Alltel Releases the IM-Ready Kyocera Strobe Handset

Alltel Wireless and Kyocera Wireless have announced that the Kyocera Strobe is available at Alltel stores. The Strobe features a curved, stylish candybar design that opens lengthwise to reveal a second color display and a full QWERTY keypad inside.

The phone's hourglass figure and loop antenna combine to give it a unique appearance. Opening the clamshell reveals the keypad and a larger color screen ideal for viewing games and pictures. Users can alternate between the open and closed modes as many times as they like during a session without disrupting the phone's basic functionality.

The Kyocera Strobe features a VGA camera, built-in speakerphone and voice-activated dialing. It also has hands-free Bluetooth wireless technology, BREW 2.3.1, and Axcess Web capability. Axcess Instant Messaging from Alltel Wireless lets users chat while they're on the go with AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger.

The Strobe is available from Alltel for $49.99 after a $40 mail-in rebate to new customers on two-year service agreements as well as to existing eligible customers on qualifying rate plans. A complete line of Genuine Accessories by Kyocera is also available for Strobe, including a Sport Strap that's perfect for tethering the phone to a backpack or belt loop.