All articles on this site are by Harry Skevington unless otherwise noted with another byline

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Adesso Slim Touch Desktop
Keyboard (AKB-440UB)


Adesso Slim Touch Bluetooth
Touchpad Mini Keyboard
WKB-4000BB


Adesso SlimTouch Pro
TouchPad keyboard
 WBK-4200UB


AERIAL7 HEADPHONES

Adobe Acrobat 9
Pro Extended


Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0

Adobe PhotoShop Elements 6.0

Adobe Photoshop
 Elements 7


Adobe Premiere
 Elements 7


Adobe PhotoshopElements 8
 And
Adobe Premiere Elements 8


Adobe Photoshop Elements 9
and
premiere Elements 9


Aegis mini 120 Gig
Hard drive by Apricorn


Animoto.com
Free Video Creation


AT&T Impressions
by Samsung SGH-A877


AT&T SYNC by
Samsung SGH-A707


AT&T Blackberry Curve

AT&T Blackjack II
by Samsung


AT&T Nokia Surge
Cell Phone


AT&T Video Share Phones


Audible.com

AverTV Cardbus

AVG Security Internet
Suite Version 8.0


Backup-Pal Backup
 Cell phone Contacts


Blackberry Storm
from Verizon Wireless


Brookstone Earbuds

Buffalo DriveStation
Combo


Canon FS31 Flash Memory Camcorder

Canon PowerShot A495
10 MP digital Camera


CardScan Executive

Casio EX-FC100 10MP
Digital Camera


Casio Exilim Z22 - 7.2 MP
Digital Camera


Casio Exilim EX-Z80
Digital Camera


Casio Exilim 10.1 MP Digital
Camera EX-Z1080


Casio Exilim EX-S10
10.1 MP Digital Camera


Casio Exilim EX-FS10
Hi Speed Digital Camera


Casio EXimim EX-G1
12.1 MP Waterproof
and Shock Resistant
Digital Camera


Casio Exilim EX-H10
12MP Digital 10X Zoom


Casio EX-FH100
10X Digital Camera
Hi-speed & Slow Motion


Casio Exilim Z300
10.1 MP Digital Camera


Casio Exilim EX-Z29
10.1 MP digital Camera


Casio Exilim EX-Z35
12.1 MP Digital Camera


Casio Exilim EX-Z450
12.1 MP Digital Camera


Casio Exilim EX-Z550
Digital Camera


Cingular 3125 Phone

Cingular Blackberry 8800

Clear Harmony Headphones
Ableplanet


CyberDefender
Service Call


Dexim P-Flip iPhone
Power Dock Charger


Dymo LabelWriter
400 Turbo


Digital FOCI
Photo Safe II


DISKGO 1 MINI HD

DiskGO 3.5 DRIVE

Diskeeper Pro Premier
2007


Diskeeper 2010
Professional


DocuPen RC800
Executive Kit


Droid X Motorola Verizon
Android Cell phone


Droid 3 by Motorla
 For Verizon


Duracell PowerSource
Mobile 100


Dymo Discpainter

diskGO 64GB USB
Flash Drive by Edge


Earbud YoY0

ETON Red Cross Radio
FR300


Energizer Energi To Go

Xperio X10 mini pro
Sony Ericsson for ATT


Sony Ericsson Xperia
PLAY 4G Phone


Franklin Speaking
Global Translator
TG-490


Franklin 12 Language
Translator TGA-485


Franklin USB Dictionary
& Thesaurus


Genius Bluetooth Stereo
Headset BT-03A


Genius eFace High-Def
Webcam 2050AF


Genius G-Shot HD-520
Video/Photo Camera


Genius Look 313 WebCam
5 in One


Genius 10 inch Photo
Frame PF-A01


Genius PenSketch
 9by12


Genius SW-T2.1 1800
Speaker System


Griffin Survivor Case
for iPhone


Griffin WindowSeat
HandsFree


Griffin iTrip Auto
HandsFree


Griffin PowerJolt Auto
Charger



H2 Handy Recorder
Samson


i2! Stream Two Pack

iClear Sketch Case
 From Griffin


iHarmonix Platinium
i-Series Headphones


iPhone P-Flip Foldable
Power Dock DEXIM


iStar HDD
Docking Station


iTrip FM for iPod nano
From Griffin


Jaybird HB-200
Bluetooth Stereo Headset


JVC GR-D750
Mini DV Camcorder


Kingston DataTraveler
Mini Thin Thumbdrive


Kingston DataTraveler
150 32 Gig USB Drive


Lenovo IBM ThinkPad

Lenovo IdeaPad
S10-3t Tablet


Lenovo IdeaPad vs a Table
BOTH GOOD depends on needs


Lenovo 22” Wide Monitor
 L220X


Lenovo IdeaPad
Tablet K1


Lenovo THINKPad
 REVISITED


Lenovo Thinkpad
R400


Lenovo ThinkPad
Bluetooth Laser Mouse


LG enV2 Phone For
Verizon Wireless


LG Dare Phone From
Verizon Wireless


LG Decoy Phone
Verizon Wireless


LG Incite Phone
AT&T


LG REVOLUTION
VERIZON


LG Voyager in Titanium
for Verizon Wireless


LG Solar Bluetooth
Car Kit HFB-500


LITE-ON LightScribe
External Drive


Logitech QuickCam
Ultra Vision SE


Logitech X-240 2.1
Speaker System


Love Hate Relationship

Luminex Screen Cleaner
by iFrogs


MagicCables From
