LG CanU 502 waterproof cellphone

Want to be sure not to miss a single call while you're off surfing or piloting that speedboat? Check out LG's canU 502S, an international version of Casio's Japan-only G'zOne TYPE-R waterproof cellphone. The clamshell has rubber-sealed seams, and all jacks can also be sealed. The $500 phone also includes a 1.3 megapixel camera and a 2.2-inch LCD. Of course, we're not quite sure how you would use this on a speedboat or your board, given that you're not likely to be able to hear a whole lot, but that's for you (and the first manufacturer to come out with a waterproof Bluetooth headset) to figure out.

[ken fager @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

LG. CanU believe the marginal market won't care about this?

[stargazer @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Actually, LG's (or shall I say, Casio's) CanU series is famously good cameraphones, and has a reputation for taking amazingly good pics (for 'phones, anyway). They have a small but devoted fanbase, so don't knock it lol

[Kevin Fox @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Actually, this would be really useful on a surfboard, ocean kayak, or other solo marine activity. A lot of people won't bring a cellphone out on the water, or will secure it away in a dry-bag deep in their kayak.

It's not about making sure you don't miss the telemarketers. It's about having a way to call for help in what can be a dangerous class of solo sports. Riptide taking you out to sea? Call for backup.

[Juice @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

A waterproof sat phone built into your watch. Now that would be sweet. No more movies like Castaway...

[Theo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I'm a sailor, both racing and cruising, and a rugged waterproof cell phone is something I've been looking for.

You're in a harsh environment, always wet and pitching about. If a problem strikes my VHF it would be a good back-up.

And #1, it's precisely a marginal market this is for, not the broad market.

[matt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Finally a solution for all those who drop their cell phones in toilets! The world is good again.

[Justin Turner @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

So if you're on a speedboat or surfing and drop this in the water - then what? Hope you're in shallow water in some part of the world where you can actually see in the water? Unless this thing floats, I don't think it matters if it's waterproof or not. A working phone on the bottom of a river or ocean is still pretty useless.

[ken fager @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I've been convinced that it may have some merit now. The pun was too hard for me to resist.

[Justin Kershaw @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Wouldn't this be a phone for any harsh environment, not just ocean or river adventures? Maybe a Gore-Tex phone? Who would really buy this thing? I'm game if you can get a signal in the places I'd take it...

[Jeff McFadden @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

If it can make it through a typical wash cycle I'd buy it. I've already lost a cell phone and shuffle to the stupid appliance.

[Osiris @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I dont see why you guys are being so critical of this.
It is obviously not designed for the everyday consumer, but will no doubt be very useful to those that like water sports etc.
I can see it being used for diving. I wonder what depth is it waterproof upto and if you can get reception 20 metres underwater :P
It would certainly be nice to take photos underwater..

[diulei @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

This is old news. I saw this in Japan in 2004. But yes, it was Casio, so, I guess it is kind of news-worthy.

[Shayne @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I don't see why everyone is knocking this idea. I'm an avid hiker, climber, as well as a member of the counties SAR Team.

I live in a place where snow is measuered in feet, not inches, and after 10 or 12 hours out on a search, everything seems to have a way of getting wet.

I'll buy that phone if I can get a version that works on VZW. You might think it's a stupid idea, but hikers, campers, climbers, hunters and other outdoorsmen will certainly see the value of such a device.

[CritSafetyBoy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Regarding Justin's good comment about the thing needing to float to be of most use, I suppose you could hook it to one of those little floatation devices like the one I use with boat keys. I'd test the combo in the bathtub first, though. One wouldn't want to learn on the lake that it was ALMOST sufficiently buoyant.

[umijin @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Follow up - you can't take it underwater or get it submerged for long periods. And you have to rinse it well after, if it is saltwater. Says 'waterproof' on the back - but water resistant is more accurate. So, I take it along on dive trips, but never in the water. Good on boats though.

I wonder why Casio doesn't directly release this phone in Korea... does it need the LG name to give it cred?!

[trimbandit @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Haha. Showing up in the surf lineup with a cel phone...You better believe that's a beating.

[Jamar @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Does this mean that this phone is usable in the US like most Korean phones or does it run on their 1700MHz network making it unusable outside Korea?

[snarkey @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

First jackass to paddle out with this thing and start yapping in the line up is getting slapped. Shut up and surf.

Fair warning.

[ed @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I work in a greenhouse and this is just what I've been looking for. I get soaked everyday, and unfortunatly can't carry my phone on me.

[Khaytsus @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Poster #6,

Precisely. It's waterproof and SO FREAKING HUGE it'll never flush. This will save Helsinki hundreds of thousands of dollars a year!

[umijin @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I have this phone in Japan - costs $150 or less with phone contract.

And no bluetooth, but the camera is decent.

[James @ Jan 7th 2006 4:35AM]

i have a friend dying from lukiemia. Ever since she saw the CanU 502she has wanted it. I would buy her one but i do not have the money. If anyone will help it would mean the world to her