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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[Comment ID #28625 Will Be Quoted Here]
No that’s not it…I have the same “problem” with mine, and the ERI sound setting has always been set to off…but I still here “LOSS OF SERVICE” whenever it goes out of service and my phone isn’t on vibrate/silent.
Yes, all you need is a SD card and free software called “Super”. Make sure your PC/Laptop have a SD card reader. Then, drag the video file into Super and convert it to .3G2, so that EnV will recognize it.
AIM: eatfishy
[Comment ID #28626 Will Be Quoted Here]
What does this do?
My only comment on the VX9900 is “Awesome”. However, can someone please explain how to turn down the volume on MP3 playback. I have it set to the lowest settings for both earpiece and volume control on the unit. Still, the music is too loud.
I just switched over from T-Mobile to Verizon and purchased the envy phone. I had a blackberry pearl and on the pearl it allowed me to use my MP3’s as ringtones. I have not been able to figure out how to do the same with the envy. Does the envy support MP3’s as ringtones? HELPPP!!!
Hi, I am considering buying this phone but there is one drawback that I can see. The volume when using the vz navigator is almost unhearable even on high. If the car air conditioning was on or there was a truck beside you on the road I know I wouldn’t be able to hear it. Has anyone else noticed this problem. ( The volume overall for music, voice etc. seems fine…it’s just when using the navigator)
[Comment ID #28775 Will Be Quoted Here]
go back one page and read my previous post…
Does anyone know if an enV 2 is coming out anytime soon? I was just wondering because i’m thinking about getting this phone, but if a newer verison is coming out I would want that instead. I haven’t heard anything about it, but I was just wondering. And… how long has this phone been out now? Thanks!
I’ve been hearing a few questions about an “enV 2″ and I just wanted to update everyone on some information. This is actually the second major model of this series. The VX9800 was the VX9900’s predecessor. And what all you guys are waiting for is the VX10000 (ten thousand)!!! It will be available possibly as early as this December. It retains the same form factor as the enV featured in this review but it’s got a bit surprise. The front of the phone is a huge touch screen interface like the one on the iPhone. The internal screen has been upgraded to a wide screen display as well. There is also possible talk about built in flash memory, however that is still uncertain at this time.
Here are some leaked images of the VX10000: Front Side | Inside | Left Side
Enjoy! – Skatter Tech Admin
[Comment ID #28256 Will Be Quoted Here]
Hey Mike (or any other Mac-ers out there…)! I was going to try the SUPER software you suggested, but it looks to only be Windows compatable. Can you reccomend anything comperable that works with OSX? Thanks!
I’m not sure of any other free software besides SUPER. Go to afterdawn.com and search for it there. That website listed a lot of free software.
I don’t know if I have been missing something or my phone has done this all along, it vibrates and rings at the same time? Vibrate is turned off,so I am not sure why this is happening or if it’s been doing it all along and I just didn’t notice, obviously I haven’t had the phone long. I looked in the booklets but didn’t see anything about this, am I missing something? I certainly would like to have the vibrate turned off all together. Thanks for your help. Oh and of course since I finally get the phone I want, there will be a new one out anytime. Oh woe is me..
One real real easy way to convert your videos on any operating system is Zamzar. First either upload a video you’d like to convert or link to a online video (YouTube, Google Video, etc.). Next select the conversion format to “3gp.” Finally enter your email address and it will send you a link to download the converted file when complete. This is a easy method, however is hard for those with slow uploads.
The other method would be to use VLC which is a bit more complicated that most applications, but I know it will work on Macs for sure. Just try encoding the video as H.263 or MP4 and the audio as MP4A or AAC. Also make sure the video is at 320×240 resolution.
I love the LG enV but it keeps shutting itself off no matter what I am doing or where it is. This happens about a couple of times a week. Anyone else having the same issues? Plus, the reception has been very staticy lately. I’ve called Verizon and also have updated it via the airway (*228) but I am still having the issue. I’m gonna take it in since its under warranty and get a new one…..anyone else have this issue?
I currently have an Lg phone. It is OK. I would love to get a new phone and should be shortly, but am still deciding whether or not to get the enV. Is it worth it? How much does it cost?
Another Stupid Question;
I have my phone programed to vibrate and ring, but it only rings. I check every time it doesnt vibrate, and it says vibrate is on. Same with my txts, it only makes a beep. Anyone else have this problem/ know whats up?
