Sprint Launches PPC-6700 featuring Windows Mobile 5.0 Platform

US : Sprint announced the launch of the Sprint PCS VisionSM Smart Device (PPC-6700), the first PDA/phone-combination handset in the country to offer the new Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 software, featuring updated Microsoft Office applications including Outlook Mobile and the new PowerPoint Mobile.

Marketed by UT Starcom Personal Communications and operating on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network, this CMDA device is a light and manageable productivity powerhouse combining a wireless phone, Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) and Wi-Fi data functionality, Bluetooth Wireless Technology, email, Web access, a full QWERTY keyboard, and a 1.3-megapixel camera with video capabilities. The PPC-6700 will be available through Sprint business sales channels next week for a suggested retail price of $629.99 before discounts and promotions. The device will be offered nationwide in Sprint Stores and online at http://www.sprint.com later this year.

“Sprint continues to provide mobile professionals a portfolio of wireless devices and broadband choices unsurpassed in the industry,” said Vicki Warker, vice president of marketing and product for Sprint. “With Wi-Fi, 3G and EV-DO high-speed wireless data, our customers now have more choices for staying productive while on the go. The PPC-6700 allows customers to capture the power of any of those services without taking up too much space in a briefcase or pocket.”

The PPC-6700 reproduces the Windows-based PC experience and utilizes a new suite of Microsoft Office software, including the addition of PowerPoint(r) Mobile(tm) for viewing presentations on the go and Excel(r) Mobile(tm) with enhanced attachment-viewing capabilities. Managing documents, email, appointments, contacts and tasks is easier than ever with a 416 MHz Intel(r) PXA270 processor and a sliding QWERTY keyboard that opens from the side and automatically changes orientation from portrait to landscape viewing mode.

“We believe the PPC-6700 really is the next-generation mobile device,” said Philip Christopher, president of UT Starcom Personal Communications. “Built with business applications in mind, the sliding keyboard and advanced data capabilities are just two of the many features, which when paired with Sprint’s advanced wireless service, are designed to enable professionals to virtually carry office capabilities in their pocket.”

Multiple data capabilities give customers more choices for quick and convenient methods to send or receive email, attachments and text messages; view documents; browse the Web; listen to news, music and other audio clips; and access corporate applications while on the go. The handset supports broadband-like speeds where Sprint’s wireless high-speed data (EV-DO) is available and is backwards compatible to provide 1XRTT throughput speeds in areas where EV-DO service is not yet available. Sprint currently provides wireless high-speed data service in more than 75 markets nationwide, covering more than 100 airports in the country. Embedded Wi-Fi for data will also allow users to connect in thousands of Sprint-compatible domestic and international Wi-Fi ZONES(tm) and other public, enterprise and residential Wi-Fi locations. Various billing methods apply in non-Sprint venues.

With embedded Bluetooth(r) Wireless Technology, the PPC-6700 automatically connects with Bluetooth headsets and car kits (sold separately). Dial-up networking capabilities for use with Bluetooth-enabled laptops and desktop computers will be enabled with a future software release. Capturing, sharing and viewing pictures and video is easy with the embedded 1.3-megapixel camera with built-in flash and digital zoom. The device also includes a built-in mini USB port and mini SD expansion card to add memory; transfer music, photos and video from the desktop; or load additional games and applications.

“With the power and flexibility of the new Windows Mobile 5.0 software platform and the speed of the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network, mobile information workers will have the freedom to stay connected when and where they want,” said Suzan DelBene, corporate vice president of marketing for the Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft Corp. “The PPC-6700 is the result of Microsoft’s strong relationship with Sprint, molding flexible software with innovative hardware and a dependable network to help business customers more easily access their most essential information.”

The PPC-6700 also supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync(r) for over-the-air synchronization of email and calendar information with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003.