LG Electronics, one of the global leaders in digital and electronic products, has expanded their domain to wireless communications. Over the last decade, LG has designed and introduced innovative mobile phone models that are at par with the best cellular phones in the market. In the fourth quarter of 2006, LG added another entry to their successful record: the LG EnV. Also called the VX9900, and distributed by Verizon Wireless in the US, it is a smart device that will surely be the EnV of its peers.

The LG EnV is a sideways clamshell that operates like a mini-laptop. When closed, it resembles a mobile phone with numeric keypad and external display, and hinges open to reveal a QWERTY keypad and larger internal LCD screen. The dimensions of the EnV: 4.64 x 2.08 x 0.78 inches, and weight of 4.60 ounces. The external LCD screen is 1.25 inches, and displays 65,000 colors and up to eight lines of text. The EnV can be opened to 180 degrees, and the internal LCD is impressively large at 2.24 inches and 262,000 color display. Up to 15 lines of text can be viewed here, plus video, web pages, and photos.

The phone possesses a 2.0 mega pixel digital camera with auto focus and 2.5x digital zoom. There is also an LED flash, night mode, self-timer, and shutter mode control. Photo quality is great, as they can be taken in varied resolutions as well as adjusted for brightness and color. Videos can be captured up to one hour long, and saved in QVGA quality. Videos and photos can be attached to MMS and email, saved in the internal 64MB memory, or in the microSD card.

As a mini-computer, the LG EnV truly is something other phones will be envious about. It has EVDO support, which means internet connections speeds are tops. Web pages load ultra fast, and messaging, whether via email or IM, can be done in a flash. Verizon also offers multimedia services for their subscribers, like VCAST for on-demand live TV broadcasts, VCAST Music Store for audio downloads, games supported by BREW, and others, all of which can be enjoyed on the EnV. The phone also has Bluetooth, and can sync up with your laptop or desktop PC. The USB cable, however, is sold separately.

The LG EnV is enabled with GPS as well. Verizon subscribers can take advantage of VZ Navigator, so their mobile units can give them turn-by-turn driving directions from the speakerphone. The LG EnV also supports Verizon’s Chaperone service, in which parents can keep track of their child’s whereabouts using the mobile phone.

As a media player, audio quality was satisfactory, and streaming video displayed well with minimal pixellation. According to critics, the EnV is a little bulky and hefty. But overall, performs to meet the needs of the busy businessman or the entertainment fanatic. The EnV has voice dialing, voice memo, calendar, to-do list, games, customizable graphics and ring tones, plus more fun and functional features you might want to check out. The EnV package comes with wall charger and user guide.