Sanyo Pro-200 (Sprint)
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CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on:
The good: The Sanyo Pro-200 is compatible with the Nextel Direct Connect push-to-talk network, and it comes with Bluetooth, GPS, and excellent performance.
The bad: Sanyo Pro-200 has a utilitarian design and a lackluster display.
The bottom line: The Sanyo Pro-200 is a great solution for Sprint customers who want to use the Nextel Direct Connect push-to-talk service.
When Sprint merged with Nextel almost three years ago, there were concerns with how Sprint would integrate its CDMA network with Nextel's iDEN network, and how the two companies would coordinate their respective push-to-talk services. A new push-to-talk technology was developed by Qualcomm, called QChat, to help that process along. QChat is a CDMA upgrade to iDEN, and allows interoperability between CDMA phones and the iDEN network. Three years later and we finally see the first QChat phones to hit the market, in the form of the Sanyo Pro Series--the Pro-200 and the Pro-700. Even though both phones are ... Expand full review
When Sprint merged with Nextel almost three years ago, there were concerns with how Sprint would integrate its CDMA network with Nextel's iDEN network, and how the two companies would coordinate their respective push-to-talk services. A new push-to-talk technology was developed by Qualcomm, called QChat, to help that process along. QChat is a CDMA upgrade to iDEN, and allows interoperability between CDMA phones and the iDEN network. Three years later and we finally see the first QChat phones to hit the market, in the form of the Sanyo Pro Series--the Pro-200 and the Pro-700. Even though both phones are CDMA handsets to be used via the Sprint network, they are compatible with Nextel Direct Connect.
The Pro-200 and the Pro-700 have essentially the same features, with different designs. The Pro-200 is the lighter of the two with a slightly more streamlined look. Aside from push-to-talk capabilities, the Pro-200 has Bluetooth, built-in GPS, a speakerphone, and EV-DO Rev. A. It doesn't have any multimedia capabilities, but the Pro-200 is meant for the workplace anyway. The Pro-200 is currently available for $49.99 with a new two-year service agreement.
Design
The look of the Pro-200 is all business. Measuring 4 inches long by 1.7 inches wide by 0.7 inch thick, the Pro-200 isn't meant to steal the fashion show with its simple silver-and-black color scheme. That said, the Pro-200 is fairly slim for a push-to-talk phone, and at 3.4 ounces, it's pretty lightweight too. It has a nice solid feel in the hand and fits comfortably in a pocket or bag.
Right on the front of the Pro-200 is a 1.5-inch monochrome external display. It displays date, time, battery life, signal strength, and caller ID. You can adjust the backlight time and font size, but nothing else. The speaker grille sits at the bottom of the phone, while the microphone for the speakerphone is above the external display (The speakerphone microphone is only activated in speakerphone mode). The left spine is home to the volume rocker, the Direct Connect or push-to-talk key, and charging connector. On the right is a headset jack, a Side Call key that lets you make calls when the phone is closed (using voice dial or the recent calls list), and a Side End key that ends the call. The Side Call key also toggles the Direct Connect speaker on or off, and the Side End key also brings up recent call history on the external display.
Flip open the phone and you'll find a very staid 1.9-inch 65,000 color display. It displays images and graphics just fine, but they just don't look too rich or detailed. You can adjust the backlight time, the background, the animation for outgoing calls, the color for incoming calls, the contrast, and font size. The menu is easy enough to navigate through, using Sprint's standard interface.
Nicole Lee is a senior associate editor for CNET, covering cell phones, Bluetooth headsets, and all things mobile. She's also a fan of comic books, video games, and of course, shiny gadgets.
User Reviews
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Most recent user reviews
Showing 3 of 4 reviews
"Battery won't make it 48 hours without charge" By bodo920
Pros: It's light, easy to use, versatile, looks sharp, and does what I need it to do; make and receive calls.
Cons: The battery life is terrible with normal use, call quality questionable, speakerphone can be picky, text key is poorly utilized, keys not raised enough, and with how often I have to charge this thing, I worry about the durability of the dust covers.
Summary: I came from a candy bar Sanyo 4930 and had not upgraded in 4 years, but that's how long that phone (and battery) lasted. I chose this phone because all I wanted was something that made and received calls and would text efficiently. I really like the look and ... Expand full review
"Poor battery life/power management - kills function" By mrwarn
Pros: Nice innerface - and features
Cons: Power management is horrible. Battery discharges even in power save mode - with on you can't read display in the sun and see the numbers in the dark. Too long to charge and charge is not held. Reduces ability to use the phone and explore features
Summary: Expect a phone to keep charge in standby up to 3 days - opening this phone and then using for 10-15 minutes kills the battery. Not usefull in a business situation. One co-worker suggested getting an extension cord to keep the phone running.
Phone goes directly to - you need ... Expand full review
Where to Buy
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Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Service provider: Sprint Nextel
- Cellular technology: CDMA2000 1X
- Talk time: Up to 294 min