To ethan, I really like my en V Orange, I have a few problems but just lack of knowledge on my part I think. I paid next to nothing for mine, but that is probably because they will be coming out with the new model anytime now. It was almost time for my renewal with verizon and I am getting a $50. mail in rebate, so I paid like 3bucks and some change, so I am pretty happy with that part. Good luck and I hope you find what you like, I have been having fun with mine so far.
Mike G. I have been able to convert my video to 3gp files, but when I load them into my flix folder on my card my phone is not showing the file. Is there anything else I should try? I have formatted my card several times and I am using AVS converter 4.4 to creat .3pg video files. Thanks for you help!
I’m not sure will all .3pg works properly on EnV. I converted all my video files in .3g2 and it works fine for me. I actually use a free software called SUPER to convert videos.
Any Mac users out there have any luck with connecting the phone with a USB cable? I tried just connecting it and nothing. I tried downloading drivers from the LG website and they appear not to be not Mac compatable. I want to try using Bitpim, but I can not get it to recognize my phone. Any help wpuld be appreciated. Thanks!
Aly I might be talking through my hat but I couldn’t get my vibrate off, then I shut off the master volume and my phone just rings like I wanted it to, so I was thinking maybe you need to turn yours on. Just a guess here, like I said I am learning something everyday, and this forumn does help..Good luck.
[Comment ID #29477 Will Be Quoted Here]
Are the files 3pg or 3gp…maybe they are being created in the wrong format. 3gp and 3g2 are the standard cell phone video formats.
[Comment ID #29849 Will Be Quoted Here]
How old is your Mac? Is it a desktop or notebook? Most newer Macs have Bluetooth capability and the enV has Bluetooth. Why would you need a USB connection?
[Comment ID #28969 Will Be Quoted Here]
Sounds like you just got a lemon this time. When you change it out, you should be fine. I have had The V for about 2 years and it has cut off on me two or three times. I think my phone just overheated from being left in the car all day a few times.
[Comment ID #28553 Will Be Quoted Here]
There is actually more than one way to skin a cat. You can shorten the song to a snippet by using Audacity (free). Then use BitPim to add it to your phone (using Bluetooth) http://www.howardforums.com has some tutorials on it. Either way, you get the same result, your own customized ringtone!!
[Comment ID #28641 Will Be Quoted Here]
Actually , your going to have to convert all the videos you want to transfer into the phone to a *.3gp format. There’s some mpeg/wmv/avi to 3gp video converters online , just google them or something. Hope it works out for you !
[Comment ID #30112 Will Be Quoted Here]
I have a MacBook that is about 1 year old. I’m new to all of this stuff! I have my phone and computer paired (hopefully correctly!) but I can’t seem to transfer anything except contacts form my phone to my address book. Any help? Sorry i’m not too skilled in this stuff and I appreciate all of the help!
U have to go to ERA or somethin like that
Simplistic, nope haven’t had any bad connections on my en V, or any problems at all with it shutting off, so I think you did get a lemon. Thanks everyone for recommending the SUPER for converting files, this works really great, and I like the Myxertones for ring tones also. I have just been converting my songs and putting them on the card. I can not get the software to download on my computer windows 2000 (from the essentials kit, a waste of money except for the earphones from what I can see!) I even tried to put it on my sons Xp and put the card in and his computer immediately deleted all my songs, also very nice. So I went back to my slower version of doing things, how does this Bitpim work, as u can tell I am no expert! Thanks
Thanks everyone for your help. I downloaded Super have not been able to convert any video not sure if I am doing this right. I drag the video file from my cpu to the active list and select the ouput convertor to 3g2 and nothing happens. Is there something else I need to due to start the converting proecess? As you can see I am a little media challenged..Thanks again for all the insight and help.
I’m thinking about getting the LG enV VX9900 but I don’t want it to shut off all the time, call people on it’s own, and does the camera part really big and bulgey? And can you download songs from your ipod and put it as ringtones too? I’m confused. I deffinitely need some help getting to know this phone cause as you can tell I’m not an expert! Thanks for the help!
blondey, umm, the phone is a lot bulkier than I was used to, really doesn’t bother me much, I keep it clipped to my belt or pants most of the time, since I use it a lot for bus. with my bluetooth. Never shuts off on me, as for calling people I think I do that by hitting the bluetooth if I take it off and throw it in my purse, it will call the last person whom I talked to, but it used to do that with the razr. I don’t know if you can link your ipod to it or not, I am thinking you will probably have to send those songs to your computer if they are not there all ready and then load them into your micro sd card you will have to shorten them, there is a piece by Simplistic on the 25th telling you all about it. You have to turn the little wheel to open the camera lense when you are going to use it, no big deal, it is a little slow to respond though, maybe the next model will be better. As far as texting goes and listening to tunes (but your all ready have an ipod) it is terrific!!! I text 1000 times more than I used to, fast easy etc…So go look and play with one at the store and see if it’s for you. I’m still having fun with mine, so I do like my new toy. Spoiled I guess! P.S. I am no expert at all!!
