LG's VX-8100 EV-DO cameraphone

If you've been thinking about buying the LG VX-8000, Verizon's first clamshell-style EV-DO handset, when it comes out, don't bother—the phone isn't even out yet and it's already more or less obsolete. Pics and details have just turned up about its successor, the VX-8100, which is set to include Bluetooth (which was sorely lacking in the VX-8000) and most likely all the features of its predecessor, including a built-in 1.3 megapixel camera and (most importantly) compatibility with Verizon's new high-speed EV-DO network.

[Thanks, Bobby]

[macstibs @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

How ya gonna throw the jacket at me Larry?

or in this case...

Why you gonna bottleneck the EVDO with Bluetooth Larry?

Bluetooth = approx. 200kpbs

EVDO = 300-500 Kbps

Just a thought.

[Haus @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Where do you get BT = 200kbps?

BT = 721kbps one way while allowing 57.6kbps back; even with overhead it seems quite enough. Not to mention the later specs are rumored to be increasing speed.

[Erraticus @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

The real question is will it include a fully functional bluetooth stack, or is Verizon going to make LG criple the phone just like the V710?

I'm thinking the later.

[MDG @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I'll bet they cripple it, since that is their track record.

[Lynne @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I have a Verizon contract, and I was waiting for the LG 8100; what do you mean about Verizon making the manufacturer cripple the phone? (I'm kind of non-techie newbie here).

[LackingInfo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Anybody have any inside info or otherwise about a release date for the 8100?

[TechJunkie @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

8100 will be released 2nd quarter of 2005 (that means anytime from the beginning of April to the end of June) unless there is a delay. It will have the same functions as the 8000 except for the BT which will be crippled and then is pretty much useless. It will have a smaller screen (internal and external) due to its size. I personally opted for the 8000 since it Verizon BT is useless and I prefer a larger screen. The only thing BT in a phone is good for is BT headsets, which personally all sound like crap...going to stay with a corded headset.

[knisical @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Yes, unfortunately the phone will be crippled and not even caple of bluetooth dial up internet access (DUN profile). Nor will it have the OBEX profile for object exchange. Verizon is going the wrong way... they should enable more not disable more.... Verizon claims that all future BT phones will not have the DUN profile. at least they dont make the same remark about the OBEX or OP profile.

[TPR @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Just spoke with the Verizon guy at Circuit City. He said the President of Verizon said not to expect the 8100 until December... I hope the guy was lying! Anyone else hear anything different?

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Denny Strigl, didn't realize Circuit City sales reps had such close ties with people in power. This is not likely a decision a CEO & President would be involved in. The local Verizon Wireless stores have received rebate offers valid through August for the LG 8100, hopefully that means that sales will begin soon. The initial release date set back at the end of 04 was for a release of late June or July, have to wait and see if that timetable is met.

[ChrisD @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I was a long time Verizon customer who decided I couldn't stand their rude customer service any longer so I bailed and opted for Cingular and the new Razr phone. 5 minutes of that was enough for me. Not only does their coverage area stink, their customer service is rude and uninformed. I am running back to Verizon and the LG 8100 the minute it comes out. Incidentally, the Razr isn't all that great. It looks cool and is convenient due to the thinness, but it's functionally inferior to the LG phones. Don't be lured by style unless you're willing to sacrifice convenience and deal with dozens of dropped calls or patchy coverage every day!

[ChrisD @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I was a long time Verizon customer who decided I couldn't stand their rude customer service any longer so I bailed and opted for Cingular and the new Razr phone. 5 minutes of that was enough for me. Not only does their coverage area stink, their customer service is rude and uninformed. I am running back to Verizon and the LG 8100 the minute it comes out. Incidentally, the Razr isn't all that great. It looks cool and is convenient due to the thinness, but it's functionally inferior to the LG phones. Don't be lured by style unless you're willing to sacrifice convenience and deal with dozens of dropped calls or patchy coverage every day!

[Daved @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Verizon Store in San Diego have the VX8100 in, but they are not going to sell it until July 15th.

[hemisedan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Verizon having RUDE customer service? Boy that's a new one on me...Customer service, or lack of it from US Cellular, is the reason that I switched to Verizon, some five years ago, and have never been happier with their customer service. I, kind a like not being told that I'm wrong, before I even register my complaint. That was US Cellular.
Talked with Verizon, via *611 on Wednesday night. He said that they have plent of stock of the LG 8100, but beings as a price hadn't been administered on it, he couldn't sell it yet. July 15th and he gave me his extension number. Just thought you'd like to know from someone from Iowa. Oh yes, this guy is located in the Pittsburgh call center. Bill

[mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I heard that verizon is going to disable the MP3 player feature on this phone.. Is that true. Does someone have the phone that can verfy this?

