Sanyo M1 Review - Introduction / Design

Introduction

Sanyo's high-end phone debut in the US comes in the form of its M1 model, an impressive multi-media powerhouse that forgoes weight or design concerns. A bit bigger than others on the market (3.6" x 1.9" x 0.9"), the phone offers users several customization options, which are sometimes confusing to find and use. Once conquered though, the phone shines with state-of-the-art audio and visual options, further enhanced by access to the service provider's Power Vision network. A special menu function allows users to program their most used menu options into one easy-to-use list.
The built-in 1 GB of memory compensates well for the phone's lack of an additional memory slot. The digital dual band (800 / 1900 MHz) phone also features advanced power management which is particularly useful for users-on-the-go. It allows for up to 16 to 18 hours of music playing, however the constant shut down proves frustrating as the screen goes dark after a couple of seconds. In trying to restart the phone, a disorienting series of button presses is necessary. The phone's power saving options are truly its best design and thoughtful elements. When connected through a USB cable to a PC, the phone also recharges, which is a definite plus for travelers.

The M1 can easily be used in a walkie-talkie style with Sprint's push-to-talk service ReadyLink and external external dual 15 mm stereo speakers for stereo music playback and speakerphone help greatly with sound.
Design
The M1's basic black design with silver lining proves functional, although the boxy flip phone won't be earning any aesthetic contests just yet. Still, the built-in 1 GB of memory compensates the phone's extra weight; It weighs 3.8 oz.

Where a clamshell design usually fails is in the constant flipping and scrolling through menus users are put to task for. However, the M1 has a convenient set of external buttons on its front and sides that help avoid such a problem. The left hand side has a headphone jack with a conveniently attached plastic cover, voice recorder button and ringer volume control. The right hand side features a one-touch button that leads to the voice command menu as well as a one-touch camera button.

The M1 is shorter than most, which makes it easy to fit into the palms of non-giants and their pockets. The camera's classic location on the back is acceptable, although useless when one attempts to use the camera's timer. The front has a convenient, circular navigation pad that is almost like a raised iPod control system. It's perfectly designed for when the phone switches into audio mode.

The only tricky part of the design is its internal antenna, which users have to make sure to be careful about blocking. When holding the phone naturally, users might have difficulty avoiding the phone's no-no zone, which is unintelligently placed next to the camera's lens.

Out of the box, the Sanyo M1 comes with a standard 1000 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Travel Charger, USB Cable, Stereo Headset with Earbuds (3.5 mm plug), Mic Adapter (3.5 mm jack to 2.5 mm plug), Headset Adapter, AC Travel Charger, and User Manual.

source:
http://www.mobiledia.com/reviews/sanyo/m1/page1.html

Sanyo Katana Review - Introduction / Design

Introduction

Ultra-thin devices are still selling strong. In a market where Motorola RAZRs pack store shelves, Sprint has offered customers relatively few choices for slim handhelds.

Fortunately this month, Sprint added a new device to its thin portfolio. Named after the legendary sword used by the Samurai, the new Sanyo Katana offers a similarly slender profile, as an affordable alternative to the Samsung A900.

The Katana offers a rich multimedia feature set, including a built-in VGA camera, dual color screens, Bluetooth wireless technology, and the ability to send and receive instant messages, email, and chat, right from the phone. Combined with the Sprint PCS Vision, users can download images, ringers, games, and other applications, while PCS Picture Mail allows customers shoot, share, and print digital pictures through participating retailers across the country.
Design

The Sanyo Katana resembles the Motorola RAZR in shape and design, offering a similarly slim profile and angular shape. Measuring just 99 x 51 x 15 mm, the thin plastic exterior is lightweight, weighing just 96 g.
The front panel provides convenient function through a 65K-color screen, displaying time, battery level, and signal strength. Above, the lens to the built-in VGA camera captures images up to 640 x 480 px in resolution, activated with the press of the dedicated Camera Key on the right side. Volume Keys on the left edge adjust earpiece and ringer levels during calls and standby mode.

