Internet

The Xenon connects to the internet using high-speed, 3G technology with download rates of up to 3.6Mbps. This superfast connection lets AT&T subscribers download video and music painlessly and stay connected to the Internet and email accounts through the company's MEdiaNet service.

AT&T has been working to upgrade its 3G service, but there are still pockets of the country in rural areas that aren't covered. Users should consult the coverage map on AT&T's website to make sure their most-traveled areas are covered.

The phone's has a full HTML browser, via AT&T's MEdiaNet application. Users can visit any URL on the Web and open multiple pages at once.

While this function is definitely a bonus, the browser screen is so small that reading from it quickly becomes a disjointed experience. Even though the Xenon provides a magnifying glass for zooming, and scrolls in any direction to different parts of the page, users will easily grow frustrated after squinting at the small screen for any length of time.

Storage

Although the Xenon is hard-wired to shoot up to one hour of video, it only comes with a measly 80MB of internal memory.

To take advantage of the multimedia capabilities, users will want to buy at least one 16GB microSD card (sold separately).

The Xenon makes transferring files easy with USB connectivity to transfer files between the phone and a PC.

Compared to the iPhone, which limits users to an internal flash drive of 8 or 16GB, having a removable memory card of up to 16GB increases the phone's storage exponentially, and makes it easier to access songs or videos on the go.

The microSD port is conveniently located on the right edge of the phone.

Connectivity

The Xenon covers all bases when it comes to connectivity and can connect to up to 20 Bluetooth peripherals. Users can listen to music and take calls on a stereo Bluetooth headphones, transfer files to other handsets using OPP (Object Push Profile) technology, connect with car kits and headsets, and even use it as a laptop modem.

Conclusion

With its large, colorful touch screen, 3G high-speed Internet and full slide-out keyboard, the Xenon is a good choice for consumers who like the iPhone but don't want to give up the ease of typing on real keys.

And unlike the iPhone it can also send MMS messages and record video.

However, the Xenon should not be considered a smartphone. It lacks robust application support, Wi-Fi access, and document reading and editing that BlackBerry and iPhone devices are capable of.

That said, the Xenon is rich in multimedia options, from streaming video and radio to music, video and game downloads. And its 2.0-megapixel camera and camcorder includes a flash and shoots decent snaps on the go.

With an extra 16GB microSD cards, users will be able to carry around a full library of video and music without the hassle of connecting to a computer for additional files.

At half the price of the iPhone, the LG is good choice for users who want a multimedia and text messaging device without the need of a smartphone.

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