Review of LG VX8100
Review of LG VX8100
Released for Verizon Wireless, the LG VX8100 incorporates all the breakthrough technologies of the VX8000 including high-speed EV-DO, megapixel camera, and video and music on-demand, but goes further with integrated Bluetooth capability for wireless connectivity, and a miniSD slot for external memory.
With each new release, handsets grow more advanced; combining a broad range of features into a compact device. Due to the widespread use and popularity of the cell phone, it’s the perfect foundation to build a multifunctional gadget, being just a pocket’s reach away.
Initially digital cameras broke ground, making sure users would never have an excuse for leaving the camera at home. Then, as MP3s overshadowed polyphonic ringtones as the sound of choice, portable music players begin being integrated.
But Asia and Europe have always been light-years ahead of North America when it comes to handsets. And a glimpse overseas has given anxious consumers of what’s to come in the future.
Details of the LG VX8100 have leaked, even before the phone it replaces (LG VX8000) hit store shelves. The LG VX8100 was approved by the FCC in December, and as usual the FCC provided photos. Some photos show Verizon Wireless branding on the phone, which comes at no surprise since the company is aggressively trying to promote EV-DO.
EV-DO (not expressly mentioned in FCC docs, but a major feature of VX8000 which is likely to carry over)
miniSD The LG VX8000 (the 8100’s predecessor) is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2005. There is no word on when the 8100 will make it to market.
With Verizon Wireless’ launch of EV-DO, more possibilities emerged; allowing subscribers to access broadband-like speeds on their mobile device. Through Verizon’s VCAST service, movie and television clips are able to be streamed and watched on the go.
The LG VX8000 was the first device to feature the promising new 3G technology, but drawbacks in size, weight, and design hindered its appeal to the mass market. But with the release its successor, the VX8100, LG hopes to correct past mistakes and attract tech-hungry consumers.
Since the VX8100 is a video phone, an ample amount of storage is needed to stream and store large files. And should users find themselves out of internal memory, an expansion slot along the right side accepts miniSD cards.
Opening the VX8100 reveals the internal screen; able to display a brilliant 262K colors at 176 x 144 px in resolution. Conveniently placed, the 5-way directional keypad is surrounded by Send, Camera, Clear, Power / End, and Left and Right soft keys for additional shortcuts.
Out of the box, the LG VX8100 comes with a standard 1000 mAh Li-Ion battery, AC adapter, back cover plate, Welcome CD, and user manual.
Features of the LG VX8100 include:
1.3 megapixel camera with video recording
Bluetooth
EV-DO (not expressly mentioned in FCC docs, but a major feature of VX8000 which is likely to carry over)
miniSD
MP3 audio player, dual speakers for stereo sound, and a 3D graphics engine make this a formidable handset in 2005.