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Samsung SCH-i730 launch on July 7
BY OUR TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT
5 July, 2005: Mobile phones have evolved, and how! Samsung has unveiled the new Samsung SCH-i730, a miniature information management powerhouse, with bluetooth, wi-fi and compatibility with a slew of Microsoft Windows applications. The wireless device (Samsung does not call it a mobile phone, and rightly so - it is more of a mini-laptop with a built-in phone) debuts in US stores on July 7, 2005. The price tag for the Samsung SCH-i730 is $599.
Samsung says that the new kid on the block will have EV-DO high-speed connectivity, a user interface that is familiar and necessary hardware features. SCH-i730, which sports Microsoft’s Windows Mobile software, has already been made available for large-account customers. The service is exclusively through VErizon, the leading telecom operatir in US.
The Samsung SCH-i730 has been crafted to support EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) and some bluetooth profiles. It comes pre-loaded with Pocket MSN® Messenger, Microsoft Reader 2.0 for Pocket PC, Windows Media Player 10, Microsoft Pictures, and ActiveSync®. SCH-i730's built-in Wi-Fi makes it possible to access thr internet from any wi-fi hotspot. The device comes with SRS audio, built-in speakers and a speakerphone. Personal information in the SCH-i730 is protected with the i730’s PIM software. The Samsung product boasts of a large display screen– The 240 x 320 pixel, 2.8”, 65,000-color TFT touch-sensitive LCD display is capable of holding up to 17 lines of dynamically sized text.
With the i730, Verizon Wireless users can get quick wireless access to the Web via Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess and data exchange with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Besides, the Samsung i730 integrates an SD I/O expansion slot for memory expansion. The device marries form and functionality, allowing for a 65,000-color touch screen besides an integrated keyboard.
Says Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president, Samsung: “The i730 marks the continuation of Samsung, Verizon Wireless and Microsoft’s strength in delivering a rich wireless experience that empowers people to be more productive on the move. Samsung has employed an innovative form factor and developed a compact device that contains many integral productivity features complimenting Verizon Wireless’s advanced EV-DO network capabilities and Microsoft’s familiar and powerful Windows Mobile software.”
Comments Suzan DelBene, vice president of marketing for the Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft: “The i730 combines the familiarity of Windows Mobile software with the innovative design of Samsung that will be a popular choice for mobile professionals. The i730 provides an integrated mobile solution for customers who are on-the-go and want access to their calendar, contacts and e-mail as well as a variety of applications and services that enable them to be more productive.”
The Samsung i730 retails with a two-year customer agreement and will be available on July 7 at 1,900 Verizon Wireless Communications stores in US. Verizon Wireless serves 45.5 million voice and data customers. Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone.
BY OUR TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT
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