Samsung unveils P9000 communicator with WiMAX, EVDO

Samsung today revealed the P9000, a hybrid computer and phone that the company claims is a true example of mobile convergence. Unlike ultra-mobile PCs, the P9000 has a unique, folding keyboard that lets owners have a full QWERTY keyboard and 5-inch screen for data while still maintaining a shape compact enough to be used for phone calls. Samsung notes that the device is also uniquely equipped to connect to both Internet and phone services: users can connect to both EVDO and WiMAX mobile broadband networks as well as place calls on CDMA cellular providers. Common cellphone features such as a 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and dedicated media playback are also standard. More details and a complete photo are available after the jump.

Additionally, the P9000 is capable of functioning as a full computer, according to Samsung. It uses a complete version of Windows XP capable of running standard software and ships with a 30GB hard drive; mini USB and an extended I/O pack will be available for connecting to external peripherals. Despite these features, the device will weigh slightly above one pound. Samsung expects the P9000 to launch in Korea during the first half of 2007. A North American launch is likely but has not been announced.