Bigger is Better...At least w/the Sanyo 4500
Written: Oct 30 '00 (Updated May 03 '01)
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Pros: Reception; Sound Quality; Speakerphone; Display; Stand-by Time
Cons: Long in length, Less Than Adequate Network
The Bottom Line: A great phone on a mediocre network...
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| karentonyjake's Full Review: Sanyo SCP-4500 |
Folks:
My trek through the wireless world continues. Having been a Verizon, AT&T, Nextel and Sprint PCS customer, I've ended up, once again w/Sprint PCS and, now, the Sanyo 4500. Why you ask? Verizon has the best coverage, but so-so call clarity. Nextel has great clarity and speakerphone capability, but limited coverage and expensive rate plans. AT&T has great customer service. Sprint PCS? Sprint's improved their coverage tremendously in the DC area, has made their calling plans very affordable and attractive (e.g. $49.99 for 1,000 [500 anytime + 500 nights and weekend] minutes), and they have comparable call clarity to that of Nextel.
The phone? Apart from the fact that it's larger than some of the most popular Sprint PCS phones (e.g., Samsung 6100, 3500 and 8500), it has every possible feature you could ask for in October 2000. First, it weighs only 5 ozs., yet it feels comfortable in your hand and against your ear. Second, its reception is on par with that of any Motorola phone I've used. Technically, according to Sprint PCS and their current coverage map, I'm not suppose to receive a digital signal in my neighborhood, but do so anyway without any dropped calls. I'm about 5 miles away from a tower, and not within its line of sight. Third, the sound quality is exceptional and loud, including that of the built-in speakerphone. It's a full, duplex speakerphone, which means that you can simultaneously engage in a real conversation, without missing a word from the other party. Be wary, however, of the fact that the speakerphone is a power hog which will greatly reduce your stand-by and talk time. This phone is rated at over 200 hours of stand-by and 4 hours of talk time. Fourth, its navigation menus are extremely intuitive, being as good as any Nokia on the market. Fifth, it employs an "Indiglo" type of backlight on the display, making it extremely easy to read both in direct sunlight and in the dark. Finally, it looks pretty sharp, being encased in a pewter, facial exterior.
The additional features include a PIM, calendar, 2 games, voice-activated dialing and ringer, and, of course, a web browser. For $199 minus a $50 service credit, it's a great deal. Sprint's significantly improved their coverage and customer service, since I last used them, which was about 1 year ago. If their lack of digital coverage concerns you, then consider another CDMA provider, such as Verizon. If you've got Sprint PCS coverage in your area, then consider them for their affordable rate plans and clear calls. One last thing, don't let the Sanyo name fool you. This phone's quality is exceptional, and rivals that of the big time players, such as Motorola and Nokia. It's larger than some other phones, but that's because it packs so many features. Enjoy!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 199
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Epinions.com ID:
karentonyjake
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Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 5 members
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