HTC Touch 3G - Sophisticated Black (Unlocked) Smartphone

One of the challenges faced by Windows Mobile 6 manufacturers (in particular, HTC, that dominates the market) is enhancing the user interface and increasing screen size--two key features that have made the iPhone popular.

The HTC Touch for Sprint does both and more. It gives users easy access to most smartphone functions by touching, tapping or swiping your finger on the TouchFlow screen. For example, one touch of your finger gets you to your email, check the weather, see what Mobile 6 apps are running, then select them and more. Because most of the Touch's real estate is the screen, like the iPhone, users have greater Web page and program visibility. This differs from Samsung's Blackjack and other mobile phones with a keypad. (Half of the phone is taken up with keys.)

That, naturally, is the biggest challenge today in mobile devices. Most manufacturers are integrating touch screen technology in their phones to compete with Apple. This challenges users to move from keypads to touch, difficult because most users still prefer controlling their mobile phones with keyboards. This accounts, in part, for Nokia's 40% share of the smartphone market and RIM's dominance with its BlackBerry's for email. I've yet to test a mobile device using pop-up QWERTY screen keyboards that beats physical keyboards. However, the Touch, offering several touch interfaces, plus handwriting recognition, comes close. Zoomboard, working only in portrait mode now, is an inexpensive software program providing a larger keypad, not as large as the iPhone's but useful.

Like the iPhone, the Touch let's you swipe your finger across and up-and-down on the screen, giving you immediate access to Sprint TV, On Demand, a handy information resource for news, weather, sports and other content. When updating content on the Touch, Sprint's EVDO network downloads info quickly, while the iPhone sucks air on AT&T's EDGE network.

HTC added voice control to the Touch, making it stand out head-over-heels against the competition. By holding down the camera key for a few seconds, users can place phone calls and open virtually any application within Windows Mobile 6. Using voice, you are only one step away from controlling bluetooth, accessing your calendar, to do list and notes or running other programs.

Add full synchronization with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, a decent 2mp camera with zoom and other controls, streaming video and a decent music player--and you're using a state-of-the-art Windows Mobile 6 touch screen device. When I reviewed phones on MarketingBeyond, my blog focusing on mobile technology, I rated the HTC Touch as the best example of an Google Android-enabled phone.

For Mac users, you're in luck. A company called Mark/Space sells a program called The Missing Sync. You can sync iCal, Address Book, Contacts and more on your Mac, using either a USB or Bluetooth connection, although Bluetooth synching didn't work when I tested the software.

Finally, one of the tests I always apply to a mobile phone is how it feels in your hand. The Touch is a half-inch shorter than the iPhone, but has a rubberized backing making it easy to hold. The iPhone is all metal, clumsy to hold and easily dropped.

2008 is going to be an important year for mobile phone development. The Open Handset Alliance and third-party programmers are hard at work, producing an explosion of innovative, functional--and fun--devices and applications. Until then, the HTC Touch is worth a look.

I bought this device because the operating system-WM for special navigation software. If you do not consider the features of WM, but only the device itself, I can say the following. function buttons awkward - at first no confidence in their firing. Then, after getting used to, it will be possible to say that they are comfortable. Now I can not say that. The battery is weak, I do not have enough charge for one day. The device has no 3.5mm audio- is bad. proprietary charging connector, a mini-USB is combined with a standard mini-USB, but poorly kept, falls and poor contact. Camera 3.2 is only good in sunlight. Afflicts poor job of navigation. So: as a phone device is inconvenient (software fault), as the Pocket PC is not convenient (guilty - low memory, low CPU), said about the camera before. My opinion may be subjective, I have long been used NOKIA and berated him for a long time, too. I have long used HP5730 Navigator and was very pleased. This device would find a replacement for these two quality equipment, but failed. However, for this price, wants more, greedy and stupid. If you want more, buy more expensive.

Probably the best phone I've ever had. I've used other smart phones based upon Windows Mobile as well as the Iphone.

The Android OS is extremely customizable and responsive. I don't have to wait for apps to load. An additional benefit for me as a programmer is that I can easily write my own app and integrate it into the system. (try that on an iphone)

I love the ability to hit the speak now on the search button and instantly speak what I'm looking for (eg. "Directions to Applebees") and it turns my words into text (Speech to text technology) and there is my search.

For use as a GPS device, you can't beat GPS + Google Maps. Add in Street View, Satellite view and you have one powerful GPS device.

App Store: Not only is the apps I want there, but there are multiple versions giving you the ability to pick and choose. You can easily find reviews on applications as well as the star rating to help you determine which app is right for you.

Camera: Strong camera, but I still prefer using a regular digital camera. I have a 12MP camera, why would I use one on my phone? However, I did take a few pictures on the phone to see how good the camera is and to be honest, it's best I've seen for a phone.

