Camera

In its resemblance to an actual digital camera, the enV's camera is more physically complex than that of the average cameraphone. Instead of a small circular lens floating aimlessly on the front plate, the enV features a raised lens-area including lens and flash, and surrounded by a silver circular ring. The user twists the ring in order to remove the lens cover. The full-color external phone screen serves as the digital camera window. The amateur photographer triggers camera mode by holding down the shutter button, which is located intuitively for the right index finger along the edge of the phone. If the shutter is held down (rather than pressed quickly) while the phone is in camera mode, video mode is activated. Zoom is controlled by a toggle key to left of the shutter. Zoom can also be triggered by the left-and-right keys on the five-way phone navigation key, while brightness can be adjusted by the up-and-down keys. In sum, the camera physically looks, feels, and functions like an actual digital camera, rather than an "extra" afterthought.

Of course, a camera can look impressive and still take lousy pictures. Fortunately, the functionality of the enV's camera lives up to its image. With a 2.0-megapixel lens, a flash, and a great autofocus feature, the phone takes clear, satisfying pictures that easily surpass those of the average 1.3-megapixel cameraphones. Serious photographers will probably prefer a more high-tech camera, but amateurs should be well pleased with the photos taken by the enV.

The camera takes pictures in four resolutions: 320 x 240 px, 640 x 480 px, 1280 x 960 px, or 1600 x 1200 px (though this last size is too large to send by regular picture messaging). A self-timer gives the photographer 3, 5, or 10 seconds to pop into the picture. A White Balance tool copes with the standard conditions: Sunny, Cloudy, Fluorescent and "Glow" (or Night exposure). Those who enjoy exciting shutter sound effects should appreciate options that include a voice form nowhere proclaiming "Ready 1, 2, 3" or "Say 'Cheese'" as the photo snaps. For folks who would potentially be freaked out or otherwise bothered by the voice from nowhere, the standard shutter sound or the no-sound options should come in handy. Color effects include Negative, Solar, Sepia, and Black and White, allowing for artsy or old-timey exposures. The auto focus may be set to either a one or two-step option, or be turned off completely.

The enV camera can also capture video. Video length options include short video for video messaging (about 15 seconds), and longer video for external storage (up to an hour). Users may choose between 320 x 240 px or 176 x 144 px resolutions, although higher resolution video will result in less video time. The video quality is on par for a cameraphone, and should satisfactorily capture sudden unforgettable moments.

With an 2.0-megapixel lens, Auto Focus, flash, video, and various exposure options, the enV's camera offers a package more advanced than the average phone camera. In addition, the camera's physical shape and incorporation into the phone makes for a photographing experience similar to a stand-alone camera.

Basic Features

The camera, keyboard, and large internal screen empower the enV with exciting secondary uses. However, basic call features remain the cornerstone of any mobile phone package. In terms of these standard features, the enV should satisfy users' needs.

In terms of text-based data, for each contact users may store a Name, two Mobile numbers, Work and Home numbers, two email addresses, a Fax number, and a Note. Each contact may also be assigned a personal picture and ringtone, so that users may instantly identify the source of incoming calls. Users may set a staggering 96 numbers to speed dial. As if attempting to outshine the speed dial, the redial function stores the most recent 270 numbers for later recovery. Both of these features are blown away by the address book, which can fit 1000 contacts.

Answer Options allows the user to choose his or her preferred answering method—Flip Open / Send Only, Any Key, Send Only, or Auto Answer. Auto Retry recalls a busy number every 10, 30, or 60 seconds, which may not be the most pleasant experience for the recipient of the call. Voicemail and Speakerphone are available, as well as TTY (Teletypewriter) support.

Other basic conveniences include Vibrate Mode, Lock Mode, which requires the user's 4-digit password to access the phone, and Keyguard Mode, which prevents the accidental triggering of buttons while the phone travels in purse or pocket. Call Waiting and Caller ID are also available.

With an expansive Contacts database, Answer and Retry Options, Voicemail, and Speakerphone, the enV covers the basics of calling convenience. Vibrate Mode, Lock Mode, Keyguard Mode, Call Waiting, and Caller ID round out the package. With speed dial and redial storage in the double and triple digits, the enV should prevent tired dialing fingers and make sure that users never need to scramble for a piece of notepaper to copy down a recently-contacted number.

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