When Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Z400s
By Geoff Duncan
June 13, 2008
Sprint has rolled out the Samsung Z400, it's first military-rugged Nextel Direct Connect-capable handset that also supports Sprint Mobile Broadband.
Mobile phones have become an indispensable modern convenience…but there's no denying the things can be fragile. Sure, they're fine being carefully moved from tea party to chamber recital on a velvet pillow, but out in the real world they have to contend with impacts, moisture, dust, and (gasp) children. The result is often crunchy little bits of scratched-up plastic skiddling across a sidewalk.
To help out with that, Sprint is rolling out the Samsung Z400, Samsung's first Nextel Direct Connect-capable handset with Sprint Mobile Broadband capability. But even better, the phone also meets MIL_STD 810F standards for resistance to dust, vibration, and shock, and sports a rubberized case to reduce scratches and improve grip.
The Z400 operates on the Sprint Mobile Broadband network and offers Nextel Direct Connect push-to-talk services that can put users through to compatible devices in less than a second, making it quick and simple for groups to communicate amongst themselves, say, across a work site or in the field. The service also supports Group Connect se users can communicate with up to 20 other Nextel Direct Connect subscribers simultaneously. The Z400 also features a 1.3 megapixel video-capable camera, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and an integrated speakerphone.
The Z400 is available now in selected markets through Sprint direct sales for $99.99 with a two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate.