Three i760 release issues point to August or later, folks.

First, the several posts citing the i760 as having failed VZW "user testing"--perhaps, for software issues attributable to crapware--were more convincing than any declaring it having passed. (We'd like to think approval would ring out a faint note or two from VZW concertmaster "Lou," who presides over the QWERTY keys of the Hammond organ in the Church of Bedminster. Nada.)

So, who says the i760 is now "Mother Bell-approved?"

Second, it's hard to believe so many VZW people would know virtually nothing about a device scheduled for imminent rollout. And there's no useful intel on other forums or blogs. (Yes, PDAdb.net still indicates July. But the "official" VZW doc that started this thread had called February!)

We acknowledge that VZW is customarily tight-lipped about release schedules, and that C/S and store reps are always poor sources, but c'mon. When this device is within a few weeks of dropping, we'll know it.

Third, the i760 is likely to hit B2B channels two weeks before online/telesales and maybe three weeks before retail. The biz reps will know first, but their current reports simply lack conviction. Still, keep after them.

By the evidence, a case can be made that the reason no date has been captured is because...release has been on hold.

So what are the odds for July? Not lookin' good. By all accounts, it's shaping up for...late August, or worse.

It's conceivable that the xv6800, already on Sprint as the "Mogul," will drop first. And it's possible that the compelling HTC P4550 "Kaiser," for GSM/HSDPA/HSUPA, will launch at AT&T before VZW gets out the Sammy. Ah, yes, the substitution effect...

VZW may soon learn that committees cannot design hardware.

Perhaps "Ethan" has better info but he's no longer in the food chain for devices--and the first to say so.


Finally, we note that this week marks the i730's second anniversary (x830s are still offered at VZW and Sprint). An amazing reign that won't likely be repeated by Samsung, let alone anyone else. All in all, the Jeep that helped win WW3.x Thanks, Sammy.

--BAM

P.S. We note that the competitive tech limitations of the i760, as well as its tardy release, aren't Samsung's fault. After all, Sammy didn't design this handset. VZW did.