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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
It needs to be formatted with th enV…so I stuck with that haha
Anyone using the 9900 like a mini PDA? I know it has a calendar function but it doesn’t seem very easy to use. Where do you put tasks/to do’s? I don’t need to edit MS Office documents, but an easy way to use the calendar and a to do list on my 9900 would be great. Any ideas? Thanks.
Anyone know if you can check other people’s away messages while on AIM on the Env?
just got this phone like two days ago and love it. Anyone debating on the chocolate or this I would go with this although it does depend on what you want the phone for. My only complaint is I cannot use my sounds as ringtones but found a way around that sort of. Myxertones.com allows you to take anysong you have on your computer and turn it into a ring tone. They will then send you the ring tone through a pix flix message. The best part is Myxertones is free.
Jenn. No you cannot chechk away messages
Okay. I have the EnV and every single time I loose service it says outloud, “Loss of service”. It’s really obnoxious and I can’t really find anything to tell me how to turn this off. thanks!
I really don’t need a Smartphone with all the extras that entails. But I sure would like an easy way to keep my calendar and a to do list on my 9900. The built in calendar just seems too awkward to use. Too many steps. I tried keeping a to do list on the notes but again, too time consuming.
Any ideas? Any programs you know I can download to help me with this? Anyone figured out an easier way to do this? Thanks for your help.
Okay I currently switch over from the Chocolate to the enV. Chocolate is great for listening to music, but not watching movies. (I set it to widescreen, but the viewing screen is not meant to be view sideways) The enV is great for music,movies and texting. I still think the chocolate looks more stylish, but enV has more function. It looks pretty cool when the phone open up like a micro laptop
Hello! I haven’t been here for a long time! Anyway, I saw that at a Best Buy retail store, it had a price of $100. My eligibility to upgrade for a new phone is still in effect, but my contract hasn’t gone yet (still until end of March of ’08. So… The reason why I like the EnV better is because I can store and shoot videos up to 1 hour as opposed to the V’s 15-sec. limit. And, the MP difference sounds quite reasonable. I still use BitPim to upload my stuff in case my phone (the V) gets lost or stolen.
Most LG phones will not charge after a while!!!
Ryan… what do you mean by that? Do you mean “charge” as in: 1) The battery component of any LG-based mobile phone will not charge after a while; or, 2) They will give out “free” or “no charge” phones based on whatever that is? Can you explain your statement to either me or the rest of the people on this forum? Thank you!
I haven’t had any problems with my old chocolate phone charging it. I try not to overcharge it such as I never leave it charging while I’m sleeping. Also, I unplug the adaptor once I finished my cell phone. This will increase the battery life. I love my enV… I managed to transfer a few movies to it and also downloaded some games. The graphics are surprisely good for games… lolz
I have had 4 LG phones now, and none of them had any problem with charging. And I even charge them overnight while I sleep.
Is there anyway to enter events in the calendar without setting times? Just want to have an all day event.
Thanks
No, You’ll just have to set it from 12am to 11:59pm. And turn the reminder off. (assuming you don’t need to be reminded)
Q:how much does it cost with a 2 yr contract?
If you go through Amazon, it’s $150 up front, but you get $150 back in rebates. You can’t submit the rebates until you receive your third or fourth bill. I’ll let you know how that goes when I try to do it.
How to Use your Own ringtones:
1. Get your mp3 clip (I use garageband) down to 10 or so seconds / 300 kbs.
2. RENAME the mp3 with a .mid extension.
3. Email it to yourself. IE: phone number @ vzwpics.com It will come in like a text, then “Save as ringtone.”
I recently got the enV. I have no complaints. I was informed by the sales associate that sold it to me that the battery has a limited amount of charge cycles before it would stop recharging/ holding a charge.She explained that i should only charge it when i needed to,not try to keep it full at all times because every time you put it on the charger counts as a charge cycle. Whether its put on for fifteen minutes, one hour, or over night it counts as one charge cycle. So, you should try and maxamise the battery life by only charging it when the battery gets low.
Anyhow, I have to say, this phone is quite excellent.
I’m getting confused with this battery recharging for the 9900. I asked and was told that constant recharging every day and leaving it plugged in all night would not decrease battery life. What is the scoop on recharging? Thanks.
Battery life applies to all cell phones, not only En-V. I figured by the time it get charged over 9900 times, I will have a new cell phone by then. I only charged my phone about 2-3 days later and usually charged it during dinner or watching tv. I tried not to charged it while I’m sleeping because the battery will be overcharged it and can decrease the battery life as well.
the phone is ok but the text message limit is ridiculous. 50 sent and 50 received before your box is full? that’s ABSURD. my 8 year old nokia could hold more than that! and this phone is supposed to have text messager’s in mind? please. serious design flaw. is there a hack that can overcome this ridiculous limitation?
batteries:
With Lithium batteries you can charge them at any point during their charged/dead rotation. BUT each time you charge them (5 minutes or 5 hours) counts as a charge cycle. Most of the batteries can have between 400-1200 charge cycles. This also depends on the age of the battery (don’t buy wholesale or ebay batteries. They were probably sitting on a shelf somewhere for a long time), and the temperature of the battery when charging/discharging (don’t use if hot from sitting in sun. don’t charge if you are going to leave it in hot car). That said, if you charge everyday (or more) you will shorten the life of your battery. I’ve seen cell batteries (in general) last between 6 months and 3 or more years.
text limit:
the phone isn’t a fileserver. delete some of your messages. geez.
emailing mp3’s:
when you send mp3’s to vzwpics.com it will automatically convert it to the QCELP format that the phone needs. I believe it will also truncate them to either a certain file size or length. If it is not working for you try making the filename simple. something like ringtone1.mp3 as you can always rename it on the phone. You could also try removing ID3v1 and v2 tags as some times programs don’t add those corectly so it makes mp3’s look corrupt.
you could also look at http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1049282
they always have answers to any cell phone questions there.
What is the charge cyle?