LG is promoting a new AT&T cellphone as the first smartphone in the U.S. with 1GHz processor, first smartphone with fingerprint ID technology to unlock the phone, and first U.S. phone with optional snap-on pico projector.
The eXpo, based on the Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional OS, is due Dec. 7 from AT&T on the carrier’s Web site and through AT&T’s enterprise-sales channels for $199 after $100 mail-in rebate, which takes the form of an AT&T promotion card. The price is contingent on a two-year contract for a minimum $69.99/month service plan. The pico projector, which snaps onto the eXpo and operates off the phone’s battery, will be available in the coming weeks at $179.
The 4.49-inch by 2.17-inch by 0.6-inch phone, which features 3.2-inch WVGA touchscreen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard, is also notable because it incorporates 7.2Mbps 3G technology, which AT&T plans to launch in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami by the end of the year. By the end of 2010, the carrier will expand its 7.2Mbps HSPA footprint to 25 of the nation’s 30 largest markets and, by the end of 2011, expand its reach to about 90 percent of its existing 3G network footprint, the carrier said. AT&T calls 7.2Mbps technology the fastest 3G technology available in the U.S.
With the launch, AT&T will be offering five HSPA 7.2Mbps phones as well as two HSPA 7.2Mbps LaptopConnect wireless-modem cards and three netbooks.
Other eXpo features include 3D user interface, RSS viewer, assisted GPS, 5-megapixel camera with auto flash, MicroSD slot supporting up to 16GB cards and USB 2.0 high-speed port.
The Smart Sensor fingerprint-recognition feature from AuthenTec eliminates the need to enter PIN codes or passwords to unlock the phone.
The attachable 1.8-ounce pico projector operates off the phone’s battery to display Web pages and phone-stored documents, video, images and Web pages up to 66 inches in size as measured diagonally, LG said.
