Samsung Mondi Launches As CLEAR WiMAX Spreads To Las Vegas

Samsung have officially released their Mondi MID, the Windows Mobile based WiMAX handheld, to coincide with Clearwire's CLEAR WiMAX service rolling out in Las Vegas.  That takes the number of WiMAX markets to three, with Clearwire claiming around 1.7m residents have now been covered with the new service rollout.

The Mondi has a 4.3-inch touchscreen and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, together with WiFi connectivity and GPS for turn-by-turn directions courtesy of Route 66.  Since it's based on Windows Mobile, it has integrated messaging and Exchange support, together with the usual bevy of productivity and PM apps.

As of August 1st, the Samsung Mondi will go on sale at Clearwire retail outlets and select Best Buy stores in Atlanta, Las Vegas and Portland, OR.  No word on pricing as yet.  Clearwire also reveal that Panasonic will be releasing a WiMAX Toughbook notebook later on in 2009.

Press Release:

Samsung Mobile Launches First WiMAX-Enabled Mobile Internet Device for Commercial Service

Full Broadband Speeds, HTML Web Experience with Touch Screen and Mobile WiMAX/WiFi Access Powered by Samsung Mondi™

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced the commercial availability of the Samsung Mondi™, the most advanced Mobile WiMAX-enabled handheld device in the U.S. The touch screen 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 harness 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 WiFi, allowing users to keep strong wireless connections while working outside designated Mobile WiMAX markets.

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 E-mail, 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 a perfect example of the powerful and stylish innovation that Samsung is bringing to the U.S. mobile market," said Omar Khan, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Product Management for Samsung Mobile. "The Mondi packs productivity tools, entertainment options and content management applications into a compact device that is flexible and intuitive."

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. WiFi 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.

The Mondi is currently available on www.Samsung.com and at select Samsung authorized distributors.

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.

Samsung is the global leader in delivering mobile WiMAX technologies and offers an end-to-end solution including chipsets, infrastructure, mobile devices and consumer electronics, including devices capable of accessing both mobile WiMAX and other wireless technologies. UQ Communications in Japan and Scartel LLC., in Russia are examples of other operators preparing for significant commercial deployment of nation-wide service using Samsung's Mobile WiMAX total solution.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungmobileusa.com.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2008 consolidated sales of US$96 billion. Employing approximately 164,600 people in 179 offices across 61 countries, the company consists of two business units: Digital Media & Communications and Device Solutions. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.