AT&T Bumps Out Four Budget QWERTY Phones

AT&T today announced four new QWERTY phones, enough to make our thumbs sore just writing about them. It’s also the first press release we’ve ever read with the word “newbie” in it.

Here’s a quick sampling of the four phones, but we’ll bring you hands-on impressions and full reviews as soon as possible.

The Pantech Matrix: The $79.99 matrix has the same double vertical/horizontal sliding design found in the Duo, although this feature phone lacks the Duo’s Windows Mobile smartphone-centric operating system. It features AT&T video-share support, a 1.3 MP camera, mobile music, and AT&T’s AGPS mobile navigator software. The Matrix will be available in a black/green scheme that would make Neo proud, as well as in navy blue. On October 16th, a red version will be released as well.

The Samsung Propel features similar software features as the Matrix, has a similar 1.3MP camera, but has a single QWERTY keypad instead of a dual sliding one. It’s available in an assortment of colors including blue, green, red, and red/white and is priced the same.

The Pantech Slate looks like a toy smartphone, and for $49.99, it’s priced like one too. It has a 1.3MP camera, IM & Mobile Email support, as well as Bluetooth connectivity. The Slate, which AT&T claims is the world’s thinnest full-qwerty phone, will be available in later October in black/royal blue.

Finally, the Quickfire, which looks strikingly similar to a Sidekick, has a similar slide-out display which reveals a full QWERTY keypad. This touchscreen device lets you check your messages in either landscape or vertical mode and will set you back $99.99. Other features include Napster Mobile and eMusic Mobile stores for over-the-air music downloads, and three color schemes: orange, lime, and silver.