The tablet space it really heating up as of late and LG doesn’t want to be left out of the game. Last week they launched the new Optimus Pad with a 8.9 inch display, running the latest version of Google’s Android and the only official tablet version of the operating system – Android 3.0. The Optimus Pad is available exclusively from Rogers Wireless for $450 with a 3 year plan, or $650 without a plan.

The Optimus Pad is powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 mobile processor. With 32GB of internal memory, a 3D camera that supports 5 megapixel images, WiFi, HDMI Out, GPS, Bluetooth, and support for up to 14.4 Mbps download over the Rogers network, making this one nicely tricked out tablet. It would be nice if it offered expandable storage by MicroSD slot, but perhaps it won’t be that big an issue with 32GB on board.

Overall, Rogers and LG are claiming a 15 day standby, or 40 hours of music playback, or 10 hours of video playback on a single charge of the battery – that’s pretty impressive. I can’t wait to get one in my hands and give it the once over to see if it really lasts as long as they claim.

If you’re interested, the full press release is below. Give it a read and let us know your thoughts on this new device. Will you be adding this to your gadget collection before the summer kicks into high gear?

LG OPTIMUS PAD – SETING NEW STANDARDS SO CANADIANS CAN WORK HARD AND PLAY HARD
The 4G Android 3.0 Honeycomb Tablet Brings Media to Life with 3D and HD Capture, Viewing and Sharing

Toronto, May 17, 2011 – LG is bringing media to life with the release of the Optimus Pad in Canada – the latest in tablet technology with a dual-core processor. With diverse multimedia and productivity features, the LG Optimus Pad features a unique 8.9-inch display for one-handed portability and uncompromising viewability, a variation from the 7 and 10 inch screens in market.

The LG Optimus Pad is powered by Google’s Android 3.0 Honeycomb platform and the NVIDIA Tegra 2 mobile processor. The world’s first tablet with a 3D camera, the LG Optimus Pad wraps users in an immersive multimedia environment with Full HD 1080p decoding.

“We are thrilled to set a new standard for tablets in the Canadian market with the launch of the Optimus Pad,” said Frank Lee, Senior Marketing Manager, LG Electronics Canada.   “Canadians are looking for exciting innovation with versatility for work and play and the Optimus Pad achieves the right blend of portability and viewability with no performance compromises.”

The LG Optimus Pad will be available in Canada exclusively through Rogers Communications.  It will be available with select three-year data plans at $449.99, a month-to-month plan for $649.99 or as a standalone purchase for $699.99.

Easy Portability, Ideal Viewability
Sized at 8.9-inch diagonally and 149.4-mm horizontally, the LG Optimus Pad offers a sensible solution to other tablets on the market that are either too large for comfortable portability or too small for ideal viewing. The conveniently-sized LG Optimus Pad fits comfortably in one hand, goes anywhere and slips easily into purses and slim briefcases. With 15:9 aspect ratio, the LG Optimus Pad allows users access to the full range of applications in Android Market and its 1280 x 768 WXGA resolution vividly displays multimedia content in full widescreen format.

Powerful, Fast and Versatile Platform
The LG Optimus Pad is powered by Android 3.0, Google’s latest platform optimized for tablets which supports larger display resolutions and applications specifically designed for tablets, including Google eBooks, Google Maps 5, Google Talk, Rogers urMusic, Rogers On Demand Online and the Macleans and Sportsnet widgets. Android 3.0 also makes the LG Optimus Pad easy to use with a more intuitive PC-like interface. The LG Optimus Pad fully utilizes the 1 GHz Dual Core CPU of NVIDIA Tegra 2 to deliver lag-free web browsing and quick app start up. The superb graphics and multitasking capabilities of NVIDIA Tegra 2 enables the LG Optimus Pad to run multiple apps simultaneously and handle rich multimedia with ease.

