LG Chocolate Review - Introduction and Design

Reviewed by: Allen Tsai - Aug 11, 2006

Introduction

Selling more than one million units globally in just eight weeks, the LG Chocolate has become a worldwide phenomenon. Having already enjoying significant sales success in South Korea (and winning two global design awards for its innovative design), the decision was made to introduce the phone in other international markets including the U.S. Not since the Motorola RAZR has there been a handheld that garnered so much attention and anticipation.

Newly released for Verizon Wireless, the delectable Chocolate features an ultra-thin minimalist slider design. Integrating features users have come to expect, it includes VCAST Video and Music, a 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth capabilities, a microSD memory expansion slot, and access to VZ Navigator and turn-by-turn navigation with audible voice directions. Ranging from the touch sensitive glowing red keypad to the high resolution LCD screen, the LG Chocolate gives users the chance to redefine the parameters of style.

Officially debuted in London, the Chocolate continued its tour to China, Russia, Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey, Iran and U.A.E., sparking a buzz among trendsetters and socialites in every fashion capital. Whether it whets the palates of the North American market is yet to be seen. But if past sales trends are any indication of future forecasts, the Chocolate may just be the phone of 2006.

Design

The LG Chocolate is a work of art with its ultra-thin minimalist style and sleek slide design. At first sight, people may confuse the Chocolate for a dark-colored iPod. Offering similar design elements, the boxy exterior houses a large 262K-color LCD and circular keypad.

LG Chocolate Closed But unlike the Apple's portable music player, the Chocolate features an innovative hidden display. And not to be confused with buttons, the Chocolate's keypad responds to a gentle touch, glowing red when activated and becomes 'invisible' when not in use. While circular in design, the 5-Way Keypad is unable to scroll like the iPod.

Volume and Voice Command Keys and the Charger Port are positioned on the left side, while the Camera and Power On / Off Keys are located on the right with the Music Key and microSD expansion card slot nearby.

Slid open, the numeric keypad is revealed along with the 1.3-megapixel camera lens on the back. Able to snap photos up to 1280 x 960 px, positioning the lens on the top half of the slide protects the lens when the Chocolate is closed. On the bottom half, carrying holes allow users to attach a hand strap.

LG's attention to aesthetics is truly amazing. When closed, the Chocolate's 'hidden' display and touchpad are virtually invisible. The minimalist design is brought to life with one push of the thumb, suddenly illuminating the brilliant LCD and touchpad with a glowing red hue, sure to turn heads in a crowded area. Seeing nothing like this on handhelds in the past, the Chocolate's innovative style and unorthodox design elements are sure to be popular.

Out of the box, the LG Chocolate comes with a Standard 800 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Travel Charger, Headset Adapter, and User Manual.

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