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Just a few days after Cingular Wireless announced it would offer a version of original equipment manufacturer High Tech Computer's BlueAngel/XDA III Pocket PC Phone (with the hideaway keyboard), the Siemens SX66, competitor Verizon Wireless has unveiled plans to sell the Audiovox XV6600, its take on the highly touted mobile handset.

Unlike smaller smartphones with thumb-keyboards, this handset's keyboard is unique because it is retractable. That's a good thing, because no one will ever confuse the 4.92 x 2.83 x 0.75 inch and 7.4 ounce smartphone with one of its more compact Windows Mobile for Smartphone brethren, such as Motorola's Mx220.

Possibly the most significant feature of the Audiovox XV6600 to Verizon subscribers is its support for the carrier's high-speed EV-DO network. The carrier began EV-DO roll out this fall in a number of American markets (20) and airports (24) with more to follow next year.

Data over the 3G network travels at typical speeds of 300 to 500 kilobits per second, and can theoretically hit transmission rates of 2.4 megabits per second (see Verizon Wireless Rolls Out 3G Service).

Verizon's Audiovox XV6600 integrates Bluetooth but not Wi-Fi like some other XDA III smartphones. The tablet-style device features a 400MHz CPU,128MB of RAM, an integrated VGA camera, and a SDIO Secure Digital slot. The smartphone's display measures 3.5 inches diagonally and supports the Pocket PC standard 240 x 320 pixel resolution at 65,536 colors.


Keyboard Exposed

The mobile operator should start selling the Pocket PC Phone in January for $550 with a 2-year service contract. Unlimited-use data plans will go for $45 per month. That's without a voice plan.

Other mobile operators offering variations of the XDA III around the world include T-Mobile(MDA III), Vodafone VPA III, O2 (XDA II), and Sprint (PPC-6601) to name a few.