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In case you hadn't heard yet, Sprint PCS Group launched its Code Division Multiple Access 1x network earlier this month, which it is calling the PCS Vision network. The network promises to be nationwide (caveat--nationwide in areas with more than 100,000 people), and will give data speeds up to 144kbps in bursts, with average data throughput in the 50kbps to 70kbps range.

To take advantage of the new network, you'll need a Vision-enabled device. Luckily, Sprint and its partners have announced several devices that will become available over the next few weeks:

Phones and PDAs

• Handspring Treo 300 - The first Treo Communicator that works on a CDMA 1x network, the Treo 300 includes an integrated and backlit keyboard, and can run programs for the Palm operating system. Through Sprint's Business Connection program (which uses the Seven platform for e-mail), Treo users will be able to access their Microsoft Exchange server for "always on" e-mail. Cost: $500.
  
  
• Toshiba 2032 - An integrated Pocket PC phone from Sprint, the 2032 comes with a full-color display, 206-MHz Intel StrongArm processor, 32MB of RAM, and will run Pocket PC applications. Cost: $800.
  
  
• Samsung Electronics A500 - Offers a bright color screen and the ability to take photos with the add-on Vision Camera. Cost: $300.
  
  
• LG Infocomm USA's 5350 - Includes color screen, multitone games, ringers, and musical keypad options. Cost: $230.
  
  
• Samsung N400 - Flip-phone form factor that includes color screen, and the ability to take photos with the Vision Camera accessory. Cost: $200.
  
  
• Hitachi Data Systems' P300 - The first Hitachi model offered in the U.S., this phone will offer a color screen and personalization options. Cost: $300.
  
  
• Sanyo Electric 4900 - Includes a 1.7-inch color display, speakerphone, and luminescent keypad backlight. Cost: $180.
  
  

Data Cards

• Novatel Wireless PCS Connection Card (Merlin C201) - PC card that Sprint says will be able to send and receive data at average speeds of 50 to 70kbps, with bursts of up to 144kbps. The card has a built-in antenna and is compatible with laptops (Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP) and handheld devices (Pocket PC 2000 and 2002 with a Type II PC Card slot). Cost: $250.
  
  
• Sierra Wireless PCS Connection Card (AirCard 550) - In addition to receiving data through the PC Card, this card also can send and receive voice calls while using an earbud. This is the same card that is used on Verizon Wireless' CDMA 1x network. Cost: $350.
  
  
• Yiso PCS Connection Card (CF 2031) - PC Card that will let users make voice calls in addition to sending data through a laptop or handheld. Cost: $230.
  
  

Accessories and Price Plans

• PCS Vision Camera - Sold through Sprint, the Vision Camera from InfoHand will give a point-and-click experience to capture, share, and manage full-color pictures on Samsung's N400 and A500 phones. Cost: Less than $100.
  
  

Sprint will offer business and consumer PCS Free and Clear plans, which provide separate allotments for voice calls and data applications: minutes for voice calls and megabytes for data usage.

• PCS Free & Clear with Vision - Ranging in price from $45 to $120 per month, this plan will include megabytes for data usage along with varying amounts of voice minutes, depending on the plan.
  
  
• PCS Vision for Laptops and PDAs - Sprint is offering business customers introductory rates for data plans: $40 per month for 20MB, $60 per month for 40MB, $80 per month for 70MB, and $120 per month for 120MB. Business customers also can get unlimited data usage for $50 per month for the first three months, then $100 per month thereafter, with a one-year agreement.
  
  

• See more like this:
• Sprint PCS,
• 3G,
• third-generation,
• PCS Vision network,
• Handspring Treo 300,
• Toshiba 2032,
• Samsung Electronics A500,
• LG Infocomm USA's 5350,
• Samsung N400,
• Hitachi Data Systems' P300,
• Sanyo Electric 4900,
• Novatel Wireless PCS Connection Card,
• Yiso PCS Connection Card