After rolling out a series of flashy handsets such as the LG VX8100 and the LG VX9800, LG gets back to basics with the LG C2000. The modest design signals that the C2000 is a simple, functional cell phone designed for making calls. You get a couple of higher-end features, such as a speakerphone and a VGA camera, but the C2000 tries hard not to put on airs. Though the keypad buttons were smaller than we'd like, and the battery life was a bit short, call quality delivered on most fronts. You should be able to find it for even less with service.

From the outside, the LG C2000 looks like a run-of-the-mill silver flip phone. Despite its external antenna, it is relatively compact, measuring 3.5 by 1.8 by 0.9 inches. At 3.4 ounces, it's light, too. The flip mechanism was slightly loose, but the phone was solidly built overall. The postage stamp-size external display shows date, time, battery life, signal strength, and caller ID (where available). Though the text is monochrome, a color backlight makes the screen much more readable.

The color remains active as long as the phone is open, but it turns off shortly after the flap is closed. You can always turn it back on, however, with a flip of the volume rocker on the left spine. The camera lens is above the display. There's no flash, but you get a mirror for self-portraits. A camera shutter is on the right spine, and the speakerphone grille is on the rear of the phone. In a poor design decision, the rubber plug covering the charging port isn't hinged to the phone; if you're not careful, you'll quickly lose it.