For serious text messaging, a QWERTY keyboard is a must. And the continuing trend to decrease cell phone size seems to contradict this notion. However, manufacturers such as Motorola and Nokia have condensed their phones with fold-out keypads that don't compromise size. While other manufacturers such as Danger, have opted for a twist-out design with the Sidekick.

Now LG has released its version of the messaging phone. Utilizing an inventive side-sliding design, a QWERTY keyboard glides out from the right while changing the F9100 to a horizontal profile.

Going further than just text messaging, the F9100 is advertised as an instant messaging phone, keeping users in touch with the world by connecting with buddies through 3rd party clients such as AOL, Yahoo!, ICQ, and even Cingular's own proprietary chat software.