LG VX9900 (enV) – Verizon 529
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
tags: bluetooth, camera, env, lg, phones, vcast, verizon, vx9900, vzw, wireless
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I have the vx9800 and just upgraded to the new vx9900 and waiting it to come in the mail. I was wondering if i have to buy a new charger for the vx9900 because there not the same. Is that true? do i need to buy a new charger? also i have an scandisk microSD for the vx9800 will i need to buy a new one for the vx9900?
Thanks
Hi. Actually, “The V” (a.k.a. the LG VX9800) uses the miniSD card (up to 1 GB is recognized by the phone), but for “The EnV” (LG VX9800 in either grey or orange color), it uses the microSD card (up to 2 GB). Yes, you’ll have to buy a new charger (wall, car, etc…) that will fit for the “EnV”, because the tips of each phone is NOT the same. I hope that you get the picture.
i think im gonna be able to get my enV tomorrow or the after
im excited iv’e been looking forward to it forever
so do u guys like your enV’s as much as everyone says?
It’s the BEST phone I’ve ever had! I have the silver with V01. No complaints whatsoever, so no need to upgrade to V02. Having said that, I don’t use the MP3 player so I can’t comment on it.
After owning 3 phones in the last year, (LG 8500,Moto Razr and Moto Krazr (Fire)) I expierenced problems with both Motorola Products but NEVER the LG one. On BOTH the Razr and Krazr i found the center “OK” button falling off due to only being stuck on with glue. And both phones not being very durable at all. I Recently snapped my Krazr in Half by sitting on it!. I’m in the Market for a new Phone and alot of people have the enV and I’ve been reading the Reviews and Doing my homework and I have not seen any bad stuff about this phone except for the begging dates of release. I’m probably going to end up buying this or the 9400. I Do alot of Txting and checking my Email on the Go and while I’m out. so I thought this phone would be compatible with me. Those of you who have the Orange, did you regret it after buying it? or do you love it? The woman on the phone told me that its as bright as a warning cone that the construction workers use on the streets. Anyway, sounds like a great phone. Can’t wait to use it myself
I’ve had the LG enV for about a month now, and I have to say that it’s probably the most satisfying experience I’ve ever had with any phone. Love the Key pad, love the BREW games, love the mp3 player, love the camera, I just love it.
I don’t, however, like the ringtone setup, maybe it’s just me, but the fact that you can’t even download free ringtones or use your sync’d mp3 as ringtone seems a bit too nickle and dime-ish.
This phone definetly helped me quell my iphone envy. Now if only I can figure out how to get m.youtube.com to work on it, since this V-Cast service is really a joke.
Jack, No the phone is not as “bright” as the construction cones. It’s closer to the color on the newer copper metalflake color on some of the GM vehicles. Not quite that bright as the cones! Love it. Still waiting for other Mac users to email to network concerning downloading etc..
@ Benny
Why don’t you just dl videos from youtube.com and convert it to .3p2 format so that EnV can play the video for you. There’s no need to pay Verizon for VCast. Only suckerz pay for VCAST…
Msh, thank You very much. I am going in on Wednesday to pick this bad boy up. Everyone I’ve talked to (I haven’t even SEEN an EnV in person) says the Orange is very very bright. My ex said she saw it almost 5 feet away and wanted to know what it was until she saw a closer look. I was told that You cannot buy a Data Cable for this on EBay? and you Have to buy the Music Sync set from VZW and BitPim won’t work? is this correct? or has it been fixed?
Jack, from what I understand, you will have an easier time using BitPim and downloading songs in a readable format onto the microSM card, then putting that back into your enV. Anyone else have this experience?
as far as I know, Its correct with what you said. Its alot harder to put MP3’s onto the env then it would be to just putting them on a card
So i just got this phone off of ebay and went to verzion today and they said that they cant activate the phone because the perosn who owned it before me didnt pay his bill so this phone is locked. is there anyway that verzion has to give me another one because this one wont work or did i just get a bad deal?
I don’t know. The person didn’t deactivate their number from it is all that happened and the reason they didn’t/couldn’t i’m guessing is because they didn’t pay the bill. You pretty much got screwed. You can try telling them you bought it on EBay, and you were wondering if you can get it deactivated with your number put on itt. But if they say no, its because he or she never deactivated their number from it before they sold it to you. Sorry Dude.
Hi i just bought the 9900 and i had it reflashed for cricket. Is there anyway to completly get rid of the verizon operating system and have a it reflashed completly so that i can access my mobile web and recieve/send pic and video messages. Because right now all i can do is make and recieve calls and send and recieve texts.
i was wondering if soon your going to come out with a even newer env phone? becasue i dont want to buy the phone and then find out they came out with an even better one
I just recently bought the enV and I’m loving it. However, when I type ‘*’ on the full keyboard, I get an extra m after it. It doesn’t add an m when I just type 8, so I don’t think it has anything to do with the key. Anyone have any ideas?
Can the LG Env VX 9900 be expanded to store more than 1,000 contacts?
