Introduction

Harnessing the power of Cingular's new UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network, the LG CU320 takes advantage of broadband speeds to access streaming content through Cingular Video service. Featuring entertainment, news, and sports information from today's leading media networks, the CU320 can download streaming clips at speeds of up to 220-320 kbps.

Tri-band GSM support and dual-band UMTS technology lets travelers take the CU320 worldwide. With 3G prevalent in much of Europe and Asia, the CU320 leverages global standards, connecting to wherever GSM or UMTS networks are available.

As part of the new lineup in Cingular's 3G network, the CU320 integrates broadband technology with multimedia, offering a 1.3-megapixel rotating camera, Bluetooth wireless technology, and a TransFlash memory card slot. Users can multitask with data and voice simultaneously such as holding a conversation with a friend while checking the latest movie listings. Combining entertainment and productivity, the CU320 is a formidable package for technology enthusiasts looking to take one device when traveling around the world.

Design

Contrary to the edgy razor-thin clamshells sweeping the market, the CU320 has unusually rounded shape. In fact everything from the casing to the camera lens and even the navigational keypad and shortcut keys are curved, giving a relaxed feel some consumers may not find appealing.

Measuring 97 x 48 x 24 mm and weighing 122 g, the CU320 is also slightly larger and heavier than most devices on the market, offering more bulk to carry around. But then again, the CU320 was designed for a different type of user, those who value functionality over form.

Displaying a brilliant 2-inch LCD, users can view essential information such as network status, time, and battery levels in 262K-colors, also providing indications for incoming calls and messages alerts.

Above, a built-in 1.3-megapixel camera captures photos from front to back, rotating about a 180-degree vertical range. Snapping images with the viewfinder pointed in the same or opposite direction of the lens, awkward angles, self-portraits, or group shots are as simple as turning the lens.

Surrounded by Send, End / Power, Clear, and Left and Right shortcut keys, the 5-way directional keypad also doubles as quick keys to open messages or launch the WAP browser (when held down).

On the left, side keys to control the ringtone and speaker volumes during standby and calls are nearby a TransFlash expansion slot, able to accept cards up to 512 MB in size. Above a headset jack offers handsfree access with optional headphones. On the right, a dedicated Camera Key activates the lens, while a Task Menu Key quickly accesses saved or managed errands. Sliding open to reveal the numeric keypad, the CU320 offers comfortable text messaging or chatting aided by T9 predictive text.

Out of the box, the LG CU320 comes with a standard 1000 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Travel Charger, Quick Start Guide, and User Manual.

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