While we're used to seeing QWERTY candybars designed for business users, the LG GW300 differentiates itself by going after the teens and tweens in the crowd. Rather than look like a campy number straight out of a Hannah Montana dream sequence, though, it appears decidedly mature, all while retaining qualities that the younger ones can appreciate.
Physically, the device's form factor makes it look more full-featured than it actually is (there's nothing here that will make you want to trade up from your Blackberry). It features a four-row QWERTY keyboard that's surprisingly comfortable to use. While it looks cramped, it's actually easy to type in and is very accurate. The 2.4-inch display (320 x 240 resolution) facilitates bright colors and sharp lines, all while managing to work very well even under direct sunlight. Both the size and weight are perfect for the form factor.
As a phone, the GW300 manages excellent-sounding calls, with no quality or reception issues. It also supports both smart dialing and speed dial. Speakerphone is similarly good, managing to rank up in quality with the best ones we've tried. Battery is rated for five hours of talk time, which should be enough for a day or more of use, since it's strictly a call and text phone (with very limited battery-draining additions).
There's no 3G or Wi-Fi here, so forget about a satisfactory broadband experience. There's a WAP browser on board, though, in case you need to connect online via EDGE. You'll likely love LG's Livesquare interface for feature phones, which they used here. It's very useful and would be a great UI for a more powerful handset.
Messaging is the order of the day for this phone, which comes with threaded views, MMS, both POP3 and IMAP4 emails and SSL support. There's no attachment viewer, though. LG knows the teenies love Facebook and this phone comes with a Java app that gives you exactly that. You get access to pretty much anything that doesn't eat too much bandwidth (i.e. games) and you can leave it running in the background indefinitely.
There aren't many features here, apart from the most essential. There's a basic music player with respectable audio quality, an FM radio (but no RDS) and a 2.0 megapixel camera (rather poor quality, with very few settings). Other features include stereo Bluetooth and a hot-swappable microSD port.
The LG GW300 is a cheap phone (between $200 to $250 unlocked, depending on where you buy). While it looks good externally, it's very much lacking in features. Still, for those whose sole use for a phone are messaging, voice calls and Facebook, you'll have all that working brilliantly.
LG GW300 Delivers Great Voice Calls, Excellent Messaging And Always-On Facebook Appunratednoel2010-01-09 23:22:31
Phone ReviewsLG GW300 Delivers Great Voice Calls, Excellent Messaging And Always-On Facebook App
The Samsung Corby has easily proved to be one of the most successful entry-level touchscreen handsets aimed at younger users. With the new Samsung CorbyTXT B3210, the company is hoping to replicate the same results in an adjacent category: candybar messagers.
Physically, the new handset sports that familiar Blackberry design with a screen on top and a full QWERTY keypad at the lower half. The rear panel embraces the customizable spirit of the Corby, though, and can be replaced with other colorful snap-on cases. It's slightly bulkier than its touchscreen brethren but remains easily pocketable and comfortable in hand.
The screen is quite small at 2.2 inches, with a rather low resolution of only 220 x 176 pixels. As you can imagine, much of the images can appear pixelated with such low amount of details. The keyboard is a little cramped, but should be comfortable once you get the hang of it (and that slanted style does require some getting used to).
As a phone, the CorbyTXT manages average quality of calls, with good volume and easily-discernible voices. Speakerphone has plenty of loudness, though the resulting audio is a little too sharp. Battery is good for up to 7.5 hours of talk time, which should see it last at least two days under normal use.
Geared towards young users, the UI is simple but attractive. It sports a customizable homescreen that you can fill with up to 15 of your most often-used icons. All basic phone features are here, including PIM tools, a few preloaded apps and solid messaging capabilities. Notable messaging niceties include threaded views, automatic email setup and push support.
Since it lacks support for either 3G or Wi-Fi, web surfing isn't the most ideal use for this device. That's why there's barely any integration with social networks too. If you want a Facebook or Twitter phone, better find something else.
It comes with a 2.0 megapixel camera that takes average quality shots without a lot of editing options. The music player is pretty good, though, with above average audio quality. Other features include stereo Bluetooth, FM radio and microSD expansion.
Overall, the Samsung CorbyTXT B3210 isn't anything to get excited about. In fact, we believe Samsung should overhaul their UI for non-touchscreen feature phones - it's just not that good. Just get it somewhere near what they're doing with TouchWiz and we'll be happy. At its price (around $230 unlocked), it's not a bad offer - just not a very satisfying one.
Samsung CorbyTXT B3210 Is A Good Messaging Phone, Not So Good Anywhere Elseunratednoel2010-01-05 10:41:06
Phone ReviewsSamsung CorbyTXT B3210 Is A Good Messaging Phone, Not So Good Anywhere Else
The Cricket MSGM8 (aka Message Mate) is a basic candybar messager with a good set of entry-level features. As you may have guessed, it's as far as you can get from a high-end phone. If you're looking for a decent entry-level handset, though, it may just fit the bill.
Physically, it's actually not that bad-looking. It's designed as a straightforward QWERTY phone - straight lines, rounded corners and soft-touch plastic build. There's not much to either rave about or hate - it's a comfortable device with a good feel in the hand.
Display is a bright 2.2-inch LCD, with excellent colors and sharp lines. The two keys right below the display are a little skinny to be really useful, although the rest of the navigation array is good (if a little flat). Typing messages is obviously aided by the QWERTY keypad, although they could have definitely made the keys a little less narrow. Regardless, we like the layout, especially the dedicated keys (messaging and calendar) included.
