Introduction

AT&T's LG Xenon is the latest touch screen device to feature iPhone-like capabilities -- except it has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard for more convenient typing. Similar to the LG Rumor for Sprint and the LG Voyager for Verizon, its closest relative among AT&T phones is the Samsung Impression.

LG Xenon

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The handset has a colorful, 2.8-inch display that switches between portrait and landscape view for widescreen Internet browsing, text messaging or video watching from AT&T's Mobile TV service. The touch screen also includes a slight vibrating feedback to lets users know when a command has been activated.

The Xenon combines versatile messaging with a fast 3G connectivity -- serving as a multimedia hub for AT&T music services, games, XM radio, email and instant messaging. A built-in music player supports MP3, WMA, AAC, and AAC+ files with customizable equalizer and visualization.

An integrated 2.0-megapixel camera snaps, edits and sends pictures and video quickly over HSDPA high-speed Internet access.

Additional features include Bluetooth connectivity, voice-activated calling, optional GPS navigation, a microSD memory port that supports up to 16GB of storage and a USB port to transfer files to and from a computer.

Design

The Xenon is a sleek device -- offered in black, red and blue -- with a chrome racing strip along its edges. It fits solidly in the palm of the hand, weighing nearly 4 oz., and measuring 4.16 inches high by 2.11 inches wide by 0.62 inches thick.

With the handset closed, users can call, browse the Web and take photos and video.

The home screen can be personalized, and includes four dedicated icons for dialing, contacts, messaging and menus. When a touch screen button is pressed, the screen responds with a slight vibration.

Three physical buttons on the bottom of the phone offer basic access to the power/end call, send and multitasking functions.

On the right side, a designated camera button activates the lens. Above the camera key, a lock button stops the phone from accidentally calling out. The top right side has a microSD port that accepts memory cards up to 16GB.

The charger/USB port/headset connector is on the top of the phone, while the left side has the up/down keys for controlling music and call volume.

The four-row QWERTY keyboard glides out on the left hand side. Users can rotate the phone 90 degrees to a horizontal position and start text messaging.

It has dedicated keys for text, email and emoticons, and special text keys such as a ".com" button.

The integrated 2.0-megapixel camera lens is located on the back but does not include a mirror for self-portraits.

Out of the box, the LG Xenon comes with a standard 1000 Li-Ion battery, power cable and user guide. The battery life is rated at four hours talk time and 11 days in standby time.

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