LG AX-355

Recently, LG Electronics brought out another phone that took the AX-390 and made some marked improvements based on the demand of consumers. This phone, the LG AX 355 contains a number of multimedia functions like a 1.3 mega pixel camera, hands free Bluetooth wireless technology, and BREW 2.1 supported web access. The phone itself is a clamshell design, and is a fairly stylish black with grey accents. It measures about 1.85" x 3.62" x .89" and weighs around 3.8 oz. Like its predecessor, it is also Axcess web capable and works with on Alltel's Axcess MobileLink network via the service offered by Alltel. In addition, the LG AX-355 also easily supports a number of multimedia functions like messaging, ring tones, wallpaper, games, and email and broadband web access. One feature that stands out most often is the camera feature. The 1.3 mega pixel camera offers LED flash capabilities, as well as 15-second video capture. It also comes standard with a self-timer, night mode functions, and brightness and white balance controls to give the best picture resolution, at 1+ mega pixel.

The CDMA LG AX355 is capable of a talk time of 210 minutes and standby time of 230 hours, although regular use of the phone indicates that average times are somewhat less. The phone also supports Axcess Instant Messaging which lets one chat anytime, anywhere via their AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger accounts. The phone is also Touch2Talk-capable, making quick communication between people that much easier. This service not only lets one upgrade to walkie-talkie calls to regular wireless calls but also lets one send messages to all members of a Touch2Talk group. Another feature found in the service is the ability to receive "buddy alerts" when friends or co-workers become available for Touch2Talk calls.

The LG AX355 is capable of Voice-activated dialing and comes equipped with a speakerphone. The onboard phonebook can store up to 500 contacts and the handset is also TTY/TDD-compatible. Other features include a full duplex speakerphone, speaker independent voice control, as well as dual color displays. It is also hearing aid compatible, and offers a number of standard polyphonic ringtones to choose from.

Available accessories for the LG AX 355 included the standards such as a wall charger, car charger, and belt clip or protective cover. The phone can also be used with standard Bluetooth compatible accessories, and can easily link up with any personal computer via a USB cord or outlet. It does not, however, have an in phone MP3 player, something that many would consider a major oversight on the part of LG Electronics.

Surprisingly given all its available features, the sound quality and reception of this phone was somewhat sub par according to quite a few customer reviews. Quite a few customers found that the phone lost signal or drop calls when in areas of weak network coverage. However, many felt that the ease of use, as well as the sleek design and additional features made up for any drawback in reception. Overall though, most customers found the phone to be fairly easy to use, and well worth the extra hassle of an occasionally dropped call.

The AX355 is available from Alltel for $69.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate. However, like anything else, prices are subject to change, so it's a good idea to check with your potential carrier for more accurate information. If you're looking for a phone that has many but not all of the bells and whistles seen in today's phones, and reception in weak network areas i not a concern, the LG AX 355 might be one to consider.