eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
Samsung has released a new rugged mobile phone for use on the AT&T Push to Talk network. The Samsung a657 is one tough cookie, with a candy bar layout-ideal for mounting on a dashboard-and rubberized sides for a sure grip.
Meant for the rough environments, such as those faced by workers in field service, maintenance and construction, the Samsung a657 meets military specifications for dust, shock, vibration, heat and cold, and features a built-in flashlight and a 3-megapixel camera with auto focus.
As the Obama administration puts new funding toward economy-boosting construction projects on the country’s infrastructure, an increasing number of rugged devices and form factors are being met by a growing audience. (More new rugged devices can be seen here.)
Ideal for collaborative projects, AT&T’s walkie-talkie-style Push to Talk network allows users to be in simultaneous contact with up to six colleagues. Bluetooth connectivity is also included, as is the AT&T Mobile Music player and AT&T Navigator application for audible turn-by-turn directions.
The a657 supports Java applications-such as those for work force management-runs the Windows Mobile 6.1 OS and has Tri-Band UMTS/HSDPA (850/1,900/2,100MHz) and quad-band EDGE (850/900/1,800/1,900MHz) radios inside.
Measuring 3.9 by 2.4 by 0.6 inches, it includes 128MB of RAM, 256MB of ROM and a microSD slot for up to 8GB of additional memory.
The Samsung a657 is available for purchase in the AT&T Business Center.