Tech Shout!

Samsung Telecommunications America has unveiled the SCH-i830 smartphone, which will be available for Verizon Wireless’ large account enterprise customers on January 10, 2006, and for consumers on January 24, 2006.

The SCH-i830 smartphone has a full QWERTY keyboard, access to email and documents, and is equipped with quad-band frequency that will work internationally where networks are supported.

The smartphone is exclusive to Verizon Wireless and allows international travelers to keep one phone and one phone number almost anywhere they go, via its dual mode, CDMA/GSM functionality. The multifunction device is said to fill the need for a single high-end wireless phone that can be used globally without sacrificing voice capabilities, while delivering ease-of-use and convenience through its design and its ability to handle data and messaging tasks.

Samsung has developed the SCH-i830 for business travelers who want to stay productive while on the move. Equipped with VZEmail including Wireless Sync as well as Windows Mobile and Pocket PC applications, this phone allows consumers to check and respond to email, develop, review and edit most document file types.

The full QWERTY keyboard, discovered by sliding the phone’s screen, makes developing and maintaining critical documents easy. The Picsel Browser allows users to view full versions of PDFs, images and PowerPoint files.

Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president, Samsung said, “The SCH-i830 builds on Samsung’s tradition of developing high-quality converged devices that allow busy consumers to remain connected and productive no matter where they travel. With a compact form factor, abundance of familiar Windows Mobile features and the power of Verizon Wireless’s high-speed EV-DO network, the i830 is the ultimate productivity device on the market.”

The device’s Bluetooth wireless technology, which supports certain profiles, as well as its built-in speakerphone, gives users the flexibility of hands-free communication. The SCH-i830 also features an SD I/O expansion slot for increasing the phone’s memory, as well as stereo speakers for improved sound quality when viewing videos or listening to MP3 files via Windows Media Player v10.

The Samsung SCH-i830 will be available to enterprise customers through Verizon Wireless business sales on January 10 and will be on hand for order in the 1,900 Verizon Wireless stores across the country for $599.99 with a two-year customer agreement on January 24.