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Dec. 5, 2008

Beginning today, wireless handset manufacturer Kogan is accepting pre-orders for its new second Android phone, called the Kogan Agora Pro.

It looks very much like a BlackBerry that the two are easy to get confused. Some think the new Kogan phone will steal the show from BlackBerry. Others disagree.

The new Android phone is making its debut in Australia for $399 AU ($256 US). It is expected to be available in most U.S. markets around Jan. 15, 2009.

Unlike T-Mobile's new G1 handset, this mobile phone comes unlocked for use on any wireless carrier, which should prove popular with many users.

In addition to the Kogan Agora Pro, a scaled down version called the Kogan Agora Deb, will also be available for $299 AU ($192 US). The Agora Basic won't include a camera, Wi-Fi, or GPS.

Both phones are shipped unlocked for use on any Australian wireless carrier and come standard with a 624 MHz CPU, 128 MB of RAM, a Micro-SD slot, full 3-G network compatibility, a touch-sensitive 320×240 2.5" screen, Bluetooth functionality, central navigation key and a backlit QWERTY keyboard.

Unlike Apple's iPhone, the new Kogan handset touch keyboard takes some getting used to. Some people never really get used to it, especially former Blackberry users or those who are comfortable with a two-hand typing experience.

Switching to the iPhone is a move these folks need to think carefully about. Although they gain a combo media player/phone and applications galore at their fingertips, they have to sacrifice the typing experience they consider to be ideal.

On the flip side of the coin, the Kogan Agora looks like RIM's Blackberry and includes all the Android features as well. What's appealing about the Kogan Agora is its promise to deliver the best of both worlds. It combines the apps and music of the iPhone with the form factor and keypad of a standard Blackberry.

Now you can have both music and apps and the possibility of using a real hardware-based keyboard. Unfortunately for Blackberry addicts, it first arrived on T-Mobile's G-1 network which came with a slideout keyboard.

Speaking of the BlackBerry, RIM annouced a while back it was launching new applications for its popular unit, and that more will also be released soon.

The competition in this market is in deed accelerating.

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Source: Kogan.