- Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 322 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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14 out of 20 people found this review helpful
3.5 stars
"Nice looking, not so functional"
Pros: Great looks, I love the touchpad, great camera quality, great being able to play mp3s on my mobile (sad part are the 128 mb)
Cons: Predictive text is not very intelligent, keyboard is not very comfortable for SMS, too few tones options for incoming SMS alerts, only 128 mb memory, sync software does NOT work, "slow" address book
Summary: Ok, I just got this phone like 3 days ago, I very impressed by the package, its the first time that I get such a nice box for my mobile, as well as soo many accesories.
However things started to get ugly with I noticed the following "details":
- When I write an SMS, I find the keyboard to be uncomfortable for my fingers.
- The "predictive text" function is not as nice as my old Nokiaīs 6230. It doesnīt recognize when I am writing a period (.) so I need to have a capital letter next... no, this phone doesnīt change that automatically, I have to change it manually (grrr..)
- Also, my old Nokia 6230 had "prebuilt" smilies, so I could choose to "insert" them in my SMS... well, there are none of those here (or I havenīt found them)
- I could NEVER make the sync software work with my PC... I could, yes, copy MP3s to the phone just like if it were an USB drive, but I had to manually add my contacts since I just couldnt get the included software to work.
- When I am browsing my contacts list, my old Nokia would instantly display the ones under a given letter typed by me, now it takes around 1 or 2 seconds between my input and actually seeing the filter work... I find it annoying.
- When I send an SMS, seconds after the "send" screen has dissapeared, I get a "message sent" notification, annoying as well.
- The phone looks very attractive and stylish, however it also gets dirty and messy VERY easily.
- It doesnīt support VBR (variable bitrate) MP3 to use as ring tone.
- I havenīt managed to get a conversation through the speakerphone (if possible, I didnīt find anything about this in the manual), and I loved this feature of my old nokia 6230.
What I DO like:
- I can finally listen MP3īs on my mobile, I donīt have a portable MP3 player so even with 128 MB I can live with that.
- Photo quality is very good.
- The touchpad navigation can be tricky at fist, but I have found it to be very comfortable after getting used to it.
- I can setup many alarms (something my old Nokia 6230 didnīt do).
If you ask me why I changed my mobile from my so loved Nokia 6230 to this one, pretty much because I wanted to be able to listen music while I travel by bus within my city. I dont want to buy an Ipod and I couldnīt afford a Sony-Ericsson W810... so I got this phone.
Eventually I guess I will get used to the new system and everything, the only thing that really bothers me is the NOT working pc sync software included... LG should do something about this.Updated
When I wrote my review I was talking about the LG Chocolate MG800, which aparently is an older (and less functional) version than the VX8500, so please take this into account when reading my review.
Thanks.
- 8 replies to this review
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I realize you added a note that you reviewed a GSM version of the LG Chocolate - but get your facts straight and at least do a bit of research before you post a big review. The MG800/KG800 is not an older or less functional version of the VX8500 - they're hardly related. The KG800 is actually quite more feature-filled than Verizon's VX8500 (the GSM version is slimmer, has better battery life, a better camera and a better screen, enabled OBEX bluetooth profiles etc...). The KG800/MG800 is an unlocked GSM device for use on GSM networks. Verizon's VX8500 is a CDMA device, locked into Verizon's network. Not a world phone like the KG800.
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I have my Verizon New Every 2 anniversary coming up in a couple weeks when I can get a new phone free or discounted. I'm split between the Chocolate and the RAZR V3m. Both have the features I want so it really comes down to the bummers about each phone. So far, the reviews for Chocolate are fairly positive with most of the bummers being about keypad sensitivity, memory size and the lack of a 2.5mm plug for headsets/charger. In contrast, the reviews for the RAZR V3m are pretty negative with many bummers about the phone. My needs are not many; I don't use text messaging or surf the web via phone (I work from home) but I would like an MP3 player (for mowing the lawn
), Bluetooth and just other good cellphone features.
So which phone would be better for me? Chocolate or RAZR V3m? -
sometimes the latest and greatest is not the best thing. I upgrade my LG V8100 to a RAZR V3m and I loved it. I like the RAZR because its thin and comfortable in my pant. The only thing that I read from the review that stands out on this Chocolate phone is that it looks nice. I don't know why people don't do their research. Getting a cell phone should always be about fitting to your lifestyle. I'm still waiting till the day when a cell phone can micmic an IPOD software and hardware wise. This will Bring IPOD out of business.
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First , I love the sleek smooth look. Using the soft touch pad was fustrating at first but when I figured out you can ajust the sensitvity it was pretty smooth from there.
I got the Chocolate for the VZ navigation. It didnt work at first so I brought it to the retailer and he got it working for me. Sometimes you have to try putting the adress you want to get to in a few times before it recognizes it. I love the turn by turn voice navigation. Bad part , you dont hear it through your Bluetooth ear piece.
I like the idea of the MP3 player although I havent used it yet.
Worst experience with this is if you dont touch any commands with in 3 seconds the keys lock up on you.....very very fustrating. And when I had a call on call waiting it was tricky to switch back to ur original call.
Overall the pros and cons are 50/50. I would still give the Chocolate an 8. -
www.bitpim.org works perfectly for me
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How is it that you had this phone hooked up and ready to go a week before it was released?
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It's interesting that the memory mentioned in the Cnet video review says this phone has 512mb insteadof 128mb. Certainly a more reasonable about for playing MP3's. Is Verizon holding out to introduce more models with more memory for way more money?
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You first have to go to "Settings", "Connectivity" "Modem" in the LG's menu, and activate the modem. Then connect the USB cable to phone and then to your computer. Also, you have to make sure you select the correct port in the LG PC Sync software("Option", "COM port").
Where to buy
LG Chocolate VX8500 - black (Verizon Wireless):
$22.99
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$22.99 | Yes |
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