We liked LG phones most definitely before the Americanized version of the Chocolate and the LG LB1700 we recently spotted is no exception. The LB1700 does not have the cool factor that the LB1500 has (rotating screen) and spec wise it gives you a little less, which means despite the increment in model numbers, the LB1700 is just okay. More►
Seems to be this slipped in under the radar. The LG Chocolate II, from the Black Label Series. The Chocolate II or if you prefer Chocolate 2, is specially wrapped in 14k Gold. We don’t mean wrapped literally but the LG SV600 has 14k Gold plated highlights across the front panel and bottom of the device. Even sweeter is that if you don’t like black and yellow you can opt for white gold.
Riding high on the success of the Chocolate, LG has recently released the LG KG338 in China. The KG338 is another addition to the Chocolate line but it does not boast the award winning design of the recent US release. Equipped with 32MB of internal memory, a 176×220 display, media player (audio/video) and a 1.3 megapixel camera, the phone is on par with other devices aimed at buyers on a budget.
The $300 price tag would urge you to think otherwise, but we all know this phone shouldn’t and wouldn’t realistically command $300 here in the US. While the focus is music, the LG KG338 allows file sharing and multiplayer gaming via Bluetooth. Triband on GSM 900, 1800, 1900MHz, with up to 150 minutes of talktime and 200 hours of standby.
LG has unleashed another great looking phone, the LG KV2400. Like previous LG phones that we have liked this one is another slider. While it may not become a worldwide sensation like the Chocolate, the KV2400 should be able to hold its own against other phones of equal caliber specs. Speaking of which, as far as we know LG provides pretty much just the bare essentials for the KV2400 and nothing over the top, MP3 player, video and a 1.3 megapixel camera. Remember when you thought those specs were spectacular? What were you thinking? More photos here.
Verizon Wireless has launched the LG VX8500 affectionately known as the Chocolate by LG. The phone is million plus worldwide seller and both companies have high expectations for the US release. BigBerries has been covering the Chocolate for quite a while and we think this phone has the potential to quickly pass the Motorola Q in sales if marketed effectively.
Continuing the strategy which found success with the Q, Verizon Wireless is offering the Chocolate by LG for $149.99 after instant online discount and agreements. Retail outlets will have that price starting August 7th, if you can wait that long.
North America’s first HSDPA handset comes in a clamshell from LG, offering download speeds up to 1.8Mbps. The LG CU500 is a mixed blessing offering both old and new technology. Yes we get the HSDPA, but we also get a 1.3 megapixel camera and Bluetooth 1.1. The load of video and music options should keep you busy though. For the most up to date price visit Cingular.
Quick specs
GSM / GRPS / EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900)
UMTS / HSDPA (850, 1900)
176 x 220 pixel 65k color display
Bluetooth
MicroSD memory card slot
1.3 megapixel camera (4x zoom)
Media player (MP3, WMA, AAC, AAC+)
Size 3.80″ x 1.95″ x 0.76″
Weight: 3.70oz
Talktime: up to 5 hours
Standby: up to 10 days
While we talked about the coming Chocolate previously, not much else has happened except Verizon Wireless now has a page up for you to drool over. Pretty much making it official. Speaking of drool, while my initial reaction to the modification of the Chocolate for its US reception was mean spirited, I must say the sway of the beat and the nimble application of Flash on the teaser page seems to have me a bit more welcoming.
Well PSK is telling the tale about how difficult Ebay is being right now. It seems the Ebay doesn’t want to allow Google CheckOut in its mix of accepted and recognized methods of payment. As speculated this move shows a sign of fear on behalf of Ebay. I wonder what will Amazon do?
LG is said to be releasing both pink and white versions of the VX8500 a.k.a the “Chocolate”, of course for those of us who read EM we already knew that. What we didn’t know was that LG is going to be releasing premium versions of the phone with more features. LG was open with the color announcement but tight lipped on the features. We’ll just have to wait and see.
3.2 Megapixels for Verizon Wireless as the company has decided to give the go for the Samsung SCH A990. The A990 is not pretty in comparison to some of the other phones out there but it packs a punch. Speaking of punch (or lack of) Cingular needs to step their game up as it seems every other US carrier has something to write home to mother about. And those other carriers are waving their flags high. Speaking of promotion and advertising it’s so many JD Power & Associates badges I can’t tell if I’m buying a car or a phone.
After the camera the next logical step is television. Never mind the fact that most of the cameras can only be used for MySpace or for traffic reports, it’s time to move on to the next big thing. For the most part it seems manufacturers are getting the hang of TV better than cameras. LG fails to disappoint with the company’s first HDSPA enabled slider, the LG KH1000.
Pros: Slider, 2.2-inch screen, 2GB flash memory, 1GB SDRAM, .
Cons: 1.3 megapixel camera, awkward numeric keypad, price.
The LG KH1000 is a cool phone but for $844 it not that cool. Especially if you’re throwning in a lame, last generation 1.3 megapixel camera. Usually for sliders we expect QWERTY or something similar. In fact there is practically no reason to slide if there is no full keypad. The ability to slide in two-directions is cute but gimmicky if it serves no real purpose. The screen size and memory are definitely both a plus and when you add the video conference abilities you can stretch the phones value. However, for the price LG is asking too much and providing too little.
It appears the much loved VX8500 from LG otherwise known as the Chocolate may be heading to the US. Verizon is said to be possibly receiving the phone as its’ flagship device. Verizon has pretty good marketing so this could go over, but I really don’t see the chocolate as a flagship phone. It’s award winning, sexy and all the other stuff, but flagship?
From the photos it seems there will be a slight modification in the keypad. going backwards from the sexy shape on the current model to a more than familiar iPod-esque inspired circular control. Speculation lends to a CDMA version being released in October.
For a shot of the LG VX8500 in all its original glory click here.
