The handset comes with support for the carrier's services

Apr 1, 2009 07:07 GMT  ·  By

Sprint announced on Tuesday the launch of two new mobile phones on its airwaves, the red version of LG Lotus and the Sanyo SCP-2700. While we've already covered the announcement regarding the former, it is now time to take a look at the latter, which comes in a candybar form factor, while the American carrier names it a “stylish and easy-to-use” handset.

The new Sanyo SCP-2700 comes with a full-QWERTY keyboard, while also including support for some of Sprint's exclusive services, like Sprint Navigator, Sprint Mobile Email Work and Sprint Family Locator. According to the company, the new handset is expected to become available for purchase on May 10, and it will sport two colors, blue and pink.

The specification list of the device includes 1xRTT connectivity, a 2.2-inch TFT display, which is able to provide a 320 x 240 pixel resolution and support for 65K colors, a 1.3-megapixel photo snapper, Bluetooth connectivity and enhanced messaging features. The handset measures 4.3 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches and weighs 3.4 ounces, while the included battery is able to offer up to 4.8 hours of talk time. The full-QWERTY keypad is meant to allow users to quickly write and send text messages.

“Mobile messaging has quickly become the de facto mode of communication for millions and, whether it’s for kids and grandparents or the seasoned texter, this phone has the ideal combination of usability, style and affordability,” said Andy Kodera, president of Kyocera SANYO Telecom, Inc. “Many associate messaging with teens or ‘tweens,’ but it’s become increasingly popular with all age segments. The SCP-2700 addresses a distinct need for a texting-focused QWERTY device at an entry-level price point.”

Among the features that the new SCP-2700 also comes with we can count support for Social Zone, which, says Sprint, will allow users to access Photobucket, MySpace, FaceBook, YouTube, as well as a number of other social networking sites, directly from their mobile phone. The new device will become available on Sprint with a price tag of $29.99 upon the signing of a two-year contract agreement and after a $50 mail-in rebate.

Kevin Packingham, senior vice president of product development and technology for Sprint, commented, “SCP-2700 is the ideal transition device to ease these adults into easy messaging, as well anyone who is already using these services. With Sprint’s Everything Messaging Plan and the low cost of the device with a full QWERTY keyboard, we’ve virtually eliminated any barriers for adults looking for a simple messaging device, small businesses looking to outfit employees with an inexpensive but feature-rich phone or parents buying their child’s first wireless phone.”

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Sanyo SCP-2700
Sanyo SCP-2700
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