vB Easy Archive - Not at all pleased with the VM4500

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Not at all pleased with the VM4500
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Posted by: ericshmerick

I bought a Sanyo VM4500 because I wanted a change from my SCP-6200, the best phone I've ever owned. Well, now that I've used the SCP-5500 (VM4500) for over a week, I am ready to return it to BB and re-activate my trusty 6200. Here's why:

The flip. I was skeptical of this design, and realize that I do not like it (after owning the 5500). It requires two hands to answer, and is top-heavy. This is true of this form-factor, and this was the 1st flip I've owned.

The battery. Yes, there is an extended battery for sale, but the stock battery's life is pathetic compared to my 6200's. I suppose it's because of the color screen? Who knows, but it is unacceptable.

Sound Quality. OK, but there is a strange "hiss" when neither party is talking. My 6200 is clear as a bell, and really sounds like a land-line. The VM4500 sounds muddy often (I've tried every possible ear position imaginable, so that's not it). Almost sounds like the sound is coming through a bucket or something? I can't put my finger on it, but it certainly isn't clear.

The factory ringers. Wow, they suck. Very hard to hear, even at the highest setting. I don't like the musical ringers, etc. just the standard ringers. Also, vision doesn't offer any replacement standard ringers...they are all songs, etc. Annoying.

The speakerphone. It's OK. I used to have a SCP-4500 and think that speakerphone was much better. Maybe one day cellphones will be full duplex?

The hands-free plug. The location is odd, and IMO illogically placed.

Vision. Kind of gimmicky, but this technology is still new, and in it's infant stages.

Camera. The resolution is pretty good, but the size of the uploaded photos are nowhere near, say, the Nokia 3650's. Sanyo has some homework to do.

Video mode. Ah, it's OK. Another relatively gimmicky feature that will be useful as technology improves.

Size. It is large, compared to my 6200, which I've grown used to.

Ready-Link. No idea. I don't use it because no one I know has it. I'm sure it is great, but I can't speak for it.

I have been with Sprint since early 2000, and had my 6200 for at least 18 months. This is the reason I bought the phone, because the salesperson at BB said I could get the $150 rebate. Well, I have read the fine print over and over on the rebate form, and it says nothing supporting this. All it says is "2nd line this, 2nd line that" I feel like I will be rolling the dice mailing in my receipt, and not knowing if I am getting my rebate. I called Sprint and they told me this promotion ended 12/31/2003, but the Sprint rep at BB told me otherwise. Who do I believe? That's the $150 question.

Because this phone hasn't swept me off my feet, like it has EVERYONE else, I don't consider it worth $379 at all. Even with the $150 discount, I still don't think $229 is worth it.

So, now that every VM4500 fan is angry at this post, I will remind you that this is my opinion. I don't like the phone, and think it's over-hyped. Every review is gleaming with praise, and none recognize the fact that this phone has faults.

Now, I hope BB will take this thing back.

Is there a reason why I should keep this phone??? Throw me a bone here, former 6200 owners that have the VM4500.

Posted by: jimmyjames

I hear you. I returned mine right away. If you're not needing Vision, why not check out the 3588i? It's got better reception than the 4500, plus is a candybar form factor that you prefer. It's also got built-in SMS. The earpiece is pretty good on it as well. I'm sure that you could find some great deals on it.

Posted by: PLobster

yeah, the 5500 kinda sucks. using a 6400 in the past, id say im still getting used to the 5500.
in my opinion the 3588i is pretty crappy, but sound quality is better.
if you like the 6200, look into getting a 6400... ive heard they are still available thru some channels...

Posted by: HorseWoman

I like my VM4500, but you make a lot of good points.

I don't use the video for anything.

I don't like musical ringtones either. (I use the "frogs" sound.)

In general, the user interface of the phone as a whole is terrible - similar things work in completely different ways depending on what you are doing (say, text entry in picture mail vs. replying vs. vision). It's like the various design groups never discussed UI consistency between them. I'd give them a D for UI because the things that are (IMHO) done badly are so obvious, and would have been no-brainers to have done right.

