August 21st, 2007
Qwest is first to launch an HTC Libra device
It has been almost a full year since we last heard of the HTC Libra Windows Mobile device and it looks like it is finally available from someone in the U.S. I left Qwest Wireless a few years ago due to the limited selection of devices, but since they have partnered with Sprint they have been able to get the latest and greatest into their lineup. The Qwest Fusion HTC 5800 is available now for only US$199.99 and is a full Windows Mobile Professional Windows Mobile Standard device with touch screen and the full Pocket PC operating system. You will notice the device looks similar to the HTC Vox with a standard phone keypad on the front and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, but the major difference is the touch screen display and full Pocket PC operating system.
Other specifications of the HTC 5800 include a 2.4 inch display, 2 megapixel camera, integrated Bluetooth radio with A2DP support, and microSD expansion slot. The 5800 supports the EVDO wireless network, but there are no details in regards to Rev. A. The specs on the Qwest site also do not list WiFi. Thanks to Phone Scoop for the heads-up on the Qwest release.
UPDATE: Surur sent me a link to a photo, found here, that shows the device is actually a Standard/Smartphone device and NOT a touch screen Professional device like the Qwest product photo shows. So, this is really like an HTC Vox, but without WiFi (unless that is another feature not listed by Qwest).
Matthew Miller is an avid mobile device enthusiast who works during the day as a professional naval architect in Seattle. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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