Choosing the Right LG Chocolate Phone

Choosing the Right LG Chocolate Phone

Functionally, all of the LG Chocolate phones that you will encounter will be very similar. They all sport the same 1.3 megapixel camera (at least for the time being), as well as integrated multimedia functionality, and Bluetooth Technology, but there are several distinct differences. Moreover, if you're tied down to a particular service provider, especially one running a CDMA-based network, your options may be more restricted.

Verizon Wireless Chocolate

Verizon Wireless was the first North American mobile operator to pick up the delicious Chocolate Phone from LG Electronics. They have since gone on to expand their offerings beyond that initial release. To date, they have at least three variations of this phone, all of which go for around the same price (currently $130 with contract, though you should definitely check with your local Verizon dealer for details).

Reading their specification sheets, you will notice that they are all nearly identical. All boast V CAST Music and V CAST Video capabilities, a dedicated music player, a powerful speaker, dedicated music keys, music only mode (turning off all cellular connectivity), Bluetooth 1.1 (including stereo support), 800/1900 CDMA, high speed EV-DO, and more.

• VX8500: Sold in most markets as simply the LG Chocolate Phone, this was the one that started it all (in North America, at least), complete with microSD expansion. The large round navigation wheel on the front is clearly reminiscent of an Apple iPod.

• White Chocolate: There appears to be a growing trend toward white electronics, be it the Nintendo DS Lite, Apple iPod, or in this case, a musicphone. The white variant is functionally identical to its darker cousin. Down the road, there are rumors of red and green renditions as well. How festive.

• VX8600: If you're not a big fan of the slider form factor and prefer to own a flip phone, then this is the Chocolate for you. Functions are on par with its sliding compatriots, but only in a clamshell form.

LG Chocolate with Telus Mobility

Just as Verizon Wireless was the first to receive the LG Chocolate Phone in the United States, Telus Mobility was the first to get it in Canada. The Telus version is nearly identical to the Verizon offering, both in style and in function. As such, it has the same circular wheel on the front, slider form factor, and so forth.

Rogers Wireless Can't Resist

To my knowledge, Rogers Wireless is the first GSM service provider to carry this ubiquitous handset. It is notably different from the Telus and Verizon handsets, however. Rogers Wireless carries the TG800, a quad-band (850/900/1800/1900) variant to the tri-band (900/1800/1900) KG800 sold overseas. What this means is there is more of a rectangular, minimalist navigator on the front fascia instead of the circular one.

Many people find this look much more attractive, but it comes at a price. Although it is still consider an MP3 phone, complete with external touch-sensitive music controls, there is no memory card expansion slot. What this means is that you are limited to just 128MB of internal memory.

Other LG Chocolate Phones

It is in their native Korea where you will find the largest variety of LG Chocolate phones. The original handset is a CDMA phone that works only in Korea. As such, it is of no use to anyone outside of that country, unless you can convince your CDMA operator to activate it (most will refuse).

That is why when LG issued a GSM version -- the KG800 -- that it really caught on in worldwide appeal. Functionally identical to the original, the KG800 boasts a 1.3 megapixel camera, music player, slider form factor, and external controls, but only 128MB of internal memory. It is available through a number of importers

More recently, we have seen the emergence of the Platinum LG Chocolate phone, also known as the KE800. It recently received FCC approval, so you should be able to get it from your favorite cell phone importer some time soon. Key specs include 256MB of internal memory, microSD expansion, GPRS/EDGE, a 2 megapixel camera, and an FM radio.