Introduction

A phone for serious text message users, the LG enV2 is a definite upgrade from its larger and less stylish predecessor, the enV. This latest handset offers a full QWERTY keyboard, music player with Bluetooth stereo support, microSD memory card slot and a 2.0-megapixel camera and camcorder, merged together in a well-designed package.

Verizon Wireless services include VCAST Music and Video, and VZ Navigator. VCAST Music provides more than 3 million songs from both well-known and independent artists. With VZ Navigator, the enV2 gives audible turn-by-turn navigation to addresses and more than 14 million points of interest, from ATMs and gas stations to restaurants and tourist destinations.

Fans of the enV2 have praised the phone for its vivid 262K-color LCD screens, great audio quality and overall user friendliness. Advanced features like auto text readout, message sort and the ability to store up to 300 text messages now make your texting habit something to celebrate.

Design

Opinion of the enV2's design - which comes in your choice of classic black or dark maroon - goes both ways. Some have heralded the enV2 for its stellar improvements to its ungainly predecessor, the enV, but its size remains somewhat bulky compared to slimmer and sleeker mobile phones on the market. Measuring in at 4x2.1x0.65 inches and 4.2-ounces, the enV2's design might remind you of a pocket translator or handheld LCD game. But for a phone with a QWERTY keyboard that's actually comfortable to type on, the extra bulk is definitely worth it.

The external face of the enV2 is framed in a shiny chrome trim, prone to fingerprint smudges, but still very sleek. Above the 1.5-inch LCD display screen is the earpiece, and below that is a wonderfully easy-to-use keypad. The size of the buttons is just right - even for large hands - and has a great touch that doesn't feel greasy after a few dialed calls. Enhanced by a soft white backlighting, the keypad also includes dedicated keys for the music player, up / down scrolling, voice-activated commands, vibrate mode, lock / unlock, speakerphone, send message and power / end.

Open up the phone and admire the 1.5 x 2.4 inch 262K-color LCD screen, which is flanked by speakers and tiny emblems for LG and Verizon. Below the screen are two soft control keys, used primarily to access messaging functions and contacts. To the right of the QWERTY keyboard are the "send" and "power / end" buttons, toggle control, "clear" and a one-touch speaker phone button. On the far left of the keyboard are function, shift and a symbol key. The two space bar buttons are located on the bottom corners of the keyboard, where your thumbs would normally rest while holding the phone to type.

The flip side of the phone has a soft, matte finish and houses the phone's internal antenna and camera / camcorder lens. Below that is the 950 mAh battery, and on the bottom edge is the charger port, microphone and a carrying hole on the bottom left corner to attach a hand strap. Volume controls and a camera / camcorder-dedicated button are located on the right side panel, while a 2.5mm headset jack and microSD card slot are located on the left side panel.

Verizon has made considerable improvements to its menu interface. With the enV2, menu customization is a snap. Choose from tabbed, icon grid or list - whatever layout you feel most comfortable with. You can also select the menu mode that best suits your usage needs. Select the multimedia setting and get icons for videos, games and VCAST right on your main menu screen. Or choose the messaging setting to get shortcuts to mobile IM, email and your contacts list.

Overall, this is a clamshell phone that looks good both opened and closed. The enV2 boasts a sleek outer design while the keypads - perhaps this phone's greatest asset - are wide and comfortable to use.

Out of the box, the LG enV2 comes with a standard 950 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Travel Charger, and User Manual.

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