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Sprint's entry-level clamshell stable is going to be adding a new handset to the lineup. With numerous Sanyo Katana variants already picked up by the No. 3 US wireless carrier, we're not surprised to see this latest Sanyo Katana Eclipse headed to Sprint.

The FCC has just unveiled the newest slim flip-phone from Sanyo. The Sanyo Katana Eclipse features a modest spec-sheet listing a 2 megapixel camera, EVDO, GPS with Sprint Navigation, Bluetooth, microSD card slot, Sprint TV, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Other than that, details are slim.
Of course, pricing and availability aren't yet known. We'll keep you updated as we learn more about Sprint's upcoming Sanyo Katana Eclipse.

FCC

[Via: CellphoneSignal]

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With Sprint's QChat service launched and ready to rock with compatible handsets, it was only a matter of time before we started to see QChat handset reviews start trickling out in to the public eye.

Phone Arena has posted their comprehensive review of the Sanyo PRO-700 that was launched as one of four available QChat handsets. In exchange for a 2-year contract and $79.99, Sprint will gladly hand you a Sanyo PRO-700 offering Nextel Direct Connect compatibility in a rugged, shell that meets Military 810F specs for dust, vibration, and shock resistance.

The Sanyo PRO-700 is similar in size to the Motorola KRZR, and Phone Arena likens the QChat handset to a "rugged KRZR."

If no-frills ruggedness and PTT superiority is what you need, then Sprint's Sanyo PRO-700 might be just the answer. Find the full review here.

[Via: PhoneArena]

Sprint's delayed nationwide push-to-talk (PTT) system, dubbed QChat, went live on Sunday, June 15. With Sprint's Nextel arm still reigning king as the benchmark of push-to-talk providers, Sprint has expanded the service to its CDMA subscribers.

QChat is now available coast-to-coast in over 40 markets in the US. Sprint subscribers in cities like Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Orlando can now choose from one of four new handsets that are compatible with QChat.

Sprint is offering QChat hopefuls a choice of an LG LX400 - with a 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and GPS for $79.99; a rugged Samsung Z400 - with a 1.3 megapixel camera, Sprint Navigation, Bluetooth, and touch design for $99.99; a Sanyo PRO-700 - with Sprint Navigation, Bluetooth, and rugged exterior for $79.99; or a Sanyo PRO-200 - with Sprint Navigation and Bluetooth for $49.99.  Of course, all prices reflect a 2-year wireless contract and applicable rebates.
So, if you thought PTT was fading away, think again. Sprint's here to make sure iDEN PTT'ers are going to have some company.

Press release

The newest slim and affordable clamshell from Sprint and Sanyo is now available for Sprint customers looking for style on a budget. The Sanyo Katana LX has come in to relieve the Sanyo Katana II with GPS, Bluetooth, and VGA camera in tow. And, that external display that lights up from underneath the glossy facade is a nice touch.

Sprint is offering the Sprint Katana LX for a cent shy of $50 when purchased with new contract (and rebates used, of course). The Katana LX will be offered in Liquid Graphite, Pacific Blue, and Elegant Pink, so get 'em while they're hot!

Sprint

Sprint announced two new Nextel Direct Connect devices - the Sanyo Pro-200 and the Sanyo Pro-700. Powered by Qualcomm's QCHat technology, these arguably nice looking clamshells feature Direct Connect, Group Connect, call alerts, single number option, DC permissions, Sprint Mobile Sync, EV-DO Rev. A support, mobile mail and Bluetooth.

Both devices will hit select Sprint sprint store later this month. The Sanyo Pro-200 will retail for $49.99, while more rugged Pro-700 model could be yours for $69.99. That's with a two-year service agreement and $50 mail-in rebate, of course… Full release is available after the jump.

Read the full article

Trying to get an idea for a handset's design from a couple measly FCC diagrams is like trying to guess where that distracted soccer mom on her cellphone will drive that huge SUV of hers. You can have a good idea of what's it's going to look like, but you're probably going to be thrown for a loop.

With the Sanyo Katana LX, the FCC diagrams gave us a vague idea of what the successor to the Sanyo Katana would look like. But, we couldn't figure where Sanyo stuffed that darn external display. It certainly wasn't going to fit in that little black window that's shown in the diagrams.

Well, Engadget Mobile put their eyes on the Katana LX in the flesh. We can see that the external display is tucked under the outer shell. It's cleverly hidden under a semi-reflective, see-through cover. It's definitely a good look for any handset, and we're glad to see that the Sanyo Katana LX will be sporting just this sort of external display.

And, as a final touch of flair, the Sanyo Katana LX is finished in a shiny, reflective coating - which ties in nicely with the external display. Look for the Katana LX to drop in a month or so on Sprint's network.

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

Sanyo's done with the mobile phone game, but their name will live on with Sanyo-branded devices like the successor to the slim and cheap Sanyo Katana II. The FCC has unveiled the Sanyo Katana LX today, just in time for a launch next month (April).

The FCC diagrams showcase a device that's pretty much what we expected. The Sanyo Katana LX is slim, it's a clamshell, and it's, well, a bit on the boring side. Don't expect any EVDO on this slim successor to the Katana II, but keep an eye out for at least a camera and external display. Details are slim, but we'll know more in a month or so.

FCC source

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

It's been a long time in the making and we're glad to hear that long-rumored Sanyo buy-out candidate Kyocera has finally sealed the deal with Sanyo. As you may recall, Sanyo's mobile phone unit has struggled to turn a profit, and so put their cellphone-manufacturing arm on the auction block. Kyocera is said to be putting up $378 - $472 million to take Sanyo's mobile phone manufacturing unit of its hands - making the the world's 6th largest mobile phone maker.

Now, the deal is expected by some to help boost Kyocera's market share and presence on the global market. Still, there are analysts that don't see any benefit in a deal between two low-key market players. Japan's mobile phone industry is incredibly fragmented (there are no fewer than 10 cellphone manufacturers in the island-nation), and has failed to gain a foothold in the face of larger global players like Nokia, Motorola, and Samsung.

Kyocera is liking blowing their $378 - $472 million wad to gain that 6th place ranking, and not much more. Good luck with that whole market-share nonsense.

[Via: Financial Times]

Bell Mobility in Canada is adding two new devices to its offering - LG Shine clamshell and Sanyo S1. The first one is probably among the coolest lookin' clamshell devices on the market today and packs such features as 2 MP camera, stereo Bluetooth, music player and the microSD memory slot. On the other hand, the Sanyo S1 is an entry level device for people who just need to text and call. It lacks camera and the Bluetooth support is limited to mono sound.

The LG Shine clamshell is available for CA$129.95 with a 3-year term or CA$379.95 without any contract. On the other hand, you can get the Sanyo S1 for just CA$19.95 with a 3-year term or buy it for CA$149.99 without committing to any contracts.

[Via: MobileInCanada]

We now it's coming to Sprint and we've even seen it passing the FCC hurdle. And now, PhoneScoop is giving it a try in a 3-minute long video tour. As you're about to see, the S1 doesn't actually pack tons of features — it's a simple, stylish, basic phone for people who want their handset to be used solely for calling and texting… Anyway, Without further adieu - here's the video. Enjoy!