Verizon's LG enV (VX9900) on-line, out for retail?

Well, looky here. The LG enV just popped up on Verizon's "testman" staging site in preps for on-line launch. Flauntin' all the specs we've come to uh, envy, we still expect the pup to pop for full launch on Monday the 27th. Nevertheless, we're already getting reports that at least some retail locations have unleashed LG's VX9900 Communicator beast as of yesterday. So step away from the bird, quietly excuse yourself for a smoke, and get your azz down to the neighborhood VZW shop on the sly. Don't worry, you won't be the only one steaming up the glass with your hot greasy, giblet-breathed anticipation.

Update: Pictures just rolled in from San Francisco purchased unit -- check after the break.

[Thanks, Tyler A. and Martin]

[Kones @ Nov 23rd 2006 9:38AM]

I like the design of this phone, at least conceptually. The screen on the previous model (9800) was excellent, and having the ability to open it up for texting is also a welcome feature. However, I think it still may be too thick for a phone that, ultimately, doesn't give you full PDA functionality. My new-every-2 is just about up, and it'll be between this and the new VX8600. I'll have to hold both and see how the size of this new one is.

[Steve @ Nov 23rd 2006 11:56AM]

Well, it's either this or the Samsung U740, but that looks like it could break at any moment. I really want a QWERTY keyboard for texting, but there aren't many options for Verizon.

[Mike @ Nov 23rd 2006 1:16PM]

I've been waiting for this phone.

I really wish they could make a PDA-like phone with this kind of body. I'd love to be able to customize more and I know a PDA phone would allow you that option.

But I text like crazy so this qwerty layout will help out with that. Plus its thinner than the 9800.

[J @ Nov 23rd 2006 1:57PM]

I work for vzw and can confirm that the website shows information that will be updated for November 26th, the day that the new buy 1 get 3 free phones promotion starts. Expect the phone to launch then, but some stores will not have it in stock yet.

[stephen @ Nov 23rd 2006 5:53PM]

anyone else notice this...if you go to verizon's online gift guide they have a couple of pictures of phones that flash up. the first picture in the list is a stack of phones and the 2nd one up from the bottom is a 9900...can't wait till monday!
http://estore.vzwshop.com/giftguide/

[Instant Dave @ Nov 23rd 2006 6:20PM]

I waaaanntt!!!

*refreshes the main verizon site for the 57th time*

[Martin @ Nov 23rd 2006 9:03PM]

I have the phone; got it on Nov 21... of course it'd be cool if it had a million more features like everyone wants, but it's still pretty nice. It's fun surfin' the web on it and watching VCAST video is addictive.

[john @ Nov 25th 2006 9:15PM]

ITS HERE!!! I just went to Skatter Tech and they apparently got there unit. It got a really good rating too. its going to be out on 27th for sure and will cost $150 for new 2yr customers and only $50!!! for those eligible for 2yr upgrade!!!

here is the url link: http://skattertech.com/2006/11/lg-vx9900-env-verizon/
they have many pictures too.

[Russell @ Nov 29th 2006 1:16AM]

This phone is pretty sweet looking, but I have a question about the OS. I have the 7000, as I have yet to see anything until the 9900 that has been worth buying, and I just ran into a problem today. I signed up for Youmail.com's voicemail service. However, to get my voicemail's from my phone, I need to dial a number that starts with "+". I can't figure out how to get this into a phone number in my contacts. I was wondering if I would run into the same problem with this one. Cause if so I may have figure something else out.

[Kevin @ Nov 30th 2006 10:54PM]

Thanks for the review!! I can do the new every-two tomorrow and this phone is just about what I'm looking for.

I would really like to get the Motorola Q phone (without adding the data plan) but not sure if VZW would let me buy it without adding the data package.

[kmcx8 @ Dec 2nd 2006 1:43PM]

This is all well and good. However, what is the software that drives the phone? I saw it advertised somehwere as a "Smart Phone"; but does it use Smartphone software--or a competitive alternative?

[ram @ Jan 9th 2007 6:00PM]

Is there any PDA phone in this kind of body, I know nokia communicator, but I wanted to know if there is something from HTC or someone, this type of body is perfect for PDA/Phone combination, from outside it is a full functional phone and when opened it becomes a PDA with a QWERTY keyboard.

Wish something comes out soon from verizon, HTV Libra which might come soon, but still this body appeal me a lot more than libra