Review: Tasty Looking LG KG800 Chocolate

LG KG800

LG KG800

LG KG800

Introduction

When the original 'Chocolate' phone for Korea was announced by LG, it immediately became an object of lust for those that lived both inside and outside the market. Thankfully, LG decided to launch a GSM version of the device, dubbed the KG800, which has been slated for release worldwide (yes, even in the US). The conversion to GSM brought with it downgrades in several important areas, though even with half the on board RAM, lack of expansion slot, and much lower resolution screen, the LG KG800 Chocolate remains one of the best featured fashion handsets on the market today.

Physical Aspects

To put it simply, this handset just oozes quality. The gloss black design with hidden screen and touch sensitive navigation keys combine to make you never want to let go of the thing. While I don't normally get too excited about fashion phones, the LG KG800 just makes you want to touch it – it's quite addictive. Even the unboxing experience is something special, with the KG800 coming packaged in a 'chocolate box,' complete with magnetic latch for the lid.

The gloss exterior does bring with it some inherent issues, however. The KG800 is impossible to keep clean. Dust, fingerprints, you name it – everything sticks to it. This made photographing it quite difficult, and try as I might, I could not get it completely clear of debris. If you are prepared to constantly wipe it down though, the LG KG800 is a very solid handset, with everything sliding into place nicely. It is quite small, measuring in at 95mm x 48mm x 15.2mm (3.74" x 1.89" x 0.59") and weighing 83g (2.93oz).

Surprisingly, the touch sensitive controls are very accurate, though you do have to make sure you use the tip of your finger to press them, rather than use a finger nail. The KG800 would be useless for a female with long nails, as the d-pad works off the heat in your finger tip. When the slide is closed, the d-pad turns off, making it impossible to press the keys with your leg . The non-touch sensitive numeric keypad does not have any spacing between the keys, but each key is convex in shape and quite large, producing one of the best keypads I have used on a slider handset.

On the left edge of the handset, you will find the volume buttons, while on the right, the end call key , media key, and covered multi-connector can be found. Quite puzzlingly, LG has decided to label the multimedia key, which brings up a menu with shortcuts to the camera, MP3 player, and gallery, with just an MP3 logo, and the multi-connector with just a headset logo. It took a trip to the manual to work out that I could plug the charger into this connector, though it is the sole plug on the handset. There is nothing on the top or bottom of the device.

 

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