T-Mobile has announced the imminent arrival of its MDA Vario IV keyboard-sporting Windows Mobile smartphone.The HTC-built MDA Vario IV is similar in looks and functionality to the recently announced HTC Touch Diamond (which T-Mobile will be selling as the MDA Compact IV), but features a slide out Qwerty keyboard on the side.

The MDA Vario IV, which also uses the latest version of the Windows Mobile full touchscreen user interface, has high-speed HSDPA 3G connectivity inside capable of download speeds of up to 7.2Mbps, plus Wi-Fi support. It also has a built in GPS receiver with Google Maps mapping and navigation functionality.

Running on the Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone operating system, with a new 3D user interface layered on top, the MDA Vario IV comes with a full suite of Office Mobile applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, plus mobile versions of Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer software.

In addition to the usual spread of 3G functionality - including high speed audio and video downloads, web browsing and video calling via a front facing camera - the MDA Vario IV has a 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus camera. Stereo Bluetooth and USB 2.0 connectivity are supported too, plus the device features MicroSD memory card expansion.

The T-Mobile MDA Vario IV is scheduled for release in summer 2008, with prices yet to be confirmed.