i-mate intros rugged phone

i-mate today said it will release one of its first hardened devices. The i-mate 810-F is named after the US military specification, MIL-810-F, which the handset meets. The company has tested the phone to withstand temperature extremes ranging from 14°F to 140°F, as well as being able to withstand various levels of exposure to water, dust, humidity and shock resistance. It also includes a QWERTY keyboard and an impact-resistant touchscreen.

The Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional phone has 3G data network access over HSPA, Wi-Fi, GPS mapping with a digital compass, Bluetooth, and an accelerometer. Onboard storage is a relatively large 2.2GB. An uncommon addition is the company's Secure i-Q feature that lets users lock their lost or stolen devices, erase personal information or trigger an alarm remotely from a PC.

While prices and release dates are still unknown, the handset is due for an official and more detailed release at Mobile World Congress in Spain next week. i-mate has traditionally sold its handsets unlocked without partnering up with wireless providers, and the same approach is expected with the 810-F. [via MobileChoice]

By Electronista Staff