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After 3-1/2 months, I'm still a fan of this phone, but it's not the iPod-phone I was hoping for. Second, while the music player works quite well for songs, it poses some difficulties for podcast listeners--enough that I hardly make use of the player. I use the MicroSD card and adapter to move podcasts from my Mac to the card (not through iTunes, but by moving files from an iTunes podcast folder to the SD card). Aside from Verizon's reliable network, I like the one-touch voice calling, VZ Navigator and basic Web features. Those can be easily removed with an inexpensive download called Blue Harvest (search for it online)--but the lack of bookmarking and the transfer process is cumbersome enough that I just use my old iPod for podcast and music instead.So, all told, I really like the phone as a phone and travel tool, not as an iPod. During my 30-day trial, I bought an iPhone but returned it that same day; I found the Chocolate safer to use while driving (the voice-call button is easy to locate without looking, and the voice prompts work well), with better GPS functions (it rivals the Garmin GPS device with talking directions) and longer battery life. As others have complained, the button layout and menus are initially quite annoying, but they have become much easier with use (rotate the scroll wheel with your thumb on the center button to avoid pressing the overly sensitive touch buttons; make use of the keypad to navigate menus quickly). It will not keep your place in a podcast if you stop listening--you'll have to start from the beginning and use the terribly slow fast-forward feature.
I do not need to do lots of texting or Web surfing, but those functions are adequate (I use it to check the next bus arrival time each day--using shortcuts, that takes 15-20 seconds from opening the phone to reading the results).It was free through Verizon, and then I purchased the following from Amazon:-2.5mm To 3.5mm Stereo Audio Jack Adapter (3 rings)-Sandisk 4GB MicroSDHC Memory Card with SD Adapter -CTCstore 6-in-1 USB 2.0 High Speed Memory Card Reader Writer -Premium Scratch Resistant Screen Protector/ Guard for LG Chocolate VX8500, -LG Chocolate 2 VX-8550 VX8550 Black Rubberize Texture Snap-On Crystal Case All have worked well, but it's better to just get a 2.5mm earphone/mic instead of fussing with the adapter.There are two big drawbacks for Mac & iPod users: First, the address book and calendar functions can be synched via blue-tooth with an open source download called BitPim, but I found that inconsistent and difficult. So far, I haven't found an online calendar that synchronizes to this phone (GooSync doesn't), but Verizon does offer a free daily wireless phonebook backup that works well. And since the SD card is formatted for Windows files (you need to insert the new card into the phone to format it before putting it into the SD card reader), the Mac adds small oddly-named files onto the card with each mp3 file you transfer. Until Apple comes out with an iPhone nano with Verizon service, this seems a pretty good substitute.
I, got my LG Chocolate 8550 about a few weeks ago and i have to say it is alot of fun.If your looking for a phone just to make calls on or something for business then you should get a smartphone.But if you want an ipod like cell phone that has a pretty killer music player and a sleek design as well as takes superb pictures this is the phone for you.The only thing diffent from this and the chocolate 3 is the Chocolate 3 is a filp phone with a gig of internal memory while the chocolate 8550 has a paltry 65.8 mb.Here we go with the pros and cons.PROS:Is compatable with V Cast from Rhapsody even if it dosnt say it is take it to a verizon store and they will upgrade it for free.Great music player can pretty much do what a ipod nano can do with its music player and has an equilizer wich is awsome.Takes beautiful pics in fact this is a phone when you see the example pic on the box that is how good the pics look when taken.Fast charger time about 30 to 40 minutes for a charge i would advise that you charge it to full if you listen to alot of music.Good speaker sound and phone sound people can hear my voice clearly and the range is good.Cons:Extermely sensitive touch pad even if you lower the setting you will still have problems with it and is very frusterating when texting someone.Poor video while the picture is wonderful for this phone the video is very fuzzy at times.crippled browser from verizon , verizon is legendary for crippeling there browser so only there applications and games and ringtones work, with myxer you can solve the wallpapers and ringtones by sending them to your phone but if you want any java apps look elsewear right now, small keypad very tight to try and text because the keys are so close together.All in all this is a very nice phone very sturdy and feel tough very sleek and stylish on the other hand because verizon cripples this browser it could do so much more if this wasnt the case of course verizon cripples most of its phones unless you get a smartphone.Other then that being the biggest flaw this phone is pretty fun it will have you jamming on your way out the door when loaded with music and youll be able to keep in touch with your friends all at the same time.
For months before I had thru trial and error found the optimal answer/hangup setting, the phone would hang up on my caller instead of answering when I used the slide up feature. I have been tempted so many times to throw this phone across the room. I bought the phone for the music player feature. The touch controls are so sensitive that you cannot even pick up the phone without inadvertently triggering a menu choice. The worst is when you are prompted to respond to menu choices (by the party you have reached) by pressing 3 or whatever, and the phone thinks you are trying to speed dial someone else. But it does not work well with Mac, and that was not revealed either. This is the only LG product I have absolutely hated.
I reactivated my LGVX8300 and now I'm back to reality. With no cover to protect the screen, it looks like it will scratch easily and look old in no time.
It's the most frustrating phone I've ever tried. I received this phone as a free replacement upgrade from Verizon to try and I have now sent it back.
It also has terrible ringtones. The screen is so sensitive it's very easy to get off in some other menu until you're completely confused.
This phone might be "IN" but it is worthless to me. LG really screwed up with this one.
Don't waste your money.
I actually read some reviews complaining that the phone goes dark when not in use. The Good:-- Very multifunctional phone. That's exactly what I want to conserve batteries. Serves as my phone, camera, and MP3 player.-- The MP3 player software will convert.mp3,.wav, and iTunes music and podcast for use on the phone. Very nice.-- The controls are not for the novice but after a couple of days they are easy to master.-- Speaker phone and voice commands work well.-- Sleek and doesn't waste battery life when not in use. Touch any button and the phone lights up.Where to Improve:-- Use with most earbuds work fine for the user but not so fine for the person you are calling.-- Needs to accept the 8GB micro chip (only accepts 4GB).-- Works fine in most settings but I note that in buildings, others can get a tower when I cannot. Improve the internal antenna.
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