LG's VX9600 Versa phone makes its debut before the camera
By Donald Melanson 
posted Jan 23rd 2009 1:49PM
posted Jan 23rd 2009 1:49PM
We've already seen a few screens and sketches, but LG's new VX9600 (or Versa) has proven to be pretty camera shy for a phone with so much to show off -- until now, that is. Those pics above come courtesy of HowardForums member Snap315, who also has a few more available for your perusal at the link below. The standout here, as you can see, is the detachable QWERTY keyboard module, which is just one of a number of promised detachable modules for the phone, including a gamepad, a pair of speakers, and an internet module with integrated WiFi. Unfortunately, there's still no word on a release date, but these pics would seem to suggest that it'll be coming sooner rather than later.
[Thanks, Hey Ya]
[Thanks, Hey Ya]
honestly, its 2009. a dangling stylus?!
don't even get me started on the software....
Yea and the bezel? srsly?
You do realize you're not the only person in the world.
That is not a stylus, its a strap for the case.
A lot of phones have that feature, especially now. I think it's cute.
I'm staying away from LG for awhile. It seems they don't test their products long enough and don't seem to care after you buy it. They just move on to the next model. The Vu was a nice cheaper alternative to the iPhone, but there are software bugs in there and there hasn't been any updates. The Versa looks like the Vu with the added keyboard and that lipstick holder.
This is supposed to come out on Verizon and feature Wi-Fi? I call fake!!
It won't matter. They'll require a data plan anyway.
That's the reason I went with the HTC Touch Pro - it was the only Verizon phone with Wi-Fi at the time. Yes, I do pay for a data plan as well, but you have to for any of their decent phones. Happy so far. They are learning, slowly, but still learning.
Thats why you buy the sprint Touch Pro and port it over to verizon and not have to pay for data.
@JStro
Incorrect.
Omnia, Touch Pro, and XV6800 have WiFi and are currently available directly from VZW
There are 2-3 older phones with WiFi, but their names escape me at the moment.
Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way, Chase.
@ Hey Ya
Yes, it does work that way. In fact, it works great that way!
There is also the older i760 and the newer i770 Sage.
Oh come on people..... the people who get all bent out of shape cause you gotta sign up for the data plans are retards. Think about...why purchase a $200, $300 or even a $400 phone and not use the data (internet or email) on the go? Your tellin me that you just want it for status or a really "cool" calender? Your probably the doush bag bastard that would buy a ferrari and never drive it faster than 35mph....buy the phone to use it....
I dont need to buy anything, I just need a European unlocked whatever phone to do Wifi with internet unlimited. Why pay extra when certain providers dont ask for for anything monthly extra. Am i too spoilt for the us market??
Looks like it would be a hassle to deal with. I'd say the majority of people are gonna get tired of messing around with the keyboard, are gonna toss it in their junk drawer, never to be used again, and at that point just paid way too much money for an LG Vu.
@ el Capitan
You'll probably need to buy the Wifi module seperately FWIW
Looks like the same crappy resistive touchscreen on the current LG whatever that VZW has. Good thing no one (aside from palm!) wants to innovate! Yeah, innovation is scary, lets just incrementally improve things until someone else makes us look too stupid to continue!
-Taylor
Is your name Taylor?
I hate devices that *Flip* in any sort of way.....
you must really hate middle fingers...
And I hate devices that *don't* flip. So there.
Nice try, LG & Verizon. I had a Voyager - it was OK at best. The Dare was a miss.
I've had it with both of them, I'm switching to AT&T and getting the Fuze (HTC Touch Pro). Maybe one day they'll both learn what real phones and networks are supposed to look like.
or you could get the touch pro on verizon? nah, you should probably go through the hassle of switching networks just to get a phone offered on both networks.
touch pro on verizon is not the same as touch pro(fuze) on att. Verizon version doesn't have touchflo3d and is handicapped by a slower processor and less ram.
The verizon version has touchflo3d its just disabled by default.
stand corrected. was using info from another gadget site thats obviously incorrent. Why disable one of the more attractive parts of the phone... ?
I think the idea is clever...maybe not the keyboard part, but being able to put a game pad on, that shows some creativeness. I think that the form factor flipping to side is where they f'd up. Better design...interchangeable slider. leave the face exposed and have the modules slide instead of flip. That way it's not in your way when you are just trying to use the normal screen.
Could you imagine the idiots that tear up their sliding mechanism from swapping parts?
a separate module for wifi? shouldn't lg be able to fit that capability into the phone without the need for a bulky add-on? i'm guessing they're doing it to make you pay for the module, but personally, i'd rather just pay more for the phone to begin with and have wifi incorporated into the unit. unless they're planning to charge a subscription fee or something like that for the wifi module. that would be a failure.
