LG Fusic

(7.5 out of 10)

The Fusic represents some great leaps forward that can be just as many steps back.

Cell phone conversion isn't pretty. After years of trying to shoehorn an ergonomically viable digital camera into cell phones, only now have a few manufacturers worked out most of the kinks. Wedging in an MP3 player presents even more difficulties, both ergonomic and operational. After all, few standalone MP3 makers other than Apple have figured out how to make a usable music player, never mind shuffling the function into a cell phone. On the surface, LG seems to have succeeded with its Fusic (pronounced fyoo’ zik, the word being a clever convergence of the words "phone" and "music"). This cell/MP3 fusion is available from Sprint ($149.99 w/contract and rebates).The Fusic's physical resemblance to the iPod is barely skin deep. While offering a bevy of brilliant innovations that are sure to be copied (we hope), such as an integrated FM transmitter and a headphone jack adapter that lets you use your own headphones, at the end of the day Fusic's frustrating failures ultimately outweigh its novel features. Continue reading full review @ Digital Trends