With its large numeric keypad and small display, the face of the LG enV2 smartphone looks a whole lot like a calculator. But when you flip the phone open, you see its full QWERTY keyboard and roomy internal screen, which allow you to take advantage of its messaging features.
The enV2 is available from Verizon Wireless for $130 when you sign a new two-year contract. Verizon is offering a $50 mail-in rebate, but the rebate comes in the form of a Visa debit card--not cash.
Design
The enV2 is available in both red and black, and features the popular folding design found on many high-end messaging phones. The front of the phone features a small (1.5-inch diagonal) display that shows basic information like the date, time, battery strength, and caller ID.
Flipping the phone open horizontally reveals a bigger (2.5-inch) screen, plus a full QWERTY keyboard for easier typing.
Voice and Data Access
The enV2 is a dual-band CDMA (800/1900) phone that also supports Verizon's 3G EV-DO network. But it lacks support for Wi-Fi wireless networks, so you'll have to rely on the availability of the 3G cellular network for speedy access to Web pages and e-mails. The enV2's browser is not a full HTML browser--it's a mobile browser only, which can be limiting.
Software
The enV2 does not run a true smartphone operating system (like Palm or Windows Mobile), so your access to software titles is limited to those you'll find available from Verizon. You'll find a handful of titles available, but not much in the way of true business or productivity applications. You do get access to Verizon's handy VZ Navigator application, which delivers turn-by-turn directions to your phone (for an extra monthly fee).
Messaging
The enV2 lets you access most POP3 or IMAP e-mail accounts through Verizon's Mobile E-mail, Mobile Web E-Mail, or Wireless Sync E-mail applications.
Camera
The 2-megapixel camera takes still photos and captures video clips. It lacks a flash, but includes a digital zoom and some basic editing tools, which let you rotate, zoom, or crop your images.
Music and More
The enV2 supports Verizon's very good V Cast Music with Rhapsody service, which lets you download music directly to your phone. It also supports V Cast Video, but not the V Cast mobile TV service.
