As stated previously, the LG Migo VX1000 can call only the four phone numbers as entered in the contacts list. To dial, you simply press the corresponding numbered key, then press the Talk button to place the call. Parents will be glad to know that the phone book is password protected, so even if the kiddies want to change a number, add a new contact, or dial a new number, they'll be stymied. Curiously, though, the password is set by the manufacturer and cannot be changed. It's also printed in the manual, so be sure that's hidden away from spying eyes.
It is important to note that the LG Migo VX1000 can receive calls from anyone, so even if the number isn't stored in the phone book, the handset will ring. That may be a good or a bad thing, depending on your perspective, but it's a point worth noting. Other parental controls are limited as well. You can't limit the phone's use by time of day, nor can you limit the length of a call.
Verizon does, however, offer a Chaperone service that makes use of the Migo's GPS capabilities. The Chaperone service consists of a Child Locator that lets parents track their children via the Chaperone Web site or via a downloadable Chaperone application to their Verizon phone. Parents simply request the Migo's location, and they will receive a map showing where it is. They can also program the phone's automatic calling buttons and customize the phone's settings over the air. In addition to Chaperone, Verizon has a Child Zone service that allows parents to designate child-safe areas for their child (say a playground) and whenever the child leaves that area, it will alert them via a text message.
Unlike the TicTalk, the Migo has no games or entertainment options. We would have preferred a couple of options, but we liked that it came with six colored lanyards, three of which have clips for a backpack or a belt. The Migo also comes with a number of stickers that kids can apply to the phone. Not surprisingly, the phone doesn't support wallpaper, and we were a bit annoyed with the vibrate option. Similar to the Kyocera Switch Back, it functions only at the highest ring-volume level or if the ringer is silenced completely. And speaking of ring tones, the Migo comes with 10 polyphonic (32-chord) ring tones that can be set to identify callers in the phone book. However, kids won't be able to download new tones.
We tested the dual-band (CDMA 800/900) LG Migo VX1000 in San Francisco using the Verizon Wireless service. Call quality was serviceable, but there was a noted echo effect, and audio was patchy at times. Volume was sufficient, and the speakerphone was functional as well. We had more trouble in noisy environments, but call quality should be fine for the phone's limited use. We used the Chaperone service via the Web site and the LG VX8100, one of the many Verizon phones that supports Chaperone. The Chaperone service was quite handy and very easy to use, and we were able to locate the Migo quickly and efficiently with the user-friendly map. Battery life is rated at 3 hours of talk time and 9.5 days of standby time. According to FCC radiation tests, the Migo has a digital SAR rating of 1.24 watts per kilogram.
What You'll Pay
- Set Price Alert
