When it goes on sale, the eXpo (left) will be the first smartphone in the U.S. to include an integrated pico projector, claims LG. This available option allows the phone to project images, video, and web pages onto any flat surface, measuring up to 40 inches diagonally, the company says.

While billed as "integral," the eXpo's pico projector is an $180 extra, according to AT&T. As the picture below shows, it adds depth to the phone, and 1.8 ounces of weight. Presumably, then, the projector will be removable when it is not required.

LG's eXpo with its optional pico projector
(Click to enlarge)

It's said the eXpo will be the first smartphone sold in North America to use Qualcomm's 1GHz Snapdragon processor. (The Snapdragon already features internationally in such devices as Toshiba's T-01A, Acer's neoTouch S200, and HTC HD2, the latter promised for an "early 2010" U.S. release.)

According to LG, the eXpo runs Windows Mobile 6.5, with an added "customizable 3D graphic touch menu." The device includes Microsoft's Office Mobile software, has a GPS receiver, and offers turn-by-turn directions (right) with the aid of AT&T's Navigator service, the company adds.

LG says the eXpo has 256MB of RAM, 512MB of flash storage, and a microSD slot that accepts up to 16GB of memory. A 3.2-inch screen provides resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, and the eXpo also has a five megapixel camera and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, according to the company.

Wide-area connectivity for the eXpo is quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz) GPRS/EDGE and tri-band (850/1900/2100MHz) UMTS/HSDPA, the latter enabling downloads at up to 7.2MBps, LG says. The eXpo also is said to have 802.11b/g wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0.

Features and specifications listed by LG for the GW820 eXpo include the following:

• Processor -- 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon
• Memory -- 256MB of RAM and 512MB of flash storage
• Expansion -- microSD slot
• Display -- 3.2-inch touchscreen with 800 x 480 pixel resolution; optional pico projector
• Keys -- slide-out QWERTY keyboard and optical fingerprint sensor
• Camera -- 5 megapixel
• Wireless:
  • WAN -- Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz) GPRS/EDGE and tri-band (850/1900/2100MHz) UMTS/HSDPA
  • LAN -- 802.11b/g
  • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.1
  • GPS
• Other I/O -- USB port and 3.5mm headphone adapter
• Battery -- 1500mAh; life n/s
• Dimensions -- 4.45 x 2.24 x 0.65 inches
• Weight -- n/s

According to AT&T, the LG eXpo will be available on Dec. 7 for approximately $200, with purchase of a two-year data service contract. More information on the device may be found on the LG website, here.

• Qualcomm spins 1.3GHz Snapdragon
• LG promises bevy of Windows phones
• HTC's Windows Mobile flagship heads for the U.S.
• LG to focus on Windows Mobile?
• IDC: Mobile market showing signs of recovery