Basic Features
The Sanyo M1 runs on Sprint's CDMA (800 / 1900 MHz) nationwide digital
network. While offering superior clarity, digital networks lack the range
of former analog technology. In urban areas, users should have no problems
finding digital coverage, however rural areas may be spotty.
Also integrated with Sprint's ReadyLink technology, users can communicate
through walkie-talkie style fashion. Available between callers who use Sprint's
service and ReadyLink-capable phones, the service can be used for both one-to-one
and group calls, allowing for easy off-network conference calls. Ideal for
users who communicate frequently with short calls, ReadyLink uses off-network
services, potentially saving consumers significant amounts on their monthly
bill.
Rating the 1000 mAh Li-Ion battery at 3.8 hours of talk time, actual
times will be slightly less. However, these times are under optimal conditions.
Handset manufacturers and carriers often list talk and standby time ratings
with disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times
they publish as maximum times. Actual times will vary. Consumers who require
more power can purchase the extended battery (1650 mAh) able to last up
to 6 hours of continuous talk time.
Screen
The clamshell-designed phone's internal and external display screens
offer a clear 260K of color and produce extraordinarily clear images. The
2.0-inch QVGA TFT LCD main display shows off the phone's multi-media material
with a 260K-color (240 x 320 px) screen.
 Brightly
lit from behind, both the main and external screen show information clearly
even when on power saving mode which dims the brightness a bit. The 1.3-inch
TFT LCD external screen external Display with 260K-color (128 x 96 px) screen
is perfect for users looking to the M1 for iPod Shuffle-type capabilities.
During text messaging and adding information to address books, a simple
option allows users to see what the information would look like on either
the external LCD screen (sub LCD) or main screen, as the dimensions constrain
and change visual images.
Audio
The Sanyo M1 perfectly suits users who don't require just a few songs
for their daily commute or portable audio listening time. The external navigation
control allows easy access to music features for users once the clamshell
is closed and only needed in its music player capacities. The circular control
pad, with blue backlights and decent size external LCD screen make it easy
to quickly change tracks.
As-is, the speaker and handset audio quality is better than most and
the M1 includes a mic adapter and standard 3.5 mm stereo jack that supports
the included stereo earbuds or users' personal headphones; making listening
comfortable and easy.
The M1 has some of the best audio quality available on the market with
dual 15 mm speakers that enhance the aural experience with right and left
channel separation. The speakers are placed on the front of the phone's
clamshell design which helps greatly with projection when the phone is put
on speaker phone mode. Nine equalizer settings help users further improve
their listening experience.
The Sprint music store provides over-the-air downloads of high-quality
full songs (MP3 and AAC / AAC+ digital files). Files can also be transferred
using Bluetooth or from a PC using the included USB cable. Users can also
order streaming audio programs on the network, including Sprint Radio, SIRIUS
Music, Rhapsody Radio and Music Choice.
The voice recorder option is easily accessible by a one-touch button
on the left hand side and below the title of the voice section, the M1 lists
the amount of storage space available in units of time. For example, it
might say that 163 hours and 17 minutes of recording time is available.
Users can record with either the included microphone or in speaker mode.
And while the speakers have excellent quality, either the reception or voice
command software fails to live up to the standards of the M1's other multimedia
options.
The M1 supports a wide range of audio files: MIDI, 13kQCELP, MP3, AAC,
AAC+, AMR, CMX.
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