An upgrade to the popular VX8300, the LG VX8350 slims down the clamshell design by doing away with the external antenna, but it keeps the external LCD and music playback control buttons. And you'll need those because this phone is compatible with Verizon's V Cast Music Service, which enables you to purchase songs through your phone and download them via Verizon's fast EV-DO data network. Other features include integrated dual speakers, Bluetooth connectivity for stereo music streaming, 1.3-megapixel camera with video capabilities, voice dialing, and MicroSD memory card expansion.
Verizon Service OptionsWith support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon's multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. The V Cast Music service enables you to download songs instantly to your phone, or purchase music through your PC and transfer the files to your phone. If purchased from your phone, you'll receive two copies of the song: a Windows Media Audio Pro Plus format at 64Kbps stereo is sent to your phone, and a Windows Media Audio 9 format at 160Kbps stereo is sent to your account in the V CAST Music online store for downloading to your PC. V Cast Music offers nearly 2 million songs, with more being added all the time.
With the V Cast Video service, you can stream or download video clips to your phone from a variety of news, entertainment, sports, and weather channels, including CNN, ABC News, E!, CBS Sports, The Weather Channel, and VH1.
Getting on the Internet is easy using Verizon's Mobile Web 2.0 package, which allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages and view your favorite web content on your phone. Verizon's Get It Now wireless download service is also fully compatible with this phone. This pay-per-download service features application downloads, games and productivity tools. You can also personalize your handset with ringtone downloads using the Get It Now service.
With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access Verizon's VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps. And Verizon's Chaperone service lets you easily locate your loved ones from your Verizon Wireless phone or PC in real time. After defining a zone, such as an area designating a school or summer camp, you'll be sent an alert via text message when the Chaperone handset enters or leaves the zone.
Phone Features
The VX8350 features a traditional clamshell design with a large 176 x 220-pixel internal color display with support for 256K, as well as an external TFT LCD with a 96 x 96-pixel resolution (for displaying incoming call information, battery life, signal strength, graphics, photos and more). Music playback control keys are also located on the front cover. Most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's backlit control pad.
The VX8350's built-in address book can store up to 500 contacts for quick and easy management of phone numbers and email addresses. Meanwhile, a speed dialing feature allows you to dial up to 99 numbers virtually instantaneously. The phone comes with built-in polyphonic ringtones plus a vibrating alert. More ringtones can be downloaded via Verizon's Get It Now service. Ringtones can be assigned to specific callers so you don't have to look at the phone to know who's calling, or you can match pictures with callers to identify them.
This phone provides Bluetooth version 1.1 wireless connectivity, and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and audio/video remote control. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server. This phone also provides USB mass storage capabilities for saving and transferring your most important files from PC to PC.
The 1.3-megapixel camera offers three resolution modes (1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240) and includes a self-timer, night mode, and brightness/white balance controls. It also records video clips (176 x 144 pixels) from 30 seconds (for sending via MMS) or up to 1 hour (for saving to memory card). You can also set videos under 5 MB in size as your screen's wallpaper.
The phone also sports an airplane mode feature, which allows the user to safely use the non-wireless functions of a phone (such as music, games, or organizer functions) on an airplane during flight. Other features include:
- Up to 1000 contact entries with up to five numbers and picture ID for each entry
- MP3 and WMA music file compatibility; synchronize music from PC to phone
- Voice memo recording up to 1 hour; record phone calls up to 5 minutes in length
- 2.5mm headphone jack
- One-touch speakerphone
- Voice Clarity--auto adjust voice based on surrounding noise level
- Hearing Aid Compatibility: M4/T4
- Calendar, alarm clock, calculator
- Java-based games
- 72-chord polyphonic ringtones
- WAP web browser
Vital Statistics
The LG VX8350 weighs 3.3 ounces and measures 3.73 x 1.97 x 0.87 inches. Its 1000 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.5 hours of talk time, and up to 210 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the CDMA 850/1900 frequencies and Verizon's EV-DO data network.