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November 12, 2008 6:00 PM PST

HTC Touch Pro and Samsung Saga rumored for Verizon

by Bonnie Cha
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(Credit: Engadget Mobile)

With the HTC Touch Pro/HTC Fuze now at Sprint and AT&T, only two major carriers remain to get the Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone: Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile. For Verizon, that day might be November 24.

According to Engadget Mobile, the smartphone will be available for purchase via phone sales on November 24, while in-store availability will begin December 1. Verizon's Touch Pro is said to be priced at $349.99 with a two-year contract and after rebates and discounts, and though it's hard to tell from the blurry image, the feature set looks comparable to the AT&T and Sprint models (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.2-megapixel camera) and also includes support for Verizon VZ Navigator, Verizon App Zone, and dial-up networking.

Though we don't have official confirmation, we think the likelihood of the HTC Touch Pro making its way to the carrier is high as the outdated Verizon Wireless XV6800 needs a successor. As far as T-Mobile, well, that's another story. I haven't heard one peep about the Touch Pro coming along to replace the T-Mobile Wing.

(Credit: Engadget Mobile)

One other rumor to note is the Samsung Saga. This is another Windows Mobile smartphone that is supposed to land at Verizon and falls along the lines of the Samsung Ace in that it offers dual-mode functionality. This means the handset will work on Verizon's CDMA network for all domestic calls but once overseas, you can switch to the GSM network. It also ships with a SIM card.

The Saga features a full QWERTY keyboard, an optical mouse, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Engadget Mobile states that the Samsung Saga will be available through telesales on November 14 and in stores December 1. We'll keep an eye on both of these rumored smartphones and update you with any official announcements.

Bonnie Cha is a senior editor for CNET, covering smartphones and GPS. When she's not testing the latest gadgets, you can find her chasing after her crazy lab or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California. E-mail Bonnie.
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by wbotha November 12, 2008 9:43 PM PST
Good morning how does the samsang omnia i900 stand up to the htc diamond pro ? Thanx have a great day.Willie
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by Eludium-Q36 November 14, 2008 9:53 AM PST
Two things: (1) the HTC Touch Pro is NOT a smartphone, it's better than that since it runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional - it's a PDAphone, there is a difference and if you're going to write about (dumb) cell phones, smartphones, and PDAphones you should know the difference, (2) the HTC Mogul (aka 6800) is NOT in need of updating! It's only been out since July '07! And frankly, I've evaluated the Touch Pro's features and capabilities and find it lacking as a new-tech replacement - it just doesn't move tech forward far enough with its less than 3-inch screen and its crazy high retail price.

I'm holding onto my Mogul until HTC gets serious with this and develops a Pro (keyboard) version of their non-US Touch HD. Then and only then will HTC have something closer the the BB Store and the iPhone.
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by btzmacin November 18, 2008 10:36 AM PST
this is 100% true. Both the touch diamond and touch pro will be released as the VZW XV6950 and 6850 respectively on 11/24 or 12/1. I am a developer and I have recieved a pre-release unit for SDK purposes, it's everything that's been promised. Not a single thing was changed from the GSM version of it.
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