Verizon Wireless today unveiled the latest phone in its 3G handset portfolio, the new LG Electronics-made Chocolate phone, targeted squarely at Apple’s iPod music audience.

The Chocolate device, released at CommunicAsia earlier this summer, holds 1000 songs, but more significantly has a user interface, display and front buttons similar to an iPod, making it simple to use by anyone familiar with the iPod. The ultra-thin slider handset also carriers some many of the same sleek design elements common to iPod and other digital music players, making it appear to be a music player first and phone second.

The phone also contains an expandable memory slot and an EV-DO downlink, giving it quick access to Verizon’s V Cast Music service. Verizon Wireless is pricing the phone at $200 with a two-year contract and initially offering a $50 rebate when purchased online.