Samsung launches Messager slider phone with QWERTY

Samsung Mobile announced on Friday its Messager R450 horizontal sliding handset can now be purchased via MetroPCS dealers. The phone hides a QWERTY keyboard behind the 2.1-inch display to cater to messaging-focused users. As expected, it has SMS, MMS as well as email and IM messaging capabilities.

While it's not known how much built-in memory the Messager will have, a microSD card slot means users can play to 2GB of audio tracks via the built-in MP3 player. The SCH-R450 also includes a 1.3-megapixel camera while Bluetooth support, voice recognition software and a speakersphone all combine to allow for hands-free operation.

The R450 is available now via the MetroPCS wireless provider, priced at $199.