In 2004 Verizon introduced their EV-DO 3G data business services to select markets in the US. Months later at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show, they finally rolled out their first 3G consumer offering, named VCAST. For $15 per month, Verizon's VCAST service offers an unlimited number of streaming video clip downloads over their high-speed EV-DO network. The user gets access to daily updated content from news organizations such as CNN, CNBC, and ESPN as well as entertainment content from the likes of Comedy Central and others. If you live in one of the markets covered by their EV-DO 3G service, then you can get this on your mobile phone.
Click image to see full-size photo shot with auto white balance and macro lens setting. |
Click image to see full-size photo shot with manually set white balance and the normal lens setting. |
Of course, you need an EV-DO cell phone such as the LG VX8000 to view VCAST content. The VX8000 was the first handset to be launched with the VCAST service, and was the star of Verizon's VCAST launch event. It is a somewhat large clamshell handset that comes equipped with a 1.3 megapixel camera with a macro lens setting for close-up photography. The camera takes photos that range anywhere from decent to very good in quality, depending on lighting conditions and settings (try out the manual White Balance settings). The VX8000 can also record 14 second long video clips that are also typically quite nice. Photos and videos can be painlessly uploaded to Verizon's PixPlace website, though the photos will be greatly reduced in resolution, or they can be easily sent to any internet email address. Sending a photo to an email address is the only way to get a full resolution 1.3 megapixel photo off of the VX8000, since it has no IR, Bluetooth, or data cable.
The photos and videos you take will look great on the VX8000, thanks to its dual 262k color displays. The main 2.2" display is very colorful and clear, and the unusually large 128x160 pixel external display is equally nice. The external display serves as the camera's viewfinder when you have the phone closed, allowing you to record perfectly centered photos and video clips of yourself. The controls under the display and the volume rocker allow you to navigate through your photos with the phone closed, which is handy.
The VX8000 has a very well laid out keypad, with large buttons that are as easy to read as to use. The 5-way directional-pad controller is also large, and has a nice big OK button in the middle for selecting things in the VX8000's menus. The user interface is consistent and simple to use, but has some organizational issues thanks to Verizon's desire to drive people towards their Get It Now download services (which typically costs extra). In their defense, Verizon does offer a wide selection of ringtones from various partners, and has some of the best 3D games I have seen on a mobile phone to date.
As far as doing normal phone things go, the VX8000 has pretty good reception, decent audio quality, and a simply fantastic speakerphone. The speakerphone is probably the best I have ever tested. Battery life is probably going to be an issue for most people, though. 4.5 hours of talk time is decent, but the standby time is rarely much more than two days with no calls being made, and that is unacceptable. Best to opt for the extended battery, which will provide 50% more power.
The VX8000 is a solid phone. Verizon's VCAST service will provide you with timely news and some entertainment, but might be a bit expensive for most people at this time - though it is sure to get cheaper eventually. The VX8000's camera is very nice, as are its dual displays. If nothing else, the VX8000 will let you be the first kid on the block with a 3G phone.
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