LG Expo Review: A Compact Windows Mobile Phone

The LG Expo looks more like a messaging phone than a full-featured Windows Mobile smartphone, but don't be fooled: this phone packs plenty of features into its relatively compact case. It boasts a high-speed processor, a decent-sized touch screen, and even the capability of connecting to an optional projector accessory. Alas, the Expo is somewhat hampered by its Windows Mobile operating system.

The Expo is a slider-style phone. When closed, all you see is the 3.2-inch display and the buttons that sit beneath it. You get talk, end, and back buttons, plus a fingerprint sensor that you can use to unlock the phone. This sensor also works as a navigation tool, but I found it a bit small to use for that purpose.

The 3.2-inch screen feels roomy for most tasks, and with a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels, it looks very sharp. I found the touch screen not quite as responsive as I would have liked, though the Expo does ship with a stylus, which makes using it a bit easier. Unfortunately, the Expo doesn't feature a slot for holding the stylus, though, so if you want to attach it to your phone, you're left with it dangling to the side. It's not the most elegant solution.

More appealing is the full QWERTY keyboard that slides out from the left side of the display. The design makes the phone feel a bit thick when closed, but the tradeoff is easy typing, even though the keys themselves are a bit flat and slick.

Making Calls

Voice quality was very good on my test calls made over AT&T's network. I heard occasional crackling during some calls, but voices came through loud and clear on both ends of the line. The speakerphone performed very well, too, providing plenty of volume.

Software


The LG Expo's screen slides to the right, exposing a full QWERTY keyboard.
LG
The Expo features the latest version of Windows Mobile, 6.5. The operating system might be the phone's biggest weakness; it's outdated and in need of a major overhaul. Microsoft is working on an overhaul, which will arrive later this year in the form of Windows Phone 7. But that's of little help to people looking to pick up a Windows Mobile phone right now. For more information, read my complete review of Windows Mobile 6.5.

The Expo does offers a good selection of apps. It comes with the familiar Microsoft Office apps on board, which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Expo is compatible with a projector accessory -- available for $180 -- which should allow business travelers to project PowerPoint presentations right from the phone, no laptop needed.

The Expo also includes access to Microsoft's recently-launched Windows Marketplace for Mobile for adding more titles. The selection in Microsoft's store remains weak, but should grow with time.



Messaging

The Expo's e-mail client is a bit bland to look at, but is perfectly serviceable for reading and viewing messages. You can use it to check personal POP3 and IMAP accounts, and business users will also be able to sync e-mail, calendars, contacts, and tasks with their corporate Microsoft Exchange server.

AT&T also includes an instant messaging client on the Expo that works with AOL's AIM, Windows Live Messenger, and Yahoo Messenger.

Browsing the Web

The Expo supports both Wi-Fi and AT&T's 3G network for speedy Web browsing. As a Windows Mobile-based phone, the Expo comes with the mobile version of Microsoft Internet Explorer browser. IE Mobile delivers a decent browsing experience. Most sites looked good, and pages loaded quickly. But it can't compete with the experience of surfing the Web on an iPhone, or even a Palm Pre.

Camera

The Expo features a 5-megapixel camera that captures still images and videos. The camera includes some nice extras, such as a flash and a 3X digital zoom, and captured decent still photos. Colors did look a little dim in some photos, though.

Music and More

The Expo offers a decent range of music and video options. It comes with access to AT&T Mobile Music, which allows you to download songs directly to your phone. You also get access to XM satellite radio and CV, AT&T's mobile video service, which offers a selection of video clips and TV shows for viewing on your phone.

Price and Availability

AT&T Wireless is offering the Expo for $199.99 when you sign a two-year service contract.

Bottom Line

The Expo is a solid business phone that delivers a good selection of features to enjoy in your downtime, too. Its hampered a bit by its Windows Mobile software, but it will still appeal to business users.