i-mate introduces 810-F smartphone to last a lifetime

Let's see, a Windows Mobile 6.1 BlackBerry-a-like smartphone with 2MP camera, QWERTY keyboard, GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Nothing new there. Hold on, what's this, military specifications, a waterproof rubber casing and a lifetime warranty? We haven't seen anything like this since the mighty shark-fin Ericsson R310s itself.

This is the i-mate 810-F, an unremarkable smartphone except for its ability to survive temperatures ranging from -10°C to 60°C above, the fact that it can cope with being fully submerged in water and that it has a digital compass and impact-resistant screen. Just your average phone, then.

i-mate's so confident in its indestructibility that it's offering a lifetime warranty - subject to the caveat that you register it and take it for an "annual service". No, we're not sure what that involves either so we've asked i-mate and will update when it gets back to us. Meanwhile, here's the press release.

Introducing the world’s most adventurous Smartphone,
the i-mate™ 810-F

Brains and brawn, distinctive looks and Smartphone power – all in one package

11th February 2009 – i-mate™, the global specialist in Microsoft Windows Mobile® devices and software, today launched the i-mate 810-F, the world’s first complete lifestyle mobile with a lifetime warranty¹.  Designed to meet military specifications, the 810-F combines high-end mobile technology and incredible durability in a single sleek package.

Whether you work in the great outdoors or in an office, on the road or on a building site, or you just simply want a tough take-anywhere mobile, the 810-F offers everything you need for work and play.  The phone comprises waterproof rubber casing and exposed metal screws to lock in the factory seal, making it impervious to almost anything.  A full QWERTY keyboard, and impact resistant touch screen, means you don’t miss a thing while you are out and about.

And what’s inside is just as impressive: powerful hardware and Windows Mobile 6.1 letting you deal with emails, play games, listen to music or just browse the web.

The 810-F is designed around the stringent MIL-STD-810F series of standards. These standards are issued by the U.S. military’s Developmental Test Command, a body whose role is to ensure equipment can withstand the rigours of the most extreme environments. This means the

i-mate 810-F can cope with pressure, heat, water, humidity and even extreme shock without missing a beat. The 810-F is equally happy at a chilly -10°C or sweltering 60°C, and can be fully submerged in water.

Jim Morrison, CEO of i-mate, said: “Until now, users have had to choose between a compact phone that incorporates the latest features, or one that was big, bulky and very very expensive that could cope with the rigours of a harsh working environment and survive use during adventurous outdoor pursuits. The 810-F has been developed to meet the demands of the office, the work site and the outdoors.  It is all about performance; whether it’s the ability to perform in extreme conditions, or the performance under its skin. For adventurers looking for a phone to match their lifestyle, it’s the perfect answer.”

i-mate is so confident in the ability of the 810-F to cope with anything that can be thrown at it, it’s offering a lifetime warranty¹. Plus, 810-F owners can outsmart any security threat thanks to Secure i-Q, a service from i-mate that let’s you use your PC to remotely lock, wipe personal information or alarm your mobile if it’s ever lost or stolen. Now that’s smart.

In speaking about the typical i-mate 810-F customer, Mr. Morrison added “We designed the 810-F to meet the needs of those people who work in the office during the day, but want to go surfing after work.  Or, a contractor working in the tough environment of a building site who also goes fishing on the weekend. They want one phone that can do it all.”

The 810-F is a full-featured Smartphone based on Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional with tri-band HSDPA and quad-band GSM/EDGE connectivity.  Also included is a 320×240 touch screen, 2.2GB of built-in storage, 128MB of DDR memory, 624Mhz PXA processor, 2MP camera with video capability, QWERTY keyboard, GPS, Wi-Fi, digital compass, accelerometer and Bluetooth.

The i-mate 810-F will be available at all leading mobile retailers over the coming weeks.

i-mate will unveil the 810-F, demonstrating its impressive capabilities for the first time in the world at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, 16th – 19th February 2009, Hall 1, Stand 1D34.

¹ Subject to warranty terms and conditions, registration on i-mate i-Q and annual service undertaken.

About i-mate™

Founded in 2001, i-mate is now one of the world’s leading experts in the design, development and customization of Microsoft® Windows Mobile® powered mobile devices.

The innovative designs and high end specifications, combined with value added solutions and world class support have helped i-mate secure market-leading positions in several territories, with product distribution across the Middle East, USA, Asia-Pacific, Africa and Europe.

Customized to local market and individual customer requirements, i-mate’s solution set delivers a clear point of difference for mobile operator and channel partners, assisting them with the acquisition and retention of high value customers.

www.imate.com

 

Originally published on www.mobilecomputermag.co.uk, now incorporated into Broadband Genie
© Dennis Publishing

 

 

 

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