VZW intros converged device for business

Verizon Wireless unveiled a converged business device, packing the sexily named SMT5800 with features that make advertising copy a nuanced task.
“Part compact phone, part messaging device” begins the carrier’s description, before the list of features makes categories difficult — standard keypad, slide-out QWERTY, with Windows Mobile 6 Standard for productivity applications, including editing Word and Excel files and viewing PowerPoint and PDF documents.
Features include a 2-megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth support and up to 8 GB of removable memory. The device runs on Verizon’s CDMA2000 1x EV-DO network. The unit can also be used as a laptop modem, if the user subscribes to the carrier’s BroadbandAccess Connect plan.
The device is available online and through the carrier’s business sales arm for $300 after a mail-rebate and with a two-year service contract. Customers signing up for both a voice plan and a data plan “may” be eligible for further discounts that would price the device at $200.
Verizon Wireless did not disclose the name of the device’s manufacturer.