Sprint/Nextel has adopted a new Motorola phone, meant for use on its Direct Connect iDEN network. Direct Connect lets users treat phones as a walkie-talkie, with the added benefit of being able to send pictures and contact information. Linking into Group Connect, users can talk to a host of people scattered across the US. The phone is the i570, a clamshell with both internal and external screens, mainly designed to be extremely rugged -- it meets the MIL-SPEC 810F standard, certifying a base amount of protection against dust, shocks and vibration.

The 570 is otherwise designed to pare down to essentials, eliminating novelties such as a camera or music playback. It does however feature GPS functions, and can download games, ringtones and wallpapers. It also supports the installation of a variety of Java-based applications. Sprint is selling the 570 for $100 after a mail-in rebate and a two year contract.