Data Drive Thru


MagicJack
Phone Line


McAfee Internet Security

My New iPad 2

 My New Mac
Lion Edition


MoGo Talk XD2
Case and Bluetooth Headset
Package


Muvee Reveal

NETGEAR Travel Router

OPEN IT!
CUTTER TOOL


OtterBox iPod
Cases


OtterBox Cases HTC ERIS
Commuter Impact


Otterbox Defender
iPhone Case


Panasonic PV-GS31

Panda Security

Pantech Matrix Pro
For AT&T


Pictureal

PictureITPostage.com

Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 11

Plustek Mobile Office D28
Corporate


Plustek OptiCard 821

Plustek Smartoffice
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PowerDVD v7 Max

Proshow Gold

PUROSOL CLEANERS

RCA JETSTREAM
MP3 Player


REBIT EXTERNAL
Backup Appliance


REBIT 500 GIG EXTERNAL
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NEW 2010
REBIT BACKUP
APPLIANCE


RoboForm

RoboForm Pro
2010


RoboForm 7

SAITEK

S. beat MP3 Swiss Knife

SandiskSansa Clip
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Sansa Clip 8GB
MP3 Player


SanDisk Mobile Ultra
& Card Reader


Sandisk Sansa Fuze
Mp3 Player


Sandisk Sansa
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Sennheiser CX300

Sansung NV10
 Digital Camera


Samsung L77
Digital Camera


Samsung L830
Digital Camera


Samsung SL202
Digital Camera


Samsung Behold Touch
Phone For T-Mobile


Samsung Captivate
phone for AT&T


SANSUNG FASCINATE
PHONE FOR AT&T


Samsung Focus Windows 7
Phone for At&T


SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB
FOR T-Mobile


Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
For Verizon


Samsung Glyde SCH-u940
Touch Phone


Samsung SGH-339 Cell Phone
For T-Mobile


Samsung Intercept Android
Phone for Sprint


Samsung InFuse Smartphone
 for AT&T


Samsung Memoir Phone
For T-Mobile SGH-t929


Samsung Moment
Android Phone
For Sprint


Samsung Jack Phone
for AT&T


SAMSUNG GOOGLE
NEXUS S SMARTPHONE


Samsung Sunburst
SGH-A697 for AT&T


SanDisk Storage Cards
and Imagemate Multi Reader


Simply Audiobooks

Sleek Cell Phone Universal
Signal Booster by Wilson


SPRINT ACE PHONE
FROM SAMSUNG


StealthSurfer

SurroundX Portable
Speaker System


Super Talent 8GB
USB Flash Drive


Targus PR700 Easy
Roller Notebook Case


Targus WiFi Scanner
ACW20US


Targus Wireless
Laser Mouse


The Tornado
USB FILE TRANSFER


TruLink Wireless USB to VGA
 with integrated audio Kit
by Cables To Go

 
TuneJuice Universal
Charge by Griffin


Verbatim Store “n” Go
12 GB USB hard drive


Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless
 THE Blitz from PCD


Verizon Wireless
HTC Droid ERIS


Verizon Wireless
Motorola DEVOUR
Android


Verizon Wireless
Droid Pro by Motorola


Verizon Wireless FlipShot
by Samsung


Verizon Wireless
HTC DROID Incredible


ATT Wireless
Inspire 4G by HTC


Verizon Wireless
ThunderBolt by HTC


Verizon Wireless
Intrigue by Nokia


Verizon Wireless
Ozone by HTC


Victorinox
Swiss Flash 8GB


VideoStudio 10 Plus

Warranty Thoughts

WebEasy Pro 6.0

Western Digital
My Passport Elite 320 Gig


Western Digital
My Book Studio Edition II


WikiReader

Windows 7
Beta Test


Windows 7 Media Center

Windows 7
Release Candidate


YURBUDS Earphones

XPERIA X10 Phone
Sony Ericsson AT&T


ZONET USB Firewire
 

 

Decoy Verizon Wireless

NOVEMBER 21, 2008

LG Decoy for Verizon Wireless
A built-in Bluetooth Headset and More.

Decoy slide open and backWhen a list of available for testing LG phones arrived in my email I felt like a kid in a candy factory. After checking each phone’s features I chose two that really peaked my interest. The LG Decoy for Verizon Wireless and its built-in Bluetooth headset was one of them. I have watched people with those things stuck in their ears walking around like they were wearing a large ear ring with a flashing blue light. They seem to be speaking to an invisible rabbit or the big boss in the sky. They were all alone in their secret world. I really didn’t envy them (Much) but this was my chance to see if it worked. Of course there are many other features that make the LG Decoy a special product. I took a two week ride and checked them out.

