Sprint Intros iDEN Slider Motorola Debut i856

Wireless carrier Sprint has announced today the launch on its airwaves of the first slider device that also comes with push-to-talk capabilities, the Motorola Debut i856. The new device delivers not only instant communication between two people or a group of people, but also comes with the ability to switch from an active push-to-talk call to a voice call with the push of a button.

The new handset is available for purchase with Nextel Direct Connect calling plans via all Sprint sales channels, and has been priced at only $99.99 upon the signing of a two-year contract agreement with the carrier and after a $50 mail-in rebate. The wireless carrier touts Motorola Debut as a compact slider that can be operated with a single hand, which is also able to deliver best-in-class push-to-talk services, as well as multimedia capabilities, and which should prove a great option for both business and consumer applications.

“Motorola Debut introduces an attractive and convenient form factor unlike any Nextel Direct Connect users have seen before,” said Danny Bowman, president of Sprint’s Integrated Solutions Group. “Debut is even more interesting when you combine Sprint’s industry-leading push-to-talk capabilities of the Nextel National Network and our affordable rate plans, with a rich array of multimedia and texting capabilities that help users communicate faster and more flexibly both at work and at play.”

The specification list of Motorola Debut includes a 1.3 megapixel camera with video recording capabilities, 3.5 mm standard audio jack, Stereo Bluetooth, GPS receiver, Text Messaging, MicrosSD memory card slot with support for up to 8GB of additional storage space, Speakerphone, voice dialing, media player, Direct Connect button, Pre-loaded applications (Sprint Mobile Email & SME-W, TeleNav Navigation, NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile and NFL Mobile Live), Multimedia Messaging Service, and more.

Nextel Direct Connect Custom Plans available for Sprint's customers include:
- Unlimited Workgroup Communications – with unlimited Direct Connect and Group Connect plus unlimited text messaging, mobile-to-mobile minutes and night and weekend minutes, priced at $29.99 per month per line;
- Web & Navigation – includes the above features, plus unlimited data, Web browsing and GPS navigation, priced at $39.99 per month per line for Nextel phones or at $49.99 per month per line for PowerSource and Nextel Direct Connect capable Sprint phones;
- Pooled voice minutes can be added to either plan for the group to share (500 minutes for $30 per month per line or 2,000 minutes for $100 per month per line).