By 
The long wait is finally over. The LG VX9900 (aka LG enV), an upgrade to the popular VX9800, has finally arrived. Skatter Tech readers are in luck since Verizon Wireless was kind enough to send us a unit a few days before the launch. With a ton of new features, a new body, new interface, and a reasonable price tag, the phone has definitely met our expectations.
The phone looked quite big at first since we recently spent time reviewing the Motorola KRZR and LG VX8600, but according to the specs is actually much sleeker and shorter than the original “The V” phone. In terms of basic features, the LG enV (pronounced “envy”) features an impressive 2MP camera w/ flash, microSD expansion, stereo speakers, bluetooth, a full QWERTY keyboard, and standard V Cast Music/Video functions. This phone might just be Verizon’s “best phone of the year”.
LG VX9900 Specifications:
- Provider: Verizon Wireless (1.9GHz CMDA)
- Form Factor: Laptop-like w/ QWERTY keyboard
- Dimensions: 4.64H x 2.08W x 0.78D (inches)
- Weight / Battery: 4.6oz / 4hrs 30mins talktime
- Screens: External 128×160 & Internal 240×320
- Digital Camera: 2 megapixel camera and camcorder
- Storage: ~50MB internal + microSD (2GB max)
- Others: Bluetooth 1.2 + Stereo Speakerphone
- Price: $150 with a new 2-year contract
LG enV Body: 4/5 stars
Although the VX9900 is larger and very block-like compared to most flip phones, it’s still more compact than the VX9800. The phone can not be placed upright since all sides are rounded or even placed down on its back properly since the camera bulges out. The inside of the phone is designed quite well and everything is where it should be. The keyboard keys are backlit and spreadout. Overall the phone is a bit bulky for average users and isn’t the best looking phone, but size and looks can be thrown out considering the features it has packed inside.
Displays: 4.5/5 stars
The outside display (65K 128×160 px) is a way too small, but luckily the enlarged interface allows access to most required functions. The internal display (262K 240×320 px) is pretty bright and the colors are just stunning. It’s one of the best displays we’ve seen in a while.
Music Playback: 5/5 stars
The VX9900 support playback of unprotected MP3 and WMA files plus purchased V Cast Music. Music can be browsed by Artists, Albums, Genre, or Songs, similar to iPods. A neat addition is “Music Only Mode” which disables incoming/outgoing calls limiting the phone to just a Mp3 player to save battery life. Although the music player takes a few seconds to load, with the right setup music can be started in just 2 clicks.
Speakers: 4.5/5 stars
The enV has dual speakers for stereo surround, which makes music sound a whole lot better. Even when the volume is loud, the sound is still clear. The phone also utilizes the same speakers for calls, making it probably the best speaker phone we’ve used. The only downside is that, since the speakers are on the inside, they only sound good when the phone is open.
Digital Camera: 5/5 stars
The enV features a 2 megapixel camera which can snap shots up to 1600×1200 px. The images are bright, clear, and crisp, which is pretty good for a camera phone. (click to enlarge sample) The camcorder can record up to 1 hour clips at 320×240 px, but only 15 second clips can be mailed. Photos can be taken with the phone closed and held sideways like a traditional camera, but can also be taken using the larger internal display when open. Since the cam is on the back, the outside display turns on for self-portraits when flipped open. Other than that the phone also has a mechanical lens cover, flash, night shot, self-timer, and some extra effects.
Interface: 5/5 stars
We have to congratulate VZW for finally giving the interface a huge make over. The ugly red bars and menus are gone! The new “communicator” style has a new layour, soothing blue colors, and some animated items. However the important internal menus are still organized the same way as regular VZW phones. Some items in the main menu seem misplaced, but it isn’t a big issue. VZW has also included another style which is very similar to the classic theme, but with new icons/colors.
MicroSD: 4/5 stars
Music can be transfered to the phone using the “Sync” feature, however we were unable to do so since Verizon hasn’t released the USB cables or drivers yet. (check back for that) We instead directly copied the music onto the microSD card using an extra card reader/writer. Card access is easy, it is right under a flap on the right-side. Update: We got our Music Essentials Kit, but there are still some bugs. When syncing with Windows Media Player 11, the software keeps detecting the phone as a new device each time it’s plugged in. (auto-sync won’t work) We were also unable to get the Album Art to display on the phone, which worked perfectly with the KRZR. Card Reader/Writer Users: Format the card in your phone first. Folders for music, flix, and pics will be created. Finally just place the proper files into the correct folders.
