(Click for larger view of the Pantech Duo)

AT&T says its UMTS/HSDPA-compatible BroadbandConnect network offers Duo users download speeds averaging between 600 Kbps and 1.4 Mbps, in over 200 U.S. metropolitan areas. Internationally, the Duo's GPRS/EDGE "world phone" capabilities are expected to keep Duo phone users well connected as well, from both the phone and Internet perspectives.


The Pantech Duo offers two key-entry options
(Click each image to enlarge)
In addition to its Windows Mobile 6 OS (precise version unspecified), the Duo is equipped with Microsoft's Office Mobile, Internet Explorer Mobile, and Outlook Mobile software, allowing users to view and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files, send/receive email, and browse the Web. These, according to AT&T, can be accomplished simultaneously with phone calls. The device also includes Windows Media Player 10, as well as an unspecified instant messenger program said to support AOL, Yahoo! and Windows Live.

The Duo supports Microsoft's Direct Push Technology, which enables automatic email delivery and Outlook PIM data synchronization via an appropriately-configured Microsoft Exchange Server. It's also compatible with Microsoft's recently-announced System Center Mobile Device Manager, expected to become available by mid-2008, AT&T said.

Key technical specs of the Duo, as listed by AT&T, include:

• Processor -- "XScale processor," clocked at 416 MHz
  
• Memory -- 64 MB SDRAM; 128 MB flash
  
• Display -- 2.2-inch QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) LCD with LED backlight
  
• User input:
  • slide-out 12-key keypad
    
  • slide-out QWERTY keyboard
    
  • 5-way navigation key
• Wireless capabilities:
  • Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) GPRS/EDGE "world phone" radio mode
    
  • dual-band (domestic) UMTS/HSDPA radio mode
    
  • Bluetooth v.12 with A2DP
• Other I/O -- USB 1.1 and audio jack, combined on an 11-pin mini-USB connector
  
• Camera -- 1.3 megapixel, with 4x zoom
  
• Expansion -- MicroSD slot, for up to 2 GB flash
  
• Size -- 4.0 x 2.0 x 0.8 inches
  
• Weight -- 3.9 ounces
  
• Power:
  • Battery -- 1320 mAh Li-polymer
    
  • Talk time -- up to 3 hours
    
  • Standby time -- up to 10 days

Availability

The Pantech Duo is immediately available in the U.S. from AT&T's online and retail stores. The device is currently being offered at an "introductory price" of about $200 after rebate, when purchased with two-year wireless service contract.

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