|
September 5, 2008
LG enV2 (VX9100) for Verizon Wireless
QWERTY Keyboard and Music Too!
 The LG enV2 made it easier for me to text message than previous experiences. The large easy to read QWERTY keyboard works well with the 2.4 internal screen. That screen produces vivid colors. The large well spaced keys on the external dialing pad make for easy calling. The small external screen displays the numbers you dial as well as the time in large numerals. The small screen means less screen to scratch when keeping it in your pocket. It was a good fit in mine. The enV2 is a compact phone at 4.23 oz that comes in Black or Maroon. Built by LG this is a Verizon Wireless offering at $129.99 with a two year contract. A $50.00 discount is available at this time (early September) making the enV2 a $79.99 bargain.
In the Box
enV2 Phone
Battery
Travel Charger
User Guide
Quick Reference Guide
Battery Specs
Usage Time: Up to 320 Minutes
Standby Time: Up to 520 Hours
Times seem to be about right unless using Bluetooth. That made times shorter.
Call Quality
The enV2 had very good sound quality. I noticed no dropouts, background noise, or poor connections during the trial period. Speaker phone was loud and clear.
QWERTY Keyboard
This is a good layout with the exception of the odd placement of two spacebar keys at either end instead of one in the middle. I did miss the little bump on each key that improves my typing that has shown up on some recent phones.
Camera/Video
2 Megapixel – 10X zoom No Flash
The enV2 camera has four resolutions (1,600x1200, 1,280x960, 640x480, 320x240.) The setting 1600x1200 pixels is not supported with the 10X zoom. I used the auto mode for most photos but many manual settings are included for the camera including: Customizable Brightness, White Balance, Shutter Sound, Color Effects, Night Mode, Photometry, and Self-Timer.
I found the camera easy to learn and use. Most photos were acceptable. Some were over exposed. Available light shots taken at night were poor. See test shots on flickr. Open the phone flat when taking self portraits and you can use the external screen as a viewfinder.
Camcorder resolutions (320x240 and 176x144) Standard record time 30 seconds. You can also set the camcorder to fill up your memory card for those long videos. Video was passable if somewhat hazy at times. Zoom made clicking noises when being changed during video. Click here to download a sample.You will need Quicktime software.
Messaging
Texting was pretty easy. Instant Messaging module included AIM, Yahoo! and Windows Live Messenger. I had no problems setting up and using WLM. Email setup was workable. I have problems entering my passwords as the numerals turn to asterisks. That makes it hard for me to locate errors. After several failed efforts everything was accepted. This happens with all my phone tests. Not only the enV2.
Music
Stereo speakers in the phone were crisp and loud. Ringtones could wake the dead when volume was set at the highest point. Music was clear and well reproduced on the Bluetooth headset test units. I did not test the wired headset jack as I do not have the smaller 2.5 mm connection products.
Bluetooth
I used a Jaybird HD-200 and Genius Bluetooth stereo headset for this test. On the JayBird only the left speaker produced music. According to the Jaybird FAQ this is an issue with the phone. The Genius Bluetooth headset worked fine for both ears on the enV2. The handsfree phone option worked well in right earpiece on both test headsets.
USB
The enV2 will connect, charge, and transfer using USB. The USB cable is not included. Standard USB cables do not fit so you will need to purchase that option. For syncing and transferring files you must use VCast Music or Windows Media Player 11 or later and have a Micro SD Card installed (up to 8 Gigabytes.)
VZ Navigator Capable Via SmartLink
Unable to initiate the VZ Navigator so could not test it on the enV2. I have tested it on the Samsung Glyde ((LINK)) another Verizon Wireless offering and loved it.
There is a very comprehensive LG enV2 tutorial on the Verizon Wireless website.
The LG enV2 is a very good option for those who want a dependable phone with many business and fun features that allow you to do much more than just call a friend. The ability to open to a completely flat position for photos/video as well as being able to open it to use like a tiny laptop makes the enV2 very versatile. The enV2 is a good value for the money.
For more details on this and other LG products Click Here.
For Verison Wireless Info on the LG enV2 Click here
|
