Sprint's rollout plans for EVDO

The hat is off of Sprint's rollout plans for their 3G wireless data network. It's been no secret that the company has been getting ready to deploy their next-generation network, but now what is reportedly a rollout schedule had been released online, along with projected coverage maps for various major metropolitan areas. The largest number of initial deployments will be airports, with only a handful of complete cities receiving coverage over the summer. Deployments are supposed to increase later in the year, with over 30 cities--including New York, D.C., and San Francisco--getting full coverage in the last three months of the year.

Reported rollout schedule

Currently, the only device listed on Sprint's website as being compatible with the service is an aircard for notebook computers. It's unknown whether Sprint will offer a firmware update to activate EVDO on their version of the HTC Harrier, or if they may pick up other EVDO-enabled devices such as the Samsung i730.

Projected coverage maps for major cities

 

PalmOne-branded GPS cradle

PalmOne, taking another shot at the branded peripherals market, is preparing to launch a car navigation kit that includes a GPS cradle, car charger, and speaker. The cradle is specifically designed for the Tungsten E2, so other devices using the 'Athena' multiconnector won't work, with the possible--though improbable--exception of the Tungsten T5. The package will also come with an SD card containing maps by ViaMichelin. The package is expected to be available in July, at an unknown price.

http://www.canalpda.com/displayarticle459-flat.html

 

Preview of Nokia 770 micro-tablet

A writer at MobilePipeline.com has spent some time with a pre-release version of Nokia's 770 "Internet Tablet." Their preview reflects favorably on the 770's small size and appealing feature-set, but notes that "clicking on anything resulted in several seconds or more of lag time before the device responded. While Nokia public relations spokespeople suggested that the reaction time will improve before the device hits the shelves, it's unclear by how much."

MobilePipeline preview

 

PDA phones on show at CommunicAsia

Among the devices on display at the recent CommunicAsia mobile technology tradeshow in was the Samsung SGH-i750, a tri-band GSM/EDGE PocketPC phone with Bluetooth and WiFi, as well as 192 MB RAM, 64 MB ROM, and TV-out capability.

SGH-i750

Another major notable of the show was the SGH-i300, a Windows Smartphone with a 3 GB micro hard drive, full-featured audio player, and Bluetooth.

SGH-i300

No word on when or if either of these devices will make it to the US.