Clearwire finally gets handheld device

Clearwire is finally getting a handheld device and is allowing customers to [1]roam outside of the WiMAX coverage areas. Samsung announced commercial availability of the Mondi WiMAX tablet at the same time Clearwire launched service in Las Vegas this week.

Starting Aug. 1, the Mondi will be available at Clearwire retail outlets and select Best Buy stores in the markets where Clearwire has launched commercial service: Atlanta, Portland, Ore. and Las Vegas, which officially rolled out yesterday. The 4.3-inch touchscreen device will run on Windows Mobile 6.1 and include WiFi connectivity, a full Qwerty keyboard, optical mouse, built-in GPS, push email support, a 3-megapixel camera and camcorder, the Opera 9.5 browser and support for instant messaging and MMS. The Mondi will retail for $449 without a Clearwire contract and $349 with a two-year service contract.

In addition, Clearwire said it will offer its Clear 4G+ mobile USB, a dual-mode 4G/3G modem, which will be useful for those users who travel outside of Clearwire's limited coverage areas. Clearwire has a roaming agreement with Sprint Nextel, which is part of a consortium of companies that has ownership in Clearwire. The device is also available through Sprint and another Clearwire WiMAX partner, Comcast.

For more:
- see FierceWireless [2]

Related articles:
Clearwire unofficially offers WiMAX in Las Vegas [3]
Sprint to offer tri-mode phone, may expand 4G markets [4] 
Samsung reveals WiMAX tablet details [5]
Samsung releases WiMAX MID, Instinct successor [6]