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(More customer reviews)Here is this product's obligatory page-long review. I drew some basic comparisons to two other Verizon phones -- the Samsung Omnia i910 and the LG Dare. I hope this review may ultimately save some of you some time. :)
I have been looking for a phone with a high-resolution, fast camera, and PDA-like features. I use the camera when traveling to clients' premises, and am surprised how many devices made by Apple, RIMM, Palm and others treat cell-phone cameras as an adolescent feature that wastes the time of employees (like surfing emails and internet cannot be abused this way). As someone who needs the coverage of the Verizon network in my area, not too many phones fit into the above two categories -- particularly without the need to buy a $30/month data plan. I intentionally delayed using my NE2, knowing that Verizon often releases phones in June. After nearly choosing the Samsung Omnia i910 and LG Dare, I'm glad I did.
I read in other Amazon reviews that some user's of the Sammy 910 made the effort to set the phone up properly so that they didn't have to dig through menus. But personally, I found the i910 very difficult to do almost anything, even with shortcuts right on its desktop, even after trying it out 6 times at Verizon stores. I'd hate to tell a relative, "Here's my phone, go make a call!" It's excellent 5mpix camera almost convinced me, but it was too hard to text in either landscape or portrait, and it requires the $30/mon data plan, plus has a non-standard headphone jack. The LG Dare was much simpler to pick-up an use, although (without having tried calibration adjustments) I found I made mistakes every time I did a sample text message with it's touch screen, in either orientation. The camera was also slow at times, especially when using auto-focus, taking as much as 2 seconds to take a picture, and more to wait for the camera to prompt you with the save/erase options.
Enter the enV Touch (and in some similar respects, the LG enV3 VX9200 Phone, Blue (Verizon Wireless) or the LG enV3 VX9200 Phone, Maroon (Verizon Wireless). Finally, a company has figured out a way to keep a real, non-touch-screen qwerty board embedded in an updated, semi-smart phone, especially for those of us who cannot or do not like haptic-feedback touch screens. Personally, I prefer the center-located space bar, although some of the older enV user's may need time to get used to this. The keyboard, with my fairly large, iron-grip hands, is easier to use than any touch screen keyboard I've tried, and the 3.2 megapixel camera is one of only a few Verizon phones that offers better than 3 megapix resolution -- shameful in my opinion. Pictures snap quickly too, in less than 1 second. The full 3" screen viewfinder makes you feel as if you are using a devoted still camera, although I'm noticing that I have to be a bit careful how I hold the phone so as not to cover the sensor. This will improve with practice.
But about that front touchscreen -- I am very impressed. Even without a hard keyboard, this would have been the first phone from any US provider where I can actually type out a text message, completely error-free, using only the traditional numeric keypad in portrait mode. And getting there is easier too -- the tab-up feature to use the touch screen is very easy and intuitive. Screen resolution is very good, though perhaps not quite as leading edge as the iPhone or Storm color and resolution. However, the screen is large enough to see the touch keyboard and a large enough portion of a text or email message without having to scroll through as much as with the Dare/Omnia. But the phone is also fast -- my old Motorola motorazr had ongoing slow-responsiveness to pictures, notepad activation, even ringing for incoming calls! The enV Touch is fastest phone I've used, with a near-instant 1/4th second or better response to opening or activating almost anything. This iPhone-like device also does not require a data plan if you just need a feature-rich cell phone without always-on email. However, at $1.99/MB, I will have to try out email push and browsing to see if a data plan may yet be desirable. I travel to Canada frequently, and hope not to have any "always-on" data roaming fees -- I have read horror stories about iPhones incurring $600 bills as owners blithely cross borders or even roaming within the US. But to my current, possibly wrong understanding, I don't think this phone automatically data-roams. The phone also offers airplane mode and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack -- finally, no more need to take an iPod and cell phone and camera with me on trips. Now only if we had unlocked GPS...maybe this will work with Google Maps? Another interesting device I'm looking at purchasing is the Motorola MOTOROKR T505 Bluetooth In-Car Speakerphone which blue-tooths the phone's audio or phone calls to the car stereo -- safer for calls and convenient for music. Another nice change: The CLEAR and END keys on the front screen are well separated now -- no accidentally erasing an unsent message when you thought you were backspacing.
