Despite the proliferation of multimedia phones equipped with camera and music-playing functions, a market for basic phones still exists. Let's face it; there is no point to fancy multimedia functions if the phone itself can't make calls. The LG C1500 is one such basic model. It has no camera, no music player, and no Bluetooth.

The compact LG C1500 is lightweight (3.3 by 1.7 by 0.9 inches; 3.0 ounces) and fits comfortably in the hand. It comes in a basic charcoal with a small, stubby antenna that isn't too obtrusive. On the front flap is the external screen housed in a silver border and a dot-pattern background. The external screen is monochrome in standby, but when the phone is active, it lights up with a color filter (96x64 pixels) that shows a blue sky and greenery. The 1-inch-diagonal screen shows the time, signal strength, battery life, and caller ID.