Australia's Agora Android phone to ship worldwide in January

The world's second Android phone, the Agora, is on the way from Australian-based Kogan, and the device -- which features a full QWERTY keyboard -- will be available globally early next year.

Australia-based Kogan Technologies is now accepting pre-orders for the Agora mobile phone -- the second Android phone after HTC's G1 -- with worldwide shipments to start on January 29, 2009.

"The Kogan Agora will work on networks around the world, and is not restricted to customers in Australia and New Zealand," according to information posted on Kogan's Web site.

In contrast to HTC's G1, which is being sold by T-Mobile and Wal-Mart in the US, the Agora is equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard.

Other specifications include a 2.5-inch, 320-by-240 touch screen; FM radio; Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate; a microSD slot for memory expansion; and a customizable home screen with instant e-mail, text message, and IM notifications. An Agora Pro model adds Wi-Fi, GPS, and a 2 Mp camera.

Priced at the US equivalents of about $225 for the Agora and $295 for the Agora Pro, the phones are being sold unlocked and without SIM cards. US and other international customers must pay additional shipping charges which are figured in at checkout on Kogan's Web site.