Screen

As a phone that features a camera and video downloads, the enV's hardware should offer screens that rise to the challenge of these features. Fortunately, with not one but two full-color screens, the enV meets these needs.

The smaller (65K-color) external screen, at 128 x 160 px, is similar to the main screen of the average cell phone. Although both internal and external screens may be used for identical screening purposes, the placement of the external screen makes it most useful for dialing and other call functions, as well as the camera display window for taking pictures. The more impressive internal screen serves as the "monitor" for keyboard functions, such as email or IMing. At a spacious 320 x 240 px and luxurious 262K-color, the internal screen should also come in handy for viewing video and images.

Display options allow the user to adjust the Banners, Backlights (screen and keyboard), Wallpapers, Themes, Dial Fonts, and Clock Format. Users may choose from preloaded, downloaded, or personally captured images and video for the wallpapers of either screen. The phone comes preloaded with two display themes, including the black-based "VZW" and blue-based "Communicator" themes. The dial font may be set to small or large depending on the user's preference and / or eyesight. Clocks may be set to digital or analog.

With a large, beautiful 262K-color internal screen, the enV should meet video and image viewing needs, as well as provide a large palette for reading and composing long messages. The equally functional, if smaller, 65K-color external screen should handle all call display needs and then some.

Audio

As a high-end phone, the enV offers now-standard MP3 capabilities as a matter of course. The speaker sound is clear and high-quality, perfect for MP3 playback. Other audio features include voice command, a sound recorder, and preloaded ringtones for users who don't have and / or don't want to pay to download MP3 tones.

The preloaded ringtones are standard but functional, featuring a variety of beeps, bells, and simple tunes. Of course, users may also download MP3 ringtones for a fee. Also available are Verizon's standard prerecorded sound files, such as "Rainforest" and "Ode to Joy." Previously, these sounds could be used as ringtones as well, though this option seems to be unavailable on the enV, crushing the dreams of everyone who enjoys being alerted about a call by the groovy sound of an oncoming train. Through the sound recorder, users may create sound files or voice recordings, though these also may not be used as ringtones.

With the voice command system, users may call a contact or dial a number vocally, send messages, navigate the menu with a Go to command, check various phone status data, and look up contacts. A sensitivity option and "Train Voice" feature help the user customize the phone to his or her voice, facilitating the voice command service.

The Sync Music function allows users to synchronize music between their computers and phones using a USB cable or Bluetooth. Users may also download MP3s from V-Cast Music, Verizon's music store (which requires a subscription in addition to individual download fees). Ringtones may be downloaded without the V-Cast subscription via downloadable ringtone applications. The enV's Music Library / Media Player is similar to that of other Verizon phones. Users may organize songs by Genre, Artist, Album, Song, or Playlist. Play All and Shuffle functions are also available. Like other Verizon phones, the enV only supports Windows Media formatted files, stranding iTunes fans nationwide.

With MP3 download / playback, voice command, sound recorder, and a variety of MIDI ringtones, the enV covers the high-end phone audio basics. The quality speakers enhance this audio package, but non-Windows users are once again left stranded when it comes to phone-based audio file freedom.

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