subject: The LG Optimus GT540 [print this page] The LG Optimus GT540 The LG Optimus GT540
LG has made quite a name for itself over the past several years in the cell phone market; however, they have been reluctant to enter the Android fray. Getting their feet wet with the LG Intouch Max GW620, LG has followed up this early entry into the Android field with the LG GT540. Dubbed the Optimus, LG has added to what the 620 could do without going overboard. Android newbies and seasoned veterans alike will find the phone a delight to use. The Optimus's construction is of high quality plastic and presents a 3.2-inch resistive screen. It is not the smallest phone on the shelf, but it still easily fits in the pocket at 109mm tall, 54.5mm wide, and 12.7mm thick. Although some prefer the ease of capacitive screens to that of resistive, the screen on the Optimus is very responsive and accurate. Images receive the support of 320 x 480 pixel resolution and 256K colors. The Optimus is powered on the Android 1.6 operating system and uses an updated version of the S-class interface. Users are able to choose their home screen from either the basic Android version or one customized by LG. Neat features that appear on the customized home screen include access to messaging services when the mood strikes and portions of the drag-up menu. Widgets, folders, and shortcuts are also available on the customized screen. The user interface is easy to figure out and presents the convenience of contact importing from Facebook, Bebo, and Twitter. Getting in touch with your friends is quick and effortless. One feature found on every cell phone these days is the camera, and the Optimus takes photos with a 3-megapixel camera that includes autofocus. 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution presents these photos in bright clarity. Face and smile detection are also nice aspects of the camera. Users who have experienced the Viewty Smart will already be familiar with the camera's interface, as it is the basis for the Optimus's. VGA video is also shot at a rate of 17 frames per second. Cell phones have evolved far beyond the ability to provide a tool for conversation. They have become multimedia systems and the Optimus is no different. Xvid and Divx formats are supported by the media player. The music player is based on the same interface of LG's other models and supports FM radio and has an RDS feature containing radio channels. The Bass feature adds some punch to the sound and the Optimus comes with 150 MB of internal memory. Though it is an early entry into Android technology for LG, the company has created a smartphone that capably handles the operating system and will please new users and prior owners of LG equipment. By keeping it somewhat simple, the phone is advanced enough to take advantage of what there is to offer but won't overwhelm those new to the world of Android-powered phones.
