Virgin Mobile Releases First 3G HandsetVirgin Mobile Releases First 3G Handset

When Virgin Mobile USA purchased Helio for $39 million in June, the company said it would utilize the mobile virtual network operator's expertise with 3G devices for future handsets.

The company came through on that Wednesday with the introduction of its first handset capable of surfing the Internet at 3G speeds.

While the handset -- named the Shuttle -- does not have many productivity features for a mobile professional, it does have high-speed mobile browsing and location-based services, and there's no need for a service contract.

The handset offers many ways to keep track of friends and contacts, as there's integrated support for MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and more. Additionally, there's the location-based Buddy Beacon, which enables customers to find friends when they're nearby.

An application named Where gives local information like places of interest, and the Shuttle has the company's Contact Vault, which allows customers to wirelessly store and retrieve their contact lists.

The Shuttle has a sliding form factor and a 2-inch screen, and it uses the EV-DO networks to surf the Web and download content. The monthly data plans are priced at $5 for 20 MB of surfing and $10 for 50 MB. The pay-as-you-go plans are priced at $5, $10, and $20 for 5, 20, and 50 MB, respectively.

The Shuttle has a 1.3-megapixel camera that can be used to snap pictures and videos. There's also a multimedia player, Bluetooth capabilities, and an SD slot for expandable memory.

The handset measures in at 3.9 by 1.9 by 0.7 inches, and it weighs a little more than 3 ounces. The Shuttle will be available Sept. 28 for $79.99, exclusively at Best Buy.