Cingular today launched the LG CU500, available online. The CU500 is the nation’s first HSDPA handset, offering speeds above and beyond EV-DO. While in-stock in stores, most stores will not be able to sell the unit until Monday (not Saturday as has been rumored).
The CU500 is also one of Cingular’s highest-end devices, aside from HSDPA. The phone offers a microSD card slot, Bluetooth 1.1 with A2DP, and Cingular Video. Like previous UMTS phones, the device supports multitasking (such as browsing the web and taking a phone call). The device also features quad-band GSM, and includes a 1.3 megapixel camera.
In addition, the CU500 marks another major step for Cingular. The CU500 is the first Cingular traditional phone to provide Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA). For the first time, Cingular customers will be able to update the software on their phone without exhaustive efforts.
The CU500 retails for $129.99 after rebate with new two-year agreement. It will be joined in the near future by the HSDPA-enabled Samsung ZX20, which will include Bluetooth 2.0. PCS Intel will have a review of the CU500 from LG in the near future.
