Information Week magazine reports that...

In a mobile phone variation of the "shop 'til you drop" phenomenon, Sprint Nextel (S) has launched a free shopping service for its subscribers.

Announced Thursday, the Mobile Shopper service enables subscribers to purchase products from more than 30 retailers including Target and Wal-Mart. The service, powered by mShopper, is the company's first mobile shopping service to be offered in the U.S., Sprint said.

Sprint said the service is offered free-of-charge, although subscribers will be charged for Internet access. Mobile Shopper will enable users to instantly compare online prices with in-store prices, enabling them to find the lowest prices for products. Mobile Shopper accounts can be established directly on mobile phones or on subscribers' PC. A secure PIN protects shipping addresses and credit card information.

Sprint's demo of mShopper notes that the browser interface allows the shopper to send the information to a friend's phone, e-mail the information for future reference, talk to a live sales agent, or purchase the item. The shopper must have a Web-enabled phone for the service to work.

How about a phone that doesn't drop calls while I stand still, works in most rooms of my house, etc. Huh?