FifthTech

While there are still manufacturers out there that like to make traditional, “normal” looking phones, we can bet that somewhere out there a phone that looks like nothing else is being made. So far, we can’t think of another device that matches the strangeness, or unadulterated appeal that the Lenovo Lephone warrants, and perhaps that’s a good thing. It took several moments for us to really start liking it, but now that we’ve crossed that ethereal line, there’s no going back.

Just that keyboard alone makes us want to get our hands on one, and find out if you can type with any kind of accuracy or speed. Not to mention that centrally-located D-pad. Is that a good idea? Will our hands get sore from reaching and navigating the middle of the keyboard so much? Or has Lenovo found the perfect positioning for a D-pad? Were we all just too accustomed to right- or left-hand positioning to even imagine something like this?

The biggest question though, is probably whether or not we’ll even be able to try it over here in the States. The Lephone is implanted with a WCDMA antennae, which means no States-side love at the moment. It’s supposed to be hitting the market in China some time in the first half of 2010, so we’ll have to keep our fingers crossed for a late launch, if it happens at all. What we’d be hoping for, is a 3.7″ 480 x 800 touchscreen, a touch-control panel beneath the screen, and a second screen on the inside of the device, much like the LG EnV series. It’s got WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth connectivity. There’s also two cameras: one on the back, maxing out at 3MP, and a VGA one up front for video calls. Is this the next big thing? Who knows. It sure does look interesting, though.

From: Engadget