LG's Shine-like VX8700 for Verizon

Call us fickle, but memories of the Motorola RAZR maxx Ve are already fading. We have virtually no details on this thing, other than the fact that it's the LG VX8700 and it's headed for Verizon; seems a worthy successor to the VX8600, does it not? The Shine-inspired clamshell should launch with a Flash-based UI (rife with Verizon red, no doubt) some time between tomorrow and... oh, say, the year 2100. Follow the break for a picture of the VX8700 all closed up (and no, it doesn't magically shrink when shut).

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 9th 2007 5:21PM]

If the speakerphone on this thing works, it's going to fly off the shelves. The maxx Ve might be new, but the cache has worn off the RAZR. With the maxx, 8700 and the Samsung u740, I imagine Verizon stores are going to be pretty busy in the near future.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 9th 2007 6:17PM]

It looks really, really nice. Does anyone know when it will be available? My guess would be Spring or early Summer. I hate waiting!!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 9th 2007 9:12PM]

I have actually played with this phone. It is SWEET. Very small. The metal housing is pretty strong. Strong enough where you can drop it and you might get a small scratch. Rumored launch is March sometime- April at the latest.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 9th 2007 11:37PM]

This isn't much of a shine. It's just a metal 8600. I rather have the real shine

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 11th 2007 12:13AM]

It does not look like it has an external screen. If it doesn't its a shame. Otherwise looks good.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 10th 2007 7:55PM]

I'm surpised someone leaked photos but no specs. Think LG VX8600 with a 2MP camera. Narrower, shorter and around the same thicknes as the 8600. Also, new flash menu that doesn't lag! Gorgeous QVGA internal screen. You can also use the phone like a USB flash drive, or so the man who let me play with it claimed.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 22nd 2007 12:44PM]

The only downfall to this phone, and the 8600 phone is that the speaker that plays music is very low quality. LG should build in dual speakers like the 8100 and 8300 has.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 30th 2007 9:31PM]

I understand that the LG 8700 will be available on the internet April 6 and in the Verizon Stores on April 17. No information on the speakerphone update. 2yr. contract puts the cost at $229.00.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 4th 2007 6:29PM]

http://shop.carphonewarehouse.com/pay-monthly/lg/ke970-shine/orange/

the slider is what i'm interested in. anyone aware of a release date for that over in the states?

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 3rd 2007 2:18PM]

I am the proud new owner of the LG VX8700. I upgraded from the LG VX8300 and so far I have been very impressed. There are tons of camera options including black/white, sepia, negative, and aqua. There is also night mode for low-lit areas. Did I mention a 1600x1200 resolution!?! The sound quality of both the music and calls is excellent. It does contain a speaker which also has excellent sound quality. Several minor downfalls. There is no flash with this for the 2.0 mpx camera. Also, you lose the functionality of having a dedicated ringtone for 'restricted' calls. The keypad is flat which makes using the keypad more difficult if you are used to 'feeling' they keys. All in all, an excellent phone.