Verizon Wireless and Samsung have teamed up to bring the Samsung Gusto to the masses in a few weeks’ time, where this entry-level clamshell handset seems to be a decent purchase if you’re looking for a new phone for your college going progeny. Of course, it might not be as hardy as a standard candybar phone simply because of the hinge, but generally clamshell form factors are hardier than the slider phones as my experience with slider handsets have been a disappointing one across a couple of handsets since frequent movement of the slider mechanism tends to break the microphone wire connection. Perhaps I’m jinxed in this way, but I digress. Features of the Samsung Gusto are available after the jump, and it won’t cost more than a fine dining meal – we’re talking about just $19.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate for a 2-year agreement. The most interesting feature on the Gusto? The Fake Call ability to help you set up a pseudo call with a timer in order to manage potentially tricky social situations. [Press Release]
- 2-inch internal screen
- Mobile Web browser to connect on the go
- Messaging options include text, picture and voice messaging; Mobile IM; Mobile Chat; Mobile Email and Mobile Web Email
- VGA camera with night shot
- Metallic Gray color
- Slim form factor
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Dynamic Voice Enhancement technology with noise suppression
- Driving Mode
- Fake Call feature
- Voice Commands
- Personal Organizer and Tools
- Media Center-capable
- Preloaded with Bing Search
- VZ Navigator capable