It's not perfect. Despite the terrific 16GB capacity, Verizon's menu system still retains a 200 text-message limit. Wha?? After nearly 10 years with this design, couldn't this be a tiny bit larger by now? Of course, that's a Verizon issue, not really LG's mistake, but since this phone is currently only used on Verizon's network, it's an issue. The phone is a little bit wider at .61 inches than comparable, non-keyboarded competitors. I gladly accept this trade-off for the convenience of two styles of keyboards though. It's also little taller than the similar enV3. So far, that's all I can say on the con side.
As much as I love the touch screen, it's still not what I'd consider a true iPhone contender though, which with a new release today, seems like it still has a more vibrant display and of course much better apps. But the enV Touch was, for me, the closest Verizon phone to the iPhone, if only because it seems so intuitive, and it is easily the best cell phone I've ever owned.
As I use the phone, I will update the review with notable pros and cons.
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A great choice for high-tech power texters, the LG EnV Touch for Verizon Wireless takes the popular enV phone series to the next level with a 3-inch external touchscreen with tactile feedback for easy navigation and access to all phone functions with just the touch of your finger. And like other enV phones, it has a hinged side that opens up to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard and additional 3-inch screen--perfect for all your on-the-go text messaging and email needs. The full-size QWERTY keyboard, with widely spaced keys, accommodates the texting needs of the most demanding user. It also offers a Text Instant Reply feature, enabling you to automatically start a reply message when you read a message.
It's compatible with Verizon's V Cast Music Service, which enables you to purchase songs through your phone and download them via Verizon's fast EV-DO data network. You'll also stay on course thanks to the VZ Navigator GPS turn-by-turn direction service. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, MicroSD memory expansion to 16 GB, a multi-format digital audio player, Bluetooth for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, HTML web browsing capabilities, access to personal email and instant messaging, Visual Voicemail, and a bilingual interface.
Verizon Wireless Service With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.) The V Cast Music service enables you to download songs instantly to your phone, or purchase music through your PC and transfer the files to your phone. If purchased from your phone, you'll receive two copies of the song: a Windows Media Audio Pro Plus format at 64Kbps stereo is sent to your phone, and a Windows Media Audio 9 format at 160Kbps stereo is sent to your account in the V CAST Music online store for downloading to your PC. V Cast Music offers nearly 2 million songs, with more being added all the time.
In addition to the V Cast Music service, this phone is also compatible with the Verizon Wireless V CAST Music with Rhapsody, which enables you to access this exclusive digital music service for RealNetworks and for MTV Networks. V CAST Music with Rhapsody delivers unlimited monthly access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers. In addition, customers who purchase music over-the-air are able to download the master copy of the songs or albums to their PCs free of digital rights management (DRM) software that restricts how and where music can be played.
The V Cast Video service enables you to stream or download video clips to your phone from a variety of news, entertainment, sports, and weather channels, including CNN, ABC News, E!, CBS Sports, The Weather Channel, and VH1.
With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access the Verizon Wireless VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps. And the Chaperone service lets you easily locate your loved ones from your Verizon Wireless phone or PC in real time. After defining a zone, such as an area designating a school or summer camp, you'll be sent an alert via text message when the Chaperone handset enters or leaves the zone.
Getting on the Internet is easy using the Verizon Wireless Mobile Web 2.0 package, which allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages and view your favorite web content on your phone. The Verizon Wireless Media Center wireless download service is also fully compatible with this phone. This pay-per-download service features application downloads, games and productivity tools. You can also personalize your handset with ringtone downloads using the Media Center service.