I think the sound quality problem is in the speaker. (I want to do some experimenting on that point...) When I use my Belkin earpiece, the sound is really good, and there is no hiss at all. In fact, if the other person is quiet for a minute (say, when I call *2), I often have to check to see if they are still there, or if I've lost the call (which has not happened yet).

The phone seems really sturdy and solid, which is really important to me. And I haven't had any trouble with the battery life (have talked 3.25+ hours on one charge, as advertised, no problem).

I like the camera (hey, for a *phone* it takes pretty good photos). What is it about the "size" of the photos you don't like? The resolution? Or the file size (too big? too compressed?)?

But heck, if you don't like it, return it. No sense in putting up with something that isn't fun for you.

Posted by: Skylinepilot

I went from Sanyo 5150->6000->6400->5500 (I've had more phones before, I too started early 2000 and learned that Sanyo>Samsung reception wise

)

ericshmerick: You brought up a lot of good points, I want to share what I think.

The flip factor: I started with flips and I am still used to them. I think with the time you can get used to opening the phone with one hand, I have got the hang of it but the only thing that pisses me off every time is when I flip it open I hit the WEB button and it starts disabling the ready link...

before I can do what I wanted it to do I have to wait til that is disabled before I have to re-enable Ready Link in order to do what I originally wanted to do.
Battery:The one in the box is horrible. I got the extended and now the phone is decent. I am ok with the larger size battery because it feels like my old 5150, works for me at least.
Sound Quality:Works for me
Ringers: I liked the normal ones on the 6000 series phones and just left them that way. On this phone I think the speaker phone helps so I made a few my own custom "dead" ringers (3gwiz.com)
Speakerphone: Its good imo. better than many other providers that have them, even the bulky phones. Its especially the best speaker I have seen in a flip yet. It will not compare to a Sanyo 4500/4700 though. Those were the best IMO, I even liked them a little better than the 4900
Handsfree plug: I don't use it much especially now that I have speakerphone but I definitely see where you are coming from, I thought it was weird on the Sanyo 8100 too, especially if you have a standarized charger plugged into the other side.
Vision: Still hasn't one my heart and I still feel that it wasn't that great of jump from 2g to 3g to have given it its own name, "Vision."
Camera: I think I know what you mean, the actual dimensions of the pictures are small, bigger pics with the same quality would be nice but I wouldn't blame it on Sanyo, I think it is just a standard with Sprint.
Video: Its ok, I think its like a camera and you can just use it to take a picture of something funny on the streets, today (not so funny) I took a picture of a brand new NSX (Still had paper plates) that was wrapped around a light pole.
Size:Its large, I miss not even feeling the phone in my pocket with my Sanyo 6000, but I guess thats the price I pay for having all the bells and whistles.
Ready-link: People at my work and gf have it, works great for with the exception of a few bugs that can be easily worked out through software. I like that I can have a quick conversation with out opening the phone. Usually on a normal phone call people feel obligated to hold a conversation with more for than 5 minutes when all I need is a few words.
I would be scared at the fact that you may not get your $150 if you feel you deserve it because the phone doesn't. On you're outlook on the phone, if you already kind of regretting having this phone and don't feel its worth it then maybe you should just take it back. The phone wasn't meant to be if you constantly feel like this phone isn't fit for you, if you regret it now you will be regretting it more when you can not take it back. Was there anything wrong with your 6400? If it still works then I would say stick with it until it breaks unless it is going to break soon. That is a good phone and I never had as good reception as I did my 6000 phone, that series of phones IMO was the best peforming line of phones that worked on the Sprint Network.

For me, I like the phone and I will hang onto it. It has been amusing to me thus far.

Posted by: bushman4

If you really don't loke this phone right from the start, chances are you're NOT going to learn to like it.
As with most things in life, If we look for the positives we will find them and If we look for the negatives we will find them.

