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The new Virgin Mobile Shuttle is an impressive looking phone with some decent features that it’s predecessor (Starcom Slider Sonic)was lacking. It will be available on September 28th, 2008.
Impressive features include 3G (EV-DO), GPS, and fun stuff such as uLocate and Where.
The first thing that struck me as odd is the 1.3 megapixel camera. Why they skimped on the camera is beyond me, but it’s nothing new with VM. It’s amazing that the Wild Card that was released last year had a 1.3 MP camera, and a year later they still think that thetheninadequate camera is still enough.
If you can look past the unimpressive videocamera it is a 3G phone, a first for Virgin Mobile. In addition to being the first 3G device, it’s got GPS, bluetooth, a microSD slot, media player, voice dialing, and all your other standard features. Talk time is 234 minutes, and Stand By time is 13.3 days.
The addition of GPS opens up some fun features and indicates their aquisition of Helio. With the Shuttle, you get previous Helio offerings such as "uLocate" (Buddy Beacon look a like) and "Where" (local and nearby businesses).
Don’t get too excited about the bluetooth, though. It allows minimal access. Also, there is no USB cable and one is not offered. You will have to use the MicroSD card or internet to move files. They do make MicroSD to USB card’s that could correct this.
Don’t be fooled by the manufacturer, this is made by UT Starcom just like the Slider Sonic, but since then they have changed their name to PCD (Personal Communications Devices).
How about a promotion? If you buy a Shuttle, they will activate the phone for a year for you, removing the required top ups for 12 months. You will still need to pay for airtime, but you won’t have to worry about keeping it active for the first year by making your 90 day top up 🙂