LG Mini GD880 hands-on
By Sean Cooper 
posted February 16th 2010 8:56AM
posted February 16th 2010 8:56AM
Not to be outdone, LG chose MWC to show off its Mini GD880, a svelte piece built from brushed aluminum in both black and silver. Build quality is striking here -- jaw-droppingly so -- with fit and finish on all corners, seams, and around the various ports looking spot on. This device also has heft for its diminutive size -- sure, it's only 99g, but that feels like so much for a device of this size -- but it only adds character and, well, it feels like money for lack of a better word. Running LG's S-Class UI, the touchscreen sadly isn't really up to snuff, we had to really poke at the screen to get it to register a touch, and there was lag and delay between key press and action. Of course, this isn't shipping today, but rather launches in Europe in March -- for some unknown price -- and then on to other markets. So here's hoping there is still a tweak or two in the GD880's future, it'd be a shame to let something as glorious as it looks not deliver an experience to match. Short video and gallery are right below the break.
I understand that company's will release phones which are the top-tier handsets. And I know this hasn't shipped yet so they may still patch it. But. Lag when touching or typing should not ever be a issue. Launching programs or performing complex task yeah I forgive lag. But typing responsiveness should really be a top priority.
And I thought my Droid was too squared off!
Do not want, won't be comfortable to hold.
@feeble11
No shit... what the hell kind of industrial design is this? A big block of metal and glass?? I don't even care too much what it looks like, but I rather not have a brick in my pocket.
Bust out the French-Curve and put the T-square away.
@feeble11 - for those of us who like to pocket our phones, this is not scrotum friendly.
@Hazdaz
All phones don't have to look like clones of one another. Besides, many people - myself among them - prefer a more squared off shape.
@feeble11 GD880 Mini packs with a 3.2" display does its best not to waste space, running nearly straight to the very edge in order to do away with the bulk found in other handsets. More about the pricing and availability: http://bit.ly/lg-gd880-and-gt350-new-info
@zakany Appearance aside, there is a reason that most phones look like one another.
1. Phones with rounded edges are more comfortable to use for the majority of users.
2. Phones with squared off corners are more likely to get broken if dropped.
3. ??
I make my living as a designer, (heavy equipment though, not consumer products), so I know a little bit about this stuff.
I'm curious as to what Verizon will do to this phone. I still can't forget the Chocolate Touch.
@insky
You can't forget it in a good or bad way?
Its probably resistive. You have to press harder.
@TrumanHW
No, it's not resistive.
Phone is slick. Looks a little like the ZuneHD. Always been a fan of the LG phone designs.
But I wonder - as feeble11 & Hazdaz do - how comfortable is this in the hand for extended periods of time.
Brick.
It looks slick, but it needs an entirely different operating system to get my dollars.
Make it about two inches bigger and add WinMo 7. Then, stick it on Verizon whilst keeping the sexy form factor. Extra points if they make it thiner.
What is up with these mini phones? I think the whole idea is stupid. This phone looks like a technologically advanced paperweight. Who is the target audience for these anyway? Don't get me wrong, a little change here and there is refreshing but this is about as refreshing as drinking hot coffee in the middle of the sahara desert.
square edged mini phones = FAIL
"device of this size"
Please make a comparison with other touchscreen phones. At least numbers, but actual comparison shots are preferred.
Thanks.
really like the design, too bad the OS sucks.
@(Unverified)
Agreed. I personally like the design of this phone, but the OS. Meh.
@(Unverified)
How does the OS suck? It's a new version of the S-Class that hasn't been used on a full retail phone. You have to realize that's a demo phone, of course it's going to be crappier than it will be when it's actually sold. Plus, you didn't even see a single bit of the OS in this video. All this video did was say 'it's sluggish,' but here's a video that doesn't show that it is.
I think LG should change the logo. The objects design has improved a lot, but the logo takes from it. It would help if they do.
Is it too much to ask for a smartphone with a real OS? One that the consumer can be confident will be updated and supported through the life of the phone?
These third party single phone OS's are always made of fail.