Verizon launches HTC Vox as SMT5800

Verizon has used CES to introduce the SMT5800, its own adaptation of the HTC Vox smartphone. Like its reference model, the device attempts to merge the best of candybar phones with full-keyboard phones by including a conventional number pad on the front but hiding a slide-out QWERTY keyboard on the side. Windows Mobile 6 and its accompanying Office Mobile are preloaded and help check 'push' mail and contacts through Outlook as well as provide basic Excel, PowerPoint, and Word editing away from work.

Outside of its newly metallic color scheme, the SMT5800's hardware is close to that of the original Vox with a 2-megapixel camera, a microSD slot that stores up to 8GB, and the ability to use Bluetooth for sync as well as stereo audio or a tethered EVDO modem for a computer. Verizon lists the new smartphone as available today and is selling the phone for $250 after both a rebate and signing a two-year contract.