LG BL40

LG's latest Black Label device, tastefully titled the Chocolate Touch, caused quite a few gasps and swoons around the Engadget mansion when it was first spotted, and subsequent photo shoots have not diminished our admiration. The gorgeous 4-inch, 21:9 display promises a whole new way to experience web browsing and video playback on a mobile phone, and we've been salivating for an opportunity to try it out. Finally, that day has come, so follow along as we get our fingerprints all over a final production sample, and bring you pictures, video and our thoughts on the functionality that lay behind that tempered glass screen.

LG BL40 Chocolate Touch hands-on

We headed off to the London Design Museum this cloudy and muddy afternoon with a healthy dose of skepticism. After all, as promising as it may look, we still knew very little about the BL40's usability, and there was at least the shadow of doubt in our mind that perhaps LG would rely on the unique form factor (128 x 51 x 10.9mm) and attractive display to woo people into buying otherwise unremarkable hardware. So it was both a delight and a relief to confirm for ourselves that this is by no means a gimmick phone.
The construction of the Chocolate Touch exudes both luxury and longevity. Yes, that reads like it's been lifted from the PR sheets, but it's true nonetheless. With the screen well protected and a generally minimalistic external design, it should be able to withstand the ocassional drop without much trouble. We commend the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top of the phone, and there's a usable, if not spectacular, 5 megapixel camera on the back.
With support for DivX, Xvid and MPEG-4 video, WiFi and HSDPA connectivity, and one of the most daring designs we've seen for a long while, the Chocolate Touch looks all set for success. The interface may prove too unwieldy for some, but overall the phone makes a very positive first impression. The BL40 has already cleared the FCC hurdles to making it to North American markets, so while the rumored August 23 launch date hasn't materialized, we don't expect our American readers to be left out in the cold for much longer.

We've suspected it for a while, and now it's 100 percent confirmed: Verizon's latest Chocolate device, the Chocolate Touch, takes absolutely zero influence from the lovely BL40 with which it shares a name. That said, it definitely seems to continue the Chocolate line's music-oriented tradition with an integrated FM radio, dedicated music key, stereo Bluetooth, equalization tech from Dolby Mobile, and a curious "Join the Band" function that lets you add in your own beats to the music with a full on-screen drum kit. It's got a 3.2 megapixel cam, full touch display, and for the impatient among us, the best news might be that it's available today -- yes, today -- for $79.99 on contract after rebate.