Eco-friendly GD510 Pop officially announced

LG has announced the GD510, an environmentally friendly touchscreen handset that's due for release this month.

Unlike some other eco models, the Pop sports a pretty respectable spec list that includes a 3-inch WQVGA touchscreen display, Bluetooth and microSD support; there's even a 3-megapixel camera that can handle video recording.

The GD510 isn't a full-blown smartphone though, so Wi-Fi, 3G and GPS are all off the menu, but then again we're struggling to think of any other featurephone that offers a solar panel battery cover as an optional extra.

Green credential-wise, LG has used recycled materials for the Pop's packaging and included a charger that cuts off once the handset is full of juice – it also displays an on-screen message reminding you to unplug it.

By far the most interesting eco-feature is that optional solar panel battery cover; sold separately for an undisclosed sum, it will apparently provide 2mins 15 seconds of talk time or 180-minutes on standby after just 10 minutes in direct sunlight.

The GD510 looks like many other touch operated handsets; think expansive touchscreen and silver trim, but one point of note is that the Pop features only a single button for making and receiving calls - as yet we're unclear as to whether it's some sort of rocker that allows for both accepting and rejecting incoming calls.

Pricing hasn't yet been announced, but it's said to be launching in Europe in mid-October, with other regions to follow; look out Samsung Blue Earth and Solar Guru.