LG Cosmos hands-on

While LG didn't storm to this year's CTIA with a hero device like some of the competition, they did arrive with something: the LG Cosmos. The Cosmos is a very simple sliding QWERTY messaging device built for the lower end market and lands at Verizon for $29.99 after rebates. The keyboard, arguably the most important feature here is really nice; tactile feedback when pounding out your missives is comfortable, key spacing is pretty much right on, and the balance with it open is also quite good. Sure, the display -- a 2-inch 320 x 240 -- is small, but still clear, and useful enough. Handset build quality is also pretty good and the slider feels solid. Takeaway here is if you're looking for an inexpensive messaging set on Verizon, the Cosmos might be worth taking a peek at. Follow on for a gallery and a quick video tour.

LG Cosmos hands-on

[SDreamer Posted Mar 24th 2010 8:32PM]

I really like the form factor of these phones. I think we've been saturated with Touch-screen centric smartphones that we have forgotten that these things are phones at heart. For a non-smart phone the form factor is really attracting me, especially with the micro-review of the keys. When it comes down to it, I think manufacturers need to realize that solid hardware can do quite a bit, and this looks pretty good. If they would just make smartphones with these form factors and then some I'd definately get one. For instance, if they changed that chrome ring around the dpad to a scroll wheel of sorts, that would be pretty awesome. Throw in a larger screen (the bezel of this phone is the only thing I don't really like, it's pretty big), that would be awesome. Throw in some decent social apps, with a solid mailbox experience for email and text, we'd be talking. I'd totally get one over a phone that's all touch screen.

[Moisiom Posted Mar 25th 2010 5:35PM]

@SDreamer
Psst...
http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/26/htc-announces-s740-because-two-keypads-are-better-than-one/

[BigJayDogg3 Posted Mar 24th 2010 8:33PM]

Had I designed this, I probably would have added more width and given the apace bar it's own row. Then again, I'm not this phone's target audience.

[brokensticks Posted Mar 24th 2010 8:34PM]

He's clearly talking to all the tweens out there...

[Coffman42 Posted Mar 25th 2010 12:09AM]

Great device that wont make you go with the data plan. People complain about the data plan but good to see them making phones with keyboards and no internet browser (so no requirement)

[joebaba Posted Mar 27th 2010 3:10PM]

The secondary coloring on the keyboard makes it look like this phone was destined for Sprint, and then thrown on Verizon because Sprint didn't want it :D

[Inspector Gadget80 Posted Mar 30th 2010 12:29PM]

I just wish stupid AT&T gets messaging qwerty phones like this on their service feel like going to Verzion to get that sweet looking phone.

[menachene Posted Apr 6th 2010 8:37AM]

More info: http://bit.ly/lg-cosmos-impressions