While this phone isn't perfect I personally think it comes close.
Then again, I happen to like the features, appreciate that it's a phone and that the camera is merely a PERK.

I think you understand what I'm saying. If you're unhappy simply RETURN IT!

Posted by: Thug541

hm i am getting the 5500 next week (can't wait).....and i have played with it extensivly at sprint stores and what not. I think coming from 5350, then an 8100 ...the 5500 just seems 2nd nature with a flip design. I love the camera on my 8100...even if its very crappy but i can take a pic of anything i want and send it to my buddy who goes to school 3 hours from me...its just a spur of the moment benefit basically. I don't kno about everyone else but i charge my phone every nite so battery life won't affect me i dont' think. And i love vision right now.....it used to give me problems with my 5350...but i think that might of just been the phone sucking. But vision with my 8100 is beautiful.....i remember being on a bus during the last game of the Red Sox and Yankees series...being able to get a play by play by jsut hitting refresh was great. I became everyones best friend on the bus. I'm 19 so musical ringers is fine for me haha. But i think the 1st ringer is pretty professional....and www.3gupload.com has some good ones as well. but basically....i can't wait to get my phone and i reserched it throughly before coming to a decision....it has everything i want for the best provider there is. But go back to ur old phone if its not for you.....any sanyo is good haha.

Posted by: TampaCellDude

Hold phone in palm outside screen up, Using your thumb and middle finger lift flip, push thumb inside and push up...One handed use explained. (Of course unless you have baby hands or sausage fingers)

But yeah, if you don't like it return it. Get something that you would like.
(IE - Try it out in the Sprint store, that is why they are on display.)

Posted by: ericshmerick

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.0 (MobilePhone SCP-5500/US/1.0) NetFront/3.0 MMP/2.0)

i'm starting to like it but i'm afraid i will want the toshiba! hey, this is my first wap post ever! took forever

Posted by: phil2cool

Try the rl2500, It is the same phone except for no cam. Might be more comparable to your features of your 6000 series phone. It is said to last a little longer than the 5500 too. Your phone shouldn't sound the way it does. From the other reply, the phone has circuitry that quiets the sound when knowone is speaking, It sounds like you are disconnected but your not. You will get your rebate, you have had the phone activated for 18 months or more and you will get it. The rl2500 is 50 dollars cheaper than the 5500, $299. Best buy now carries it. Also your 5500 is now 349, not 379, so if you stick with it go back and get a price match for that 30 dollars.

Posted by: MrKyle123

I have an 8100 and would jump on that phone... to bad im a poor student who doesnt have 300 to spend on a phone... if they wont take it back.. u should send it to me.. and use ur old phone :-D haha PM me if that flies with you ok

Posted by: flyingdutchman

I have an 8100 and was so excited to get my brand new 5500. It was returned 2 days later. I had the same sound quality issue as you, plus I couldn't justify spending $350 on a phone that doesn't improve on the 8100 that much. Sound quality on the one I had was a downgrade, casing felt "cheaper" than my bloo 8100, though I will say it did feel better than a silver one. Also battery life was terrible. As far as video and pics go, I agree that it is a novelty so any improvement on those over the 8100 means very little, because it's a novelty. As far as size is concerned I actually prefered the 5500 over the 8100's pudginess. For those thinking of going from an 8100 (or 5300 for that matter) keep your reciept. I, myself will be waiting for a new version of the 8100(finger's crossed). One more thing, I yearn for SMS! That was the one thing that nearly convinced me to keep it.

Posted by: Aviator

Well, I came from the 4900 which was incredible in RF performance and battery life. And I have never had a better phone than the 5500. Battery life? Are you kidding...this thing lasts several DAYS of regular use wihout needing a charge! The sound quality issue is really the ONLY issue I have found with this phone, and every other perk of this phone makes up for it. I'm a college student, and I think it was well worth the money.

