New mobile device from Sprint focused directly on mobile messaging

Sprint has released details for it’s new upcoming handset, the SCP-2700 by SANYO. It’s a small, straightforward device, with the focus very firmly on easy and rapid SMS. Despite that, the SCP-2700 has a decent set of modern features including camera, GPS and web connectivity.

The SCP-2700 was designed with ease of SMS in mind. The screen is a bit pokey for any of the more advanced web stuff to be easy, but for those who hate the 9 button keypad and predictive text, this is the phone to get texting on.

Sprint has also taken the opportunity of this release of this phone to remind everyone about their tariffs and plans. Most relevant to this handset is the Everything Messaging. For $49.99, you get unlimited text, picture and video messaging along with 450 anytime voice minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile and night & weekend minutes. Combined with a starting price of $29.99 for the phone itself, that’s a pretty good deal.

The SCP-2700 will be available from May 10

From the release:

“Mobile messaging has quickly become the de facto mode of communication for millions and, whether it’s for kids and grandparents or the seasoned texter, this phone has the ideal combination of usability, style and affordability,” said Andy Kodera, president of Kyocera SANYO Telecom, Inc. “Many associate messaging with teens or ‘tweens,’ but it’s become increasingly popular with all age segments. The SCP-2700 addresses a distinct need for a texting-focused QWERTY device at an entry-level price point.”

“Although we have found an increasing number of older adults wanting to join the texting generation, one in 10 adults over age 30 say they don’t text because they’re not sure how,” said Kevin Packingham, senior vice president of product development and technology for Sprint. “SCP-2700 is the ideal transition device to ease these adults into easy messaging, as well anyone who is already using these services. With Sprint’s Everything Messaging Plan and the low cost of the device with a full QWERTY keyboard, we’ve virtually eliminated any barriers for adults looking for a simple messaging device, small businesses looking to outfit employees with an inexpensive but feature-rich phone or parents buying their child’s first wireless phone.”

What we think?

Handsets like this are rapidly becoming the lower-tier of what is available. Even low end phones are now highly web enabled. Having a full QWERTY keyboard like that not only makes it easier to text on, but also much simpler to compose proper emails - which is why having a web connection on it is essential.