Camera Phone Reviews

Sanyo MM-5600

News Release: Sprint and Sanyo Introduce Mobile Phone that Combines the Power of High-Quality Video, Music and Pictures

Sprint and Sanyo announced today the Sprint PCS Vision Multimedia Phone MM-5600 by Sanyo at this year's Photo Marketing Association Annual Convention and Trade Show. The MM-5600 by Sanyo allows customers to listen to stereo-quality music; take, share and print quality photos; and view the latest video content from nationally recognized brands in the news and entertainment industry at up to 15 frames per second with the built-in media player, all from a single device.

The MM-5600 by Sanyo has a 1.3-megapixel camera with flash, digital zoom and macro setting for capturing close-ups and a video camcorder for catching special moments. The device comes packaged with a 16MB removable miniSD memory card and adapter, plus stereo earphones and USB cable for printing photos directly from the phone to any PictBridge-enabled printer. Coming mid-March, the MM-5600 by Sanyo will be available nationwide at Sprint Stores and online (www.sprintpcs.com) for $429.99 or $279.99 after rebate.

"This phone is the first to combine the power of mobile imaging with the portability of mobile music and entertainment," said Jeff Hallock, vice president - Product Marketing and Strategy, Sprint. "The MM-5600 by Sanyo offers high function, high-quality imaging, streaming video and music along with Sprint PCS Ready Link to meet our customers' needs to capture, share and experience life in motion."

The phone supports Picture Mail and Sprint PCS Video Mail optional services, making it easy for customers to instantly share pictures, video and audio right from the phone direct to other compatible phones or to any email address. Images can be stored on the miniSD card to expand storage space.

The miniSD card enhances the many features of the MM-5600 by Sanyo by offering a simple, portable way to store high-resolution images, video clips and music files. The files on the card can be easily downloaded to a PC for backup. With the included adapter, the miniSD card can be used to easily exchange data with select SD-compatible devices, such as PocketPCs, digital cameras and other handheld devices.

The built-in 1.3-megapixel camera with flash, digital zoom and macro settings for capturing close-ups captures photos with resolution quality to make very good 4 in. x 6 in. prints. The MM-5600 by Sanyo features a QVGA-resolution TFT LCD screen. The 260,000-color screen and 240 x 320 resolution provide sharp detail of objects when viewing videos, photos, games and other images on the phone.

Photos in the camera phone are one thing, but being able to easily print them is the latest in useful innovation. The miniSD card with adapter can be used to print photos from a printer or kiosk that supports SD cards. Customers can also print images stored on the phone or miniSD card by connecting directly to a PictBridge-enabled printer. Pictures can also be sent directly to any participating Fujifilm "Get the Picture Online Service" retail photofinisher for in-store pick-up. Images and albums also can be managed, shared and sent to print at retail online at www.sprint.com/picturemail.

With Sprint PCS Video Mail, customers can also shoot 30-second video clips with the built-in camcorder to be wirelessly shared. With an optional 128MB or larger miniSD card, customers can shoot up to 90 minutes of video.

Mobile music also takes a giant leap forward with this phone's high-quality MP3/AAC player and its stereo earphones, making it easier than ever for customers to enjoy their favorite music files via their phone. The USB cable, packaged with the phone, can be used to move unprotected MP3 files from the PC to a miniSD card in the phone – making the MM-5600 by Sanyo a portable music device and phone all in one.

"Sanyo and Sprint have an established tradition of providing innovative and easy-to-use solutions, and we fully expect Sanyo handsets to remain at the top of the wireless handset market by continuing to offer more technological advancements and increased image and voice quality as well as ease of use," said Andy Kodera, group vice president and general manager of Sanyo Fisher Company's Wireless Communications Division. "Combined with the advanced data capabilities of the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network, the MM-5600 by Sanyo provides consumers the means to capture and share true-to-life quality photos and video right from their handsets. They can also enjoy and store stereo music with the built-in MP3/AAC player."

The MM-5600 by Sanyo is the third Sprint PCS Phone to offer an easy way to browse and view Sprint multimedia content such as ABC News, Cartoon Network, CNN, Discovery, E! Entertainment, FOX Sports, NBC Mobile, MUSIC CHOICE and The Weather Channel. Multimedia content is delivered to the handset from the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network.

The MM-5600 by Sanyo also features Sprint PCS Ready Link, a walkie-talkie-like service that provides a quick and convenient way to communicate one-on-one or with groups of up to five.

To learn more about the latest camera phones and their capabilities, visit Sprint at booth #3387-14 and Sanyo at booth #3387-17 at this year's Photo Marketing Association Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Orlando Convention Center, Feb. 20-23.