Strangely the Camera and Volume Keys are built into the top half of the clamshell flip, so when the Katana is opened, the keys are on either side of the internal LCD rather than level with the numeric keypad. Uncomfortably high up when opened, the Camera and Volume Keys are inconvenient to press and hinder usability. Instead, the Charger and Headset Jacks are located on the left and right sides of the bottom flip respectively.

Opening the Katana revels the large and vivid 240 x 320 px 65K-color LCD. Offering brilliant imaging for multimedia, the internal display is used as the Camera Viewfinder, as well. The 5-way directional keypad provides comfortable navigation through the menu, also doubling as shortcut keys to access Send Quick Text (Up), My Content (Down), Web (Left), and Voice Memo (Right), surrounded by Camera, Back, Talk, Speaker, End / Power, and Left and Right Keys.

The boxy directional and numeric keypads are flush to the phone, making tactile feel during text messaging virtually nonexistent. The internal antenna is built into the lower lip of the Katana, so consumers should be careful not to block the antenna during conversations.

Designed to appeal to the fashion-centric consumer, the Katana makes its debut in Blue Sapphire, Cherry Blossom Pink, Mystic Black, and Polar White (sold exclusively at RadioShack).

Sanyo Announced anyo Pro-200 and Pro-700 PTT for Sprint

Sprint announced today the upcoming launch of the Sanyo Pro-200 and Pro-700, two new devices integrating Nextel Direct Connect push-to-talk (PTT) service. Powered by Qualcomm's QChat, the Pro-200 and Pro-700 operate on Sprint's Mobile Broadband EV-DO Rev. A network instead of the common iDEN network for faster data speeds.
The Sanyo Pro-200 sports an attractive, slim clamshell form factor. Delivering push-to-talk services, key functionalities including Bluetooth, messaging capabilities and mobile email. The Pro-700 is designed for harsh environments, providing a rugged exterior certified to military standards for dust, shock and vibration. Other new features for the Pro-200 and Pro-700 includes:
Single number option: Users can choose to have one phone number for voice and push-to-talk calls or if preferred, subscribers can opt to have a separate Direct Connect number
- DC Permissions: Users can block/allow incoming one-to-one push-to-talk calls and Call Alerts
- PTT Missed Call Notification: When on a Nextel Direct Connect call, users will receive a notification if they miss a push-to-talk call, Call Alert or Group call
- Call Alerts with Text: With the Call Alerts with Text feature, users can attach one of several preset text messages, such as "Please stop by," to Call Alerts sent
- Sprint Mobile Sync: An online tool that lets customers manage their contact information online such as setting up groups for PTT and text/voice messaging, automatically synchronizing with the phone, allowing for easier entry and full secure backup of contacts

In addition, consumers can access Sprint Mobile Broadband for fast file downloads, Web browsing, email access and more. Upgraded to EV-DO Rev. A technology, the network reaches more than 242 million people, 15,325 cities and 1,452 airports. Features available on the Pro-200 and Pro-700 will continue to include:

- Direct Connect: One-to-one push-to-talk communication to boost productivity and save time and money
- Group Connect: Communicate with up to 20 other Nextel Direct Connect users accessing the same QChat technology all at once, created and managed dynamically on the device or online
- Call Alerts: Send a repeating PTT Alert to let another Nextel Direct Connect subscriber know they are trying to reach them

"Sprint customers rely on Nextel Direct Connect for instant communication at the push of a button, allowing them to do more, faster," said John Garcia, chief marketing officer for Sprint. "Now Sprint is giving customers the ability to be even more productive with the industry-leading performance of Nextel Direct Connect, plus the speed of Sprint Mobile Broadband and a larger voice calling area. Sprint is proud to build on the 15-year leadership of Nextel Direct Connect with this exciting evolution of the portfolio, featuring the sub-second connectivity to millions of users that our customers depend on."

The Sanyo Pro-200 and Pro-700 will be available later this month for $49.99 and $69.99 respectively, both with a two-year service agreement and $50 mail-in rebate.
Source:
http://www.mobiledia.com/news/65655.html