Leap, VZW, Qwest intro new gadgets

Leap Wireless International Inc., Verizon Wireless and Qwest Communications International Inc. are on deck this week with new phones. The announcements come as several carriers also cut prices on a variety of devices, including T-Mobile USA Inc. halving the online price of its recently introduced Sidekick iD.
First up is Leap, which introduced the u340 from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. for $150. The clamshell-style device features a camera and support for mobile Web and messaging.
Separately, Verizon Wireless recently began selling the new CDM-8905, which carries only the Verizon Wireless brand. The low-end, clamshell-style device features a speakerphone and support for the carrier’s text messaging service, and is available on the carrier’s Web site for $20 with a service agreement.
Finally, Qwest introduced the new 5800 from High Tech Computer Corp. The high-end, bar-style smartphone features a sliding QWERTY keyboard and 2-megapixel camera. It is available on Qwest’s Internet site for $200.
While carriers rushed to introduce new phones during the summer season, others were keen on lowering handset prices. T-Mobile USA cut in half the cost of its latest Sidekick device, dubbed the iD, from $100 to $50 on its Web site.
Separately, Helio reduced the price of its two Drift models to $95 online from $145.