Sprint Intros Motorola Clutch i465

Wireless carrier Sprint announced that its mobile phone users would be able to enjoy a new iDEN mobile phone starting this summer, namely the Motorola ClutchTM i465. The new device will come to the operator's lineup featuring a price tag of $39.99 upon the signing of a new two-year service agreement and after a $50 mail-in rebate (excluding taxes).

The new Motorola Clutch i465 comes as a rugged device, features a candybar form factor and is powered by the Nextel National Network. Moreover, the carrier also says that this is the first Nextel Direct Connect messaging-centric device that combines a QWERTY keypad with the iDEN functionality. The handset also comes with Group Messaging, offering users the possibility to create groups of up to 20 people to whom they can send messages at the same time.

“Sprint Nextel Direct Connect customers are used to the immediate communications offered by push-to-talk devices, but Motorola Clutch i465 with a QWERTY keyboard gives those customers a better way to instantly communicate with friends, family and colleagues,” said Danny Bowman, president of Sprint’s iDEN Business Unit. “By combining Nextel Direct Connect with text messaging, Sprint customers have two of the most efficient ways to get business done wirelessly.”

The new device, the operator says, meets the Military Specification 810F for low pressure, high and low temperatures, dust, shock, vibration and solar radiation. In addition, the phone comes with Java capabilities, while also including a photo snapper with video recording capabilities, GPS receiver, Bluetooth connectivity, and a series of third-party applications.

According to Bowman, the Motorola Clutch i465 can prove to be a great option for those who need a messaging handset at a low cost, while also offering them the needed durability and dependability. “Nextel Direct Connect customers recognize the value of instant communications in the form of push-to-talk offers, and mobile messaging extends the ability of our customers to reach the people they need to when time matters most,” Bowman added.