Alltel announced today the availability of its first-ever Windows Mobile-based device, the PPC6700, from UTStarcom Personal Communications, a division of UTStarcom. Recently proclaimed an "Editor's Choice for 2005" by Laptop magazine, the PPC6700 phone is expected to be available starting Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Alltel retail stores for $479.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year service agreement.

The PPC6700 is Alltel's first wireless device to feature Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 software. With its EVDO and WiFi capabilities, the PPC6700 is intended to enable users to stay online and in touch. The PPC6700 is as cool as it is capable, featuring a unique sliding QWERTY keyboard designed to open from the side and automatically change screen orientation from portrait to landscape viewing mode. Helping customers manage emails, spreadsheets and presentations from virtually anywhere, the product is equipped with Microsoft Office programs for Windows Mobile including Outlook Mobile, Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile and Word Mobile.

With Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, the PPC6700 allows viewing of several image and video formats including JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG, JPG, MPEG4, H.263, WMV and ASF. It can also be used as a personal digital audio player since the device is designed to play several audio formats including MP3, WAV, WMA, MIDI and QCP. With a built-in mini USB port and mini-SD expansion card for additional memory, users are able to transfer music, photos and video from the desktop as well as load additional games and applications.

The CDMA Pocket PC device weighs a mere 6.6 oz. with dimensions of 4.25 (h) x 2.32" (w) x 0.93" (d). In addition, it has a built-in 1.3 megapixel camera with flash and digital zoom and camcorder capabilities. With its 2.8" TFT 65K transflective LCD color display screen, images appear vivid and sharp. Included accessories are: Lithium Ion Battery 1350 mAh, AC charger, USB cable, device cradle, 2 styli pens, carrying case and stereo headset.

There is a review here

http://www.slashphone.com/news/?m=show&id=2888