Bluetooth: 5/5 stars
The Bluetooth (v1.2) on the enV now supports many new profiles, which include: headset (mono), hands free (ex. car), data modem, stereo speakers, image printing, contact cards, file transfer, and wireless keyboard. Supports saving up to 20 different device “pairings”.
Overall we would recommend this phone for people who take a lot of photos, heavy email users, music listeners, and “computer geeks”. If you usually only use your phone for making calls I’d suggest finding a smaller phone, which you will definitely appreciate more. If you do plan to get it, it will be available in stores and online starting Monday, November 27, 2006. If you are a current Verizon customer and are eligible for the every two year upgrade, the phone can be yours for as low as $50 + tax. However it will cost new customers signing up for a 2 year contract $150. New customers can get the phone for FREE after a Mail in Rebate online. (link below) For the features this phone has its an extremely good deal.
DEAL ALERT: FREE LG enV w/ New Plan (via Amazon)
Links: Verizon Wireless – LG VX9900
Related: LG VX9900 Data Sheet (.pdf)
Recent Reviews: Motorola KRZR Review
sahas…
You can use BiPim for this phone…You just have to set it for 9800 instead of 9900 until they make an update to include it…because as far as what BitPim does, all of the features are the same between the two phones.
Hi i was wondering if you can put full length movies on this phone and if you can how? thanks!!!
Does anyone know what the cost is to go on the internet per month.
Okay, I just ordered this phone (and I plan to go pick it up tonight at the FedEx counter). I’m switching from a Treo 600 – just didn’t need everything. I used the Treo mostly for calls and emails with the occasional text message (surfing the net was just about impossible and useless – and not a necessity at all) – and I’m looking forward to the mp3 capabilities of the enV.
I read that email is cumbersome – I’ve never had “real-time” email. Will the email on enV bother me?
Also, I thought if you subscribed to Vcast you had email usage included in that price and wouldn’t have to pay anything else for Kbs. Am I wrong in this assumption (cause of course you know what “assuming” makes you and me)?
I have this phone and love it. However, the need to change the way the phone is charged. I can see using the port to transfer music, images etc. But, you don’t use that feature everyday. So the port wouldn’t get as much use as the charge port would. LG need to take a look at the way Motorola charges their phones.
I got the phone just a few days ago. For anyone wanting to put ring tones on it. Its very possible w/ BitPim, ref. previously. It’s and awesome phone and well worth upgrading from the 9800.
Just a note, using the latest ver. of bitpim i was able to transfer over 200 ringtones, using the profile for the vx8500 – Chocolate Phone. Not the 9800. The upgrades to the OS on the phone resemble the newer generation of phones, not the 9800.
So If that helps anyone Great! Its an awesome phone. I already had a ton of ringtones on my old phone! Only thing I noticed that I was bummed about -> You cant set ringtones for each person on the txt messaging..unless im doing something wrong.
I got the enV and the music essentials kit. It was a nightmare to get the software installed properly. I finally noticed that the vCast web site has new software (on the left side of the page). I downloaded and installed that and was able to transfer music to the phone. The problem I have now is with the headphones. They have a silver button in the middle where the two earphone wires come together. I have to keep squeezing this button for the music to come out the earphones. My brother has this same problem. Does anyone have earphones that just work?, or a fix for this?
question on Navigator with the enV….when i hit talk to hear the navigation the sound is barely audible in a moving car…the volume is set to maximum…anyone else encounter this problem?
anyone find a case for the enV the allows you to use without taking the phone out?
I was at the verizon store tonight and they confirmed that there is a bug with the 9900 and the wired stereo headset. I too experienced the problem with the headset and the only way to have the sound pass through is by depressing the button. They said hopefully the next sw update will fix this problem.
I am also having a problem with getting my mp3s to appear on my menu. I transferred them to my micro SD and initially they appeared but the next time they were all gone. Im going to try and reformat my card to see if that helps. anyone experience the same problem? Minor issues but I really like this phone.
Headset: I am glad to hear that the headset problem is a known bug that should get fixed. I am amazed at how poor their testing was. They also shipped completely broken “Essentials” software.
I also need to find a usable line-out cable, so that I can output to my car stereo. Bluetooth?
