Sprint to begin selling next-gen LG Rumor on Sunday

Sprint Nextel Thursday announced that the next-generation LG Rumor slider wireless phone will go on sale March 15 for $50 after rebate with a two-year service agreement.

Sprint comeback: Hard, but doable
Slideshow: The ultimate smartphone smackdown 2008

The LG Rumor2 is described by Sprint as a way to manage messages, voice and data "on any budget," given its low up-front cost. By comparison, high-end smartphones are generally selling at $200 or more after rebates, some with requirements for more expensive monthly data plans.

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Sprint Nextel Thursday announced that the next-generation LG Rumor slider wireless phone will go on sale March 15 for $50 after rebate with a two-year service agreement.

Sprint comeback: Hard, but doable
Slideshow: The ultimate smartphone smackdown 2008

The LG Rumor2 is described by Sprint as a way to manage messages, voice and data "on any budget," given its low up-front cost. By comparison, high-end smartphones are generally selling at $200 or more after rebates, some with requirements for more expensive monthly data plans.

The smartphone includes a full sliding QWERTY keyboard as well as a standard alpha-numeric keypad for easy texting. The display is 1.2 in. by 1.61 in., with increased screen resolution over the original rumor.

Other improvements over the original, which launched in late 2007, include an added row of keys for easier typing, stereo Bluetooth capability and an extra enclosed battery cover and backplate to allow for personalization.

Sprint officials said the original Rumor quickly became a bestseller when it was launched, although they did not give any specifics.

The LG Rumor2 will come in Titanium Black and Vibrant Blue. It is 4.4 in. by 2.1 in. -- and .7 of an in. thick -- when closed, and weighs 4.23 ounces.

The black version will be available online March 15, with the blue version available two weeks later. Both models will be available in Sprint stores April 19.

In addition to marketing the phone as inexpensive, Sprint's printed marketing materials describe it as both a music lover's device, with a microSD card slot that can accommodate 16GB of storage. It also provides GPS navigation capabilities and access to Exchange e-mail and Lotus Note e-mail, Sprint said.

Other features include a 1.3 megapixel camera with 2x zoom and a standard Lithium Ion battery that supports up to 5.5 hours of talk time.

Sprint said that LG Rumor2 users can opt for a $50-a-month Everything Messaging Plan that provides 450 anytime minutes per month, unlimited night and weekend minutes, unlimited mobile-to-mobile minutes and unlimited text, video and picture messaging. According to Sprint, that plan represents a $120 annual savings over comparable plans from AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

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