Samsung Epic 4G for Sprint Available August 31st for $249.99, Reservations Beginning August 13th

Sure enough, August 11th turned out to be something worthwhile. Thanks to Samsung, we can now safely say that we know when the Epic 4G, Sprint's second 4G-equipped device, will be hitting the airwaves this year. The Epic 4G is the most distinct variation of the Samsung Galaxy S devices launching here in the States: featuring a 4-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen display, a 1GHz Hummingbird processor under the hood, a full physical QWERTY keyboard on a landscape slider, and Samsung's proprietary TouchWiz 3.0 User Interface overlaying Android 2.1, the Epic 4G also sits high on the hill thanks to its ability to connect to Sprint's 4G WiMAX network.

Sprint has officially come forward and announced that the Epic will be made available on August 31st, 2010. However, instead of doing the standard pre-order, they are doing something completely original: allowing you to reserve your handset. Instead of just hoping that your pre-order sticks, you'll be able to actually make sure that you get a device when launch date comes around. Sprint stores, Best Buys, RadioShacks, and Walmarts are all going to be opening up early (at 8:00am your local time) to make sure that you have plenty of time in the morning to get your 4G handset, before you have to go to work and put it in your pocket. You can begin reserving the device on August 13th, which is in just a couple of days. Price wise, you're looking at $249.99 after you sign a new, two-year contract and you send in that $100 mail-in rebate. So, that's $350+ you'll be dropping in the store, but hey, to get your hands on that sweet four inch display and 4G connectivity, wouldn't you be willing to drop all of your hard earned money?

Press Release

Where to Get It

Samsung Epic 4G will be available beginningTuesday, Aug. 31, in all Sprint retail channels, including Sprint.com, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and national retail partners, RadioShack, Best Buy and Walmart, with Sprint Stores opening at 8 a.m.local time. It will cost $249.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade, two-year service agreement, after a $100 mail-in rebate (taxes excluded).

A New Reservation Process

For the first time ever, Sprint is offering customers a unique opportunity to reserve Samsung Epic 4G for purchase. Customers can reserve their smartphone for purchase at www.sprint.com/epic4gbeginning Friday, Aug. 13., while supplies last. Customers who reserve Samsung Epic 4G will be able to complete their purchase beginning Tuesday, Aug. 31, and must complete their purchase no later than 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Sept. 1. Through the reservation process, customers will be able to reserve their devices online, pick them up in a Sprint Store, and receive the full retail experience, including Sprint's Ready Now service.

Please see the attached news release and fact sheet.