Sprint teases with 'RUMOR by LG' mobile device

Sprint will soon launch its own response to the iPhone with LG's newest music and messaging device: the RUMOR by LG is an affordable device designed for teens and comes in two color combinations--black/blue and white/silver. The device opens slides open to offer a full QWERTY keypad with automatic messaging mode support (also available with a press of a button). Sprint promises easy access to Facebook and other social networking sites through Sprint's Social Zone service, according to Laptop Magazine.

Confirming earlier reports, the publication also says Sprint's Rumor has a built-in music player and comes with a 4GB microSD Card and uses the company's Sprint PCS Vision mobile broadband service for high-speed Web browsing and email. Rumor also packs support for Bluetooth, Sprint Navigation, Picture Mail, and a 1.3-megapixel camera/camcorder. The phone will be available for $79 with a two-year contract and $50 rebate.

Users can sign up on Sprint's website to be notified of the device availability, which is expected later this year. [When contacted by Electronista, Sprint was unable to provide any official information on the device.]