# Built-in MP3 player with external controls and dual speakers for stereo sound
# Integrated 1.3-megapixel camera and camcorder to capture photos and video
# Bluetooth 2.1 wireless technology for handsfree access including A2DP music streaming through compatible stereo headphones
# Expandable microSD slot supports memory cards up to 8GB in size
There's not much to complain about with the VX8360. The design is appealingly classic in black and gray. The phone has a great battery life and hold lots of contacts and basic features like a stopwatch and a calendar. It offers a variety of Internet-based features from instant messaging and email to surfing the Web or getting updates on specific topics via Dashboard with Mobile Web 2.0 or Wi-Fi to music and video clip downloading services VCAST Music with Rhapsody and VCAST Video.
Although it's nearly a full one, the VX8360 isn't a complete package. The phone doesn't have an exorbitant amount of memory and a memory card costs extra. The camera/camcorder has a lot of color effects and other options, but a 1.3-megapixel camera/camcorder can only do so much -- it's well on the lower end of the quality spectrum for cell phone cameras.
This model is also not that different from previous ones from LG, meaning those with an older version may just want to hang onto their current phones rather than update. The external screen is big by clamshell standards but the inside screen is no different from previous models. Music offerings, such as external music keys, dual speakers and the ability to sync with a computer song library are also nothing new in this series.
The VX8360 is a desirable offering with a variety of messaging options via the Internet or text, voice, video and picture messaging, lots of Bluetooth accessory compatibility, the ability to send and view data at high speeds and plenty of features to keep users connected and entertained. Memory and camera quality aren't its best features, but anyone seeking a smaller phone that can still pack a punch should check this model out.
The VX8360 can play host to a variety of Bluetooth accessories, all sold apart from the phone package. The device supports the following Bluetooth profiles: headset, hands-free, dial-up networking, advanced audio distribution, phone book access, basic printing, object push for vCard and vCalendar, file transfer and basic imaging. Users can save up to 20 Bluetooth 2.1+enhanced data rate pairings.
The VX8360 can sync music (or more, for a price) with a personal computer via a USB port. Song files can be sent to and from the phone or a computer. The USB chord is sold separately.
Wi-Fi and Dashboard with Mobile Web 2.0 offer access to the Internet across the globe, and an extra Wi-Fi sync option that shares information between a PC and the phone wirelessly is available.
With just 44MB of memory built-in, the VX8360 isn't a powerhouse of storage. Taking advantage of extras, from the ability to sync with a computer's song library to downloading videos or taking a boatload of pictures, will require extra space. The purchase of a microSD memory card can provide up to 8GB of extra storage. But even without a memory card, the phone has room for a thousand contact entries and 540 quick messages.
Some smartphones have nearly twice as much memory as the VX8360 and some comparable phones, like the LG enV2 have about 50 percent more storage capacity. Anyone planning to store a lot on this phone will want to invest in a memory card or keep shopping.
The VX8360 routes users to VCAST music and videos, email and instant messaging, the latest news by category and the rest of the Internet via Dashboard with Mobile Web 2.0 -- a Verizon Internet service that connects to the Web and features a menu with stories by category, from hard news and entertainment to sports and weather.
When out of the Dashboard service area, users can connect to the Web with Wi-Fi. Data is sent with high-speed EV-DO, which means quicker wireless speeds with or without a hot spot. The VX8360 can also automatically send news updates that fit interests.
Internet access is often speedy and reliable with the VX8360. Users had few complaints about the phone's Internet features, although seeing emails, news updates and Web sites can be a bit difficult on a two-inch screen. Those with problems seeing small print might want to upgrade to a touch-screen smartphone with a larger screen.
The VX8360 is made for downloading, uploading and listening to music. It features dual speakers, internal and external music controls, headset and stereo speaker compatibility, a music-only audio mode and the ability to create and manage playlists.
Users can copy a PC music library onto the phone with a USB chord (sold separately), and download music from wireless Internet song-downloading service VCAST Music with Rhapsody.
Buy a song from Rhapsody and customers will also receive a copy for their computer. Unfortunately, this program isn't much help to Mac fans -- the service is designed for PC users. The VX8360 supports MP3, WMA, unprotected AAC and unprotected AAC+ formats.
VCAST also has 3D games and streaming videos available for download. VCAST Video offers access to streaming entertainment, news, sports and other video clips. The VX8360 doesn't come with any games, but game applications are available for purchase -- as well as ringtones, ringback tones, and wallpaper images -- in the phone's media center.
The VX8360 has the capacity to become a user's personal entertainment playground, but it takes some extra time and extra cash.
Games, songs and videos have to be purchased or, for music, uploaded from a PC with a USB chord that's sold separately. To hold all these extras, users will also probably have to invest in a memory card. The VX8360 offers a surprising amount of Internet-based programs for a non-smartphone. Just keep in mind their offerings are not free.
If it's on the VX8360, users can probably send it. Videos, pictures, voice, text messages, instant messages and emails can all be shot from the handset to others in seconds.
Using Dashboard with Mobile Web 2.0, a wireless Internet service on the VX8360, users can send, receive and write emails from their personal Hotmail, MSN or America Online accounts or send instant messages via AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger Service and Yahoo! Messenger.
Users can add, copy, paste or write text messages, assign them a priority level, or insert a callback number, picture, video, voice message or quick text into the message. Any text message sent to a landline will be translated into an audio message.
Pressing the text messaging hot key initiates a message in one-step and can instantly send the message to up to five frequently messaged contacts. Depending on the size of the text messages, the VX8360 can store up to 540 messages.
The phone is equipped to send picture messages with one or multiple pictures and video messages of up to 30 seconds in length. Users can also record themselves talking and send the recording to a friend via voice messaging.
LG VX8360 BackThe VX8360 has a plethora of ways to stay connected, whether the user is on-line or off. There's not a lot to complain about with the phone's messaging services, but to get the full effect will take a little extra cash for Internet-based or picture and video offerings if they aren't included in the calling plan. Also, services are not available everywhere, and an international message will cost extra.