Posted by: bushman4

After reading the posts in this thread, It seems that the people that are unhappy bought something that isn't for them to begin with. One person commented on the flip style, another the weight, yet another stated he doesn't need all the features.
Well guys it seems that you bought something you didn't really want from the beginning. Or maybe that's just the way it sounds.
:-)

Posted by: ou2mame

I was going to buy this phone, but after using my friend's... no... It seems like a more feature packed 5300... Not many improvements though. I had an 8100 for a while and liked it... The interface was decent, sound quality was alright.. But this thing... I'll stick to my 4900. Maybe I'll check out the 7200 once my friends have ready link.

Posted by: flyingdutchman

I only said that features such as camera and video are perks, no one NEEDS them. As far as battery life I was barely able to get 1 day out of my normal use. And you will ignore the sound quality because of all the features? Seeing as how this is a cell phone, reception and sound quality are the top 2 requirements for me. Why would I buy a phone for nearly $400 when it doesn't sound as good as the one I paid $50 for? The only redeeming quality this phone has is SMS, and that is coming to all new phones.

Posted by: Aviator

Quote:

Originally posted by flyingdutchman
I only said that features such as camera and video are perks, no one NEEDS them. As far as battery life I was barely able to get 1 day out of my normal use. And you will ignore the sound quality because of all the features? Seeing as how this is a cell phone, reception and sound quality are the top 2 requirements for me. Why would I buy a phone for nearly $400 when it doesn't sound as good as the one I paid $50 for? The only redeeming quality this phone has is SMS, and that is coming to all new phones.

I can ignore the sound issue because it's really not that bad. Probably the only reason I noticed it was because the 4900 sounded so good. As long as I can understand what the other person is saying, thats all that really matters. And RF is definately at the top of my list and this thing has been just as good as my 4900, which is considered the best of all phones in RF performance.

Posted by: phil2cool

For the person that said there is not much improvement ove the 5300 here are some:
1. Smaller
2. Lighter
3. Faster processor
4. Speaker Phone
5. Better flash on camera
6. Better screen
7. Bigger Screen
8. MO-SMS
9. More memory

Posted by: largirl

I have had the VM4500 for a few months now, and have very, very few complaints. The flip feature doesn't bother me; I've perfected the one-handed opening.

The only thing I don't like about it is the fact that the keys are flush with the face, so it's harder to dial without looking. However, I've noticed that almost all flip phones are like this, so it will just take some getting used to.

This is my first camera phone, so I have nothing to compare it with, but people who I have sent pictures to have all been impressed. If you send it to an email address or upload it to your computer, the picture size is pretty decent. My only problem with that is the pictures are much blurrier when increased in size - it's hard to tell if you were holding still when you're just looking at the LCD screen of the phone. I've taken some nice, clear ones, so it's possible - just hard to do! It's also nice that the outside LED light acts like a flash for the camera or light for the camcorder.

The sound quality for me has been great - I haven't experienced any hissing or too-quiet voices.

The ringers aren't spectacular, but I was able to find a few that I liked- especially the "Asian Jingle." They were loud enough as well. But if you don't like the available ringers, you can download ones from almost any ringer site (I use http://planetringtone.net - all the ringers/graphics you want for $10).

I agree with the inconsistency of the menus, especially when you are in text messaging. However, it's not difficult to figure out.

The battery life has been fine for me; I've been able to get 3+ hours of talk time out of it no problem. I have heard, however, the having the ReadyLink on drains the battery? Might be something to look into.

However, all in all I have had great fun with this phone, and would recommend it to anyone. The color is great, the LCD screens are beautiful, the camera fits in my pocket...it's just pretty darn great!

Posted by: Skylinepilot

Quote:

Originally posted by phil2cool
For the person that said there is not much improvement ove the 5300 here are some:
1. Smaller
2. Lighter
3. Faster processor
4. Speaker Phone
5. Better flash on camera
6. Better screen
7. Bigger Screen
8. MO-SMS
9. More memory

They're a given but you forgot to list Video and ReadyLink!

But those exact reasons listed above is why I am not going back to my 6400.