Screen

Measuring 128 x 160 px, the LG F9100's STN (Super Twisted Nematic) screen can display up to 65K colors. Being STN, rather than TFT (Thin Film Transistor), the F9100's LCD has slightly slower refresh rates due to the need to scan each pixel location.

However, since the device is doesn't need fast responding features, and is meant for primarily for text messaging, there is no need for TFT. LG's choice of using STN is probably advantageous, not consuming as much power, and prolonging battery life.

The screen also has the unique ability to operate in two viewing angles. With the F9100 closed, the LCD displays in a portrait format, much like standard devices. But when the QWERTY keyboard extended, the F9100's screen automatically switches to a landscape view; allowing for easier text messaging and chatting with a wider display.

Audio

Supporting SMAF, SMF, MIDI polyphonic file formats, the LG F9100 has the ability to play polyphonic ringtones. With MIDI, a description much like sheet music enables a local synthesizer to play tones from the file instructions.

The more simultaneous chords overlaid, the more realistic and harmonious the sounds. Users can also compose, edit, and send melodies by using sound synthesizer programs.

Messaging

Sliding the QWERTY keyboard out activates the F9100's messaging features, supporting SMS (Short Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), and MMS (Multimedia Message Service) for limits of 918 characters and maximum file sizes of 64 KB and each.

With EMS users can format their messages with attributes such as style, size, alignment, and paragraphs, while MMS goes one step further by allowing users to add images, sounds, videos, and time-based sequencing.

Great for sending multimedia birthday greetings or vacation postcard messages, the F9100 allows users the versatility to combine pictures with text messaging creativity. Unfortunately, with the lack of a built-in digital camera, users will not have the ability to capture impromptu moments with their phone.

With T9 predictive text messages can be typed quicker as well. Instead of having to press keys several times for a letter, the F9100 chooses from a dictionary of words and phrases and anticipate what is being written.

Supporting the latest instant messaging platforms, the F9100 also allows users to log into AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, ICQ, and even Cingular's own proprietary chat software. As the main attraction of the F9100, being labeled the instant messaging phone, the F9100 provides unparalleled communication options to keeping in touch with friends and family no matter where users are in the world.

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