The “new” AT&T currently transitioning away from the Cingular Wireless brand has introduced red versions of the BlackBerry Pearl and Palm Treo 680 smartphones. Both the Pearl and the Treo 680 are traditionally aimed at business and enterprise customers who want to tie their mobile works back into their electronic communications infrastructure with email, PIM, and Internet capabilities as well as standard wireless phone features. In rolling out red models, AT&T hopes to tap into unconventional businesses environments who aren’t afraid to show a little color, and increase the appeal of the smartphones to everyday mobile users.
“The new, red BlackBerry Pearl and crimson Palm Treo 680 are the next ‘gotta have it’ wireless handsets from AT&T,” said AT&T’s Michael Woodward, executive director of mobile professional solutions, in a statement. “The additional choices of color offer panache and style, and these world-class products boast all of the features that made the original versions very popular among AT&T customers.”
Specs for both phones remain unchanged: the Pearl packs a 1.3 megapixel camera, memory slot, and supports the “push” email capabilities which have made BlackBerry units so addictive for many; optional Push To Talk and GPS services are also available. The Treo 680 sports a QWERTY keyboard, digital camera, camcorder, and media player capabilities, and supports non-BlackBerry communication services like Good Mobile Messaging and Cingular Xpress Mail.
Both phones are priced at $199.99 after rebates, if purchased with a two-year service commitment.