Sprint Nextel has launched the Motorola i580 on its iDEN Nextel network. We first saw the handset at CTIA. The i580 is a fairly high-end handset (especially for Nextel’s lineup), but is still built to military specs. The handset is designed to be able to withstand dust, shock, vibration, extreme temperatures, solar radiation and rain.

Besides the rugged construction, the Motorola i580 features include:

• 1.3 megapixel camera with video recording
• Bluetooth
• MicroSD memory card slot
• GPS
• Push-to-talk (including Direct Talk for off-network walkie-talkie usage)
• 176×220 screen with 262K colors

Sprint Nextel is selling the Motorola i580 for $229.99 after $200 in instant savings and a 2-year service contract.