Fans of the no-frills, messaging-oriented Pantech Duo with that dual-sliding hybrid keyboard/keypad setup will be glad to hear that the AT&T (NYSE: T) Pantech Duo 2 is almost ready to prime-time. The Pantech C820 has been spotted hanging out at the FCC with a refreshed, shiny exterior and cleaner, sleeker lines. And, that means we’ll likely see the Pantech C820 dropping on AT&T’s network as the AT&T Pantech Duo II in short order.

The Pantech C820 Duo 2 features the same dual-sliding keyboard/keypad setup that makes for quickness in numeric or QWERTY typing. The Pantech C820 Duo II runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard (no touchscreen here, folks), features a 3G data connection, and sports a 2 megapixel camera. Unfortunately, the Pantech C820 Duo II mirrors its predecessor with its lack of a WiFi connection and GPS receiver.

Still, the Pantech Duo 2’s expectedly entry-level price-tag should make it an appealing messaging handset for text-message-crazy QWERTY lovers.

FCC

[Via: PhoneArena]

Pantech Slate in the wild

AT&T (NYSE: T) is really pushing its text messaging friendly lineup of QWERTY keyboard-toting handsets of late. The Pantech Slate is expected to drop on AT&T’s network as the “world’s slimmest” handset to sport a full QWERTY keyboard. And, thanks to Engadget Mobile, we’re given a look at the Pantech Slate in all its real-world glory. The color you see in the picture won’t be available at launch, but it’s good to see what the Slate looks like in-hand.

We can’t really comment on the Pantech Slate’s feel or usability, but the handset really lives up to it’s namesake. The “Slate” looks wafer thin in this picture.

The Pantech Slate should undercut the just-released AT&T Samsung Propel’s price-point. Text messagers will be happy to hear that the “world’s slimmest” QWERTY handset can be had for $49.99 with new contract.

Aside from the slim form-factor and the QWERTY keyboard, the Pantech Slate fills out the rest of its feature-set with a 1.3 megapixel camera, and will be available in Black and Royal Blue.

[Via: EngadgetMobile]

If AT&T (NYSE: T) happens to be your carrier of choice, BGR has managed to get their hands on a holiday device release list (from their internal ‘ninja’ of course ). I’ve bolded one device in particular (no pun intended).

• Pantech Matrix: $80 after MIR
• Samsung Propel: $80 after MIR
• AT&T Quickfire: $100 after MIR
• Samsung Eternity: $150 after MIR
• Samsung EPIX: $200 after MIR
• LG Incite: $200 after MIR
• HTC Fuze: $300 after MIR
• BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Bold: (no pricing details yet)

Keep in mind the BlackBerry Bold has been rumored to be at AT&T for some time now. The insider ‘ninja’ did have the Bold on the list… But if current delays turn out to be a trend, don’t be too dissapointed if the device does not show up on AT&T before the holidays. It’s all up in the air, but we’ll see.

[Via: BGR]

Fans of the dual-sliding keyboard/keypad-wielding Pantech Duo from AT&T (NYSE: T) will be happy to hear that their hybrid-slider is now ready to rock with Windows Mobile 6.1.

With threaded SMS text messages and a revamped homescreen, Windows Mobile 6.1 promises to breathe new life into the already aging handset from AT&T.

AT&T seems to be staying true to their handset roadmap. But, with Windows Mobile 6.1 available on the older Pantech Duo, the upcoming Pantech Duo II on AT&T might lose sales to the older, cheaper Pantech Duo.

Grab the Windows Mobile 6.1 update for your Pantech Duo here.

Pantech Duo Windows Mobile 6.1 update

AT&T (NYSE: T) is pumping up its faster 3G network with the launch of the Pantech C610. The new clamshell from Pantech features faster browsing, access to music downloads, media streaming and one-way video calls via HSDPA. Bluetooth audio and microSD storage are also on-board.

Cost was a concern, and by re-jigging some hardware choices. In a trade-off, Pantech is running only a 1.3 MP camera, and an assist-only GPS.

You can pick up the C610 for only $29 on a 2-year plan with AT&T. The device should be available for purchase at some point later today. No word on contract-free pricing yet, but I’m sure that will trickle down the pipe soon.

[Via: Electronista]

South Korea’s Pantech has recently introduced a new mobile phone IM-S360L. The stylish slider is designed to work with LG Telecom’s CDMA network. It’s an EV-DO enabled device, ensuring high speed access to various Internet services.

Other specs include 1.3 megapixel camera, FM radio, Bluetooth support, and a memory card slot. As for the pre-installed software, the IM-S360L comes with media player, web browser, email client and a dictionary.

As usual, I doubt we’ll see Pantech releasing its Sky phones outside of South Korea, though I may be wrong…

[Via: JampBLOG]

Always highly informed Boy Genius has caught the official AT&T (NYSE: T) document which deals with the upcoming Pantech Matrix phone. The device, which will undoubtedly pushed towards heavy texters, has a Pantech Duo like dual-sliding form factor, sporting both a full QWERTY keyboard and a numeric keypad. Other specs include dual-band UMTS/HSDPA, 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth and Video Share support.

The Matrix will be available in either red, blue or black. Price is not known at this stage, though.

[Via: Boy Genius Report]

South Korean Pantech has recently introduced yet another cool-looking slider, IM-S380K. Designed to work with Korea’s KTF, the device sports a HSDPA radio, allowing users to quickly get their “Internet service fix.”

Other specs include Bluetooth support, media player, electronic dictionary and a microSD memory card slot. In a nutshell, specs wise the Pantech IM-S380K is a classic mid-ranger that would probably sell for about $100 with a contract in a Western hemisphere…

[Via: JampBLOG]

See, these pics beat the snot out of those blurry leaked ones from May. The dual-sliding Helio Ocean 2, not due out until 2009, went through the FCC ringer in March and dropped some pictures along the way.  It’s looking a helluva lot sleeker, although still a bit chubby to accommodate all the extreme sliding going on. It’ll be packing a 2 megapixel camera, 3G over EVDO, a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard and standard slider number pad. It will be interesting to see if Virgin’s handling of the Ocean 2 launch can bring Helio back onto its feet…

[PhoneScoop via MobileCrunch]

More pics of the Helio Ocean 2 after the jump!

AT&T launch dates

Huh, looks like that off-hand comment about further delays on the Bold wasn’t entirely out of line. Recent internal docs are showing AT&T delays across the board, most prominently including the long-awaited BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) 9000. Man, now the Storm, Javelin and Bold will all be out around the same time… It’ll be a hectic time for us BlackBerry fans, that’s for sure. Here are some other big changes coming up in AT&T’s lineup.

• HTC Fuze will launch on October 23nd
• Motorola (NYSE: MOT) V9x (new V9 with GPS) launches on October 2nd
• Samsung Mirage i907 (basically our version of the Omnia) launches on October 21st
• Pantech C740 in red, navy, and green launches on October 14th
• Nokia (NYSE: NOK) 6650 launches in red and silver on October 23rd
• BlackBerry 8320 in that totally cool color launches on October 21st
• BlackBerry Pearl in pink launches on October 2nd
• The BlackBerry Curve in “burnt orange” is pushed to “2009?.
• The regular BlackBerry Curve is discontinued
• The Palm (NSDQ: PALM) Treo 680s are discontinued

[via BGR]