It’s often the case that the newest, coolest mobile devices are launched first in Asia, and later make their way to the U.S. Samsung’s (News - Alert) SGH-i718 smart phone is no exception. The company officially launched this new phone Thursday in China.



 
SGH-i718 is Samsung’s first product based on Microsoft’s (News - Alert) Windows Mobile 5.0 platform. In a sense, that means the phone is a bit behind the curve; Microsoft this week announced the upcoming release of Windows Mobile 6.0. Nonetheless, Samsung’s new smart phone is, for the most part, on par with today’s mobile computing standards.
 
Here are a few features of the SGH-i718:
  • Intel (News - Alert) XScale PXA270 processor
  • Direct Push technology
  • MSN Messenger, Windows Media Player 10 Mobile and Internet Exporer Mobile apps
In a report Thursday, SinoCast noted that, to date, Samsung has release five styles of smart phones: two based on Linux, the others on Symbian S60, Palm OS, and Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC Edition.
 
The report also quoted Zhou Xiayang, president of Samsung’s Chinese wireless division, as saying that the company has conducted tests of Windows Mobile 6.0 and plans to continue supporting Microsoft OS with future products.
SGH-i718 is priced in the China Yuan Renminbi range of 5,300-5,500 (roughly $685-$711), SinoCast reported.

Q1P for Windows Vista
 
For Samsung customers in the U.S. seeking something new and cool in the mobile computing arena, meanwhile, the company this week released its latest ultra-mobile PC (UMPC), the Q1P. This device, the company said in its announcement, is the first Samsung UMPC to qualify for Windows Vista certification.
 
“The Ultra-Mobile PC is a growing class of PCs that provides a more natural and intuitive experience for on-the-go use,” said Mika Krammer, director of Microsoft’s Windows client mobility division, in a statement. “It is exciting to see the industry momentum behind the UMPC platform and Origami Experience, and we are thrilled to work closely with Samsung to deliver innovative solutions to our customers such as the Q1P for Windows Vista.”
 
Krammer added: “This new addition to the UMPC category combines the power of Windows Vista with a lightweight, carry-everywhere hardware design that enables users to easily maintain their digital lifestyle.”
 
Key features of the Q1P include:
  • Intel Pentium processor
  • 60GB hard drive
  • 1 GB memory
  • 2.5 hour battery life
  • Seven-inch LCD touch screen
  • Weighs 1.7 pounds
  • WiFi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity
Q1P is priced at $1,299, and is available at brick-and-mortar and online retailers such as Best Buy, CDW, CompUSA, NewEgg.com, Circuit City, Buy.com and Costco.
 
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Mae Kowalke previously wrote for Cleveland Magazine in Ohio and The Burlington Free Press in Vermont. To see more of her articles, please visit Mae Kowalke’s columnist page. Also check out her Wireless Mobility blog.


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