Messaging Phones Compared - LG Lotus
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Sometimes it seems as though LG release a new cell phone almost daily. The range has grown so extensive that choosing one for review can be something of a challenge in itself. However, thanks to its innovative layout and feature set, the Red Dot Design Award-winning Lotus stands out among messaging phones.
Unlike most such phones, the Lotus is a clam-shell design. The arrangement works surprisingly well for this kind of gadget, and is an approach other manufacturers are sure to follow, not least because it offers complete protection to the screen and keyboard when tucked in a pocket or bag.
When closed, the Lotus forms a compact, almost-square box that fits neatly in the hand and looks incredibly classy, with the mini-screen that has become standard on clam-shell phones set into a smart satin black casing This screen displays the time and status information, and can double up as a self-portrait viewfinder. The outer casing also cleverly conceals three dedicated music player controls in a silver strip just below the mini screen.
The phone opens to reveal the eye-catching 2.4 inch main screen and equally attractive QWERTY keyboard with its large, clearly marked keys, color-identified numeric pad, and dedicated Function and Symbol keys. Both are so compelling that it's difficult to know which to look at first. The wide, bright display is good enough to actually enjoy watching video on, while the tactile, positive keyboard is well spaced out, making it one of the friendlier keyboards for big hands in its class. The 2.0 megapixel camera completes the main hardware features.
Like the Nokia E71, the Lotus turns out to be a little more than a simple messaging phone, although it still falls some way short of smartphone territory. Among the included software titles are the ubiquitous calendar, alarm clock, notepad, calculator and voice recorder. Email and instant messaging support are provided, as are a mobile web browser, document viewer, and a decent selection of games, including Guitar Hero III.
Overall we were seriously impressed by LG's Lotus. Although we could quibble a little about the occasionally sluggish performance, the only real down side to this device is the price. At around $150 under a two-year contract from service provider Sprint, it's considerably more expensive than everything else in this roundup except the Nokia. Then again, quality always comes at a price, and quality is one thing that this phone certainly isn't short of.
Verdict: High end design at a price.
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