Heading up a string of device announcements, Cingular Wireless L.L.C. announced it will sell a new enterprise-focused smart phone from Hewlett-Packard Co. The device features Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Mobile operating system and a design similar to Research In Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry and Palm Inc.’s Treo.
“HP is simplifying the path for customers who are eager to add mobility to their lives but wary of the complexity and technical challenges,” said Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager of HP’s Mobile Computing Global Business Unit. “Together with Cingular, we are empowering customers to take full advantage of mobility in ways they’ve never experienced before and to change the way they do business and how they connect to information, communication and even entertainment.”
The high-end device supports Cingular’s EDGE network and features Bluetooth, a 1.3-megapixel camera (as well as a version without the camera), global positioning system technology and a tiny keyboard. The device supports a range of wireless e-mail programs, including those from Good Technology Inc., Seven Networks Inc. and Extended Systems.
The device will sell for $450 with a service plan.
HP is the latest hardware marker to launch a direct attack against RIM’s BlackBerry and Palm’s Treo. Motorola recently introduced its Q, and Nokia unveiled its E61.
In other gadget news, Verizon Wireless said it will sell the SCH-a970 from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. for $300 with a service plan. The clamshell-style, CDMA EV-DO device features an MP3 player, Bluetooth and a TransFlash removable memory card.
In W-CDMA device news, both Motorola Inc. and Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications L.P. introduced new handsets. Motorola showed off its RAZR V3x, E770v and E1070 for release in the fourth quarter, and Sony Ericsson unveiled its W900 W-CDMA Walkman phone.
Finally, Motorola also announced it will sell rugged handheld computing devices, starting with the HC700-L. The off-the-shelf devices-which are aimed at industries such as utility, transportation, logistics, public works, public services and manufacturing-put Motorola directly in competition with companies like Symbol Technologies Inc., Intermec Technologies Corp. and others.
Motorola previously offered only customized handhelds.
