WIRELESS AND MOBILE NEWS

Samsung and Clearwire have announced  the Samsung Mondi,  Mobile WiMAX-enabled handheld device aka Mobile Internet Device or MID.

The touchscreen Mondi, which is Latin for "world," is designed for use with the Clear Mobile WiMAX service from Clearwire in the activated markets of Atlanta, Las Vegas, Portland, OR and future WiMAX markets.

The Samsung Mondi can offer upload and download speeds that double comparable devices running on 3G networks while taking advantage of the widespread connectivity of Mobile WiMAX. The Mondi is also equipped with Wi-Fi.

Available in a solid black finish, this device slides open horizontally to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. The Mondi is packed with multimedia features that offer instant access to email, Internet, video content and business applications. The device also supports various services including Fring, Gypsii, and Windows Live Messenger. The Mondi is equipped for GPS Navigation through Route 66, providing turn-by-turn directions.

The Mondi's compact design provides the user with a more mobile form factor and ease-of-use than the typical laptop or netbook. While it is small enough to fit into the user's hand or pocket, the Mondi packs an impressive Web browser, powered by Opera 9.5, which takes full advantage of the device's 4.3-inch touch screen.

The Mondi is completely customizable, thanks to a set of widgets that can be dragged and dropped anywhere on the display screen for easy viewing and use. The Mondi is also an excellent device for work or for play. Wi-Fi connectivity offers the business user fast and simple connections to Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile and many other vertical business applications outside the Clear service area.

"With the Samsung Mondi, people can take advantage of powerful broadband speeds to access familiar, easy-to-use software like Microsoft Office Mobile on a sleek, new mobile Internet device," said Stephanie Ferguson, general manager of the Business Experiences Team at Microsoft Corp.

Starting August 1, 2009, the Samsung Mondi will be available at Clearwire retail outlets and select Best Buy stores located in Atlanta, Las Vegas and Portland, OR.