Kyocera is about to release its new Palm-based smart phone and Verizon says it will start selling it immediately.
The wireless operator said Friday it would start offering the Kyocera 6035 to its customers on Monday. The tri-mode device, which supports CDMA digital PCS, CDMA digital cellular and analog, acts both as a phone and a Palm handheld.
While previous hybrid devices were far bulkier than most phones, the new-generation device weighs 7.3 ounces and measures about 5.6 inches by 2.6 inches by .86 inches, according to Kyocera.
The company said the device will retail for $499 with a one-year service contract. Verizon claims it is the first carrier to offer the device. Kyocera became a major player in the wireless market when it took over Qualcomm’s wireless handset business last year.