AT&T today released the Samsung Epix, the first smartphone available in the U.S. with a built-in optical mouse. It is the heir to the Samsung BlackJack and BlackJack II.

Also equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard, the Epix is a world phone quad-band world phone with 3G that measures a compact 4.6 x 2.4 x 0.5 weighs 4.4 ounces. It also includes a 2.5-inch touch display and Wi-Fi.

Located in the center of the device between the right and left soft keys (it's a Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional phone), the optical mouse allows for quick and easy navigation by simply sweeping a finger over it. To make a selection, a single click will bring users to their desired location within the phone's menus.

The optical mouse can also be switched to a four-way navigation key for more traditional navigation. For those who would rather interact directly with the touch screen, they can either use their finger to navigate or the Epix's built-in stylus for pinpoint accuracy.

The Epix also provides users with access to multiple e-mail accounts with Microsoft Direct Push for corporate users and AT&T Xpress Mail, which includes access to most major personal e-mail accounts. It also offers over-the-air synchronization of contacts, calendars and task lists with Microsoft Exchange Server or Xpress Mail and support for Good Mobile Messaging.

The smartphone is compatible with Microsoft's System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, an enterprise-grade mobile solution for managing and protecting Windows Mobile 6.1 phones. Mobile Device Manager provides users with software distribution capabilities and security-enhanced access to company data while they are away from the office.

It also includes stereo Bluetooth technology for wireless stereo headset support, a 2.0 megapixel camera with video-capture capabilities, Windows Media Player 10 Mobile and a microSD memory card slot for external storage of up to 32GB of data.

Additional features include a built-in 1800 mAh battery; aGPS, for use with AT&T Navigator, AT&T Navigator Global Edition and other GPS-based applications; and AT&T Video Share, which allows users to share live video while participating in a voice call.

The Epix goes for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a mail-in rebate. For more information, see here.