Bluebird BIP-6000 Phone Revealed [Bluebird Releasing Rugged Android Smartphone, 3G, GSM]

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SDG Systems has introduced a new tough smartphone, for use in rugged environments where regular gadgets wouldn’t stand up. It has regular features like we’re used to, such as Android, a camera, and a QWERTY keyboard, but it also meets US military standards.

The Bluebird BIP-6000, from SDG Systems, is the new rugged smartphone. It will come with Android as an operating system, and will have the aforementioned BlackBerry-like plastic QWERTY keyboard. IT’ll have a 806MHz processor, and a 1D bar code scanner. Unfortunately, the ruggedness comes at a price as the phone will ship with Android 1.5, which is quickly being outdated by newer versions left and right.

It’ll also come with a 3MP digital camera (with flash), and will have a 3.5-inch screen with a resolution of 480 x 640. It will run on GSM voice bands and for data, it’s 3G capable. SDG Systems proudly reports that it meets the US Military’s MIL-STD-810F standard for withstanding drops, vibration, temperature, pressure, moisture, sand and dust.

Reportedly, the phone was supposed to ship with Windows Mobile, but the developers added Android 1.5 just before CES. They’ve assured the press that Android 2.x will be coming soon to the phone. Unfortunately, the phone will come unsubsidized at a high, high price of $2,000 – so only those who need it will probably buy it.