After months of rumors and leaks and blurry photos, AT&T has finally fessed up to its lastest S60-powered smartphone, the Nokia E71x. This special version of the already popular E71 is clad in that sexy black color scheme, but also features S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2, which is now confirmed on AT&T’s official page for the E71x. The phone maintains its dual-band 3G (850/1900MHz) support, as well as WiFi and the built-in GPS receiver, which is nice to see.
The AT&T E71x also supports AT&T Video Share, which allows two-way video calling over AT&T’s 3G network. Unfortunately, it requires both callers to be AT&T customers, with AT&T Video Share phones, with the $10 Video Share add-on active, but hey, it still works!
We’ve also confirmed that the AT&T E71x will not be allowed to use regular MEdiaNet packages, but will require the unnecessarily more expensive PDA connect plans. No word on what will happen to unbranded E71 users on AT&T’s network, though I would assume you’re safe to continue using the consumer MEdiaNet packages, as long as your phone is unbranded.
AT&T confirmed that the price is set at a wonderful $99.99, after a 2-year commitment (and probably a mail-in rebate, though that’s not mentioned in the release). That’s a solid discount over the unbranded version, I would say. The E71x should be available ‘in the coming weeks’. I have to say I’m glad to see AT&T carrying yet another S60-powered smartphone, and even marketing it as a smartphone (which is a HUGE step for them).
