i-mate Announces New SPL Smartphone

[Mike Temporale]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.imate.com/t-DETAILS_SPL.aspx' target='_blank'>http://www.imate.com/t-DETAILS_SPL.aspx</a><br /><br /></div><i>"The i-mate™ SPL is a great-looking device that will attract professionals that want a stylish device plus the benefits of the Windows Mobile® platform. For business or pleasure, it’s got what it takes for users who want the functionality and features of an affordable Windows Mobile powered device. The i-mate™ SPL is a GSM/GPRS tri-band device featuring 128MB ROM/64MB RAM, 65k 2.2” color LCD screen, MiniSD memory card expansion, integrated antenna and Bluetooth® compatibility."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Temporale-20060912-iMateSPL.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />Does anyone remember <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11491">TechFaith Wireless</a>? There's been some talk of them but we haven't really seen much from them, until now. It looks like i-mate has picked up their SLVR-like Smartphone and is running hard with it. This device sports a 2 mega pixel camera, 128MB ROM / 64 MB RAM, Bluetooth, QVGA, and it's just 12mm thin. The SPl is a Tri-band GSM/GPRS device. Unfortunately, there is no mention of EDGE support. There will be two versions of this device, one Tri-band North America, and another Tri-band for EMEA. Check out the <a href="http://www.imate.com/t-DETAILS_SPL.aspx">SPL website</a> for all the specs, and if you're interested, you can read the <a href="http://www.imate.com/press_releases/PR0080_i-mate_targets_broader_audience_with_mid-range_devices_-_12Sept06_-_Global.pdf">i-mate Press Release</a> ;)

[Darius Wey]

Ah, the RAZR/SLVR for Windows Mobile fans. I like it. ;)

Previously, I was very much into the whole "Wi-Fi in a Smartphone" geek requirement, but now, I don't really care about it. I'd settle for this SPL, if priced right.

[hylton]

ugh, it hurts everytime i see a knock-off of that absolutely TERRIBLE keypad. if i wanted my eyes crossed evertime i looked at a keypad, i'd just cross my eyes. the whole RAZR like keypad design is absolutely the worst. i don't know what they were thinking with the lines in between the rows of keys that make the 1,2,3 almost impossible to read across from key-to-key. etch a stinkin' straight line and leave it alone.

maybe i'm just gettin' old...but I think HTC got it right when they scrapped the prototype keypad design on the StrTrk for a standard looking, etched keypad...it looks nice, easy to read, and guess what, it jives with every other phone you pick up.

Leave it alone...it's a keypad...it works...it has been simple and easy since we moved away from rotary dial phones decades ago ! ! !

end of rant...otherwise, it's a nice looking phone.

Chris

[ricoks]

well, I for one am still looking for wifi in my SP - the problem is, that Cingular doesn't have any, only T-Mo does (US here) and it's kinda ugly.
I like the Samsung, but heard it wont have wifi for the cingular version???? :evil:
either way, i'll just keep looking. now, if only i can fig out how to get more signal for my 5600!!!! :(

UPDATE - Ummm, this thing doesn't have EDGE???? what the heck were they thinking?????
I get messed up with there isn't 3G, but to put out a 'new' phone that isn't even 2.75?????
- END UPDATE

[Tim Williamson]

With all these new Smartphones coming out, it's going to be hard to decide which one to get to replace my PDA and cell phone.

[encece]

It wasnt mentioned to have EDGE...doesnt necessarily mean it doesnt.
I love my Motorola SLVR...except it's not a Smartphone.

This phone comes to the rescue in that department as I think the SLVR is the sexiest phone I've ever held....and I dont call phones sexy alot.

But no 3G mean no dice for me.

[Mike Temporale]

It wasnt mentioned to have EDGE...doesnt necessarily mean it doesnt.

True, but you would think that they would have listed it on the spec sheet. I think they could afford the space for 4 extra letters. ;)