[Comment ID #27519 Will Be Quoted Here]
Dave,
I have the Motorola E815 and LG enV. The enV gets good reception but nowhere near as good as the 815. There is one marginal area in town where Verizon reception is notoriously spotty. With both phones side-by-side the E815 was able to establish and hold a call whereas the enV could not even acquire a signal. I love the enV but like you first and foremost I need the phone to be a phone and by that measure the E815 is the better of the two.
yo dis phone is pimp man i got one and its like wow dawg buy it homie
I just ordered it online (8/15/07) after I got a new Verizon plan UNLIMITED TEXTING (which includes IM). I don’t know if it’s a summer promotion or an ongoing plan but for $59.99 you get 450 mins. and UNLIMITED texting which makes this phone a workhorse for texting and IM. I like candy bar voice and QWERTY for text and apparently, an overwhelming majority of the people love this phone despite the idiotic Vcast and when opened it hobbles if you put it on a table for speaker phone.. which I think can easily be resolved by putting something behind while it’s on a table. No big deal.
Btw, I got the phone for $49.99 directly off Verizon website. $149-$50 online instant deduction- $50 from my two year upgrade discount. Can’t wait to get it. The phone may be bigger than what I am used to but I text more now than talk and also the phones that I had were so small it was uncomfortable to talk on so perhaps the extra one ounce 3.6 to 4.6 vs. my previous one makes it feel like I am actually talking on something other than my hand. I am not bluetooth headset guy. Unless you are a sales guy who needs to talk all the time, I think head sets are vulgar. “Hey, look it me, I’m important :-)!”
my family and i are available for an upgrade and i have been considering the enV. i have heard several things about this phone, some good some bad. one complaint that i’ve heard is that the reception is terrible and that this phone is bulky. i have looked at consumer reports and they show the enV as only fair. i was hoping to get some insight from someone who actually owns and uses this phone.
I have had the phone for 2 days, and have found the H700 bluetooth headset really sucks for sound quality (I am half deaf), and I am not able to synchronize with my mac computer to set up contact lists, pictures, tunes etc. Any suggestions as to getting around these things before my 30 days are up? Bill
what is nextyears new enV going to look like?
For everyone: The main complaint I have heard is the voice quality when the phone is closed. I hae seen a lot where it sounds tinny or echoy. Anyone know about this?
For MSH (and other Mac-ers): I, too, am am mac user and am wondering what you have figured out so far. I have heard you can only use an sd card to transfer music (as opposed to a bluetooth transfer). Have you tried that? Also, can you sync iCal and your address book easily via bluetooth or do you have to use another calendar and adress program. Anything you can offer would be great. I’m due for my new phone in September and Mr. Orange is my #1 pick! Thanks!
I have had my enV for over 1 month now. I absolutly love it!! Can say too much about it. I carry in my back pocket many times and it is not too bulky. Love the ability to vibrate and ring different ringtones (last phone could not) I text alot and I rarely use the inside – text from the outside – very verisle
I have downloaded bitpim (which also works on my Linux computer) and am simply waiting for the connection cable to arrive. I have also ordered a different bluetooth earpiece, which might give better audio. I am really at a loss as to how these phones are supposed to have adequate sound quality for MP3 listening….. Picture setup and recovery is really slow! No fast snapshots here. Bill
You can bring movies from your pc to your cell phone. Google a software called “Super”, which is free and legal. This will allow you to convert movies into .3G2, which is the format the enV cell phone read.
Im a tech and i have the envy and can honestly say ive never needed anything but my phone. great camera…great music player…and its actually REALLY durable! plus it has wireless sync!! Ill never go back to another standard flip phone!
Ummm, I am not that computer or phone savy but I have had my phone the enV Orange about 2 days now I am loving it so far,I was wondering if Bill Knew he can turn up the volume of his bluetooth headset on the phone itself (not the phone volume but the bluetooth volume? At first I thought my moto headset was screwed but to my relief, I found the volume for it. Maybe it will help, maybe not. Like I said I’m not the brightest star in the sky when it comes to tech stuff, but heh I can learn, does anyone know if I can transfer my pix from my razr to the enV, I forgot to send them to my pix place and have tried thru the bluetooth connection but can’t seem to get anywhere, any ideas would be appreciate. But, i still love this phone so far.
I just got an enV, i’m not sure how to put music on it. Do i just put the music in the microSD and put that in my phone?
I hope there is someone out there besides me and James, cuz I can’t help him!
@James and Victoria
There are a few ways to transfer music. The fastest way is by using the micro SD card. You basically put the micro SD card into the SD adaptor into your pc/laptop. Drag a music file in the SD card folder call “my_music”(could be .mp3, wma and other format I think). Then, put the micro SD card back into your enV. This is one way of doing it.
Aim: eatfishy
Chat about EnV cell stuff….
Can you take music from the memory card and set them as a ringtone? Or can you take a music file that is sent to you via text message and save it as a ringtone?
