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LG GC900 Viewty Smart
Hi-res camphone at not so high a price
LG's File Manager syncing software worked efficiently and intuitively enough, but it doesn't allow you to create new files from within the software, and transfer speeds left something to be desired – a 20MB video file took a full two and half minutes to load. Incidentally, there's a reasonable 1.5GB of onboard memory, but you can add up to 32GB more via microSD card, although there's no card supplied.
Media transfer times leave room for improvement
POP3 email accounts were easy to set up and while you can key in messages using the numeric keypad and T9 predictive text, by spinning it on its side, it automatically brings up a Qwerty keyboard. When you press the keys the number is highlighted with a tab, very like the iPhone. There's also the option of a little buzz of haptic feedback and audible clicks to help with typing.
The Viewty Smart claims up to 300hrs standby and 5.5hrs of talktime and in practise we got a little over two days of moderate use, with some web browsing over Wi-Fi, some music playing and a bit of video watching.
Verdict
The 8Mp camera has tended to be reserved for high-end phones, but with LG already promising a 12Mp camphone, this image resolution now appears on what is supposed to be a mid-price handset. There's no obvious skimping on ability – the camera is very impressive, viewing video and listening to music were both great when using decent headphones, and the browser too is a sound one. Overall, this is an impressively stylish and capable phone with an exceptional camera for a very reasonable price. ®
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