Sprint and Motorola today announced the i890 for Nextel, complete with Direct Connect. The i890 features a large external display, 2.0-megapixel camera, MP3 player, stereo Bluetooth, and the ability to quickly switch from a push-to-talk call to a voice call.
The device costs $129.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and new two-year customer agreement, and is available through all sales channels. I have to say - once known as "boring and drab," it seems like the Nextel handsets are starting to get better (I'm thinking about the upcoming i1, i9, i890, and 8350i, just to name a few). Sure, they're not up to iPhone or DROID standards just yet, but it seems like they're getting better. Direct Connect functionality with decent hardware. Anyone agree?
Blue- and white-collar workers get things done with Nextel Direct Connect offering sub-one second push-to-talk call set-up and the world's largest push-to-talk community
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Mar 15, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Combining a sleek, stylish look, advanced multimedia features and the best-in-class push-to-talk services of Nextel Direct Connect(R), Sprint (NYSE: S) announced availability of Motorola i890 on the Nextel(R) National Network.
Priced at $129.99 with a two-year service agreement on a new-line activation or eligible upgrade and $50 mail-in rebate (excluding taxes), Motorola i890 is available with Nextel Direct Connect(R) calling plans in all Sprint sales channels, including Sprint retail stores, Business Direct Sales, Telesales (1-800-Nextel-9) and Web sales (www.nextel.com).
Motorola i890 is an ideal handset for those who need essential business tools, multimedia-rich features and instant communication in a slim form factor. It features a 2.0 megapixel camera and camcorder with fixed focus and 4x digital zoom, built-in MP3 player and stereo Bluetooth(R)1. It also offers the upgraded ability to switch from an active push-to-talk call to an interconnect voice call at the touch of a button. It also features a Quick Release button for easy, one-handed operation and external media keys with Haptics for localized tactile feedback.
"Motorola i890 combines the best-in-class features Nextel Direct Connect customers have come to depend on in a style-minded look," said Fared Adib, vice president - Product Development, Sprint. "Combined with the support of business applications and advanced multimedia features, Motorola i890 is perfect for anyone who needs to get work done, but still wants to look good."
Nextel Direct Connect is the only national push-to-talk product that offers industry-leading performance with sub-one second call set-up and integrated business solutions, including one of the largest selections of GPS-solutions. With more than 17 years of expertise, Sprint is the undisputed leader and has set the industry standard in push-to-talk with the largest community of users in the world serving millions of Nextel Direct Connect subscribers on the fastest national push-to-talk network.
For just $69.99 per month Sprint's Everything Data 450 plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM gives customers unlimited calling with any U.S. wireless user, unlimited Direct Connect(R) and Group Connect, and unlimited nationwide texting, email, Web browsing and GPS Navigation for the same price AT&T and Verizon charge for unlimited talk only. (All price plans exclude surcharges and taxes.) Sprint Everything Data plans also automatically enroll customers in the Sprint Premier loyalty program, which provides annual device upgrades, discounted accessories and other benefits.
Sprint Business AdvantageSM plans, starting at $29.99 per month, offer savings of at least $10 per month versus comparable AT&T and Verizon plans with push-to-talk service; and the savings are even more with Business Advantage plans with included Messaging or Data.
About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving more than 48 million customers at the end of the fourth quarter of 2009 and the first 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The company's customer-focused strategy has led to improved first call resolution and customer care satisfaction scores. For more information, visit www.sprint.com
1 This device supports Bluetooth A2DP, HSP, HFP profiles. In order for Bluetooth devices to communicate with one another, they must utilize the same Bluetooth profile. To determine the profiles supported by other Motorola devices, visit www.motorola.com/bluetooth. For other devices, contact their respective manufacturer.
2 Savings based on publicly available information comparing AT&T Nation Unlimited plus required iPhone data plan and optional unlimited text messaging totaling $149.99/month for AT&T as of publication date, excluding taxes, surcharges and fees. iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.