To use real music as ringtone, you have to order it from a website. There’s a trick to actually use your own music and set them as ringtone for free. Do a search for this in Howard Forum.
Is the a hack to change the amount of text messages u can store in the inbox? My razor holds thousands and 50 doesnt seem like many!
I have an enV and i noticed that the signal has the “EV” and the “1X”. On my last phone(vx8300) I could go into the menu and change the NAM to automatic and that would fix it. This phone dosent have that option. It is just set to NAM 1, and I cant figure out how to change it. Is there a way to get into the service menu? I have seen other sites that say “press the menu button then zero, then the password is 6 zeros”. I know people are not suppose to mess with these settings but I cant even get to the menu. Is there something I’m doing wrong? Thank you in advance if you can let me know about this.
Man i really hope someone can help me i really need it. Ok so i bought my enV two days ago. I love the phone no complaints. So i took out the micro SD card from my old phone (a950) and stuck it in its adapter and put it in my computer. I tried to delete all the files at once and it didnt work, it froze up my computer and made this huge ordeal. So i figured oh wat the heck, and i stuck the micro in my new enV as soon as the card was in, my enV shut itself off..i was kinda weirded. but i figured. wat ever. the phone turned itself back on. but did not read the card. i tried formatting it. and it said formating failed. i dont know wats going on with my phone and card. could someone please help me. im desperate!
this right here sounds about exactly wat happened to me
Edit: atleast memory card wise anyways
i was wondering if the extended battery really makes a difference on the 9900 and if 4 gig cards are not supported on any of the new upgrades
@Ben
Re-format your sd card on your pc (right clicking on it then format). This will erase your SD card back to default. Then your enV should the card fine and will create 4 folders in your SD card.
[Comment ID #28501 Will Be Quoted Here]
You can save songs as ring tones if you want and here’s how to do it…
First if you try and do this with a full 3 minute song you won’t be able to do it. When you email it Verizon will reject it so you have to cut the size of the clip down using Nero or something similar to that or you can find short clips of songs all over the internet. Next you have to email the file from your computer to your phone. I found that Yahoo! mail is the fastest as far as the time it takes from when you send it until it reaches your phone. The address you send it to is your phone number with no dashes @vzwpix.com (ie 4125551212@vzpix.com. Once you receive the picture message on your phone select “options” on the bottom of the screen and when the options menu pops up select “save as ringtone.” The next screen allows you to name the file. After you do so select “OK” and it will be saved with your ringtones. You can now go to “menu” –> “settings & tools” –> “sounds settings” –> “call sounds” –> “call ringtone” –> “all calls” and pick your ringtone and select “OK.” Hope this helps you out! I know when I had my LG VX8300 I called about a problem I was having and I was telling the guy at the call center about it and he was like “WOW I didn’t know you could do that!” So I’m not sure how many people know how to do it but that’s how!
Hey for all you guys out there with memory card issues with the phone, here a very likely reason you are having problems. Most cards people are purchasing these days are generic and produced with very cheap materials. A very large portion of these memory cards that are shipped out are defective. They easily are corrupted and in many instances can not be restored even after formating them. It is very possible that the phone it self could be defective as well, so try the card on a friends phone or computer to help eliminate the problem. If you can’t get it to work on any device, it is likely that the card is defective. If it is manufactured by companies such as SanDisk they will usually replace it. And if the place you purchased it from has in-store warranty give that a shot as well. Before asking any more questions, please try eliminating the problem. As for the phone, if you think your unit is defective, Verizon will replace it with a refurbished unit. But before doing that try a working card on your phone to check whether its the card’s problem or the phone’s problem! – Skatter Tech Admin
well i dont think its a problem w/ the card. its sandisk. and it worked really well on my old phone. but then i messed around w/ it on my computer and tried to delete everythin on it. and it just would freeze up my computer it was really weird. so i talked to a gateway worker, they tried to help me out as much they could but they didnt help very much, ill try all these things though. i really want it to work!
Whomever recommended the Myxertones.com for free ringtones Thanks so much worked like a charm…
I just got my enV on Friday and I love it so far. This phone rocks!!!!
Hey! I have had the enV for almost a year now, since December actually. I’ve had this one huge problem where whenever I loose service, the phone awkwardly says to me “LOSS OF SERVICE”. It is SO annoying and I can’t find a single way to turn that off besides from turning it on vibrate or silent.
Anyone else have this same problem or know how to fix it?
thanks!
[Comment ID #28624 Will Be Quoted Here]
I just got mine, so I’m not sure if this is it or not. Go into “Settings and Tools”, then to “Sound Settings”, to “Service Alerts”, and then to “ERI”. I have mine set to “Off” and have not gotten that. Actually, I did not get any alert when I was at my sister’s (aka the cell phone black hole. no carrier works there!). So, although you won’t get any alert when you are out of the service area, it should stop the annoying voice. Hope this helps!
do *22899 + send
I have had my Env since Christmas 2006 and really love it, but I wonder if anyone out there has been able to load music videos I have tried but to no avail