Pharos Traveler 137 Preview

Pharos recently took the wraps off the Traveler 137, a Windows Mobile smartphone with a WVGA touchscreen and a focus on navigation.

This upcoming device was on display at last week's CES, and I was there to capture some video of it.

 
An Overview of the Pharos Traveler 137

The Traveler 137 will have a tablet shape and feature a 3.5-inch WVGA (800 x 480 pixel) touchscreen.

It will run Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, and therefor be bundled with a suite of productivity and entertainment applications for handling such tasks as email and web browsing.

This will be a quad-band GSM phone with tri-band HSPA 3G (HSDPA 7.2 Mb/s, HSUPA 2 Mb/s).  In the U.S., it will offer the 3G frequencies used by carriers like AT&T and Rogers, and also the special frequency useed to T-Mobile.

Other wireless capabilities will include Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g), Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, and an FM tuner.

The Traveler 137 will also sport dual cameras -- 3 MPx primary and 0.3 for video conferencing -- and a microSD card slot.

Other specifications will include:

• 528 MHz processor
• 256 MB RAM and 512 MB Flash ROM
• 1380 mAh Li-Ion, rechargeable/replaceable battery
• Up to 4 hours talk time and 200 hours standby time
• Size: 4.60 in (L) x 2.40 in (W) x 0.51 in (H)
• Weight: 4.9 ounces

Pricing and Availability

The Traveler 137 will be available late in the first quarter of 2009 from major retailers for a suggested price of $600.

This device will be sold unlocked directly to consumers, who will be able to use it with any GSM carrier.