PCS Phone Sanyo VM4500 - Silver (Sprint)

by Sprint

Product Details

Data Sheet [91kb PDF]

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Product Manual [3.01mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 3.6 x 1.8 x 1.1 inches ; 3.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004W3HO
• Item model number: VM4500
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #303,760 in Cell Phones & Accessories (See Top 100 in Cell Phones & Accessories)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com

In terms of performance and functionality, the Sanyo 4500 is arguably the best phone we have encountered. The sleek, well-designed 4500 has plenty of features, including voice-activated dialing and a voice memo recorder, that aren't available in most premium phone models.

Out of the box, we were impressed with its sleek, robust construction, alluring silver finish, and intuitive controls. The 4500 also boasts dual-band/dual-mode electronics, unsurpassed talk and standby times, and sophisticated functionality including Web access, e-mail and two-way SMS capabilities.

At 5.3 (H) by 1.7 (W) by 1.1 (D) inches and weighing just 5 ounces, the 4500 is sturdy and a bit trimmer than its competitors. We could easily operate the side-mounted volume controls while on a call, and we effortlessly placed calls and navigated the Web with one hand. The headphone jack, located just above the volume controls, allowed us to hook up a hands-free kit and stash the 4500 in our pocket while we conducted conversations. We aren't fans of retractable antennas--as they are prone to damage--but we used the 4500 for several weeks without any complaints or breakage. And while the 4500 doesn't have an infrared modem, you can sync it with your computer using a standard data cable connection kit.

The six-line screen (five text lines, one icon line) and blue backlit display allow for seamless navigation through the 4500's bountiful menu selections. Using the four-way navigational button, you can peg through the following menu selections: Call History, Messages, Phonebook, Roaming (where you can activate a safeguard against placing or receiving accidental roaming calls), Wireless Web, Calendar, Environment (so you can match the phone's alerts to your surroundings), Sounds, Display (enter your own personal greeting or adjust screen settings), Security, Setup, Special (access to the calculator and two weird games--Crab Catch and Slot Machine), Voice Service, and Keyguard. One caveat: The games, especially Slot Machine, gulp battery life. Fortunately, a travel charger, which fully rejuiced our sample model in about 45 minutes, is included.

The 4500's design is rounded out by a well-spaced keypad, OK and CLR buttons for menu prompts, Talk and End buttons to place and end calls, a lavender Speaker button (for voice-activated calls), and a speaker located on the back of the phone.

Hands down, the voice-activated features are the heart of this phone. It was a cinch to set up voice tags and establish a list of 30 friends and associates we could call with voice-activated dialing. While our sample 4500 handled single names better than full names, we never had trouble getting the phone to recognize first names. Once we set up voice tags, all we needed to do was press the Speaker button, say the name of the person we wanted to call, and the 4500 handled the rest.

The voice memo recorder was just as useful. Instead of scrambling for Post-it notes or our PDA, we saved our to-do lists, important numbers, and reminders in the 4500's memory. An added bonus: when playing messages back, you have the option of listening to them over the earpiece or main speaker. You can even attach a voice ringer to any number in voice dial memory. This was a little tricky to figure out, but we never had to crack the owner's manual for assistance.

And the minibrowser is just as functional and organized. The 4500 has quick access to all your favorite sites as well as news, weather, stock, and entertainment updates. Again, the phone's superb navigational controls made surfing the wireless Internet a joy, and we can't say that about all Web-enabled phones. One question that remains unanswered, though: Why do you have to go so far into the options to enter your own URL?

Like most phones of its kind, the 4500 supports carrier-dependent features such as caller ID, call forwarding, three-way calling, and call forwarding. And, with its 300-name phone book and 200 SMS capacity, the 4500 further cemented its status as an ideal business communication tool.

The phonebook also has labels for your different contacts. We tagged most of our phone book entries, whether they were our colleagues, friends' mobile or pager numbers, fax numbers, or roommates. Organizing short text messages was just as easy: We assigned a folder for each contact and stowed messages in their respective folders.

Other baseline features include a T9 predictive keypad; eight speed-dial locations; 10-number incoming, outgoing, and missed call logs; built-in vibrating alert; and 10 different ringer selections, including voice alert, which announces the name of the person calling.

