amsung are not quite the standard-setter in communicator devices but are obviously keen to have their say. Playing catch up seems well in order for a debut but we guess someone here is set to play for keeps. The Samsung B7610 OmniaPRO is a generously spec’d device that’s poised to tackle the best in the class and even raise the bet. While sheer size and scope confine it to a niche, the Samsung communicator might be just the right option for those served by that niche.

Samsung B7610 Omnia Pro official photos

Having acquired a pre-release sample of the side-slider PocketPC we are squeezing in a short preview, introducing its most important features. The chunky bloke does give a decent first impression, but handling will be the ultimate test. For starters, let’s look at the key items on the Samsung B7610 OmniaPRO’s balance sheet.

Samsung B7610 OmniaPRO at a glance:

• General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS 900/2100 MHz, HSDPA 3.6Mbps
• Form factor: Full QWERTY side-slider
• Dimensions: 112.6 x 57.8 x 16.2 mm, 159g
• Display: 3.5″ 65K-color resistive AMOLED touchscreen of WVGA resolution
• OS: Windows Mobile 6.1 (upgradable to 6.5), TouchWiz 2.0 UI
• Memory: 1GB built-in storage, 256 MB RAM, hot-swappable microSD (up to 16GB)
• CPU: 800 MHz processor with dedicated graphics accelerator
• Camera: 5 megapixel auto-focus, with dual LED flash and VGA video at 30 fps
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, standard microUSB port, GPS receiver with A-GPS, TV out, 3.5mm standard audio jack
• Misc: Accelerometer for screen auto rotate and turn-to-mute, FM radio with RDS, DivX/XviD video support, work and leisure modes
• Battery: 1500mAh Li-Ion battery

Samsung are obviously eyeing market penetration at all levels. The B7610 OmniaPRO is their scout in a long colonized territory. HTC.are clearly the key target, though the communicator game is competitive enough with XPERIA, Nseries and Eseries all keen to take the lead.

Samung B7610 OmniaPRO at ours

A heavyweight fight it sure is but let’s focus on this one contender here. The OmniaPRO will hit the scales and warm up with a hardware inspection on the next page.

WinMo fans surely have a lucky week as today Samsung officially announced that their latest Omnia family phones, i.e. Samsung I8000 Omnia II and Samsung B7610 OmniaPRO will be commercially available earlier than rumored, and most importantly, they will cost less than it was expected.

The WinMo flagship phone Samsung I8000 Omnia II will be offered at a suggested retail price of 549 euro and will start shipping in August, while Samsung B7610 OmniaPRO will hit the market even earlier - in July - at a retail price of 499 euro.

Of course, Windows Mobile 6.5 OS will probably not be included on the devices but a free upgrade is promised to all buyers once the OS becomes available.

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