Windows Phone Thoughts: Carrier Devices To Release CDMA i-Mate PDA2k

"Carrier Devices distributes Taiwan-made HTC devices under the brand name i-mate, and its next release is the i-mate PDA2K EVDO, a Windows Mobile based Pocket PC Phone Edition compatible with CDMA 1xRTT and EV-DO networks (800/1900MHz). Like the GSM/GPRS version (called simply i-mate PDA2k, but also available as T-Mobile MDAIII, Vodafone PVAIII, O2 XDA IIIi) this one also comes with Bluetooth, but without the wireless LAN. gpsOne (assisted GPS) is part of the bundle, and the phone part is capable of Caller Id, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting and Conference call (3 way call). It's also capable of switched circuit data (9.6kbps) and SMS (MT/MO)."

This unit is also known as the HTC Harrier, and contains all of the features of the HTC Blue Angel except it doesn't have Wi-Fi (which is mitigated somewhat thanks to the speedy 1xEV-DO technology). Rumors have been circulating for the last few months that Verizon and Sprint in the US will be carrying this device as well, but I have yet to hear an official announcement. Rest assured I will report on it as soon as I do; in the meantime, it's good to see interest in this device slowly increase. If only the names weren't so confusing. :|