[Comment ID #30114 Will Be Quoted Here]
WILL 2min song work?
I have had the enV for about 2 months now I love it other than for the past 2 weeks, every 2 days it freezes up and the screen goes black. Last night this happened again and I can’t get it to come back. Anyone else have that prob. Or know how to fix it?
The only problems I have been having lately, is I am not able to download ringtones from Myxertones.com and they even stated on the sight that verizon customers are having problems, I wonder if Verizon has blocked something? Also, those headphones from the essentials kit keep losing the sound, the person on the other line can hear me fine, but I can not hear them, what a bummer to keep having to plug and unplug the headphones, weird! I haven’t used them except for today for calls since my bluetooth needed to be charged, it was great stero sound but…a bit of a pain.
OFFICIAL VX10000 aka “LG Voyager” Announcement
http://skattertech.com/2007/10/verizon-announces-4-new-phones/
Exactly what all you guys have been waiting for! It should be available as early as thanksgiving and it has a full front touchscreen, an internal wide-screen, stereo speakers, 8GB microSD support, high spreed broadband access, Live TV, and a ton more.
Simplistic says, I have used your method but the message went as text not the picture mesage hence phone never gave me option to save it as ringtone. And I have sort song that can be used as ringtone. Can you please tell me how to send ringtone from computer via email to cell phone number as picture message.
I`m from Romania. How, where can i to buy this phone LG VX9900?
i just purchased a stereo cable adapter to play my mp3 player on my envy in my car thru the aux input. i can hear it contect thru the speakers but the songs won’t play thru the radio. does anyone know what i am doing wrong.
thanks
I’m getting the orange enV this Friday or maybe earlier! Ordering it tomorrow, I’m getting my music and etc. Ready. I’m soo excited! I don’t really care about the Voyager. Anybody else have the ORANGE enV??
[Comment ID #8941 Will Be Quoted Here]
dl bitpim. it is a program that will open up the enV lg vx 9900.. you can then add all or any part of your cpu mp3 files.. even as ringers if you want to
bitpim will now work with LG VX 9900 aka:enV
i have the phone and ive realixed that your calls dont come through unless u turn the speaker on and they dont tell u this then if ur a total retard you would never get any calls
mmm, melissa this is a new one for me, I’ve never turned the speakers on or off, I am usually on the Bluetooth, so that’s interesting. Josh, I have the Orange enV, but I am a girl, so I am always changing it’s clothes, mine is white at the moment, I need a belt clip so I order different cases off e-bay with the swivel clips, a lot cheaper than going to the mall etc. Enjoy! Has anyone gotten myxertones to work lately? I guess I will try to do the pitpim next if no more luck from that site. Also thanks everyone for all the info you provide.
BITPIM oops!
[Comment ID #26031 Will Be Quoted Here]
you can DL bitpim and use it to make several changes to the enV VX9900
I’ve had my enV for about 3 weeks and I never charge it while I sleep – only while I’m right next to the phone and now, when I plug it in to charge I have to jiggle the charger for it to start charging/keep charging. I bought my phone non-upgrade(retail price) from Best Buy and I really like it despite this problem. What should I do?
@ Krista
I don’t know the return policy, but Best Buy might still let you exchange it for another unit since it is defective. The warranty might run out after 30 days so you should head over there ASAP and see what options they can offer. The next option would be to contact LG’s warranty for a replacement.
[Comment ID #34026 Will Be Quoted Here]
Sounds like either the charger or the port is defective or damaged. Take it in and have them look at it for you. I know when I got mine from the Verizon store, I had 30 to try it and take it back if I did not like it. I’m sure they will work with you if it is broken, especially if it is only 3 weeks old. Good luck!
I totally agree with everyone head over there and tell them it just doesn’t charge right etc, 3 weeks is just too short a time for an expensive piece of electronics to go bad on you. I had that problem with a generic car charger from E-bay, am still waiting for my replacement. But your’s is not generic, so something is wrong, like everyone else I wish you luck…