As a phone, the MSGM8 makes for very good calls, especially in areas where Cricket's coverage is strong. Voices go through loud and clear, despite a bit of static that finds its way through at times. The speakerphone adds a heavy echo, though. Battery life is rated at five hours of talk time, which is about standard for an entry-level messaging handset.
The feature set reflects the largely basic configuration. There's the usual fare - 1,000 entry phonebook, PIM tools and a decent messaging suite (SMS, MMS, IM and email). More advanced features include a 1.3 megapixel camera (disappointing quality), stereo Bluetooth and a wireless web browser, as well as a few apps and games.
Overall, the Cricket MSGM8 is just as you'd expect - an unabashedly basic messaging phone. If that's all you need, however, it could prove a viable alternative, especially at the $119.99 price without a contract.
Cricket MSGM8 Is A Basic Candybar Messager With Great Price And Decent Set Of Featuresunratednoel2009-12-19 12:10:52
Phone ReviewsCricket MSGM8 Is A Basic Candybar Messager With Great Price And Decent Set Of Features
The Sanyo SCP-6760 Incognito is configured in the same manner as the Pantech Impact we reviewed before. Outside, the clamshell sports touch-sensitive controls and a small monochrome display; once opened from the side hinge, it turns up a full QWERTY keyboard with a larger screen.
Physically, the Pantech appears the flashier choice. There's something to be said about the understated aesthetics of the Incognito, though. In fact, I like it just a tad more, especially with its solid construction and sturdy hinge mechanism. While I don't like the outer controls (actually, I hate it), the inside panel tilts a little more on my good side. The 2.6-inch display (320x240 pixels) is bright and crisp, while the keypad feels spacious and comfortable to use.
As a phone, it's a pretty good performer. Voice calls come through loud and clear, with nary a hitch during conversations. Same can't be said about the speakerphone, however, which, to put it mildly, is quite bad. Overall phone speed is good, while the 3G connection is about average for current handsets. Battery life is rated at 5.1 hours of talk time, which should easily net you two days or more of regular use.
The Incognito comes with the usual set of phone capabilities, including a 600-contact address book, well-rounded messaging support (threaded messaging, IM and email - both POP3 and IMAP4) and some PIM tools. There's also a GPS, including support for Sprint's various location-based services.
It comes with a 2.0 megapixel camera that offers a good amount of options, along with average photo quality. As a 3G phone, it supports Sprint's wide range of broadband services, which include TV programming, music and movies. Unfortunately, they only stocked it with a WAP browser, though, so surfing experience can be a bit limited.
Like many current Sanyo phones, the Sanyo SCP-6760 Incognito isn't bad. It just isn't especially notable either, fancy front panel notwithstanding. What it really uses to bait you in is the price - only $49 on contract after a $50 rebate, which is a real winner for a phone with its feature set (not to mention, relatively good looks).
Sanyo SCP-6760 Incognito Boasts Fancy Clamshell Design, Well-Rounded Messaging Features, Low Priceunratednoel2009-12-10 11:29:28
Phone ReviewsSanyo SCP-6760 Incognito Boasts Fancy Clamshell Design, Well-Rounded Messaging Features, Low Price
As a source of unusual cellphone designs, Pantech has been nothing but consistent. The same holds true with their latest messaging handset, the Pantech Impact.
Sporting a clamshell form factor that opens sideways, this is a phone that really has a style all its own. The outer face comes with a small 1.5-inch screen and impressive, touch-sensitive OLED controls that include a T9-style keypad with haptic feedback. Once lit, the whole thing looks stunning. You have limited menu access from the outer monochrome display, but you can do the basics, such as text and make calls.
When flipped open, it reveals a full QWERTY keyboard and a 2.6-inch LCD (240 x 400 pixels). Display quality is excellent and the keypad performs great. It's a little cramped and doesn't look half as enthralling as the outer panel, but it does offer great usability.
As a phone, the Impact manages decent call quality. There's a bit of noticeable background noise, although voices came through loud and clear. Speakerphone adds some echo, but everything comes through clearly both ways. The phone runs quite nicely on the hardware set, with satisfactory 3G speeds. Battery life is rated at around five hours of talk time.
The Pantech Impact comes with all the basic messaging phone niceties, including a 1000-entry phonebook, full messaging suite (SMS, MMS, IM, POP and IMAP mail) and the usual standard features. A particularly noteworthy addition is the Opera-based full HTML browser, which is quite speedy and offers a few decent options. Zooming is limited to two levels, though, and you'll have to bring up a new screen just to type in a new URL.
A capable media phone, it boasts decent stereo speakers, managing better than usual music output. The music player is rather standard, though. Armed with 3G, it comes with full support for AT&T's range of streaming services, which includes, videos, music, XM radio and song downloads. It comes with a largely nominal 2.0 megapixel camera, which takes rather mediocre pictures (very dull, overcast colors). There's also an onboard GPS and microSD card support (up to 32GB).
Overall, the Pantech Impact is a respectable messaging phone. There's not much here you can't find from many similarly-priced feature handsets, but the striking looks just might be able to sway you. AT&T has it for $99.99 on contract.
Pantech Impact Brings Unusual Design, Striking Looks, Respectable Featuresunratednoel2009-12-04 11:45:06
Phone ReviewsPantech Impact Brings Unusual Design, Striking Looks, Respectable Features
