Read This Review From Someone In The Industry!
Written: Apr 10 '03 (Updated Aug 01 '03)
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Pros: 65K Color Screen, Features, Weight, Signal Strength, Battery Life
Cons: Ringer Can Be Too Loud At Times
The Bottom Line: Great Handset With Plenty Of Features, Excellent Display, And Unusually Good Battery Life For A Color Model!
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| jonwes's Full Review: LG VX4400 |
I'd like to begin by mentioning that I have been a Verizon Wireless corporate accounts representative for almost seven years now. Needless to say, I've seen a GREAT deal of handsets come and go during that time period. Some good, some bad, and everything in between. I've enjoyed seeing the evolution of the wireless phone over the past few years, as every new generation builds upon itself and offers more to the consumer. One of the latest releases we're offering, the LG VX-4400 is a handset that I personally use on one of my "house" accounts and I'm ready to provide my feedback on it!
Specs
Tri-Mode 1XRTT/CDMA Digital Network Operation
Includes Get It Now (BREW SW version 1.1)
E911 capable
2.5mm headset jack to accept universal hands-free headsets
Large, eight-line 65K STN color display (120 x 133)
External mono LCD (96 x 64)
Voice-activated dialing
Voice recorder
Web browser capable
Send and receive text messages
CMX MIDI (musical instrument and games digital interface) sound for ringers
Express Network capable (Mobile Office Kit sold separately)
199 phone book entries with 5 alphanumeric entries per name
26 ringer tones plus vibrating alert
Melody and character downloads
PC connector type: USB
1-Year limited warranty
Mode Type - Tri-Mode Digital
Battery - Lithium-Ion Battery (950 mAh)
Dimensions - 3.46"H x 1.89"W x 1.07"D
Standby Time - Up to 110 hours
Usage Time - Up to 180 minutes
Warranty - One Year
Weight - 4.0 oz.
As you can see, the 4400 is very similar in size to the former StarTac series, which was very popular. The talk time/standby time is considerably higher than many color handsets on the market at this time (Moto T720 comes to mind). For those that are unfamiliar, the "1X" technology contained within the 4400 allows for high speed data transfer when coupled with a laptop and a mobile office kit (available for purchase in the $60-80 range). This is a definite advantage for the mobile professional that likes to have the latest and greatest while not sacrificing connectivity options.
Appearance
I like the styling of the LG very much. In terms of visual appeal, I would put it at the top of my list. The visual clarity of the screen cannot be beat currently, as it provides over 65,000 available colors (similar to the new Kyocera 7135), while the Moto T720 only offers a 4,000 color display. Some would say that 4,000 is plenty, which I'd agree with to an extent, but the additional depth of the 4400 translates into increased clarity and richness.
There are many customizable features. You can assign various colors to flash on the external caller id display when a particular type of call is coming in. For example, you can have incoming calls flash red on the display, missed calls flash green, new messages flash blue, etc. This way, all you have to do is glance down at the phone while it's ringing to get a better idea of what the situation is. With the number of calls that I receive throughout the day, this is a BIG advantage!
A number of people have commented to me on how great the lighting is on the 4400. The keys light blue when the handset is opened and provide for easy operation. It's rather impressive in the dark. I prefer the layout of the keys and the ergonomics to the late model Motorola phones. I've heard several customers comment on this as well, several of which that have returned the Moto's for the 4400. The keys are spaced far enough apart that they provide for easy accessibility and recognition even while not being able to provide full attention in the car.
For those that like to customize their phones, I can't think of a better model than the 4400. There's a plethora of options to be tinkered with, not to mention the "Get It Now" applications which further that concept. There are various wallpapers that can be chosen, color schemes that can be altered, and a whole host of other options.
Performance
In the past, LG phones have always performed well in terms of signal strength and performance. Many people have grown rather fond of the new VX-10 (younger brother to the 4400) for this reason, particularly given it's current low price point. I have found the 4400 to be no exception, providing a good signal, although perhaps slightly shy of the Moto v60i which is at the top of its rank in this respect.
Contrary to a few other reviews I have read, I have been very pleased with the voice clarity (both receiving and sending). I have performed side-by-side comparisons of the v60i to the 4400 and the LG is the definite winner. This should provide a reference point for those that are familiar with late model Motorola handsets. As I've mentioned in previous reviews, I've always had a problem with the slightly "muffled" sound of the Moto microphones. Whether using a headset or talking directly into the phone, the 4400 is crisp and clear. For those that are complaining about this, I have a few other models I'd like you to try and see how you feel then! There may be better audio on other phones out there, but I'm going to definitely position this one towards the upper tier.
I'm a big fan of the new "Get It Now" feature that is constantly evolving and growing. For those that are unfamiliar, this provides the ability to download custom ringtones, wallpapers, games, etc. directly to your handset. Note that there is a charge for this service and it varies. For example, you can download a one time use of a game for a minimum price and unlimited use for a higher price. For reference, the Get It Now apps generally range from $1-6. The 4400 is a great interface for this with its richly colored display and easy navigation. As mentioned at the top of this review, the ringer tones can be too loud at times when utilizing pre-recorded MP3 ringers. It appears that there is no way to alter the volume of a downloaded ringer, such as the "Mission Impossible" theme, which has forced me to go back to using the stock ringers that can be easily adjusted. I am going to check into this further with our LG representative and will post an update if I found out a quick fix. I should add that the fixed volume of the downloaded ringers is probably just about right under normal circumstances, but there are times that I'd prefer to lower it a notch or two.
It wouldn't be complete without commenting on battery life when reviewing a color handset. As many are well aware, they consume batteries at a much greater rate than their black and white siblings. Sometimes by as much as twice, which would be the case with the Moto T720 when compared to the v60i. The former providing some of the lowest talk/standby times that we offer, while the v60i is one of the best. This should be a definite consideration for you prior to purchasing a color model. If you're the type that simply cannot tolerate a dying battery in the middle of the day, then either avoid color phones or pick up an extended battery at the time of purchase. I want to interject that the 4400 does rather well within the color arena. Its rated talk/standby times are right up there with many black and white models. There are approximately 100 representatives in our region of Verizon and we've all been issued the 4400 as our primary phone. Given that the average rep uses about 3-4,000 minutes per month, this should again give you a reference point. I prefer to plug into the home charger or cig adapter when I'm on a lengthy call, but this phone does well with a nightly charge.
Conclusion
I feel as though I've touched on all of the important aspects that make the 4400 stand out from the pack. I would recommend this model and predict that it will satisfy most. I've received very positive feedback from many customers, some of which I'd classify as unusually critical. I've even had a few Motorola veterans convert to the LG line as a result of the 4400 (Moto fans tend to be very loyal!). There are currently some deep discounts being offered in conjunction with mail in rebates, so it may be worth your while to look into this one!
Recommended:
Yes
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jonwes
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Location: Los Angeles, California
Reviews written: 55
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