Verizon Picks Up Windows Mobile SmartphoneVerizon Picks Up Windows Mobile Smartphone

Verizon Wireless is targeting globe-trotting mobile professionals with the upcoming Samsung Saga smartphone.

The Saga is powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional. It has quad-band GSM/GPRS capabilities, meaning it will be able to make voice calls in more than 130 countries. Users also can get Verizon's GlobalEmail plan to access e-mails and attachments in more than 150 countries.

Samsung's smartphone has a 2.5-inch touch screen, as well as a full QWERTY keyboard. The touch-sensitive LCD display is capable of displaying 65,000 colors at a 320-by-320 resolution. Verizon said the Saga is ideal for messaging, as the full keyboard makes it quick to send and receive corporate e-mails, texts, and instant messaging.

Mobile workers also can create and edit Microsoft Word and Excel documents, as well as view PowerPoint files. There is robust Bluetooth functionality that can be used to pair headsets, transfer files, and access other features.

For connectivity, the Saga comes with integrated Wi-Fi, and it also can hop on to Verizon's EV-DO 3G network. These connections can be used to download e-mails and attachments, and customers can surf the Internet with the preloaded Opera Mobile browser.

The smartphone isn't just for business though, as customers can also use it for their multimedia needs. The Saga's Windows Player Mobile will play a variety of audio and video codecs, and the handset's memory can be expanded up to 16 GB via the MicroSD slot.

With a bright blue face, the Saga is definitely a departure in looks from most business-oriented smartphones. At 2.4 by 4.8 by 0.5 inches and about 4 ounces, the Saga falls in the middle of the pack in terms of weight and size.

The Saga is available today through business channels or online for $199.99 with a new two-year contract and a $70 mail-in rebate.