Verizon picks up new HTC smartphone

by Joe P on January 8, 2008

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Yesterday, we heard that Alltel was picking up an HTC device which competes with the iPhone. Today, we’re hearing that Verizon is picking up an HTC device, too, though not the Touch. C’mon; they already have the killer LG Voyager. This one they’ve branded on their own, though, the Verizon Wireless SMT5800. It looks like a mild-mannered, Nokia-esque candybar phone at first, but it slides up to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard.

It’s a Windows Mobile device, which should work for all of you business types out there. The screen is 2.4 inches QVGA — not nearly the size of the touch, but big enough for all intents and purposes. And yeah, you’ve got the other standards, like Bluetooth, EV-DO, and a microSD slot.

Of course, this ain’t cheap. It’s going to cost you $350 right now, though you can mail in a $50 rebate. Though I shouldn’t have to mention it, you’re obligated to sign a two-year agreement upon purchase of this phone. I don’t even wanna know how much it will cost sans contract.

It’s available online only right now, and will reportedly hit stores on January 21.

I have to ask, before wrapping up, what people look for in a smartphone. It seems that most of them coming out nowadays are run-of-the-mill as far as features go. You’re seeing fewer and fewer innovations as far as what your phone can do. So how do you pick which smartphone is right for you, if everything else is equal, or nearly equal?

[IntoMobile]

Filed under : Verizon Wireless