Samsung Epix integrates a touch sensitive pad and QWERTY keyboard

I took a look at a Samsung Windows Mobile phone at Mobile World Congress earlier this year that was labeled the SGH-i780 and since then there has been a lot of speculation that the device would eventually come to the US. Yesterday, Samsung and AT&T announced the availability of a variant of this device, now dubbed the Samsung Epix. While most all of the specifications of these high end Windows Mobile devices are the same now, the Epix is unique due to its small touch sensitive pad (also seen on the Samsung OMNIA) instead of a more standard directional pad. You can use it as a mouse or as a directional pad and control it with your settings. When I tried this in Spain, I didn't quite understand why you would want such a mouse when you have a full touch screen right there in front of you and it is faster to just tap on the screen rather than move a mouse pointer around with you thumb or finger.

There are a couple of early reviews of the Epix on WMExperts and infoSync with a video first look over at Mobility Site. The device is actually quite reasonably priced at just US$199.99 after US$100 mail-in rebate and 2-year contract committment. There is also a no committment price of US$449.99, which is still less than the US$549 that Palm charges for the Palm Treo Pro. I really like my Treo Pro and don't think the Epix can knock it from my hands. I like that the Palm Treo Pro doesn't come loaded with any carrier bloatware and services and imagine the Epix comes loaded with all kinds of AT&T services that you have to pay for monthly.

Other specifications on the Epix include 256MB ROM/150MB RAM, 320x320 display, 2 megapixel camera, 1800 mAh battery, integrated HSDPA/GSM, WiFi, and Bluetooth radios, and integrated GPS receiver.