LG Shine CU720

Previously available in Europe and Asia as the LG Shine KE970, the U.S. version, AT&T's LG Shine CU720, is indeed "shiny." Reviewers agree the LG Shine is attractive and appealing; the slider phone also doubles as a compact mirror. The screen shows your reflection until activated, and then the "multi-angle vision technology" allows you to easily view the screen, even in daylight.

The most common complaint from users and reviewers is the overly sensitive joystick, which reacts to just the slightest touch, producing frustrating errors. Also, the phone requires a firm push to slide open, and fingerprints easily smudge the shiny screen. The LG Shine's keyboard is hard to use, due to its keys, which are mostly flat and crammed together. Also, reviewers dislike the location of the call and hang-up buttons, which are directly above the keypad and close to the bottom of the slide, making them difficult to press. Call quality is good, and the 3G network support helps to ensure that. Also, the 2-megapixel camera produces great photos.

As usual, CNET has one of the best reviews for the LG Shine. It's concise, informative and easy to read. InfoSync editors tend to be brutally honest in their reviews, and the short Shine review is no different. MobileTechReview and MobileBurn both provide thoughtful reviews with helpful photos. PhoneArena has a helpful review, and the site also has a nifty tool that lets you gauge the phone's size by putting it next to common objects like a deck of cards.