This year has seen the previously little known Taiwanese smart phone manufacturer HTC explode on to the international market with a series of fantastic consumer friendly mobile phones such as the Touch, Touch Cruise, Touch Diamond, the Dream G1 and now this, the daddy of them all; the Touch HD.
HTC Touch HD Key Features
The Touch HD took the industry by surprise back at the beginning of September when some leaked pictures and very few details showed up on various Internet tech sites, but one thing was for sure, the screen was looking very special indeed. When HTC confirmed the release of the Touch HD just over a week afterwards, we had our hopes confirmed too; it would feature a WVGA 480×800 screen!
OK, so it may not be true high definition resolution, but in mobile phone terms, this was a huge step forward, especially as the all-important 800 pixel width is perfect for viewing many websites in landscape mode. The massive 3.8″ screen size is important too, as it beats not only the majority of its competitors but retains the same overall footprint too, including that of the Apple iPhone 3G.
The super-clear screen displays the latest TouchFLO 3D software from HTC, which overlays their currently preferred Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional operating system. The TouchFLO 3D system works by scrolling a bar with your finger to access major functions from the Home screen in an attempt to hide Windows Mobile as much as possible. HTC have even bundled the Opera Mini browser in order to avoid the need to use Internet Explorer.
Unlike previous Touch handsets, the Touch HD contains all the major functions of a top range modern smart phone. It's a 3G mobile with HSDPA support and Wi-Fi connectivity, there's built-in GPS with Google Maps, a 5 megapixel camera with selectable autofocus, FM RDS radio, MP3, YouTube and video player plus a 3.5mm jack plug for your own headphones.
Release Date for the HTC Touch HD.
The HTC Touch HD is expected to be on sale from the 7th November 2008.
Also Consider.
The touchscreen smart phone market is getting very crowded and despite the Touch HD's amazing screen, it's still going to have some tough competition. If you aren't an iPhone 3G fan, then the Samsung Omnia is one of the most complete packages available and a superb choice, while the LG Renoir KC910 boasts an 8 megapixel camera but no 3.5mm jack plug. Nokia haven't embraced the touchscreen as yet, but you would be wise to check out both the N85 and N96 before the purchase of any smart phone today. It's not going to be an easy decision, but it'll certainly be a fun one!
