AT&T launches Pantech Duo two-way slider
updated 02:40 pm EDT, Mon October 29, 2007
Pantech Duo at ATT
AT&T this afternoon released the Pantech Duo, the carrier's first true dual-mode slider phone. Initially known as the C810, the handset follows the same style as the Helio Ocean and lets users either slip out a lateral QWERTY keyboard for messaging and browsing in landscape view or else a vertical number pad for quickly placing a call. Unlike its CDMA rival, the Duo runs on Windows Mobile 6 and allows for basic document editing with Office Mobile. The Duo should also be faster through built-in HSPA access that downloads at up to 1.4Mbps in real-world conditions, according to AT&T.
This enhanced Internet access allows AT&T to support its Mobile Music service as well as streaming video services; stereo Bluetooth is built-in for listening to music through wireless headphones or speakers. AT&T says it ships the Pantech Duo today for $200 when linked with a two-year contract; to use data service, the phone requires at least a basic data plan worth $30 per month that provides 20MB of data. The company also lists a special $25 additional monthly fee for customers who want to regularly use data service overseas.
