Sprint, Microsoft to Introduce New Pocket PC Phones

Adding to Sprint's current Pocket PC offering from Toshiba, Microsoft announced at CTIA WIRELESS 2003 plans to introduce two new Pocket PC phones for Sprint's PCS network. The phones will be manufactured by Samsung and Hitachi, and utilize a CDMA version of Microsoft's platform. Both include a digital camera and productivity suite targeted at business customers.

The Samsung SPH-i700 allows users to attach voice memos and text to 640x480 images captured by the built-in camera. The bulkier Hitachi G1000 includes a QWERTY keyboard for quickly entering text messages and e-mails.

"This combination of advanced wireless data services, innovative hardware and powerful software opens up endless possibilities for today's mobile workforce," said Microsoft's corporate vice president of the Mobile Devices Division, Juha Christensen. "There are millions of developers prepared to extend their expertise and applications to this new genre of Windows Powered smart devices."

Sprint will debut the Samsung i700 and Hitachi G1000 in the second quarter of 2003. Pricing has not yet been announced, but Sprint currently offers the Toshiba 2032 Pocket PC phone for $699 USD.