Sanyo Katana Blue Review - Messaging, Internet, & Connectivity

Messaging, Internet, & Connectivity

This phone supports the SMS messaging protocol for sending basic text messages. It has the predictive (T9) text input option, as well as a personalized dictionary where you can save unique words (like names, places, or slang) you regularly use in text messages. I am thrilled by the time-saving, editable preset messages that come installed on the phone. Some of them I use as is, while others I edit to suit my messaging habits. With twenty preset messages in both English and Spanish (for a total of 40), there is ample room for establishing the preset messages you need.

If you want to send multimedia messages, you can send images to up to 16 of your friends at the same time using Sprint PCS Picture Mail. As an extra bonus, you can add a text or voice message with the image when you send it. You do have to establish a Picture Mail account to use this service, but it doesn't take long to set up.

The Katana really does offer all the different messaging services you might want, from instant messaging through Yahoo!, MSN, and AOL to visiting chatrooms and checking your e-mail with ease. Using Sprint PCS Mail is a snap if you want to use a Sprint e-mail address, but you can also easily access additional providers, like Hotmail, Yahoo!, Earthlink, and AOL.

The Katana doesn't have a lot of flexibility when it comes to how you access the Internet, but what it has works quite well. WAP 2.0 enables you to browse the web quickly and effortlessly whenever you have mobile service. This phone also can serve as a cellular modem for your desktop or laptop PC (with the purchase of additional service from Sprint).

The Bluetooth capabilities of this phone are outstanding. Four useful protocols come preinstalled on the phone: The Headset Profile (HSP) coordinates with Bluetooth headsets, the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) manages the settings for Bluetooth hands-free devices, the Dial-Up Network Profile (DUN) allows your phone to function as a wireless data cable between your PC or PDA and a network, and the Object Push Profile (OPP) allows you to send contact information or business cards between devices.

Bluetooth can be a confusing technology to understand and maximize. Sanyo and Sprint endeavored to make it as painless as possible through the Katana's documentation and menu structure, but I recommend that you read the User Manual and ask the salesperson as many questions as you need to ask. The better you understand this technology, the more you will be able to get out of it, and this phone has a lot to offer when it comes to Bluetooth.

 

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