Video Viewing: No stutter at all on both videos stored on the device or from youtube.

On Screen Keyboard: I've typically stuck with phones with a built in full querty keyboard. This is the first time I choose a on screen keyboard. Took me a day or two to get used to and I like it.

Bottom Line: If you like Smart Phones, this is a good phone for you. If you're a programmer, I'd suggest this phone as well. If you are tired of being "punished" on the AT&T network by paying more just for using an IPhone.. this is a great phone. Also over the IPhone, Android supports multiple running programs at the same time.

PROs: Everything
CONs: Buy the black model. I'm not too keen on this white one

Fender Limited Edition
A music lover's phone. Created with a classic Fender sunburst-inspired design, a 16GB media card to hold thousands of songs, a 3.5mm audio jack, and preloaded with music from Eric Clapton and more.
Features 16GB Memory Card Included
Take advantage of an included memory card and fill it up with fun photos, videos, music, and more. Touch Screen with On-Screen Keyboard
Everything your phone can do is now literally at your fingertips. A high resolution touch screen gives you fast and fun access to your phone's display. Real Web Browsing with Wi-Fi.
Surf the internet quickly and conveniently and check out real web pages and access the information you need now. 3.2 Megapixel camera with Video Capture.
Capture special moments as photos or video clips. View them later on your phone, print them out or share them with family and friends by sending them to any e-mail address, camera phone. 3G Capable
Quickly connect to the Internet via 3G anywhere within the USA 3G network. Apps -Android Market-
With direct access to the Android Market you have access to all kinds of fun and useful apps to turn your phone into the ultimate mobile device.Stereo Bluetooth Connectivity
Make hands-free wireless calls and listen to your music in style, and in stereo. With Bluetooth stereo headphones, you can hear all your favorite music the way it was meant to be heard. Personal and Work E-mail.
Send and receive messages from personal and work e-mail. Music player
Play your favorite music wherever you are. Video capture/playback
Capture and play back short video clips. GPS built-in
Get your real-time location on maps, driving directions, and more. Fully Customizable.
Now you can make your phone 100% you with the ability to personalize your device from the inside out with wallpapers, icons, widgets, apps, ringtones and full suite of accessories. Limited Edition Design allowes you to set yourself apart with this latest limited edition 3g Fender. Photo caller ID.
See a photo of your caller to quickly decide whether to answer. Touchscreen keyboard.
The built-in familiar layout lets you type messages easily without searching for the letter you want. Voice-activated dialing
Call someone with simple voice commands when your hands are busy.Voice-activated functions
Control your phone with your voice.Text messaging
The quick, quiet way to stay connected. Picture messaging
Send pictures from your phone to others. Video Messaging
Use your phone to capture your favorite moments on video, then share them instantly with your friends and family.

This a review for T-Mobile's myTouch 3G Slide by HTC.

It is a nice middle of the line Android phone. You cannot compare the screen estate or raw crunching power to the top of the line Androids, but neither are you paying the premium price with this.

Nice things about it are that T-Mobile has promised to update it to the latest 2.2 version this year, although the 2.1 isn't bad either. And the HTC's Sense UI is actually very responsive. The keyboard is very nice keyboard too, a great improvement from the old G1's keyboard, but not quite at G2's level. The screen is bright and easy to read in the sunlight too. Although it does get greasy quite easily. I don't know how they manage to resist that in the iPhones, but they do it better. Albeit being a capasitive touch screen, its still not in par with the iPhone's, but well above any resistive screens I've tried. The camera is 5 Mpix autofocus with LED-light. It tends to overexpose a bit, which can be compensated manually though. The camera also shoots video at VGA resolution, 30 fps. It has the mandatory three buttons and a genius-button at the front, as well as a touch sensitive navigation butoon also, which I find mostly annoying. Naturally it has the volume-rocker and a dedicated camera button. Latter of which the iPhone is still missing. Unlike early myTouch's this does have a regular 3.5 mm audio jack again, and you charge/connect to computer it through a microUSB.

Like all Androids you have to be carefull what apps you install, as most of them seem to be done by pimple-faced teens who have no knowledge in proper program design. And as such these apps will hung your Android phone usually sooner than later, or simply just make it act funny. But with good quality apps designed and produced by professional crew, the phone is solid and responsive with the Android 2.1.

One gripe I do have about it though is the poor battery management. You have to keep on switching the Wifi, Bluetooth, GPS, 3G and syncing on and off manually to make it through a busy work day. This is something the iPhone has done so much better for years! I do hope that 2.2 will bring some sense into this too.

All in all I can recommend this phone as a reasonably priced Android phone. It does everything a high-end phone does at fraction of the cost. And best of all being a late model, it's supported by T-Mobile.