Mobile operator AT&T is opening up sales for the LG eXpo smartphone today, marking the first time a phone with a 1 GHz processor is available in the United States. But that’s not all: the Windows Mobile 6.5-bearing LG eXpo is also the first device in the North American market to feature an (optional) pico projector, and the device uses fingerprint recognition (rather than PIN codes) to validate users. AT&T is hoping the LG eXpo appeals to high end business and enterprise customers—especially since the device also hooks into AT&T’s nascent HSPA 7.2 Mbps mobile broadband technology.
“LG eXpo adds to our growing portfolio of smartphones that operate on the latest upgrade to our 3G network and offer customers a great choice,” said AT&T Mobility VP Michael Woodward, in a statement. “As we move to HSPA 7.2 technology, it is crucial to provide our customers innovative and future-proof smartphones.”
The eXpo is available with an optional pico projector for presentations; the 1.8-ounce projector snaps onto the back of the phone and can even handle video playback. The eXpo also includes Smart Sensor technology from AuthenTec, which not only offers precise cursor control and scrolling, but also incorporates fingerprint recognition for authenticating without using PIN codes and other awkward verification mechanisms.
Otherwise, the eXpo features a 3.2-inch touchscreen display, a full QWERTY keypad for messaging and mail, assisted GPS, a 5 megapixel camera, and removable microSD storage.
The LG eXpo is available for sale online today for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year service agreement at a minimum of $69.99 a month. The LG Mobile Projector will be available in a few weeks for $179.99.
AT&T plans to have HSPA rolled out to 30 major markets by the end of 2010; for now, it’s available in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles, with Miami expected to be online by the end of the year.