With its event calendar, to-do list, calculator, and series of different alarms, the 4500 doubles as a PDA. And the phone has plenty of other noteworthy features to boot.

If the 4500 is unable to find a carrier signal after 15 minutes of searching, a power-save feature is automatically activated. Press any key, and the phone starts to look for a signal again. For your own sanity, whenever the phone is in power-save mode a message is displayed on the screen. Also, if you dig in the phone book, you'll find direct lines to 411, roadside assistance, and account info. You also find a pause feature that enables you to successfully preprogram voice mail or credit card call numbers.

The 4500 also offers advanced security features. You can lock both the phone itself (to prevent outgoing calls, except to emergency numbers) and the keypad (to prevent accidental calls if the phone is in your backpack), set different call restrictions, erase your call logs, or store numbers in a secret location. Furthermore, if your phone is lost or stolen, a special feature lets you erase personal information and lock the phone by sending a SMS message from your PC, PDA, or other device.

The lithium-ion battery is rated for up to four hours of talk time and 288 hours of digital standby time. Our sample 4500 (outfitted with a Sprint PCS account) sipped battery power; it held a call for four hours and 15 minutes and it lasted over 12 days in standby mode. You read that correctly: our 4500 was left on for almost two weeks before the battery gave out.

Whether you're a businessperson who needs a thorough mobile communications device or someone merely looking for a cool new phone for everyday use, the 4500 is ideal for people who aren't impressed by the norm. --Thom Arno

Pros:

• Excellent functionality and style
• Voice-activated dialing
• Voice memo recorder
• Web enabled
• PIM functions
• Organized, intuitive menus
• Unparalleled battery performance

Cons:

• Retractable antennas break easily
• Supports only two languages, English and Spanish

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative in formation only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming a nd outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When han dset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, a nd in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers o f dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, because analog mode co nsumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the ph one's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital phone talk time, we turned the phone on, establish ed a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's ha ndset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple o f cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately an d continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming cons istent carrier signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' t alk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.

To test digital phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode . We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Because no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case stand by time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength.

Amazon.com

Overview

Compatible with Sprint cell phone service, the Sanyo VM4500 features an Internet browser, integrated digital and video cameras, PCS Ready Link- and Vision-capability (a primary benefit of the phone), and more, all displayed on a large, 2.1-inch, high-resolution screen that supports 65,000 colors. The VM4500's clamshell design also provides a 1-inch external color screen for display of picture caller ID and the usual date, time, and status icons, all available to users before they even open the phone.

Calling Features

Used simply as a phone, the VM4500 features a 4-way scroll key for easy menu navigation and calling on its tri-band (world wide) network. Nifty, multi-color LEDs light up with each incoming call, and also double as the flash and video light for the camera and camcorder respectively. Primary calling features include voice-activated dialing, which allows users to speak a pre-saved name, number, or function and the phone will call it up automatically; as well as an integrated speakerphone, and PCS Ready Link capability, which lets users enjoy quick, walkie-talkie style communication with one or more PCS Ready Link users. (PCS Ready Link service is optional). There's also two internal phone books: a standard phone book that holds up to 300 entries (and seven phone numbers for each entry), plus up to 300 email and Web addresses; and a dedicated PCS Ready Link phone book (for service subscribers), which provides easy access to your PCS Ready Link contacts, up to 200 personal conta! cts, and up to 200 company-provided contacts. The VM4500 also includes eight "festive" 32-chord polyphonic ring tones, and it supports TTY functionality for the hearing impaired.

Messaging and Internet

As a PCS Vision phone (service optional), the VM4500 also provides PCS Business Connection, text-and-picture email, the previously mentioned PCS Ready Link, and basic text messaging, in addition to access to various games, ring tones, screen savers, and wireless Internet connectivity. PCS Business Connection lets users stay connected to multiple personal or company email accounts, including up to two Internet-based inboxes (such as Yahoo or Hotmail email accounts) and one corporate account (using Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes). It also includes access to calendar, directories, and attachments found in PC-based email accounts. Users can also send pictures--either taken with the built-in camera or downloaded from the Web--along with text and up to 10 seconds of voice recording, using the PCS Vision messaging service. This service also includes PCS Mail, PCS Short Mail, Wireless Chat and Messaging Fun games. The VM4500 is also compatible with GPS-based E911 emergency locatio! n service (where available).

