Sprint Nextel Corp. unveiled its first CDMA EV-DO phone, the PPC-6700 smart phone. The advanced gadget features a 1.3-megapixel digital camera, Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Mobile 5.0 software and support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. It will sell for $480 with a service plan.
The personal digital assistant-style device features a keyboard that slides out from the side.
Sprint Nextel so far has sold only EV-DO PC cards for its third-generation network. The PPC-6700 is notable as it is aimed squarely at the business user. When Verizon Wireless expanded its EV-DO offerings beyond San Diego and Washington, the carrier released a handful of consumer-focused phones, as well as its Vcast video service. Only later did Verizon add an EV-DO smart phone to its line-up.
Eric Martin, senior manager of business device marketing for Sprint Nextel, said the carrier will release several EV-DO consumer handsets “in the very near term.”
High Tech Computer Corp. built Sprint Nextel’s new PPC-6700, and UTStarcom Inc. manages the testing and distribution for the device. However, it carries only the Sprint PCS logo. The carrier has a similar branding strategy with its 6600 and 6601 devices.
