New ViewPhone 3 Accepts Dual SIM Cards

ViewSonic’s ViewPhone 3, which accepts dual SIM cards, will be unveiled at CES next week and be available for the first time in the United States.

The dual SIM feature, which is popular in markets outside the U.S., can be used to keep business separate from personal calls. An ad for the model suggests one SIM card for business calls and one for personal to allow for more “personal freedom and privacy.”

Until now, the ViewPhone was only available in Latin America and Asia.

According to a study cited in the press release, about 27% of the total 568 million mobile subscriptions in Latin American are classified as “multiple subscriptions,” which means customers have more than one SIM card.

Since the phone uses two SIM cards, it’s possible to have two data plans. This can be a money-saving measure when traveling or if one data plan is used for making voice calls only. If ViewPhone 3 owners have a problem with network coverage, they can switch to the other card to connect to a network.

The ViewPhone 3 uses Android’s 2.3 Gingerbread operating system and has 512 MB of memory, plus a micro SD card slot. The phone is also capable of taking video and has an auto focus camera.

The ViewPhone 3 will be unveiled at CES on Jan. 10. The price ranges from $250-$299.

Does the ViewPhone 3 appeal to you? Tell us in the comments.

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