Windows Mobile-based smartphones are becoming more and more popular, but the idea of switching from a regular mobile to one can be a little daunting, especially when prices can be quite high.  This is where Samsung’s i740 comes in; it may not have all the features you may expect, but the price reflects this.  Here’s what we know so far:

Samsung i760 Key Features

-    It will use Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro as its operating system.
-    A 3 megapixel camera with autofocus and flash is expected.
-    The phone has built-in GPS.
-    The screen is a large 2.8″ item and the handset is set to be only 13mm thick.

Other features include an FM radio and A2DP Bluetooth which along with Windows Media Player should make the i740 a good multimedia handset.  Add the features listed above and the Samsung becomes a serious competitor to many higher-range non-smartphone handsets.

But it’s connectivity which lets the i740 down as it isn’t a 3G model and doesn’t have WiFi or even EDGE, forcing users online using only GPRS.  This is the way costs have been kept the down, but it’s also how they will alienate anyone except smartphone beginners who are unsure whether they will enjoy living with one or not.  So the i740 should be taken as My First Smartphone, or as a well-priced quad-band PDA.  No official details as yet, but expect things to become clear during summer.