Hands on with the LG enV(2)

Yes, it's here—the new, slimmed down enV(2) for Verizon Wireless is finally official, and at first blush at least, it looks like a vast improvement over the original. Read on for my hands-on impressions.

The enV(2)—the official update to the old enV music phone (although I consider the touch-screen Voyager to be the enV's bigger brother)—scores with its new, slimmed down profile. At just 4 by 2.13 by 0.65 inches and 4.2 ounces, the enV(2) feels much smaller and thinner than its needlessly bulky predecessor; indeed, it fits in a jeans pocket, no problem (just try that with the enV).

The old enV clamshell had a smallish keypad and a cramped, boxy LCD on the outside flip; the (2), on the other hand, delivers a much roomier (and nicer looking) numeric keypad, along with a slim external LCD good for dialing and light messaging.

Inside, the enV(2) actually has a bigger display than its predecessor (2.4 inches, versus 2.3 on the enV), and the improved QWERTY keypad boasts slightly bigger keys (although they're packed more closely together).

Feature-wise, the enV(2) isn't that much different than the old enV; you still get a 2MP camera, dual stereo speakers that flank the internal dispay, VZ Navigator for turn-by-turn directions, access to V Cast video clips and full-track music downloads, stereo Bluetooth, and microSD memory expansion. There's no live TV via MediaFlo, as there is on the Voyager, but I'm guessing that won't be a deal-breaker for most texters.

But for my money, the enV(2)'s sleek new profile is the real story here, and it'll make for a compelling choice for messaging addicts when it arrives in stores later this month; pricing is set for $129 with a two-year contract. Stay tuned for a full review.