Cellular Phone Universe

The LG F9100 looks like just another candybar style handset. The F9100’s face features a large, 65,000-color screen with 128 x 160 pixels. The full QWERTY keyboard slides out of the right side of the phone, which automatically flips the display to read horizontally. Secondary selection buttons above the keyboard allow the phone to be operated in this horizontal orientation. Other design features include a standard jack to accept universal hands-free headsets and a five-way center button that controls most of the phone’s on-screen menus. An internal antenna keeps the F9100 sleek and compact. 

Features:

• East-to-use slider QWERTY keyboard
• Mobile instant messaging, text messaging, and MMS (multimedia messaging service) capable
• 5-way navigation joystick
• Download ring tones, screensavers, wallpapers and more
• Cingular customers can opt-in to the American Idol TXT-n-Win Sweepstakes for a chance to win $50,000, a trip to the American Idol finals, or a free ring tone!
• Unit Weight: 3.35 oz.
• Size (in inches): 1.89 x 3.52 x 0.97

Specifications:

User Interface:
Backlit, Clock, Text Message Indicator, Voice Mail Button, Voice Mail Indicator, Volume Select/Display, Signal Strength Indicator

Size & Weight:
3.52 x 1.89 x 0.97 inches
3.35 oz.

Call Management:
Call Timers, Redial, Missed Call Indicator, Call Log, Voice Activated Dialing, Any-Key Answer, Auto-Answer, Speed Dial, Mute Control, One-Touch 911, Vibrating Ring, Differential Ring
Phone Book Capacity: 100 entries

Advanced Messaging:
SMS Messaging Two Way, Text Messaging

Web & Data Features:
Internet Browser, Modem, Call Restrictions, Lock Alarm

Power:
Battery Strength Indicator
Minimum Rated Standby Time: 144 hours
Minimum Rated Talk Time: 150 minutes
Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Ion
Charging Time: 2 hours
Extras:
Headphone Jack, Alarm

Network Compatibility:
GSM

Components:
750mAh Lithium Polymer Battery

LG 9100 Cellular Phone Review:

Current reviews for the LG F9100 seem to be a mixed bag. After much research, I concluded that the number of negative seemed to outweigh the positive. However, since LG is discontinuing the model, there are some great deals to be had on left over inventories at local Cingular stores (especially when purchased with a new plan). I took a chance, forsaking some decent flip phone promotions and went with the F9100, so far no regrets.

Immediately, I was able to dismiss many of the complaints of the phone’s size and bulk.. It is physically only slightly larger than most flip phones in the closed position! The unit is slightly thicker and heavier than today’s current crop, but the slide out keyboard and landscape display more than compensate for the excess.

And speaking of the keyboard, the full QWERTY thumb board within is very competent, great spacing and feedback. Unfortunately the problem is that for reasons unknown, LG decided not to support the keyboard in many of the built in applications (such as the memo pad) or the web browser.

However, instant messages are basically about as convenient as they would be from a desktop or laptop, making this phone a necessity to anyone who uses their mobile as a messaging tool. Also it is a nice touch that the keyboard can be used to input contact info (names, numbers and addresses). This is priceless for those (like myself) who have no patience for phones in which each key represents a number, symbol and three letters to be toggled.

In conclusion, I believe this phone gets a bad rep based on the fact that its exterior appears so high tech- Mine is carried into an office in which Blackberries are the norm and it still earns loads of attention and admiration. Certainly many users were disappointed when they discovered that it’s PDA-esque appearance was misleading after purchasing it.

However, now that prices are dropping, it may be worth looking into. It functions just as well as any other phone I’ve used and make no mistake- The unit will get a great deal of attention complete with oooohhs and aaahhs. And for the most part, it earns them, so long as you don’t spill the secret that it doesn’t come close to doing what it appears it could.

Tags:American Idol Cingular LG Cellphones

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This entry was posted on Friday, April 21st, 2006 at 11:08 pm and is filed under Cell Phone Provider, Cellphones Review. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.