Verizon is readying its first ZTE device for the market. The Salute slider handset will come with all the entry level necessities you need, including a 2.4-inch display, a 1.3-megapixel camera and bluetooth. There’s also some basic Internet access so you can chat and do e-mail.

A Media Center app will allow you to download games, wallpapers, ringtones and location-based services. The Backup Assistant will help keep your data safe by copying the address book to an online source.

Also, VZ Navigator can be accessed for turn-by-turn assisted GPS. So what’s the damge? The Salute will cost you just $20 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a two-year contract.

[Ubergizmo]