LG Rhythm AX585

Very similar to LG's Chocolate series of music handsets, the LG Rhythm offers even more features. The Chocolate 3 was the latest handset to be released, and reviewers say the Rhythm is showing it up. The Rhythm has the mechanical scroll wheel and slider form of the Chocolate, but with a much better music player. The LG Rhythm is available from Alltel and U.S. Cellular. It has an FM transmitter, a standard 3.5-millimeter headphone jack so you can use it with any set of headphones, and a microSD card slot. The music player has features you would normally find on a dedicated MP3 player, like having your songs categorized into artists, albums and genres. In addition to 3D sound, digital signal processing and stereo speakers, the Rhythm has a preset equalizer designed by Mark Levinson, a high-fidelity audio equipment designer.

The main display measures 2 inches diagonally and rests above the scroll wheel. Reviewers rave about the scroll wheel and its easeful functionality. Tiny bumps make it easier to grip and, like the iPod's wheel, it can be pressed up, down, left and right for easy navigation. In the center is a small 1-inch circular touch pad that both reviewers and users love. The image on the touch pad changes depending the application you're in, making navigation easier. So if you're listening to music, the button will say play/pause; when it's in standby mode, it will say menu. Surrounding the click wheel are four touch-sensitive keys that some say can be difficult to use, at least at first. The phone has haptic feedback, meaning when you use the touch pad, or the touch-sensitive keys, the phone vibrates, letting you know you've selected something. CNET's Nicole Lee calls the Rhythm's call quality "crystal clear," while some users complain of interference during calls. Users at PhoneScoop.com laud the phone's call quality as well.

There are not yet very many professional reviews of the LG Rhythm as it is relatively new, and it's only available on two regional carriers. CNET has one of the only full reviews online, but it is very thorough. PhoneScoop and MobileBurn both offer short blurbs, but CNET has the most in-depth coverage. User reviews are also scarce.