LG CU500 AT&T GSM CAMERA CELL PHONE

by LG, Touchpoint

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• ASIN: B000K2GK2A
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #165,666 in Cell Phones & Accessories (See Top 100 in Cell Phones & Accessories)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

If you're looking for superior multimedia capability wherever you go, look no further than the LG CU500, one of Cingular's first 3G flip phones. This quad-band world phone with domestic UMTS and HSDPA capabilities will allow you to download data at speeds only dreamed of before. In fact, because the CU500 supports the HSDPA protocol for high-speed data transfer, you'll be able to stream TV, video, and more, straight to the CU500.

Take advantage of Cingular's 3G data network with the CU500. See a phone demonstration.

Other key features include support for a Bluetooth stereo headset, an advanced MP3 player with music ID, and a 1.3 megapixel camera. Packaged in a stylish black clamshell design, the CU500 phone is the ultimate multimedia device, and the perfect complement to Cingular wireless service.

Design
The CU500 design takes the standard clamshell form factor to the next level with its impressive media and data capabilities while maintaining a stylish and cool exterior. A large 176 x 220 color display with over 65,000 colors dominates the inside of the top cover. The outside cover of the handset sports a supplementary 96 x 96 full-color display that can display pictures, time, call information, battery and signal strength, and more. Convenient music player control buttons reside just below the external screen, and the 1.3 megapixel camera lens is housed above this display while most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's backlit control pad. A USB data port is provided, as is a microSD/TransFlash memory card slot. Lastly, the internal antenna is safely tucked away, keeping the phone's design compact and portable.

Calling Features
The CU500's internal phone book can hold up to 500 contacts while the phone's picture ID system allows you to assign pictures to your most common callers. It also supports 72-chord polyphonic ringtones, and comes stock with 10 unique ringtones built right into the unit, while more ringtones can be downloaded from Cingular Wireless' MEdia Net service. For times when you want to be discreet, there's a vibrating alert, and a built-in full-duplex speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Meanwhile, voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family, and associates as easy as saying their names.

Because the CU500 is Bluetooth enabled, wireless headsets can be configured with the phone for total handsfree operation.

Enjoy Cingular Video, right on your handset.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
The CU500 is a messaging and wireless Internet powerhouse. With UMTS and HSDPA support built right into the phone, you'll be streaming and downloading at speeds so fast your head will spin. Used in combination with one of Cingular's MEdia Max plans that supports Cingular Video (additional Cingular charges apply), the CU500 will allow you to play high-quality news clips, sports clips, weather clips, and more--right on your phone. And with Cingular's exclusive partnership with HBO Mobile and HBO Family Mobile, you'll never be at a loss for something good to watch.

Into sending and receiving pictures, text, graphics, and sound and video via messages? When used in combination with the phone's built-in still and video cameras, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging fun. Instant messaging is also supported via AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and ICQ (Cingular messaging charges apply). There's also a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. Cingular's MEdia Net service lets you do more than just stream videos--it lets you receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit--a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

Getting on the Internet is easy with the CU500. When used with a Cingular data plan and the phone's Bluetooth or USB data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs.

Let the music play...

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the CU500 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator with a unit conversion feature, a calendar and an alarm clock. Use the phone's Bluetooth capability to set up a wireless link with a Bluetooth accessory or connect to a computer or hand-held device to exchange and synchronize data. The unit also supports USB mass storage, meaning you can use your phone as a portable hard drive--making for easy file transfer between phone and PC. The CU500 is also FOTA capable, meaning you can upgrade firmware over the air without ever having to plug your phone into anything.

Imaging and Entertainment
With features like a dual speaker set for 3D sound, and stereo Bluetooth headphone capability, the CU500 shines in the entertainment department. When the feeling strikes you, jam out to your favorite music on the unit's advanced mp3 player, and because the CU500 sports a memory card slot, you can load up all your favorite music and bring it with you (memory cards sold separately). And because the phone supports MobiTV and MobiRadio, in addition to streaming video and TV, you can listen to your favorite radio station via the supported digital radio service--great for times when you feel like listening to new music (additional Cingular charges apply).

The phone's 1.3 megapixel camera features a 4x zoom, image quality options, and an auto-timer so you can be in your pictures, too. Capture stills and then send them to your friends via MMS messaging or email, or to your PC via USB or Bluetooth. The CU500 also supports custom graphics for wallpapers so you can dress up the phone to suit your fancy.

