Samsung Brings Out Propel Pro Smartphone

AT&T will bring out a Samsung smartphone that's aimed at keeping the mobile professional connected.

The Propel Pro is powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard, and it has a 2.5-inch screen and a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard for composing e-mails and SMS messages. Users will be able to customize their home screens any way they want, and they'll be able to view the start menu as a grid or a list.

Because it's powered by Windows Mobile, the handset will be capable of running multiple enterprise applications such as receiving e-mail on the go. The Propel Pro will also come preloaded with software for viewing and editing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents.

"Smartphones and quick-messaging phones are no longer for early adopters and text-happy teens," David Christopher, chief marketing officer for AT&T, said in a statement. "The ability to text often or to check your e-mail from a phone is easy, and more customers demand these features."

To stay connected, the Propel Pro has integrated Wi-Fi, EDGE, and 3G that can get a download speed up to 3.6 Mbps. This cellular connection can be combined with the GPS chip for location-based services such as local searches and for getting turn-by-turn directions.

The smartphone isn't just for work, though, as it will be able to play videos and audio files with the built-in Windows Media Player Mobile. It also has Bluetooth version 2.0, voice-recording capabilities, and expandable memory via a MicroSD slot.

The Propel Pro will be available in April for $149.99 with a new two-year contract and rebates.

Smartphones can boost a workforce's productivity, but they also can bring up multiple questions about security. InformationWeek analyzed how to get a handle on locking down data when it's on the move, and the report can be downloaded here (registration required).