Gadget Envy: LG's PRADA Phone
Mon Jan 29, 2007 11:56PM EST
See Comments (3)
You've probably heard about LG's PRADA branded phone (KE850), which bares striking similarities to the iPhone. As a matter of fact, this very topic has sparked much debate. And really, should we care? LG is not even planning on releasing their PRADA-tastic phone to the American masses, yet Europe and Asia will start to see it rolling into stores next month. Think of all the lucky European girls who'll be able to get their hands on one this Valentines Day, while we have to wait until June for the iPhone to be released. Not very fair, is it? To be fair, I'm sure that's how Europeans felt when they were unable to buy a Wii or PS3 for Christmas.
But what's in a PRADA phone, anyway? Aside from the iPhone, the LG KE850 is the first phone with a touch interface that eliminates the conventional keypad. It also has a 2-megapixel camera, music player (MP3, ACC, ACC+, WMA, RA), video player (MPEG4, H.263, H.264), document viewer, external memory slot, and Bluetooth capabilities.
Here's how it compares to the iPhone:
Screen Size
- LG: 3-inches (240 x 400)
- Apple: 3.5 inches (320 x 480)
Storage
- LG: Micro SD
- Apple: Flash memory (4GB and 8GB)
Wireless Data
- LG: Bluetooth 2.0, EDGE Tri-Band
- Apple: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, EDGE
Dimensions
- LG: 98.8 × 54 × 12 mm
- Apple: 115 x 61 x 11.6mm
iTunes
- LG: None
- Apple: Absolutely
Price
- LG: $775 (600 Euros)
- Apple: $499 and $599
Release Date
- LG: February in Europe, March in Asia
- Apple: June in N. America
I don't know just how similar the design of these two phones really is, but like Chris Null says, "how many ways are there to design a cell phone that has no buttons? A large rectangle is about the only thing that comes to mind..."
As far as interface is concern, I think having iTunes is very important, especially if you're an iPod user used to Cover Flow for navigation purposes. I'm definitely excited about the iPhone, and can't wait until June.
Related:
Apple iPhone: Coolest Features, Biggest Obstacles
Did Apple Borrow the iPhone Design from Someone Else?
Should You Worry About iPhone's "Handcuffs"?
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Comments on Gadget Envy: LG's PRADA Phone
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2 Posted by artmeusmaxim on Thu Apr 26, 2007 8:57AM EDT Report Abuse
Please visit - www.LGPRADA.net - ON SALE NOW! LG PRADA ITALIA www.LGPRADA.net Location: Italia
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3 Posted by artmeusmaxim on Thu Apr 26, 2007 8:58AM EDT Report Abuse
Link --- www.lgprada.net
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1 Posted by apeterc on Fri Feb 16, 2007 11:01AM EST Report Abuse
Sorry but your price comparison is unfair. Don't forget that the iPhone comes with a mind-boggling 2-year contract (!! that's been made illegal in most countries and is an insane commercial practice) and you can only use the phone on Cingular (sim-locked); meanwhile, Cingular subsidises heavily the device (some USD200-300 seems about right; could be more), a subsidy instantly neutralised by the operator with the net present value of your minimal 2-year contract payments. Meanwhile, the Prada phone price of EUR600 is before subsidy and sim-free (ie you can use it on any network and with any contract). A sim-locked version with a 1-year contract would bring the price down into the EUR300-400 range. Finally, I do note that you gracefully omit the metion of weight difference. The Prada comes a light 85g, while the rather clonkier iPhone swings in with its good 135g - about 60% more - so it better has a bigger screen and does one heck of a lot more than the tiny Prada. Last word: for what I know of it, the iPhone was kinda waved in front of the audience about a month ago, that's it. There are no tests, nobody could manipulate it, and we don't even know if Stevie showed us a dummy or a finalised product. As for the Prada phone, I've actually been able to see it in real life, and briefly manipulate it, and it was most definitely a working device - that will sell like hot cake in less than 2 weeks here in Europe, mark my words!