Support for Java 2.0 gaming is built into the phone and games are available for download via the Cingular MEdia Net service. The CU500 also sports an airplane mode feature, which allows you to safely use the non-wireless functions of a phone (such as music, games or organizer functions) on an airplane during flight.

UMTS Wireless Broadband Coverage
Learn More about where UMTS coverage is offered.

Warning: If you want to enjoy the full audio and video capabilities of your UMTS phone, please select a MEdia Max service plan option during checkout. If you do not sign up for a MEdia Max service plan option, you will be paying per KB when you use the over-the-air UMTS audio and video features on your phone (upwards of $10 per minute).

Vital Statistics
The LG CU500 weighs 3.70 ounces and measures 3.8 x 1.95 x 0.76 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5 hours of digital talk time, and up to 240 hours of digital standby time. It features UMTS with HSDPA capability, and runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE and 850/1900 WCDMA frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

Product Description

High-speed video, rotating 1.3 megapixel camera, streaming TV, and 3D stereo sound — you want it, the CU500 has it! This fully-featured phone is the ultimate multimedia device packaged in a stylish black clamshell. The first phone of its kind, the CU500 lets you listen to music using a Bluetooth® stereo headset and supports HSDPA high-speed network. If you’re looking for superior multimedia capability wherever you go, look no further than the CU500.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Phone. This phone is a quality product., December 30, 2006

By 

Adam L. Safianow "Kiddo" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: LG CU500 AT&T GSM CAMERA CELL PHONE (Wireless Phone)

This phone has a lot to offer that may phones of this size cannot do, or just don't do quite as well. Although some people did not have an excellent experience with this device, so far, I have had a great one.

PROS:
Form factor - Following the new trend of the thin Razr-esque style, this phone is in a durable easy to open and close casing with well spaced keys and a mostly finger-print resistant shell. Buttons clicks very easily and with the exception of the somewhat slim side buttons, the overall casing is excellent. People with large hands may have a little trouble with the music controls on the front, but the same menus can be accessed with the phone open.
Interface - This phone is just plain fast. My last phone was the Motorola L7 Slvr, and that has some major lag to it. This phone is lightning quick. The text messaging speed, browser load up speed, and music player interface are almost immediate. This is by far the fastest phone that I've come across, and very easy to navigate in. The only flaw is the split between the actual media center and mp3 player, but I adjusted fine, and really, I don't use it that much that it makes that big of a difference.
Screen - Excellent screen. Very bright, very vivid. Even when the screen dims itself, it is still easy to read, and the colors just pop. The external screen is decent at best, but usually the external screens aren't up to par on phones of this size. Text is sharp, and darks are really rich.
3G - For those that aren't familiar with exactly what 3G is, it is basically at type of internet access. It allows you to essential travel the internet at broadband speeds. While most webpages are pretty large to fit on this phone, and example of speed could be that MySpace took about 5 seconds to completely load. The AOL Instant Messanger (and other IMing apps) load pretty quickly... it took about 10 seconds to completely sign on and load my buddy list. Instant Messages are lightning fast, and feel as if it were in real time.
Camera - This is a MegaPixel camera. 1.3 to be exact. Although there are 2MP and now even 3MP cameras in phones of this size, the clarity in mid-range lighting is still really good. It is a little muddy in dark areas, and if there is too much light, it is over exposed, but for a camera that has no flash, I found the pictures to be relatively good. Also, the camera swivels for self portraits or snap shots. If your photos are upside down, there is a reverse photo option that's easy to get to that just takes a second.
Bluetooth - I would say an essential to phones these days. File transfers are quick. I haven't actually used a bluetooth headset on it, but it will accept all standard ones to my knowledge.
MicroSD Card Slot - Although I think it can only accept a 1GB maximum at this point, it is still great to have, especially in an MP3 phone. I have heard speculation about a firmware update to get 2GB cards to read, but I can't confirm it. Make sure you ask your provider which brands will work, because not all MicroSD cards will work (all cell phones you should ask).
Multimedia - The MP3 player is pretty good. I found that music that came out of it to be pretty clear, and the interface, although it takes some getting used to, is pretty good. This phone isn't designed to be an MP3 phone, it just has that option, so don't expect this to be above your expectation, but it still is very good.
Call Quality - Very good. There was a nit pick I had about it, but that's later on in the review.
Battery Life - I find it to be pretty good. It lasts about 3-4 days with casual talking and texting. You could probably stretch it to a week if you are a rare cell phone user. The AC adapter securely locks into place, and there is a rubber covering to protect it when not charging.

