New Samsung Clamshell Smartphone Surfaces

of an unannounced Samsung smartphone that appears to be targeted atBlackberry fans.

The clamshell smartphone features Windows Mobile 5, is made for GSM/EDGE networks (with UMTS support), has a 2MP auto-focus external camera and a second internal camera for video conferencing. A MicroSD slot, FM receiver and stereo Bluetooth round this camera out nicely, from a features perspective.

What’s interesting is it also features Samsung’s Blackberry-like hybrid keypad. First seen on the SGH-I719, the keypad throws out traditional T9 for a half-QWERTY solution. Each chicklet key has two letters, so a double-tap switches your Q to a W. It’s an interesting way to fit full data entry into a small form factor, and RIM fans haven’t had trouble adapting to it. Is it practical? That’s a different question altogether.

Samsung Shows Windows Mobile Phone With Hybrid Keyboard [Phone Scoop]