Haven for Multimedia Enthusiasts
As the world’s first tablet equipped with a 3D camera, users can capture vivid images and video with the LG Optimus Pad for viewing on 3D TVs using HDMI or on the web via YouTube 3D. Business users will also appreciate the built-in videocalling feature. With 1080p Full HD decoding, movie enthusiasts can transfer high quality content to their TVs without any loss in picture quality. Serious and casual gamers alike will delight in the wide collection of console-quality games available through the Tegra Zone app that runs seamlessly on the LG Optimus Pad.

The first thing that jumps off the spec sheet is the 8.9 inch 3D screen. I’m not sure how I feel about a 3D screen in general, let along on my mobile devices. We’ll have to see how this turns out. Going hand and hand with the 3D screen, is the 3D HD video recording thanks to the 5 megapixel rear-facing camera. Continuing down the spec sheet we find 32GB internal storage, HDMU output, 2 megapixel front-facing camera, powered by Nvidia’s dual core Tegra 2 processor, support for T-Mobile’s new 4G network, running Android 3.0 – Honeycomb.

LG has been turning out some really cool and cutting edge devices recently, and it looks like the G-Slate is no exception. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on one and seeing how well it performs.

In case you’re interested the full T-Mobile press release follows below.

Bellevue, Wash. and San Diego — Feb. 1, 2011 PST

T-Mobile USA, Inc. and LG Mobile Phones today unveiled their Android™ 3.0 (Honeycomb)-powered tablet, the T-Mobile® G-Slate™ with Google™ by LG. With a brilliant, high-definition (HD) 8.9-inch, 3D-capable multi-touch display, the T-Mobile G-Slate delivers a groundbreaking mobile entertainment experience, including the ability to record 3D and full HD video.

Expected to be available this spring, G-Slate is built for speed on America’s Largest 4G Network™ and is the first tablet in T-Mobile’s pioneering G-series of devices, which began with the world’s first Android-powered smartphone just over two years ago. The first 4G tablet from T-Mobile and LG, the G-Slate is powered by Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), the latest version of Google’s Android platform, which is optimized for tablets. In addition, the G-Slate will be among the first tablets to feature 3D capabilities including built-in support for 3D graphics, enabling consumers to capture and share their own 3D videos and experience 3D HD content right on the device with the aid of 3D glasses.

“The G-Slate represents the next chapter in T-Mobile’s rich history of Android innovation,” said Brad Duea, senior vice president, marketing, T-Mobile USA. “Tablets enable users to take with them the rich Web and entertainment experiences they have at home, and this will radically shift the way people interact with and consume content while mobile. The G-Slate delivers a powerful combination of premium mobile HD entertainment and T-Mobile’s lightning-fast 4G mobile broadband network.”

“We are excited to introduce the T-Mobile G-Slate by LG, which offers consumers an engaging new way to communicate, entertain and stay connected,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of marketing for LG Mobile Phones. “Bringing consumers the latest in revolutionary HD tablet technology and an Android platform perfectly optimized for tablet use, G-Slate provides a unique multimedia experience.”

The sleek, lightweight G-Slate can easily be held upright in one hand for reading an eBook or magazine, watching streaming TV or browsing the Web while on the go. Featuring a rear-facing stereoscopic video recorder with 1080p for HD video capture and a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, the G-Slate makes it easy to capture moments on video or with a photo. With the front-facing camera, customers can video chat with friends and family over T-Mobile’s network or Wi-Fi with Google Talk™. The G-Slate also supports 720p HD on-device video playback and HDMI output to show 1080p content on 3-D and HD displays. With a NVIDIA Tegra 2 mobile processor with dual-core CPU and full Adobe® Flash® Player support, the G-Slate enables quick and seamless browsing of rich Web content, multitasking and gaming. The G-Slate will also provide a superior entertainment experience when streaming live TV or downloading music and videos with lightning-fast speed over T-Mobile’s 4G network.

In addition, the G-Slate includes 32 GB of internal memory and features a built-in gyroscope, accelerometer and adaptive lighting for the latest applications and the ultimate gaming experience.