CONS:
Talk Issue - My only issue with the call quality, is that when the person you are talking to gets very quiet, the phone doesn't have anything that comes out of the speaker. Granted, I hate static, but at least I know my call didn't drop. I have yet to get a dropped call from this phone, but the sound dip kind of concerns me.
Streaming - Streaming is only at 15FPS, so it's not too exciting, but pretty cool.
Radio - The radio is a great addition, but uses hellacious amounts of data, I recommend getting an unlimited data package if you use this.
Awkward MicroSD location - It's actually located behind that battery, so it's almost faster to transfer wirelessly than going through the hastles of a card rearder (unless you buy the USB connection).
Media Package - I don't know if I just got ripped off, but when I was at the Cingular store, I was required to purchase the Media Works package for the internet and such. Granted I was going to get it anyways, but for people that just want to get this phone off Amazon for free, it's kinda iffy. I don't know if Amazon requires you to get this deal, but I recommend it because data gets expensive. Plus with a camera and 3G, the features get addicting.

BOTTOM LINE: Better than the Razr and Katana by far, but not up to par to some of the large candy bar phones and slider phones from Samsung. LG sceptics can rest their anxieties, because this truly is a quality phone.

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Phone!, January 1, 2007

By 

S. Rogers (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: LG CU500 AT&T GSM CAMERA CELL PHONE (Wireless Phone)

I recently upgraded my phone to an LG CU500. I am very pleased. Here's why:

This is a very attractive phone. It looks similar to the RAZR, but it does not have the same wide body. (I do not care for the wide body of the RAZR, it makes it hard to fit in pockets.) I also like the slim body. It is slim enough, but it still feels sturdy. The phone is black with chrome around the external display and the external music controls. When you flip open the phone, you see a great, bold colored screen. You can customize BOTH screens with wallpapers and how you want to display the date and time.

The reception is great. I can hear crisp and clear, and for those other phones that you've had that just don't get loud enough when you're talking, the highest talk volume (7) on this phone is plenty loud enough, I have to keep it on 5 so I won't go deaf. I didn't think the reception would be so clear because of the internal antenna, but it is as clear as it could be.

The buttons on the phone are raised above the surface, unlike many other slim phones, such as the RAZR, the KRZR, or some of Samsung's slim phones. Under the external display are the music buttons. Which are Rewind/Back, Play/Pause, and Forward/Next. On the left side of the phone are two buttons, the rocker and the task button. If the phone is closed you can punch the task button and you can go to the MP3 player, take a photo, or record a video. If the phone is open and you hit the task button, you get the "Task Menu" which brings you to all the available tasks. (MEdia Net Home, Music Player, Games, Applications, Call, Write Message, Message Box, IM)

The phone has a 1.3 mega pixel camera, which is capable of video too. It takes clear, crisp photos and can zoom. The camera lens can rotate 180 degrees to take a self portrait, or to take one of someone else. Each time you rotate the lens, the display is upside down, so you hit the rocker button to flip it right side up.

If you hit the right soft key, the phone pulls up My Menu. This menu is extremely convenient. You make this menu, adding the items you want.

I have not tried the MP3 player yet because you have to buy a separate USB cable that hooks up through the charger port of the phone. You can add memory to the CU500 with micro SD cards.

The ringtones are loud and get attention. There are only a few that I really like, but the rest are OK. The ringtones are ascending, so it starts out average volume and increases to loud, and there is no option to change it, but it's not a big problem for me.

This phone is also 3G capable, which means it can get Cingular's fastest internet speeds.

I highly recommend that you get this phone. It is the best phone out right now. I don't think they will come out with a phone better than the LG CU500 soon.

[...]

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Only phone I do not regret buying (cu500v), June 13, 2007

By 

Creative Mind Wasted "Creative Mind Wasted" (New Jersey, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: LG CU500 AT&T GSM CAMERA CELL PHONE (Wireless Phone)

This phone is heavier than the razr, but is SOOO much better.... reception is comparable to my old phone which did well everywhere... sound is AWESOME... I actually feel the vibration in my pocket so I get my calls on time now.... the camera takes great pics and video.. bluetooth allows me to put every pic and video on my computer for storage... has customizable menu for personalized "favorites" like interface...

I am SOOOO pleased...


CONS: phone is so cool I feel like making calls all the time... eating up my plan minutes....OH and a couple of real things...
1. the alarms do not turn on the phone... so if phone is off... no alarm (alternative: put phone in airplane mode... no calls in or out as if you turned it off)
2. phone has to be open to use the speakerphone ( but works great... no one knows they're on speaker either...awesome sound quality