I love the enV2 already. I had had the phone for maybe 10 hours before I had uploaded my first custom ringtones. It's actually very easy once the sound clips are ringtone-ready, but the ones that aren't require some software. Luckily, I have free software that does everything I need.

WARNING: I have the LG enV2 (LG VX9100) for Verizon Wireless. I don't know how this may apply to other phones on other networks, as I am not an expert, so don't try this at home if you don't know what you're doing.

Update 3/23/2009: I have confirmed that this process works for a variety of LG phones on the Verizon network that use MP3 ringtones and MicroSD memory cards. I have also successfully sent the tones to other phones on other networks, but with less consistent success.

Step 1: Prepare the sound clip.
First thing's first: get the (legally obtained) music ready. There are three requirements:
    File type: MP3
    File size: less than 500 KB
    Duration: less than 30 seconds

I recommend a 128 Kbps MP3, because a 30-second MP3 encoded at 128 Kbps is right at 500 KB. If you want higher quality, your clip will have to be shorter to meet the 500 KB limit. But you don't need that quality for the puny speakers on a cell phone.

( MP3 Trimming Trickery... )

Step 2: Send the sound clip to your phone.
Your phone may not work exactly like mine, so just follow along and see if your phone behaves in a similar manner.

( Step by step, day by day... )

Right in front of my face, and I just cannot hide it...? Well, it is a cell phone.

Ah, the LG VX4400. Here was a phone that did everything right for its time. But it did not take or even receive pictures, and it didn't play polyphonic tones. I could live without the camera and QWERTY keyboard, but the pictures and audio needed to be upgraded to 21st century quality. So thank you for your time and service, LG VX4400. You have been a great phone. You have served more than five years very admirably. But it's your little brother's time now.

Paul's LG VX4400
November 16, 2003 - January 23, 2009
(that's roughly 1895 days)

So now, say hello to the LG enV2. It's one of the few I had eyed for a short time now; the price and I were compatible; the phone features were what I wanted; and the keyboard and camera are nice bonuses.

But there is one tiny little thing. It's not a big deal, but it is a thing. *86 already goes to voicemail, so why does the enV2 steal one of the ultra-rare single-digit speed dial spots, too? And not just any digit, but the number 1! My speed dials are sequential and start at 1, so this is a bit of a conundrum. But, well, #5 has jumped around a lot over the years, so I may just take it out of the mix and bump up the first four to 2-5 and be done with it.

But either way, I'm happy with it. I just hope I feel the same in two years. :)

I hear : CeCe Peniston

The internet is a beautiful thing. I've known how to figure out where a call is coming from based on the number's area code and exchange (or prefix) for quite some time, but until now I've never posted a link to a web site that makes that information easy to find. I'm doing it now mainly because it's useful information, and it's interesting to look at for... two minutes, maybe.

FoneFinder.net also lets you look up international numbers...

On a related note, it's time to get a new phone. I've had an LG 4400 since November 2003, and I I've never had a problem with it, so I'm thinking my next phone will be something similar -- LG flip phone with a sturdy hinge similar to the 4400, but with some of the upgrades one would expect after using the same phone for almost four years. I'm thinking something like an LG 5300 or LG 8700. I don't have a problem with a similar phone manufactured by a different company, but as long as what I have works, why switch?

Bonus: if any current phones can be charged using the LG 4400's chargers, that's what I need!