MetroPCS on Friday boosted its unlimited-access cell plans with the release of the unusual Samsung R410. A handset with a horizontal slide-out QWERTY keyboard like many high-end smartphones, the Samsung is built for a younger audience more concerned with text messaging, instant messaging, and basic e-mail: the cost is trimmed to more affordable levels by using a VGA camera and legacy 1XRTT data in place of more expensive EVDO. Bluetooth with stereo audio support is present and adds rare support for wireless headphones and speakers to the device class.

The cost of the phone is unavailable, though MetroPCS typically prices these phones between the $150 and $200 marks and asks for a subscription of $50 per month for unlimited AIM chats, e-mail, text messaging, and Internet access.