In the box
The LG Decoy
Standard Lithium Ion Battery (800 mAh)
Travel Charger
Integrated Bluetooth Headset
Bluetooth Headset Charging Adapter
Bluetooth Headset Cavity Cover
Quick Reference Guide
User Guide

Pricing: MSRP $349.99
With Verizon Wireless contract: after a $50.00 online discount $149.99

Side view with Bluetooth headset storedGetting to the point I went right to the headset. It is stuck to the back of the phone like a slightly humpbacked camel. This allows it to be charged right through the phone. It also can be charged using the included USB headset charger. (PHOTO) Once charged I found it easy to do headset pairing. Just hold the Bluetooth Headset power button down for three seconds with the Decoy ON. When you hear a tone in the ear piece the pairing is complete. Press the Headset power button for five seconds to turn it off. Easy! Of course I forgot to turn off Bluetooth power in the Decoy so the Decoy battery ran down faster than a wind up toy. Oops! I asked a friend to call me and the sound in my ear was very clear. However the ringtone was turned on so I changed to vibrate to make my use of the phone less obvious. I was now like all the others on the street. Talking and walking with no one by my side. It worked quite well. The earpiece on the Decoy fits my ear fine. Smaller eared people may have some issues with it. I do not think other sizes are available so test the fit in a store prior to buying the Decoy.

Decoy and deck of CardsThe Decoy is a slide phone with a large screen and some controls on the outside of the phone. It is longer top to bottom than some phones Sliding the top upward reveals a standard keyboard/dialing pad. The phone reverts to locked after a short time. This is not security but it does prevent accidental pressing of the external keys. Unlocking is done with a click on the upper left control key. The external screen is very bright, uncluttered, and easily readable.

Closed cover controlsWhen closed there are four buttons (Left, Right, Clear, and Speaker) and a round center button/rocker control. “Directional Key” is the name LG has given it. This control requires some time to get used to but it becomes very easy and quite functional after an hour or two. I came to appreciate the left, right, up and down shortcuts that took me directly to the Headset Wizard, Calendar, My Shortcuts, or New Text message. That saves some time and steps. Pressing the round center control button brings the main menu up on the external screen. This gives you access to all the usual functions.

The external headset jack is 2.5 mm so my 3.5 stuff will not work. I did test Bluetooth on two of my own Bluetooth headsets and found they paired and worked well. Although Music sounded very clear using the included Bluetooth ear piece music lovers will want to add either a wired or Bluetooth stereo headset for the best results.

The 2 MP camera (No Flash) is a move upward but more Mega Pixel capability is already here in other phones. Videos were dark inside and acceptable in daylight. Photos were fine in good lighting but poor in low light conditions. I know the camera is not the main reason for having a phone but it is high on my list. See test photos on Flickr.

Music/Photo/Video Storage
The Decoy uses a MicroSD memory slot and supports up to 8GB cards in that format. The Music Player supports MP3, WMA, Unprotected AAC, & Unprotected AAC+ formats. Syncing music from your PC to the phone requires VCast Music Manager. It is available as a download from Verizon Wireless. A compatible USB cable is required and can be purchased from Verizon Wireless. Music manager will work with Windows XP or Vista on a PC. You will need Windows Media Player 10 or higher. VCast Music with Rhapsody is now the Verizon Music portal.
 

VZ Navigator
I love using a GPS. I have yet to see one mess up the trip. I requested a plan from my house to one in South Carolina but kept getting the “Try again in 5 seconds” message. I was able to get map and directions when I got home. Maybe the signal was bad in the location I was at that time.

Contacts
Up to 1000 names with the ability include multiple numbers and email addresses for each contact.

Messaging
Almost anything you can think of. Instant, eMail, and voice all are easy to set up. I particularly liked entering passwords and being able to view the underlying numerals or letters for a short time before they turned into asterisks. I have had times with other phones that I gave up after attempting to type a password over and over with no satisfactory results.

VCast Video
The screen was very bright with great colors but a little small to really enjoy video.

Basic Specs From LG: (For More Details Click Here)
Technology: CDMA
Frequency: 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS, 800 MHz CDMA (Digital Dual-Band)
Data Transmission: High-Speed EVDO
Dimensions: 4.01" (H) x 1.97" (W) x 0.67" (D)
Weight: 4.05 oz.
Display: 262K Color TFT, 240 x 320 Pixels, 2.20"
Standard Battery: 800 mAh
Usage Time: Up to 230 Minutes (3 Hours & 50 Minutes)
Standby Time: Up to 330 Hours (13 Days & 18 Hours)

This is a very capable addition to the LG/Verizon Wireless lines. The Bluetooth headset being a part of the package makes it very enticing to those who need that option. If you do much texting you may prefer something with a QWERTY keyboard.

For additional info on this or other products from Verizon Wireless Click Here.

For additional info on this or other products from LG Click Here
 

Harry Skevington has been involved with electronics since 1981. He has taught, written for, and provided support to, computer users since 1985. Information that will help consumers with buying decisions is more important than ever due to the current convergence of computers and other consumer products .

Harry attends CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas on assignment as a working press writer each year to find and write about emerging technology that seems to fit the needs of his readers.

Contact Harry

 

 

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