LG's Chocolate 3 music phone comes to Verizon
updated 10:10 am EDT, Fri July 11, 2008
Verizon gets Chocolate 3
Now shipping, the third iteration of the LG Chocolate will carry the VX8560 designation and be the most music-oriented version to date when it launches over the weekend, Verizon Wireless announced today. The flip-phone will also be the first offering from Verizon to feature a built-in FM transmitter that will allow users to play music stored on the handset on any FM radio, car stereos included.
The newest Chocolate features a 2.2-inch internal screen with 320x240 resolution, while the exterior screen comes in at 1.76 inches and 176x220 pixels. Still and moving images are captured on the 2-megapixel camera, and stored either on 1GB of internal memory or microSDHC card up to 8GB in size. Apart from the FM transmitter, music can be played back via the integrated stereo speakers or a 3.5mm headphone jack. Bluetooth 2.1 allows wireless headsets to be paired up, in addition to wireless data transfers.
Like other handsets compatible with Verizon's V CAST Music with Rhapsody service, the Chocolate 3 will be able to download songs from a library of over 5 million DRM-free tracks. The provider's V CAST Video and ESPN MVP services will be offered, with pre-installed applications including Mobile Web, Mobile E-Mail, Mobile IM, VZ Navigator, Chaperone.
Available initially in black or light blue, the LG Chocolate 3 will be available in Southern California on July 13, priced at $130 after a $50 mail-in rebate and on a new two-year contract. Buying it outright will set buyers back nearly $300. The V CAST Music with Rhapsody service subscription costs $15 monthly.
