I've stepped over to the Sanyo side

[merc]

Well, after much deliberation, and a "failed" attempt to purchase an LG LX 350, I picked up a Katana. I originally wanted the LX 350, due to it would also shoot video, and was known to have loud ringers/alarms. I found a Sprint kiosk at the local mall that had them for $50 after rebates. I was all set to get it, until I was told I would have to pay an additional $20 to keep my old phone. Found out the Kiosk was a 3rd party retailer. Said no thanks, and walked away. Well, decided to see what Best Buy had going on. They had the Katanas going for $60 out the door after rebate. $64 later I now have a black Katana, and still have my old p.o.s. Vi-660 as a back up.

Maybe it's because I came from the Vi-660, but the more I use the Katana, the more I'm suprised to be enjoying it. This phone is so far above what I'm used to. When I read another Katana review, and saw "Fast Vision," I thought how fast could it be for 1X?? This thing renders pages 5 or 10 times faster than the 660. Everything works sooooooo much faster. And opera mini is now useable. SWEET! I didn't think there would be a huge diffence in the screen other than size, but the Katana screen is much sharper with richer color.

I really didn't think I'd be happy with a Non-PV phone, but thought I'd try a newer one before I go badgering retentions trying to get credits on PV because there is no PV here, and probably jacking up my account in the process. I'm probably going keep this one (Although I reserve the right to change my mind within the next 28 days :) ). Although I'm going to call and see about getting the picture mail added through retentions, due to my $10 Vision Pictures Pack not letting me upload pictures. but that is my biggest complaint so far, besides the ringers/alarms being on the soft side.

Now the wife wants one to replace her 2300 when we get the taxes back. I don't think she'll ever see a $150 rebate. lol

[Wayne 1]

Welcome to the world of Sanyo's. I've had them for years and the list of problems have been few, indeed. :)

[james2K]

congrats, the katana is a great phone :tu: as are all the sanyo's !!

[fridayxiii]

You chose well. I have the Katana now & came from the 2100. My fiance had a 4900 four years ago while I struggled w/a Kyocera & LG. In my experience the Sanyo's have been superior in battery life, signal strength, and all-around value of their handsets. Personally I'll don't think I'll ever own otherwise - at least as long as I'm w/Sprint...

[merc]

Update: Retentions added the picture mail in about 2 minutes. Very nice, understanding, and knowlegable CSR. Wish I remembered her name. I'm still impressed with this phone, as gun shy about it as I was, after reading different user reviews around the internet. It isn't as fancy as the 900/610/8400 or the new motos, but it has done everything I've needed in a standout manner.

Now, I understand the main difference between vision speeds with this phone and my old Vi-660 is mainly in the phones processor/chipset, and the phones ability to render. But honestly, would I notice a difference in download and rendering speeds, in a Non-PV area, between the Katana and say a 8400?

Is there a huge difference in the 8400 on the EVDO network and the katana on 1x?? like entering/opening the SU homepage?? This is mostly to gain more of an understanding as to what other advantages I would gain IF I changed to the 8400.

Thanks

[Monkey3d]

I can't give you a comparison, but I've had 3 sanyos and I love them. Got the 8400, can't say enough about it.

[james2K]

i've used the katana and the 8400, and can say that 1x vision speeds are about the same, maybe a slight edge to the 8400.