Sprint Launches Motorola Brute i680

Wireless carrier Sprint announced on Monday the launch of Motorola Brute i680, a new device included in the company's push-to-talk handsets that work on the Nextel Direct Connect network. According to the company, the new device comes around with ultra-rugged durability features, and it also meets Military Specification 810F for shock, vibration, low and high temperatures, low pressure, dust, solar radiation, salt fog, humidity and blowing rain.

“Motorola Brute combined with the exclusive Public Safety applications only available on Nextel phones from Sprint allows public safety personnel to communicate, even if they are out of network range, an irreplaceable communication tool in times of emergency,” said Fared Adib, vice president - Product Development, Sprint. “Motorola Brute is a great device for anyone who works in extreme conditions.”

Other features are also available with the new device, including a 2-megapixel photo snapper with flash, support of business applications and Mil Spec durability, large displays (2.2-inch internal, 1.3- inch external), Bluetooth Wireless Technology 2.1 A2DP, GPS tagging of photos, MicroSD memory card slot with support for up to 8GB of additional storage space, multimedia messaging, and a Li-Ion 1750mAh battery that can offer up to 350 minutes of talk time. The handset measures 3.92 (h) x 2.09 (w) 1 inch (d) and 99.5 x 53 x 26 mm and weighs 5.63 ounces (159.5 grams), Sprint also notes.

“Nextel Direct Connect from Sprint is an invaluable tool for public safety,” said Fire Chief Charles Werner, Charlottesville (Va.), Fire Department. “During an emergency, we depend on rugged devices, like Motorola Brute, that can withstand extreme conditions, and offer instant communications; this combination is the cornerstone of effectively managing a crisis. Individuals who work in various harsh environments, such as construction and manufacturing, will find the durability of the device to be critical as well.”

The new Motorola Brute can be purchased from Sprint with Nextel Direct Connect calling plans, the wireless carrier states. Those interested in acquiring the device will find it available via all sales channels, including retail stores, Business Direct Sales, Telesales, and online on the company's website. The price tag for the i680 has been set at $119.99 (excluding taxes).