Sound the alarms: Verizon actually releases Samsung SCH-i760

Yes, you read that right. After what seemed like ages (heck, this video shown here was taken way back at CES 2007), Verizon Wireless today officially announced the availability of the Samsung SCH-i760 smartphone.

A bigger, badder version of the Samsung BlackJack, this Windows Mobile 6 (Professional Edition) device adds a slide-out QWERTY keyboard with an external dial pad, a touch screen, and integrated Wi-Fi. If that weren't enough, it also serves up EV-DO, Verizon's V Cast services, Bluetooth with A2DP support, and a 1.3-megapixel camera.

Of course, all this goodness comes with a cost. The i760, available online October 19 and in stores November 2, is priced at $349.99 with a two-year contract and after rebates.

I just got this monster of a smartphone (seriously, it kind of scares me) into my hands a couple of hours ago, and I know a lot of you have been waiting for it, so I'm going to work feverishly to get a full review out to you soon. Stay tuned, friends.

Update: In addition to the i760, Verizon also revealed plans to offer several other smartphones, including the Verizon Wireless XV6800, Palm Treo 755p, and Verizon Wireless SMT5800. We don't know availability dates or pricing on these devices yet, but will report back soon and give you some more details on the new models.