Verizon May Be Getting a Version of the HTC Vox

According to an unconfirmed report, this fall Verizon Wireless will launch a Windows Mobile 6 Standard smartphone with a built-in sliding keyboard.

UTStarcom SMT5800

At first glance, the HTC Vox looks a great deal like a number of other Windows Mobile devices on the market today, with a QVGA screen and a QWERTY keyboard that can be hidden from view. But it has a couple of significant differences: it runs Microsoft's operating system for smartphones without touchscreens for one, and it includes a dedicated numberpad on its front for another.

Verizon's version of this model -- which will supposedly be called the UTStarcom SMT5800 -- will include support for EV-DO and even be upgradeable to Rev. A of this 3G cellular-wireless networking standard, increasing its potential data transfer speed.

However, it seems Verizon may have taken at least one component out of this smartphone. The standard version of the Vox includes Wi-Fi, while the SMT5800 will apparently not.

No Touchscreen? Why?

Some might wonder why anyone would want a device that lacks a touchscreen, which they consider an essential component. But there are reasons why some prefer these models, which run either Windows Mobile 6 Standard or Windows Mobile 5 for Smartphone.

Because a digitizer isn't necessary, touchscreen-less smartphones can be lighter, thinner, and less fragile than their rivals. They also generally cost less.

In addition, this edition of Windows Mobile is better designed for one-handed use.

Other Features of the HTC Vox/UTStarcom SMT5800

The HTC Vox uses a 200 MHz processor from TI, and includes 64 MB of RAM and 256 MB of ROM. It also has an internal microSD card slot.

This smartphone includes Bluetooth 2.0, a 2 megapixel camera, and a 1050 mAh swappable battery.

If rumor is correct, then the UTStarcom SMT5800 will debut from Verizon in October.

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Via BGR