LG Chocolate VX8500 (black, Verizon Wireless)

Pros: pic/video quality, signal, features, design

Cons: low battery life, touchy softkeys, not so great for texting

Summary: After a few days of getting used to the chocolate, I am now a convert. I graduated from another LG that was a little more friendly for texting, but the chocolate definitely has it beat in the picture/video category. The quality is the best I've seen on a cell so far. The keypad is a bit small and even as a female I often hit duplicate numbers/letters when dialing/typing. Once you get it down, however, it's no big deal. The softkeys are a bit sensitive, even with the sensitivity turned down, and it takes some time to get used to navigating. All the reviews I have read claim that the chocolate does not have a speakerphone but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it in fact DOES, even though that is a feature that I hardly ever use. It is simple to employ and is oulined in the user guide so I am confused as to why so many claim there is none on this phone. I love the design although you will be constantly cleaning it to keep up its sleek look if you aren't using a bluetooth or headset. The battery life is disappointingly low, and I saw no alternative battery offered when I bought mine intially, but I guess that's the price you pay. Be ready to never have it in your hands when you are around others, as everyone I see wants to see, touch, look at, play with, and experiment with mine.