T-Mobile’s 4G network, America’s largest 4G network, has expanded into more than 100 major metropolitan areas, reaching more than 200 million people nationwide. Beginning today, T-Mobile’s network is also delivering 4G speeds to Albany, Augusta, Columbus and Macon, Ga., and Chattanooga, Tenn., in the South region as well as in Champaign, Ill.; Lansing, Mich.; and Rochester, Minn., in the Midwest. In addition to the expanding its 4G footprint, T-Mobile has aggressive plans to double the speed of its 4G network in 2011. T-Mobile expects that 140 million Americans in 25 major metropolitan areas will have access to these increased 4G speeds by midyear.

Visit the T-Mobile G-Slate product page to register for updates

It may not have the fastest processor, and the largest screen around, but it’s priced well. The full press release is available below, and if you’re looking for more information, check out the Optimus Chic on Bell’s website.

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO — (January 17, 2011) –Canadians can now connect in style with the new LG Optimus Chic, LG’s latest smartphone available exclusively through Bell Mobility on Canada’s Best Network.  The LG Optimus Chic operates on the Android 2.2 platform, offering both substance and style in this powerful smartphone.

“We are delighted to bring the latest smartphone in the Optimus series to Canada with the Optimus Chic,” said Colin Bettam, vice-president of Marketing, LG Electronics Canada.  “This phone is unique in that it offers all of the power of an LG Smartphone and Android, all in a stylish design with a high gloss, minimalist finish that will surely be appreciated by customers with a discerning eye.”

Equipped with a high speed 600mHz processor and 3.2” HVGA capacitive touchscreen display, the LG Optimus Chicmakes loading Web pages fast and a pleasure to view. Designed to help users work smarter, communicate more easily, have fun while on the go and connect seamlessly with other devices, the Wi-Fi™ enabled Optimus Chic can be used as a portable wireless router to connect up to eight other Wi-Fi devices to the Web.

The Android 2.2 powered LG Optimus Chic also offers access to unique Google services such as Google Goggles™ which gives clients information about interesting landmarks after taking a photo and Voice Search™ which allows users to speak rather than type search queries. Gmail, Maps, YouTube, GTalk and more than 130,000 apps from Android Market are available as well.

LG Optimus Chic details:

- A 5MP camera with video

- A 3.2” capacitive touch screen

- Memory of up to 150MB, a microSD card up to 32GBplus and an external 2GB microSD in-box

- Digital compass and GPS

- Augmented reality browser

The LG Optimus Chic, offered exclusively by Bell Mobility, is available for $0 on a 3 year term with a minimum $50 voice and data plan or for $249.95 with no term.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

The LG brand was established in 1995. The company is a global leader in electronics, information and communications products, with more than 82,000 employees working in 77 countries around the world, and annual worldwide revenues of more than US $40 billion. LG Canada is comprised of five business units – Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Home Entertainment, Business Solutions and Commercial Air Conditioning. The company has offices in Toronto and Vancouver. LG Canada is focused on delivering award-winning products known for blending style and technology. These innovative products include cell phones, flat screen TVs, laptop computers and home appliances. For more information please visit www.lg.com.

Technically, this was announced around the middle of December, but things were far too busy then so I didn’t have a chance to pay this the attention it deserves. While at CES, I had a chance to play with the Optimus 2x, and it’s a pretty amazing phone. It’s going to be released with Android 2.2, but will be upgraded to 2.3 (Gingerbread) when it becomes available.  Android aside, this device is thin, fast, and packed with some greatness like 1GHz dual-core Tegra 2, 1080p HD video playback and mirroring so you can output the stream to your TV. There’s also a 8 megapixel rear camera and a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera. The battery is rated at 1500mAh, which I would think is low for the dual core, but LG tells me that these devices are not the power hungry processor you expect and the battery is more than capable of lasting the day. So while this isn’t technically CES news, I’m labeling it as such, because that’s where I became familiar with the device and I’m looking forward to seeing it launch and giving it some real world tests.

Full press release is after the break.

