Versa Handset with Snap-On Keyboard Hits Verizon

Remember those shots of the LG VX9600 handset with a snap-in keyboard case? They must have been the real deal since Verizon Wireless starts offering it in a few short days. March 1st will bring the LG Versa to VZW, complete with the keyboard integrated within the case. The Versa offers a 3-inch touchscreen display at 480×240, but I wonder if typing actually requires the QWERTY keyboard? I hope not, but there’s no mention in the press release. The phone does offer haptic feedback, so my gut says there should be an on-screen keyboard for mail, texting, typing URLs, etc. Using the QWERTY keypad adds a small OLED display for caller ID. That’s useful since the keypad is part of a case that covers the main screen.

The $199 Versa is a 3G-capable phone and can be used for modem tethering through Verizon’s additional Mobile Broadband Connect service. Other bells and whistles include: 2MP camera (VGA video-capable), micro SD slot, USB Mass Storage support, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, 2.5mm headphone jack (sorry 3.5mm folks!), and an 1100mAh battery.

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