Handspring to launch two PDA-cell phones
Handspring on Tuesday received regulatory approval for two handhelds that combine cell phone, Web browsing and traditional organizer functions, CNET News.com has learned.
Code-named the Manhattan, one of the units has a built-in keyboard similar to Research In Motion's BlackBerry e-mail pager, according to documents filed with the Federal Communications Commission. The other unit, code-named Shea, relies on the Grafitti handwriting-recognition program and software keyboard that are a standard part of the Palm operating system.
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In a letter to the FCC submitted Aug. 20, Handspring said it would market the Manhattan as the Treo k180 and the Shea as the Treo g180.
Both devices can surf the Internet using Handspring's Blazer browser and have phone features similar to Handspring's VisorPhone attachment. They also feature rechargeable batteries and can connect to a PC using a USB or serial cable. The cover of each device flips up and acts as the earpiece for the phone, while a microphone is located at the bottom of each unit.
A Handspring representative declined to comment on the approval or provide any details about the devices. In a July conference call, however, Handspring CEO Donna Dubinsky said the company would announce new wireless products before the end of the year.
Earlier Tuesday, Handspring began offering its VisorPhone for free with service activation and the purchase of a handheld--a move that could clear inventory ahead of the launch of the new products.
The approval of the Handspring devices comes a day after the FCC approved the i705 wireless handheld from Palm. That unit features always-on e-mail access and the ability to get corporate data. But unlike the new Handspring models, the i705 does not appear to have the built-in ability to make phone calls. A Palm representative did not return calls for comment.
Like the VisorPhone, Handspring's new products appear to be designed for GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks given that they feature the ability to send SMS (Short Messaging Service) text.
