LG had a real big, real purdy booth at CTIA featuring walls of video screens, an uber-hip DJ spinning for the guests, and oh yeah, some snazzy new phones.  Brushed metal is this year's glossy plastic, as evidenced by LG's Shine "Black Label" series phones at CES and now the VX8700 for Verizon here in the US.

While the 8700 - which Verizon apparently isn't going to brand as Shine, despite the moniker being plastered all over LG's displays - didn't inspire the absurd levels of lust in me that the original Shine did, it's still worthy of the "sexy cellie" moniker.  Featuring a beautiful brushed metal clamshell housing with a three line, mirror-finish external display and full 240 x 320 internal screen, the 8700 packs multimedia features like a 2mp camera, support for VCAST and LBS services including VZ Navigator, and stereo Bluetooth support into a slim profile. 

LG seems to have done a great job with this phone, striking a balance between thin and light with just enough heft to give the 8700 a solid, classy feel in hand.  This one should have mass appeal thanks to its combination of hip good looks and mid-range tech features.  I'm going to start harassing my LG contacts about getting a review unit just as soon as they're back home from Orlando.  Look for it online April 6 and in Verizon stores on the 17th, and expect to drop $180 (and a two year contractual commitment) before you can call it your own.