When not dealing with super-handsets like the HTC-built G1, T-Mobile USA is focusing on cheaper mobile phones. The latest such example is Samsung t109, a basic clamshell that is offered by the fourth largest US carrier for free, together with a two-year contract agreement. 

As you're probably expecting from a free phone, the features of Samsung t109 are not to be too excited about. Perhaps the most interesting aspect about the phone is its green external case, which makes it look unique. 

The capabilities and features of t109 include: dual-band GSM connectivity (850 / 1900 MHz), MyFaves, Text messaging, Instant Messaging (AIM and Yahoo!), speakerphone, speed dial, games, HiFi ringers, MegaTones, wallpapers, photo caller ID, assistants, calendar, calculator and alarm clock. The clamshell has an internal and an external display, both of which are quite small, and it lacks a photo camera. The internal memory of the phone is not known, but it's probably not too large and, since there's no sign of a microSD card slot, you won't have too much storages space to use.

Samsung t109 weighs 3.1 ounces (88 grams) and, when closed, it measures 3.5 x 1.8 x 0.8 inches (89 x 46 x 20 millimeters). The phone is packed with a 1000 Li-ion mAh battery, enough to keep it going for up to 4 hours in talk-time mode or up to 10 days in stand-by mode.

T-Mobile is offering the new Samsung t109 both via its official website and through its US retail stores. Customers can also purchase the phone on prepaid, hence without a contract agreement, for 49 USD.

Samsung t109 has landed on T-Mobile less than a week after another cheap phone was released by the magenta carrier, namely Nokia 1680. This one will cost you 14 USD, so it can be an alternative to the new Samsung, in case you prefer candybars over clamshells.