Verizon launches the LG Vortex and LG Cosmos Touch November 18th

Verizon today launched two LG phones we were expecting - the Froyo-running LG Vortex, and the LG Cosmos Touch with a slide-out keyboard, both for $79.99 with a new two-year contract.

The more attractive handset of the duo is the LG Vortex, with a 3.2" capacitive touchscreen with tactile feedback, and a 3MP camera. The sheer fact that is is powered by Android 2.2, makes it important in our eyes - it bears the full suite of Google Mobile Services, including Gmail, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Voice and access to Android Market.

Verizon, of course, hasn't missed the chance to fulfill its contractual obligations with Microsoft by loading the LG Vortex with Bing Search and Bing Maps, instead of the Googly stuff. Radiowise, the LG Vortex features 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS with Verizon Navigator. Some of the cool apps that come preinstalled are the Swype text entry method, Skype, My Status from LG for some Facebook and Twitter action, as well as a built-in image editor. The $79.99 asking price for the LG Vortex is after a $100 mail-in rebate.

The cheaper LG Cosmos Touch continues in the great tradition of the LG Cosmos, but adds a physical keyboard with four rows of keys. The slide-out QWERTY is covered by a half with 2.8" touchscreen in WQVGA (240x400 pixels) resolution, and the phone carries a 1.3MP camera, also with an image editor built-in. The announced $79.99 price is after a $50 mail-in rebate.

The LG Vortex will start trickling down into retail stores on November 18th, and the LG Cosmos Touch a bit later, on the 23rd.

Which one would you grab?

source: Verizon