Another gripe is that to use a non-Bluetooth wired headphone, you need an adapter that plugs into a proprietary port on the side of the device. However, the included adapter only has a 2.5mm jack, while nearly all headphones have 3.5mm jacks. As a result, you'll need to buy an adapter to plug into the adapter if you want to listen with your old wired headphones. And having all those adapters hanging off the phone is clumsy.

The bottom line is that LG's Chocolate is a sexy device until you start to use it. The muddled navigation combined with the many options that are inevitable on a device with so many functions means a steep learning curve. In addition, the V CAST Music service is a mixed bag, providing wonderful convenience if you're mobile but a lack of selection and flexibility.

LG's Chocolate is likely to appeal to young people looking for the latest gadget. It also provides a solid view into the future in which media will be available from anywhere on myriad devices. But most people who want to talk and listen to music while mobile will be better off with a dedicated MP3 player and a good phone.

David Haskin is a freelance writer specializing in mobile and wireless issues.