SEOUL, Dec. 16, 2010 — LG Electronics (LG) today unveiled the LG Optimus 2X, the world’s first smartphone with a dual-core processor. Along with more powerful multimedia features, the LG Optimus 2X’s high-performance Tegra 2 processor makes for faster, smoother web browsing and applications and lets users multitask with virtually no screen lag.

“Dual-core technology is the next leap forward in mobile technology so this is no small achievement to be the first to offer a smartphone utilizing this technology,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, CEO and President of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “With unique features such as HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) mirroring and exceptional graphics performance, the LG Optimus 2X is proof of LG’s commitment to high-end smartphones in 2011.”

Developed by graphics processor powerhouse NVIDIA®, the dual-core Tegra 2 system-on-a-chip found in the LG Optimus 2X runs at a clock speed of 1GHz and boasts low power consumption and high performance for playing video and audio. Users will experience faster web browsing and smoother gameplay compared with single-core processors running at the same speed as well as instantaneous touch response and seamless multitasking between applications.

The LG Optimus 2X offers 1080p HD video playback and recording with HDMI mirroring that expands content on external displays to full HD quality. The LG Optimus 2X can connect wirelessly to any DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible digital device such as HD TVs for a console-like gaming experience taking full advantage of the phone’s HDMI mirroring, accelerometer and gyro sensor. The smartphone also includes both rear- and front-facing cameras, microSD memory expandability, Micro-USB port and a hefty 1500mAh battery. The LG Optimus 2X will be available in Korea next month with countries in Europe and Asia to follow. The phone will initially be released with Android 2.2 (Froyo) and will be upgradeable to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). The upgrade schedule will be announced in local markets in due course.

How thin is too thin? I never thought it would be a question I would have to worry about when it comes to my cell phone. Does everyone remember the days when cell phones were the size of bricks? Maybe you didn’t have one of those, but I’m sure your first cell phone was thicker than 9.2 mm (0.362 inches). LG has taken the smartphone to an all new thin – that 9.2 mm I just mentioned, with their new Optimus Black Android powered smartphone. The Black features a NOVA screen that offers the brightest screen available while using half the power of an AMOLED screen. Weighing in at just 109 grams, the bright, thin and light Optimus Black is going to be a hard smartphone to beat! LG has not announced a carrier for the phone or a price. However, they did say that it will be rolled out globally in the first half of 2011.

I had a chance to play with the Optimus Black at LGs launch event earlier in the week. It’s a very nice phone, to say the least. It has tapered edges so that it fits nicely in your hand, and the screen was bright and vibrant in displaying images. It had Android 2.2 installed on it, but is expected to ship with 2.3. As with most of these events, it was too dark to get proper pictures of the devices. We’ll keep you posted on the progress of the Optimus Black with more pictures and details as it gets closer to availability.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2011 – LG Electronics (LG) announced today it will unveil a new Android smartphone, LG Optimus Black, at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from January 6th in Las Vegas. Providing users with a dramatically brighter 4-inch NOVA display in the world’s slimmest 9.2 mm mobile device, LG Optimus Black creates a one-of-a-kind user experience unlike anything before.

Available for the first time in the mobile market, LG Optimus Black’s NOVA display is designed to be the brightest, clearest and most readable among mobile screens with 700 nits  of brightness for optimal visibility. LG Optimus Black provides users with an easier and more natural experience when browsing the web, reading emails, or writing documents with higher levels of brightness and pure white tones that deliver true black and white colors for ideal handset viewing. NOVA technology featured on LG Optimus Black also enables users to maintain visibility whether indoors or outdoors under strong sunlight.

In addition to greater luminosity, the NOVA display on LG Optimus Black also radically reduces power consumption by 50 percent during general indoor use compared to a conventional LCD. Similarly, AMOLED consumes twice as much power as NOVA to display a full white screen, the most frequently used color scheme for web browsing. Combined with the 1500 mAh battery of the LG Optimus Black, users will have enough power for their daily needs, even at maximum brightness settings.

