As expected, T-Mobile has launched the Samsung t719. The t719 is an interesting handset that combines the clamshell form factor with a SureType style QWERTY keyboard--the first of its kind. Samsung licensed the keyboard and predictive text technology from Research In Motion, along with BlackBerry email software.
Features of the Samsung t719 include:
T-Mobile is selling the t719 for $199 after a $50 mail in rebate and 2-year service agreement.
It was smart of T-Mobile to release this shortly after the release of the BlackBerry Pearl. They may easily pick up consumers that are first time BlackBerry buyers who were looking at the Pearl but like flip phones.
T-Mobile is pretty bullish on BlackBerry as of late. They have two of the most interesting models in the country. I guess that's what happens when you're the little guy, find your niches.
The t719 is a nice marriage of BB email and a real phone. The thumbboard is very nice. There are a few inconveniences with typing (like you have to make 5 keypresses to get an apostrophe) but it's a solid phone and it's great at email.
Is the phone wider than your average flip phone? Looks like a neat form factor. A hidden BlackBerry...