[Paul Markey @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I just ordered the 8100 with a contract renewal. It should be here next week. The Verizon rep told me that Verizon is concerned about security issues surrounding Bluetooth. That is why they are disabling it; however, there is a lawsuit in progress that is about to end that may force Verizon to open it up - chances are that it won't though. There may be third party cracks to make it work.

[Frank @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I just bought two 8100s yesterday (one for me and one for daughter). We had AT&T contracts but felt treated like bastard stepchildren by cingular (I lost a phone in an auto accident and they won't even let us "migrate" our AT&T contracts to cingular so screw them).

[Manny @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

guys - i just got an 8100 - has anyone used the bluetooth on this yet? is it "blocked" as rumors had it before?

also - i heard that this phone can also play mp3's. do you have to use the sd card to enable this, and how do you transfer the files from the pc to the phone?

thanks

[camron @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

hey, if ANYONE can help me, i'd really appreciate it. i have the VX8100 and i am completely dumbfounded as to how mp3's can play on the phone. ive tried alomst everything i can think of, i bought a miniSD card and a memory card reader and have attempted several times to transfer the music files but have failed each time. however, i have been sucsessful in getting two images from my comp. to my phone using the miniSD. i dont know what to do. if anyone can help me, please email me at: [e-mail]

thanks.

-the Enemy

[Feeling Stupid @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I bought the LG8100 this past summer and now just purchased the sd card so that I can play mp3 on the phone. I considered myself somewhat computer savvy, but can't for the life of me figure out how to play mp3's on the phone. The user guide that came with the phone is completely useless. If anyone could guide me in the right direction, I would appreciate it.

[One Answer @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

dont feel stupid. the manual sux.
here's what i did.
formatted the card using the phone under tools|system|manage memory|card memory|options options is in the lower right corner select format. then while viewing the card contents via USB i see a MP3 folder. throw the MP3s in there. press and hold down the play button on the front - you should see your list of files. voila. anyone have a better method?

[E. @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I tried to format the way you mentioned. I got this message that states, "Enter Lock Code ????" Am I missing something?

[ramon rueda @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

you might have to take your phone into a verizon store to flash the mp3 capability onto your cell. I didnt have to do that, it was already there. the lock code is usually all zeros. I dont have the mini SD yet, but have used bitpim to transfer the song clips i created using any audio editing app i could find.(mostly free trials). hope i helped.

[Will Ulmer @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Would anyone know how to use the data cable to be able to access the internet or how to set the phone settings to allow the internet on the cable?

[TEST MAN @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

You Cannot use a data cable for online access for the 8100 or any EVDO phone. The data cables that they sell for those phones are to only manage contacts and phone books.. Do you honestly think Verizons gonna have customers get free broadband internet connections after 9:00pm and on the weekends.. CHA and monkeys fly out of my butt! don't get me wrong I'm sure supper geek is out there somewhere and has done something to make a data cable work on line for an EVDO phone.. Verizon monitors that. If they find that you are utilizing free broadband internet service they will suspend your account. As a matter of fact you cannot get a data cable for any EVDO phone at verizon wireless. Someone might give you one for a 7000 lg or a V710 motorola. but the sofware is just not compatible...Good luck

[Will @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Do you work at a store or call center? The answer you gave seems that way. Well maby someone else has the answer I need. Reguardless I could use a simple fix...via a dun change or something that might help.

[Cindy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Thank you Answer one (#21), that was very helpful.
For "Enter Lock Code ????" I entered the last 4 digits of my phone number and the worked.

[Evelyn @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Help!!!!
I just bought a LG8100 from Verizon. Would like to get on the Internet but everything I have tryed failed. Anybody knows the code to unlock DUN????

[Neil @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I formatted my minisd memory card for the lg vx 8100 and I don't know where to view the card's contents via USB to see a MP3 folder. I do have a data link cable which is connected to my mobile phone. Where can I locate the card's contents?

[The Doctor @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

If I buyt the mini sd card, can I transfer MP3s from PC to phone via bluetooth? If so, can I then use them as ringtones?

Thanks.

[Mike O'Kelly @ Dec 26th 2005 3:27PM]

I own one 8100 and just ordered another for the teacher lady. The Bluetooth works flawlessly complete with voice name necognition dialing, voice digit dialing ... and lots of other attributes. I got the mini sd card, and a USB sd card reader, downloaded a bunch of mp3 files from the 'puter onto the sd card, and by holding down the play button on the front face of the closed phone, the mp3 player turns on and plays through the little stereo speakers on the outside of the hinges. I don't know if the mp3 player will bluetooth to bluetooth stereo earbuds. Wishful thinking no doubt. I also don't know if a mini-stereo plug will pich up the MP3 music through the earphone/speaker plug on the side of the phone ... In other words, are we stuck with the MP3 output to just those two little speakers? In a noisy environment it's a tad lacking.



I hope this is helpful.



Mike