With Visual Voice Mail, you can delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Visual Voice Mail is the ideal tool for the busy mobile professional who may need to prioritize which messages he or she listens to first. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.
With Mobile Broadband Connect (subscription required), you can use your smartphone as a modem for your notebook when you connect the two using a USB cable--or open a Bluetooth connection--enabling you to access the Internet or your company intranet. The tethered modem capability is ideal when you're traveling and need to use your notebook to check email, access corporate networks, or download large files like presentations and reports. And with Mobile Broadband Connect, you won't have to buy an extra PC Card or other devices.
Phone Features The tall, slim LG enV Touch offers a bright external 3-inch touchscreen (800 x 480 pixels, 16 million colors), which features tactile feedback when pressing buttons as well as an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use within minutes of its unboxing. The touchscreen is highly sensitive, so you only need a light touch with your finger to make selections. The front of the face includes physical keys for send/end as well as a clear key that doubles as a voice command key. The sides of the phone include keys for volume and accessing the camera/camcorder as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack and the MicroSD memory slot. Flipping open the enV Touch reveals the full QWERTY keyboard and a large 3-inch LCD (800 x 480 pixels, 16 million colors). Dialing function buttons are also duplicated on the internal touchpad, and you can set the phone to automatically open a new text message once you flip it open.
The phone has a small internal memory and offers memory expansion up to 16 GB using optional MicroSD memory cards. The enV Touch's built-in address book can store up to 1500 contacts, and each entry can store 5 numbers, 2 email addresses, and a picture ID. The phone comes with multiple unique polyphonic ringtones, and it has vibrate and silent modes when you need to keep things quiet. The phone lets you match pictures with callers to identify them, and the enV Touch's voice recognition software supports voice commands from any user, not just a pre-programmed user's voice.
Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone provides the latest version of Bluetooth connectivity--version 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), which makes pairing with a headset as well as other Bluetooth devices a snap. And with the embedded A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of Bluetooth stereo headphones or other compatible devices. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server (additional charges or subscription applicable).
The 3.2-megapixel camera can snap still photos in four resolutions (2048 x 1536 (default), 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480 pixels), and it also features an integrated flash, white balance settings, multiple shutter sounds and color effects, and a self-timer. It also includes a multi-shot mode with a Smile Shot feature that automatically takes a picture when a smile is detected and a Panorama feature that automatically takes 3 pictures in sequence as you move from left to right. The phone can also capture video clips for as long as you have available memory.
The enV3 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging, too, with support for sending and receiving text, picture, and video messages as well as mobile instant messaging (IM). There's also a complete e-mail client on the device for POP- and IMAP-based accounts. And of course, the QWERTY keyboard makes it a snap to type your messages.
Other features include:
Music player compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC/AAC+ formats; create and manage playlists on the phone and sync from your PC
Bilingual Interface: English/Espanol
Airplane Mode
Tools: Calculator, Ez Tip Calculator, Calendar, Alarm Clock, Stopwatch, World Clock, Notepad, Drawing Pad
Document Viewer-read documents in several file formats including .doc, .xls, .ptt, and .pdf
USB Mass Storage-Transfer files via MicroSD card
Voice Commands
Speakerphone
Embedded Ring Tones, Vibrating Alert & Silent
3.5mm Headset Jack
In Case of Emergency Contacts
TTY/TDD Support
Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4/T4
Bluetooth version 2.1 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BIP (for sending images to another device), BPP (basic printing profile for text, email), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), HID (support for mice or joysticks), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures), PBA (transfer contacts), SPP (serial port profile)
Vital Statistics The LG enV Touch weighs 4.92 ounces and measures 4.52 x 2.16 x 0.66 inches. Its 950 mAh lithium-polymer battery is rated at up to 4.3 hours of talk time, and up to 408 hours (17 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/1900 CDMA/EV-DO frequencies.
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