This phone is very very odd, but in a good way.
This will be the first DUMB/FEATURE phone on Verizon to have Wifi (only phones on VZW right now that have WiFi are smartphones).
And since it is not a smartphone, a data plan is NOT required. (although they will probably make you switch to the Nationwide plan, like they are making everyone do right now).
recently in an article somewhere, vzw mentioned that certain mobile web 2.0 devices WILL be charged for data in 2009.
Why not at the same time??...
I just re-read the headline and I still can't figure out why they'd introduce the phone before the camera...
They meant "It has gone under the camera for the first time"
Good idea, bad interpretation. Step yo game up LG.
its just for ppl that want a touch screen phone but are too used to a keyboard to give it up.. its like the keyboard is there when they have withdrawals
this actually looks like a pretty nice phone. the detachable amenities are a smart and great idea and would make txting so much easier than it is on it's "older brother" the LG Dare. i can't wait for its actual release and to see how it REALLY is
The keyboard is a nice idea, but if I were to get this phone, I probably wouldn't use it. I've gotten so used to the Dare, it would feel weird to not use touchscreen for texting.
I like the detachable stylus. It's "in" right now, a lot of phones have them, especially Samsung.
I don't get all the complaints about data plans. It's not a smartphone, so it's only about $15 a month and a switch to Nationwide. I also don't get all the complaints about Verizon. It's a great network and the biggest. If you don't like it, switch and get over it. Deal.
I like it but I would have 2 check it out..
ive had the voyager and it was way too big for me. when the dare came out i got it. i was so much better. it has the touchflo3d on it. its touch screen keyboard is awesome, it is definitly verizons version of the iphone. i think the dare is small and sleek and has an amazing camera with a good flash which the voyager doesnt have. and its pretty damn anoying. im actually writing from my dare right now.
now for the 9600, it looks big from the pictures and a detachable keyboard. that just seems like a waste of money. i agree from above that people are just going throw it in the drawer and forget about it. hmmm wifi is pretty cool but is it really nesisary. the internet on the dare is good. i just wish we can save(download) sound files and set them as ringtones like you can do on a blackberry. seriously if u need anything better than the internet on the dare than you might as well use the computer. thats just my opinion. if that is a stylus i think that would be really cool. its easier to use that on touchscreen. i sometimes use my stylus from my ds.
well finally, im sticking to my dare till verizon comes out with another one that blows me away. they are pretty pricy when you think about it. cell phones are my fascination. ive had pretty much every single verizon phone the've made. the dare is the best one.
I'm not sure how I feel about all of the accessory add-ons either; but, this has what all you voyager users have been begging for. You can multi-task while playing music: hide player to send messages, edit contacts, and browse the web.
In the browser you can have three different windows open, plus RSS feed support, and now the phone can access real flash content.
Not only is the camera better with flash, you can also edit pictures on the phone.
Now you can Add up to 10 contacts with picture ID, the phone is lighter, and it has Threaded Messaging: Displays messages in time-order from a contact accessed via favorites.
Instead of just having an internal and and external Home Screen, you now get 4 with 3 customizable (Favorites, Shortcuts, Media) and 1 module home screen with QWERTY keypad attached.
Accelerometer: Multi-direction rotation, highly responsive - Gaming: Advanced with Multi-directional accelerometer. Also, the battery life is about an hour longer.
MicroSD memory port with up to 16GB support
Charger has been changed from the LG800 charger to the Micro USB.
Also, that is a stylus in the picture.
If the phone design isn't bad - this is going to be an amazing phone.
I just got the versa today, I have never been to smart with technology. I only like candy bar phones, and some how i'm home with the versa. hmmm,???,,, So far I like the little accessory because it's cute = ) I also like the fact you can take off the keyboard, with the keyboard on,,,, it is top heavy like the old flips. the Calender is nice heehee j/k
I might return this phone , it is a big jump from an old school candy bar phone.
My husband on the other hand loves it !!!!! He does not care for the stylus on it , but he seems to enjoy his. Showing me all these different things it can do.
clueless
I have this phone and it's great for anyone who wants a feature-filled touch screen phone combined with the convenience of a real QWERTY keyboard. This might sound like the Voyager, but the Versa has a better touch screen with a better user interface as well as a better operating system. It is also smaller, lighter, and the keyboard doesn't always have to be on. Without any attachments, it is a lot like the Dare, but it has updated software. The Dare has a better camera and a better overall music player experience, but the Versa tops the Dare in everything else. All in all, I recommend this phone to a texting fanatic who also wants a touch screen.