Samsung announced that their first Next Direct Connect capable handset, the Z400, is now available in several markets. The handset recently passed military standards (MIL-STD 810F) testing for resistance to dust, shock, and vibration thanks to its ruggedized design. The Z400 features the following:

• Clamshell design
• Measures 3.7 x 1.9 x 0.96 inches and weighs 3.5 oz
• Digital Dual Band 1900MHz and 800MHz, EVDO Rev A
• 2.1 inch main display with 262K color support and 176 x 220 resolution
• Rechargeable Li-Ion battery
• Talk time of 345 minutes
• Operates on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network
• 1.3 megapixel camera with 2x digital zoom
• Record video clips
• Stereo Bluetooth support
• Dark Blue finish and Black rubber housing. The rubber coating improves grip and provides added protection
• Single number option – one number for both wireless phone calls and Nextel Direct Connect calls
• PTT Missed Call Notification – when you’re on a Nextel Direct Connect call, receive notification that you missed a PTT call, Call Alert, or Group Connect Call
• DC Permissions: Ability to block/allow incoming one-to-one PTT calls and Call Alerts
• Call Alert/Call Alert with Text: Send a repeating alert to let any other Nextel Direct Connect user know you are trying to reach them. With the new Text feature you can send canned text messages with a Call Alert. (Users must have a Nextel Direct Connect capable Sprint device to receive the text.)
• Group Connect: Communicate or coordinate activities with up to 20 other Nextel Direct Connect subscribers all at once – nationwide, quickly and easily. Create and manage groups dynamically on your phone or online. Group Connect participants must also have a Nextel Direct Connect capable Sprint device with the Group Connect feature
• TeamDC: Communicate or coordinate activities with up to 35 Nextel Direct Connect subscribers at the same time – nationwide, quickly and easily. Create and manage groups online only. All TeamDC participants must also have a Nextel Direct Connect capable Sprint device with the TeamDC feature
• Speakerphone
• SMS Text Messaging

The Z400 is now available in select markets through Sprint direct sales force, phone sales, and Sprint Stores. The phone will cost $99.99 with a two year service contract and a $50 dollar mail-in rebate.

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