Apparatus average range intended for the general public, the new smartphone Android LG Optimus GT540 is distinguished by its multimedia functions (including the playback of DivX, a bel AFN files, and a radio) and its wrapper allowing a high level of customization. The assets that would almost forget some shortfalls (volunteers) as the capacitive screen.
The bluff was almost perfect. Had presented us Optimus GT540, the new smartphone from LG running Android, by comparing its appearance with that of the Viewty, one of the biggest success of the brand.
Indeed, with between other edges rounded, the last entrant has the same air of family. Suddenly, hastily, we thought see a metal casing, as well as on the Viewty. But the carcass, despite a successful imitation, proves be plastic. The printing of metal brushed black model of the tested device is therefore dramatic. But even plastic, design and finish of the GT540 are successful.
The single package unit is relatively late, with a thickness of less than 13 mm. Commands through the touch screen interface 3 inches. With the exception of the press buttons side (on the one hand those that regulate the volume, the other one for the AFN and one to launch a quick search of the installed applications or a query on Google) and front-end (two for telephone calls and one for return to the main screen). And just below the screen plus two tactile buttons: the first to open a context menu, the second for a return back.
Use, if the GT540 is in the whole of ergonomic use, we regret the operation of the phone keys, which are used to terminate a call, to make it appear the history, the optimum. None provides the appearance of the keyboard of appeal! Through an icône…
LG Optimus GT540 : Fort in multimedia
LG Optimus GT540 retained a bit of the DNA of Viewty, which–free his APN and its video camera performance have been acclaimed. If its camera is only 3 megapixel (there where others have 5 or even 8), fixed image quality is satisfactory.
Moreover, everyone knows now that a higher number of pixels is no better guarantee. The evidence: photos at 3 megapixels of the GT540 Optimus convince more than by the 5-megapixel a HTC Hero…
Another reason for satisfaction on the account of this Optimus: the interface of the AFN: clear, efficient, pleasant to use brief. Note, however, the lack of flash. And just correct quality of images produced by its camcorder (definition 640 x 480). However, the device is able to read files in DivX. And screen (HVGA 320 x 480 pixels, 262 k colours) display is even almost sublime. Bravo.
We also appreciated the quality of the audio player. This has also added the presence of a FM radio function (whose receipt or processing of the signal is perfectible). This is therefore a device including multimedia assets, we are above the average.
Uncomfortable writing
LG Optimus GT540 touch interface is however below the HTC Hero, Desire and of course iPhone: its screen is resistive. A choice that corresponds to a positioning voluntarily “mid range”, we were told in LG. And that should make the most affordable phone (€300 without subscription). Why not?
If this touch interface was reactive, enabling a general navigation without penalty, for example to switch from one screen to another (without having too support the screen) or validate its choice, it is less comfortable when it comes to typing text in an email or another.
Virtual keyboard keys are much smaller. Even in horizontal position (note here the good operation of the detection of movement and automatic failover between landscape mode and portrait). Therefore, to type, must certainly not highlight the old pen. But we had to use the nail to be fairer and reduce typing errors.
To often write mails, LG Optimus GT540 is not ideal.
Service emails to review
It is especially damage that, precisely, for electronic messaging, its designer intended more safe. Adding compatibility with Exchange ActiveSync, which allows not only synchronize emails, but also the agenda and contacts of the smartphone with a remote server (for example that of a business).
Added to this, this same smartphone is LG Push. As its name indicates, it is a push service: to receive emails are duplicated on a server that is responsible in principle to send, without delay, to the smartphone.
We tried several times to this service. With a free account for which we have given the pop and SMTP settings. And with a mail service account (in this case Gmail and Yahoo.fr). In the first case, LG Push has failed to configure. With the Gmail address, the configuration was successful. Account emails are loaded. But the new arrived with much delay (several minutes, or even more).
Yahoo configuration could not be, despite several attempts. We have yet made the test with an another GT540, but nothing to do. In short, for the moment, the LG Push service (which takes only an account at a time) is disappointing.
An old but well dressed Android
The resistive screen has not prevented us to have a pleasant Web browsing. With a Magnifier to enlarge the area of page desired. And the possibility to retain eight Windows Web. In short, a classic navigation for Android 1.6 System.
Yes, it’s well under version 1.6 out the LG Optimus GT540. Where others have 2.0 or 2 1… milling Mid-range, said it it. But, and this is one of the strengths of the smartphone, the possibilities for customization are real on this Optimus (name of the range that LG will reserve to its Android phones).
Because, through the menu applications, it is possible, via the “Home screen Picker” widget to the “configuration” Android to LG. And in this second case, the user can customize up to seven different screens! It reminds the wrapper HTC Sense (the Hero), which offers the same number of customized screens.
The LG home configuration offers interesting widgets, as this bar of five commands to directly enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, syncing data associated with Google (contacts, calendar) or change the brightness of the screen. Another improvement brought by LG: it is possible, in the part of the applications (the one that appears in amount and brings together all the widgets installed in its smartphone), to group them by category, separated horizontally. It is sufficient to give names to created categories (for example programs GPS, games, news,…) and move the relevant widgets.
This, added to the multimedia functions, helps make this very pleasant to use Android smartphone. Because if it had to be confined to purely technical performance such as the speed of execution of tasks, the operation of the GPS (an average precision with Google Maps) or independence (which does not take a day, as often with number of current smartphones)the GT540 Optimus would barely have been just a device entry. Therefore, long live multimedia and customization.
More : Multimedia functions (video playback of DivX files, radio, the AFN quality, quality Player audio…). The wrapper LG home (with up to 7 customizable screens and the classification of widgets by categories). JOLIS design and finishing. LG Push option for emails. Beautiful screen. Reactive motion sensor
Less : Screen capacitive, not enough light outside. Discomfort of the virtual keyboard. Lack of precision of GPS with Google Maps.
|