Users will never be out of style with the LG Optimus Black’s ultra slim 9.2 mm design. Making a strong visual statement, LG Optimus Black weighs only 109g and offers sleek lines and smooth edges that improve handheld grip. Tapering down to the world’s thinnest smartphone profile of 6.0 mm, LG Optimus Black’s subtle back arch helps to create the illusion of even greater slimness.  Unique to the LG Optimus Black, the flush and flawless finish of the front display is achieved by innovatively hiding the Invisible Receiver behind the edges of the phone.

“We are excited to introduce this stylish new Android smartphone and expect the LG Optimus Black to play a key role in the mobile market,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “LG Optimus Black reflects our core strengths of advanced technology, in both display and design, offering the world’s brightest screen and the world’s slimmest design in an attractive and smart package.”

The LG Optimus Black also offers a set of smarter features designed for easy and faster access to important apps and content. Optimus UI 2.0 lets users directly access messages, emails and missed calls from the locked screen with just one single finger tap. The Gesture UI offers more intuitive commands, including lifting, shaking and tapping, for taking calls, entering camera mode, or enjoying music. LG Optimus Black also introduces the world’s first Wi-Fi Direct™  for quick and high-quality data transfer between mobile devices and adopts the world’s first 2MP front-facing camera.

All LG Optimus Black features are available on the Android 2.2 Froyo platform with Android 2.3 Gingerbread upgrade capability. Utilizing the 2MP front-facing camera, LG Optimus Black allows users to utilize video telephony functions of higher quality after upgrading to Android’s Gingerbread.

The LG Optimus Black will be rolled out globally in the first half of 2011.

Yesterday during my conversation with LG, they confirmed that the sales of their Windows Phone devices have been strong and “better than expected”. Further, of the two models available in Canada, the Quantum (Bell) and Optimus 7 (Telus), the non-keyboard Optimus 7 has seen greater sales than the QWERTY enabled Quantum. There is no indication if this is related to differences in the network or simply a public desire for non-keyboard devices. When I pressed LG about future Windows Phone based devices, they refused to comment. However, they did say that they have a number of other designs and have been working with carriers to bring these to the consumer. Based on current agreements with carriers, you may see a new Windows Phone 7 device in early Q3.

The full press release is posted after the break. Unfortunately, the details are still a little hard to come by. As I learn more, I will post it here for everyone.

T-Mobile and LG Mobile Phones Announce Their First 4G Android 3.0 Powered Tablet – T-Mobile G-Slate With Google

T-Mobile G-Slate by LG Is Set to Launch in the Coming Months on America’s Largest 4G Network

Las Vegas, Nev. — Jan. 5, 2011 PST

Today at 2011 International CES, T-Mobile USA, Inc. and LG Mobile Phones announced the upcoming Android™ Honeycomb-powered T-Mobile® G-Slate™ with Google™, by LG.  Expected to be available in coming months, the G-Slate will be the first 4G tablet from the two companies powered by Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), the upcoming version of Google’s Android platform optimized for tablets.

“T-Mobile is proud to add a new milestone in the evolution of the Android platform with our first 4G tablet powered by Android 3.0,” said Cole Brodman, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. “The T-Mobile G-Slate with Google will build on our rich history of Android innovation and leadership and deliver deep integration with Google services.”

“LG is dedicated to continuing its role as an innovation leader and is thrilled to announce its entry into the tablet marketplace with the G-Slate,” said Jeff Hwang, president of LG Mobile Phones. “Streamlining everyday tasks and enhancing entertainment with blazing fast 4G speed, the T-Mobile G-Slate by LG will deliver the latest in Android technology and provide users with an advanced tablet experience.”

The T-Mobile G-Slate will be among the first 4G tablets to fully benefit from the tablet-optimized Android 3.0 platform, which was designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes and addresses the unique aspects of tablet use cases and form factors. The Honeycomb user experience improves on Android favorites such as widgets, multi-tasking, browsing, notifications and customization. It will also feature the latest Google Mobile innovations including Google Maps™ 5.0 with 3D interaction, collection of more than 3 million eBooks and Google Talk™ with video and voice chat.

