The Unofficial Cingular Weblog

In the first part of New Handset Speculation we talked about what we would expect for release in the first quarter of 06. With January practically gone we have some practical (as well as probable) predictions for February.

Prediction #1: The Nokia 6282 will launch second half of February with all of its UMTS glory. We have no pricing information but we would definitely put it around $200. The 6682 was dropped in price today with the addition of a $60.00 rebate that is available to customers who sign-up for unlimited internet usage on their line. We would imagine the 6282 upon launch as well as the other two expected 3G phones to have this sort of pricing scheme as well.

Prediction #2: With the Cingular 2125 currently in launch limbo (available on-line and only some stores). We expect the Cingular 8125 to follow suit towards the beginning of the month gradually making its way to differing retail outlets by the end of the coming month. Pricing for the Cingular Windows Mobile 5 device is reported to be $349.99 after a $50.00 mail-in rebate and probably with a voice plan of $39.99 or higher and the addition of an unlimited PDA Connect package. In addition this will add back to the Cingular line-up in terms of devices actually capable of using their WiFi service which is powered by both SBC and ATT hotspots. Previously the now discontinuted Siemens SX66 was the only PDA with built-in WiFi. The Option Globetrotter EDGE card also featured WiFi.

Prediction #3: One more PTT phone? While we have heard rumors that the z520a was going to be launched with PTT service we believe that they might have been started or fueled by the disappearance of them earlier this month. We are still hoping for a Nokia PTT phone, but current sources are pointing to another LG. The model number is the LG CG C300. Reportedly it is, like most LG’s, nothing special. However this flip phone is supposed to have Bluetooth. We would expect the Bluetooth feature to put it right with the Samsung D357 as far as price points, and we hope to see another Buy-One-Get-One offer.

Prediction #4: Prepaid always seems to get the shaft as far as equipment is concerned. Cingular’s prepaid phone lineup definitely has a case of schizophrenia as well. So why not throw another wrench into the works for fun!?! Sources are pointing to another Sony Ericsson, a lower end device that recently was launched by SE. The z300a is a lower end clam-shell device by Sony Ericsson. It features the simulated analog clock display on the outside as seen on previous European SE models, dual-band roaming and polyphonic ringtones.

Thats it for now!