LG enV Review

Messaging:

Since the enV has a QWERTY keypad, it is designed to be used by heavy Text Message and E-Mail users. Pressing the Left soft key will display the Messaging menu. Within it, you can send Text, Picture, Video, and E-Mail messages, or go to your Inbox and Sent message box. Sending a Text message is a simple task on the enV. After entering in the number or contact that you want the message to go to, you then use your thumbs to enter in the text of the message by pressing the specific letter keys. It takes a bit of getting used to when coming from T9 or Itap text entry, but after a while we found it much easier to use. Another advantage of having a full keypad is that you can enter in words that most T9/Itap programs do not have stored. Sending a Picture or Video message is done very similar, except that a picture or video (stored on the phone or MicroSD card) can be attached to the message. This can be sent to another phone or E-Mail address.

Connectivity:
Bluetooth Version 1.2 is supported on the enV and will allow up to 20 pairings to be stored at one time. Supported profiles include: headset, hands-free, dial up networking (DUN), audio distribution (Stereo A2DP), vCard object push, serial port, file transfer (not full OBEX), audio/video remote control, basic printing, and human interface device. We were able to use our Jabra v250 headset and get about 30 feet of static free reception. Since the enV also supports Stereo Bluetooth, we were able to use the LG HBS-110 stereo Bluetooth earbuds, and got about 30 feet of static free range on it as well. The HBS-110 could also Pause, Rew, and FF the songs, as well as displaying the song title on its OLED display. Basic Bluetooth printing can also be accomplished, but will require a BT capable printer.

We would have liked to have seen a full HTML web browser on the enV, due to its professional appearance and QVGA display, but unfortunately it is limited to the same dated WAP 2.0 browser that is used on all non-smart phones. The enV is NOT a SmartPhone, despite what some people may claim. Despite it only having a WAP browser, it will connect to Verizon’s Mobile Web service and provide you with information based on News, Weather, Sports, and Entertainment. There is also an address bar to enter in other WAP and HTTP sites. While in an EVDO coverage area, most WAP sites will load in about 5 seconds. HTTP/HTML site will take much longer to load (30+ seconds) and will not format correctly on the screen. Due the limited WAP browser, we cannot recommend the enV to people that need to view full HTML sites. An actual smart phone, would suite that job much better.