Songs on the menu: I had problems after re-syncing. I added a song and dropped two songs. Then tried to play music with the phone closed using the up arrow on the outside display. It gave me errors on the songs. I then opened the phone and used the inside display. The correct songs were there with no errors.
Navigation Sound: I used it today in the car. I had it open. It was quite easy to hear the directions. I have to figure out a pad or bracket to hold it on the dash. I am VERY happy with the navigation. The GPS seems to work indoors as well! My only complaint on the navigation is that if you switch to the map, it doesn’t switch back to the directions by itself when it is time to make a turn. My Garmin GPS does this, but doesn’t say the street names. Not a big deal.
Hmmmmm. No comments on my post about the 000-0000 # setting? C’mon, guys. I just wanna know what the advantages/disadvantages are w/o harming or damaging “The V” (LG VX9800). Thank you.
i was wondering how the battery life was on the enV. i am an avid texter and i purchased the vsw razr and the battery life is just crap. i am thinking of purchasing the env on hopes that its larger battery will do the trick.
collen,
i’ve been using the env for about a week now and i’ve been able to go almost 2 complete days at a time without recharging. I’ve been texting downloading songs via vcast playing songs etc. So i’m happy so far with the standard battery.
Wow Great! thank you so much kevin.
Does anyone have info on an ssh/term client for this gizmo?
Regarding using MP3’s as a ring tone for the LG enV phone, info here: http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1062375
you need BITPIM vx9900 cable or if you have BT on your computer.
download BITPIM: it is very user friendly.
I beleive the first time you open it up you need to go to VIEW and check VIEW FILESYSTEM
click on filesystem and it will appear on the middle of the screen.
open the tree and you will find brew: open that then 16542 then lk then you have the mr folder “my ringtones”
right click on that folder > add new file > and pic from where you have it saved on the computer
Hey I would like to ask a question, I have a dilemma; To either get the EnV or the Chocolate, I was thinking about the Vx 8600 also. Which phone should I get? I am getting texting for the first time for the unlimited messenges to verizon to verizon and 500 anywhere else. What phone is better for some texting often, phone calls, and music. PLease respond here or email me at yankeesrock10935@aol.com preferbly before 12/18/06
In the S.E. Arizona area at least, all the phones (I’ve had two now) come with obsolete software, and it is necessary to do the *228 update to update both the roaming profile as well as phone software or the manual will not describe the functioning properly. FYI
Jake…
If you plan to text often, the enV is the way to go…for one obvious reason…the QWERTY keyboard. It will take some time to get used to if you are used to texting on a # keypad, but once you do, it is much easier and faster.
Also, I have noticed that most people who buy the Chocolate get rid of it before that first 15 days is up. I’m not entirely sure why, but I’ve noticed the pattern. Most people either replace the chocolate with either the enV or the 8600. But if you want texting, phone calls, and mp3 capabilities all rolled into one..the enV is the way to go.
I plan on hopefully buying this phone, but now I’m skeptical about the music…you guys say the earphones are faulty because you have to hold down some button? I don’t really get how that works. And is it convenient to download ripped music using the Music Essentials Kit onto the phone?
1 more question actually, for the unlimited internet and VCast usage, is it $15/ month? If I first buy a family plan (my enV being a part of it), can I later upgrade and add that option of the unlimited internet?
thanks,
-Mary
I have the 9800, it’s the best phone in the world but I bought it a couple months ago, Without a doubt I would tell you to buy this phone. With a USB cord (from ebay), a program called BITPIM and fun secrets you can find on the web – You can turn it into a little gamer phone, ringtone phone, mp3 player or whatever (really cool). The design is a bit squarish so if you are into the whole square egg look, get it…The 9800 has alot of the same options, only real difference is the built in cameras.
Mary, V Cast costs you 15 bucks a month, Normal Internet only costs 5 dollars. If you plan on downloading/purchasing things like News Clips n Stuff then do the 15 dollar one, otherwise Its a stupid waste of money. I have the five buck one and I’m fine.
Jake, The ENV is THEE phone for Talking (awesome speaker phone), Music (loud speakers) and a keyboard for really quick texting, You can txt using the front of the phone still, it’s like having two interfaces.
Battery life was 4.5 hours of talking and 19 hours of standby….For the Env.
How much is Vcast, and is it worth it?
Andrew, thank you so much!
I’m definately just going for the 5 dollar one =)
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Vcast & Internet together is 15, and like I said only internet is worth it..