Additional product details will be disclosed at a later date.

About T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. wireless operation of Deutsche Telekom AG. By the end of the third quarter of 2010, approximately 130 million mobile customers were served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom group – 33.6 million by T-Mobile USA – all via a common technology platform based on GSM and UMTS, the world’s most widely used digital wireless standards. T-Mobile USA’s innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile among the highest in numerous regions throughout the U.S. in wireless customer care and call quality. For more information, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com. T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 80,000 people working in over 115 operations around the world. With 2009 global sales of 55.5 trillion Korean won (USD 43.4 billion), LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning and Energy Solution. LG is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both a Global Partner and a Technology Partner of Formula 1™. As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company

The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a leading global mobile communications and information company. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design capabilities, LG creates handsets that provide an optimized mobile experience to customers around the world. LG is pursuing convergence technology and mobile computing products, while continuing its leadership role in mobile communication with stylish designs and smart technology. For more information, please visit www.lgmobilephones.com.

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and solar energy solutions, all under LG’s “Life’s Good” marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

T-Mobile’s HSPA+ 4G network not available everywhere. See coverage details at T-Mobile.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the current views of Deutsche Telekom management with respect to future events. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project” and “should” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore you should not place too much reliance on them. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond Deutsche Telekom’s control, including, without limitation, those factors set forth in “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” contained in Deutsche Telekom’s annual report. If these or other risks and uncertainties materialize, or if the assumptions underlying any of these statements prove incorrect, Deutsche Telekom’s actual results may be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Deutsche Telekom does not intend or assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

I’ve often talked about how great it would be to have a true dual-boot environment on a mobile device, and VMware is setting the ground work for this to happen. The announcement doesn’t seem to indicate that it will be two separate operating systems at this point, just separate and secure accounts on the device. It sounds like they are going to provide some sort or application virtualization and as a result will allow separate accounts to be configured on the phone. Android is the only mobile operating system that offers full support for multitasking, which is clearly something that attracted VMware to developing virtualization for the platform.

The real question is, will Microsoft sit back and watch this happen? Or will they step up and offer their own virtualization technology on the recently released Windows Phone 7 platform? Check out the full press release on the VMware website and let us know your thoughts!

The LG Optimus Quantum smartphone is the only Windows Phone 7 device that sports a keyboard. At least the only one released here in Canada with a keyboard. The design of the Quantum is very typical of previous Windows Phone/Mobile devices with keyboards. It’s a side-slider, meaning the keyboard slides out to the side and you need to rotate the device in order to use the keyboard. I’ll get into the details of the keyboard in a little bit. First let’s cover off the specifications of the phone.

The Quantum comes with 1GHz SnapDragon processor, a 3.8 inch 800×400 screen that supports 262K colours. It weighs in at 180 grams, and measures 119.5 x 59.5 x 15.22mm. The Quantum supports Quad-band GMS / EDGE networks using 850/900/1800/1900MHz and Tri-band UMTS/HSPA using 850/1900/2100MHz. Other features include wireless b/g support, 16GB internal storage with no external MicroSD slot for expansion, a 5 MegaPixel camera with LED flash capable of taking a 720p HD video, 1500mAh battery, FM Radio, and Bluetooth.  The Quantum also supports DLNA-DMR for streaming your media from the phone to any DLNA enabled monitor.

Two things hit me when I first received this phone. One of those is weight – the Quantum weighs in at 180 grams. If you compare that to it’s brother – the LG Optimus 7 at 157 grams, or the Samsung Focus at just 121 grams, and lastly, the HTC Surround at 165 grams – it’s obvious that the Quantum is the heavy one on the Windows Phone block. For reference, the iPhone 4 weighs in at 137 grams. But you don’t need to compare the numbers, just pick it up and you’ll notice right away; This is one of the heaviest phones you’ve held in your hand in recent years. I understand that this phone has a keyboard so it may not be fair to compare it to these phones. I wanted to show the weight compared to other Windows Phone 7 devices, and of course, the iPhone is popular so that reference is understandable. For those that think the extra weight is a result of the keyboard, the HTC Desire Z comes in at 164 grams. LG Quantum is still the winner, or loser, depending on how you look at this.

