O2 Xda Zinc Pocket PC Phone Edition announced in Asia

O2 Asia has announced today the launch of its latest Windows Mobile-enabled 3G Pocket PC Phone Edition, the O2 Xda Zinc in Singapore. The Xda Zinc is designed to be the most powerful messaging PDA-phone for professionals who needs staying in touch with their E-Mail, IM and SMS. To increase the productivity of the Zinc O2 has incorporated a slide-out QWERTY keyboard into the device to deliver the optimal messaging experience. When extended, the sturdy keyboard automatically switches the 2.8" 65k-colour TFT-LCD display from portrait to landscape mode to facilitate the composition and reading of E-Mail, SMS and work documents like Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint slides. The Xda Zinc's sleek design will also appeal to seasoned road warriors who prefer to communicate via a thumb keyboard and is perfect for high data users who don't think twice about banging out information at lightning speed. Communication can also travel faster now thanks to the device's 3G capabilities.

The Xda Zinc is powered by the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 platform and is equipped with an Intel Xscale PXA 270 processor running at 520MHz and Intel Hermon chip to allow speedy data transfer, and 128 MB of onboard memory. The device will also appeal to those who prize seamless wireless connectivity: It has 3G capabilities, and also features direct push technology for E-Mail, Bluetooth SIG v 2.0 and Wireless LAN 802.11b/g.

According to Mark Billington, CEO of O2 Asia Pacific, "Technology is complicated, but your life shouldn't be. O2 devices are built not just for style but also for performance, and of course, ease-of-use. The Xda Zinc is defining a whole new category of 3G phones in our portfolio. The Xda Zinc is for professionals who are tech-savvy, enjoy messaging and need to stay connected to work 24/7. We pair the Xda Zinc with 3G capabilities, so it can experience a smoother web-browsing experience and join the 3G revolution and all the benefits that brings. It's all about broadening choices and new experiences for our customers," I can say that the Xda Zinc is really a true professional messaging machine with its included unique messaging applications, such as O2 Phone Plus, O2 Message Plus, and SMS Backup, all designed to simplify your every communication need. The Xda Zinc will retail at S$ 1,298 (around US$ 845/650 Euro) inclusive of GST and a one-year local warranty at early February 2007 at all SingTel, M1 and StarHub outlets, authorized distributors and retail channels.