First Mobile Wimax Device From Samsung Will Be An Internet Tablet

Samsung accidentally provided some information about its first handheld Wimax device for the U.S. market. The SWD-M100 Mondi resembles the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet and OQO model 2+. It has a touch screen, which slides up to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. Many questions remain, though.The Mondi is bound for the Clear Wimax network at some point in the not-too-distant future. Pictures of the device confirm that it has a 4.3-inch touch screen with slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Other notable specs include a 3-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, microSD slot, TV out and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. According to earlier reports, it was suggested that this device would run Windows Mobile 6.1 -- not full Windows or even a Linux OS. Engadget believes that the presence of a particular button on the device indicates that it will run Windows Mobile 6.5 instead of 6.1. This would be a nice upgrade, but it means the device won't see the light of day for quite some time. Microsoft has said that Windows Mobile 6.5. won't be ready until the fourth quarter of 2008.

Given the proximity of the CTIA wireless trade show next week, it is possible that Samsung and its Wimax partner, Clear, will at the very least announce the Mondi. Samsung says the Mondi will be its first handheld Wimax device in the U.S. Hopefully more will follow.

We know that Clear expects to expand to 10 large markets throughout 2009. If it expects to get any traction in those markets, it needs to have more than just wireless Internet modems. Devices such as a netbook, PDA, MID or smartphone will be necessary to attract customers.