Fun and Games

For fun, the VM4500 provides a 640x480 pixel resolution VGA camera, which features auto-focus and an excellent 4x optical zoom and 16x digital zoom capability. The video camera records 15-second clips and can play them back right on the phone's LCD screen. For night and indoor videos, the camcorder's video light provides extra illumination. Videos can be saved on the phone, stored online, or sent via text attachment to friends and colleagues. The VM4500 can also provide access to colorful, graphics-intensive online games, built using the Java 2 platform Micro Edition (J2ME). Downloadable ring tones include the standard pop music selections, as well as some show tunes and sound effects. For personalization, users can assign custom ring tones to specific numbers in the phone's address book.

Vital Statistics

The Sanyo VM4500's includes a 2.5 mm universal jack compatible with most hands-free headsets. The phone weighs 3.85 ounces and measures 3.60 x 1.85 x 1.07 inches. Notably, its Lithium Ion batteries are rated at only up to 3.25 hours talk time, and up to 10 days digital standby time, and 1.7 hours analog talk and 23 hours analog stand-by time. It supports voice and text prompts in English and Spanish.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Phone: Sanyo quality flip phone + speakerphone, December 31, 2003

By 

Vigny "sovial" (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: PCS Phone Sanyo VM4500 - Silver (Sprint) (Wireless Phone)

I took few minutes of my busy times to tell the world about my experience using this new phone. If you think you loved or admired the Sanyo SCP-5300, this one will blow your mind.
1- The speakerphone makes it one of the biggest difference. I leave the phone on my desk, speakerphone on, work on my laptop while talking...the mic captures my voice very well: Can hands-free calls get any better than that?
The speakerphone volume is so loud I keep it at less than the middle. Incredible! A button on the side easily enables you to to take calls without opening the phone and hear the caller over the speakerphone...just so practical.

It features many practical little options that make huge difference with the 5300. On top of many other bells and whistles, you can take 15-sec videos and send them in seconds to another pcs phone or email.

I went thru the Sanyo SCP-4500, 4700, 4900, 5300 and now VM-4500. There's no doubt this is The phone I'm going to keep.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Phone, January 12, 2004

By 

Kimball "k3y" (Wakefield, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: PCS Phone Sanyo VM4500 - Silver (Sprint) (Wireless Phone)

I've had this phone for a few weeks and I love it, the speakerphone is great and Sprints coverage around the Boston area is fantastic (came from att gsm -- biggest nightmare ever). The voice dialing is the most accurate I've seen on a phone. HOWEVER, I do think that the menu system could be more customizable (be able to assign more then one shortcut) and I do not like the fact that they do not display how long the call was in the call logs. Also the phone is a little big but it is light for its size. I would definitly recommend this phone to anyone who likes to have everything in a phone, and is willing to deal with its size. I love it and would not trade it for any other phone on the market.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very happy with this power-user phone, March 11, 2004

By 

Dr A (New England, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: PCS Phone Sanyo VM4500 - Silver (Sprint) (Wireless Phone)

Unlike some of the reviewers here on this board, I've owned a Sanyo vm4500 for almost two months, and I agree with everything the Amazon official reviewer says about the phone. It's absolutely the best phone out there right now. Some say the new Toshiba video phone (also for SPRINT PCS) is better, but to me the Toshiba looks a bit too big and bulky, and you just don't feel the word "fun" when you look at it, vs. the cutie looks of the vm4500.

As a cellular phone this one gets top-notch reception. I live on the outskirts of Cambridge but I get four full bars all the time, and a coworker also loves its reception out in Lexington, where Verizon and AT&T (worst service) tend to fade out quickly. I understand Verizon has better nationwide coverage overall, but for me SPRINT is good and this phone does a faby job of keeping connected.

I won't list the amazing number of power features you get with this phone. The user interface is amazingly intuitive, and you gotta love the bright screen! The buttons are easy to push and are backlit for evening usage. The pictures are not Canon S400 like but pretty decent for a camera phone. And, of course, the video clips! Only 15 seconds, but this is absolutely a God-send when you have little kids and you don't want to carry a camcorder or bother with video editing later.

This is a totally cool phone that makes everyone drool when they see it.