Sprint announced today that the new Palm Treo Pro device will hit the stores on March 15, being available to customers for US$199.99 on a two year contract.

Featuring speedy EV-DO Rev. A 3G data, GPS support for navigation, and built-in WiFi capabilities, the device will be the first Palm smartphone to come with Internet Explorer Mobile 6 for a more robust mobile browsing experience. Other business-class features include full keyboard for fast email and texting and touchscreen availability.

The Treo Pro supports Microsoft Direct Push Technology for instant email, contacts and calendar information. It’s also compatible with the Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, which boosts security and offers easier device management and access to corporate networks.

“Business decision makers require a product that not only integrates seamlessly into their existing IT infrastructures, but one that’s also cost-effective,” said John Traynor, vice president, business products, Palm, Inc. “Treo Pro delivers just that – a feature set that IT managers need to support their mobile work force.”

The Treo Pro also has a more contemporary and sleeker design than previous Palm devices, although it's not as sleek as an iPhone or any other newer-generation touchscreen smartphones.

For those who prefer to purchase the Pro without a service agreement, it will be available for $550.

Sprint had originally planned the release of the Treo Pro for sometime in January, but had to push it back several times.