Weight is one of those magical things – if it’s too light then people tend to think it’s cheap feeling, and if it’s too heavy then it gives the impression of bulk and carrying a brick. For me, this device was just too heavy. Your mileage may vary, so I strongly suggest you head down to your local Bell store and pick one up for yourself. But for me, it was at that weight where I can’t forget that it’s in my pocket.

The other thing that hits you right away is the finish on the device. LG made the battery door out of very thin metal, which feels nice in your hand, but they covered everything else with that soft rubbery feel. It’s great to help prevent the device from slipping out of your hands, and if LG had only used this on the back around the battery door it wouldn’t be a problem. Unfortunately, LG covered the whole device with this soft rubber finish, including the front. The end result is that the phone looks like it has a poorly made rubber case on it all the time. Every time I looked at the device, I wanted to take the case off, only to remember that it wasn’t a case at all.

Let’s take a close look at the keyboard; The Quantum’s keyboard slides out to the left. It has 3 rows of letters and a row of symbol keys. In order to enter a number, you need to press the function button and then the corresponding key. The function and shift keys are off to the side of the keyboard and can be a little difficult to press because of their size and height, but nothing too dramatic. While the keyboard doesn’t sport an offset design, it is still very functional and I found it pretty easy to use. The keys have a good amount of travel and a spaced nicely.

Battery life on the Quantum was very nice. I had 4 email accounts (2 Exchange, 2 Gmail) linked on the phone along with my Facebook, and Windows Live accounts and I would have plenty of juice left at the end of the day. I could go a second day if I had to, without a problem.

The top of the device has the 3.5mm headphone jack and the power button. On the right side of the device, you’ll find the volume rocker at the top end and the camera button about three quarters of the way down the side. The bottom of the device is clean and clear. And the left side of the device has a little thumbnail opening where you can pop open the battery door, and then closer to to top of the side is a MicroUSB plug for charging and syncing the phone.

Across the front of the device you’ll find the standard 3 buttons – Back, Home, and Search. LG made the Home button a true resistive button that requires pressing, while the Back and Search keys are capacitive buttons that just require you to touch them. There’s little chance you will accidentally press the Home button while reach across the device for the Back button. LG has also offset the Home button – it’s sits below the screen and below the Back and Search keys.

No surprise that you’ll find the camera on the back of the device. I was a little surprised at the location of the flash, it seems to be set a little far into the device. But it didn’t seem to effect the pictures at all.

The battery door on the Quantum is pretty unique. It’s kind of a hinge, but not really. It’s different enough that LG felt the need to put an instructional sticker on the back of the device. When you put your thumbnail in and pop the back cover, it swings out a little and then releases. When you put it back on, you need to be sure to get the hinged side lined up first, and then swing the door down and snap it into place. Once you’ve done this it’s pretty easy and not a problem to open/close. It’s just a little different the first time.

The screen on the Quantum is bright and vibrant and very responsive to the touch. While it may not be an AMOLED, it certainly is a vibrant screen that is easy enough to see indoors and out.

The LG Quantum is a solid phone with a really good slide out keyboard. The phone is fast both on data speeds and when running applications. The weight of the device is a bit much for me, and the rubberized finish left a lot to be desired, but your mileage might vary. Head down to your local Bell shop (or AT&T if you’re in the US) and check it out – especially if you fancy physical keyboards instead of on-screen type.

You can see more info on the LG Optimus 7 at TELUS’ site. If you have questions feel free to comment below and we will get to them as quickly as possible.

Thanks very much to TELUS’ PR company, High Road Communications for sending the unit for review!