The LG-VX9800

The LG-VX9800 (Or as Verizon calls it, The V) is LGs competitor to the sidekick. It is a rather large camera phone that flips open opposite to most phones to reveal a beautiful 2.5 inch screen with keyboard, and dual speakers. It hosts features that can almost put it on par with the so called "Smart Phones". Blue tooth capable, 1.2 Mega pixel Camera, VCast, video, Mp3 player, full keyboard, and much more.

Exterior
The first thought when you pick up the V is how… well… bulky it is. The V won't weight you down much, but compared to newer phones it feels large, compared to the razor, it's downright huge! The main thing to remember is exactly what it packs and it's still small compared to a Nextel, yet nearly as durable. It has a nice solid feel, not flimsy like many of LGs other phones. The exterior has an almost stealth look to it, like your average cell phone. With it closed, it won't get you noticed, but as soon as you flip it open to send a text message, and oos ands ahhs begin. I've had a few phones, and this one has gotten me the most compliments. With its high resolution screen and full keyboard, it really grabs your attention, maybe even more so than a sidekick. Every key lights up, and makes it easy to use in the dark. Yes, you can text message from the front, so if you're in a bad part of town and don't want all the attention, the front buttons can be easily used to send a quick message.

Keyboard
The keyboard was one of the points that really won me over to this phone. The keys are easy to press, and I rarely press the wrong one. The keyboard is so much quicker, and easier to use than the tap method on most phones. The keyboard also has hot keys to lock the phone, search your phonebook, and has programmable keys as well. The keys are spaced well, and take very little time to pick up.

Reception
My house seems to be located in a hole, with very poor reception, so if I can get a clear signal, it says a lot about the phone, which the 9800 does. Occasionally the call will break up, which will force you to hang up and redial, but then you'll have a perfect signal from then on. There is no extendable antenna, but the clarity doesn't seem to suffer from it.

Battery Life
Amazingly, even with all the added features, the battery life isn't affected at all unless you use the inside screen for long periods of time. Otherwise you can use it for two days with out recharging. Verizon does offer an battery that will last longer if your going to be watching long movies on it.

Reliability
As with any new technology, it has its glitches. I did take my first 9800 back to Verizon, as I couldn't save photos to the memory card. They switched out my phone for a new one, but I just traded for one that didn't have a working mp3 player. Technical glitches are common with this phone, so if you do get one, be sure to get the insurance. It saves so much hassle being able to just switch it out. If you're stubborn and wont pay, then be sure you run through and check ALL the features before your 30 days runs out.

Overall
This is the best cell phone I've had. Even with the glitches, the features and prices just can not be beat. It has everything you could want in a phone in one package. The price has been dropping, and I got mine for 150 dollars with a two year plan and 50 dollar rebate. It's a bit larger than the razor in price and size, but the package blows it away, and any of Verizon's other media phones.