HTC Touch Pro Unboxed

[Darius Wey]

<p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/spt/auto/1218702454.usr2.jpg" border="1" /></p><p>The HTC Touch Pro, widely seen as a Touch Diamond + keyboard, has come out of its shell this week. Both <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/11/htc-touch-pro-hands-on/" target="_blank">Engadget</a> and <a href="http://www.tracyandmatt.co.uk/blogs/index.php/2008/08/14/htc-touch-pro-unboxed-exclusive" target="_blank">Tracy &amp; Matt</a> have given it the unboxing treatment. Like all new toys, it has a few downsides. First, there's the thickness. It's comparable to the Tilt's (TyTN II), but if you're used to the slender build of the Touch Diamond or iPhone 3G, you'll be labelling the Touch Pro a brick the moment you set your eyes on it. Second, there's no 3.5mm headphone jack, but that's nothing new in the world of HTC. So, audiophiles, be warned: you may need an adapter or two to get the Touch Pro to play nice with your favourite cans. Third, there's the touch screen. I appreciate HTC's efforts in making Windows Mobile more touch-friendly, but having played with the iPhone and a wide range of (supposedly) touch-friendly Windows Mobile devices, I do think there's a world of difference between capacitive and non-capacitive touch screens. The Touch Pro has the latter. So while the touch experience on the Touch Pro might be great, it could certainly be better.</p><p>That said, this still seems like a solid device. Any of you own one or have played with one and care to weigh in with your thoughts? If you're interested in ordering one, our <a href="http://www.expansys-usa.com/p.aspx?partner=pthoughts&amp;i=169845" target="_blank">affiliate hardware store (Expansys)</a> is expecting stock in less than two weeks.</p>

[burtcom]

Solid -- but man that price is a killer.

[PdaAddict]

I wish Sprint would offer an Iphone. Looks like I will have to settle for another HTC phone, which I am sure will have some of the same (as my Mogul) and some new problems that are attributable to all HTC/WM products.

[wmm]

This looks to be my second-favorite device that's either just out or coming soon. Its main disadvantage is the physical keyboard and corresponding thickness (I never use the keyboard on my current device, a Cingular 8525/TyTN/Hermes), and the screen resolution isn't as good as the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1. However, it fixes the significant drawbacks of the Touch Diamond (lack of microSD support, lack of a camera flash, low-capacity battery). My ideal device would be the Samsung Omnia with the screen from the Xperia X1, but no one is making anything like that currently.

Anyhow, it's all moot for me until AT&T announces which, if any, of these devices it will carry and subsidize; I certainly can't justify spending $600-$1000 on a phone, no matter how nice, so I'll have to wait and see what AT&T will do.

[MattMojo]

After watching this video http://www.expansys-usa.com/video.aspx?id=1441&i=169845

there is no question that this is the replacement for my most excellent i-760

[cab124]

I want now!

[Jason Lee]

Amazing device... I don't know if i could justify the upgrade price from my TyTN II though. :(

I had planned on waiting until WM7 came out before upgrading.

[netboy]

you kids do know this phone wont work with USA 3.5G, right?

[Janak Parekh]

I wish Sprint would offer an Iphone. Looks like I will have to settle for another HTC phone, which I am sure will have some of the same (as my Mogul) and some new problems that are attributable to all HTC/WM products. Alas, it'll not happen in the near future. Apple seems committed to GSM/GPRS/EDGE/HSDPA for the time being, and Sprint uses none of those. :(

This looks like a killer device, although I'm curious about its battery life. I've heard the Touch Diamond with its small battery has a fairly short battery life.

--janak

[MattMojo]

you kids do know this phone wont work with USA 3.5G, right?


They have submitted CDMA/EVDO version I believe to the FCC --- So all should be good for us Verizon users ---- we just may have to wait a little longer than most.

Mojo

[Rocco Augusto]

They have submitted CDMA/EVDO version I believe to the FCC --- So all should be good for us Verizon users ---- we just may have to wait a little longer than most.

Didn't an UMTS/HSDPA version of the regular Touch Diamond already pass thorugh the FCC with flying colors? It only seems logical they would send in the Touch Pro for testing as well.

I'll keep my fingers crossed. :D

[sofene]

Solid -- but man that price is a killer.

Man, at that price ($970), I would have my head examined if I should even think of getting one. It wont even appeal to me at half the price.

[wmm]

Rumor has it that the Touch Pro will be coming very shortly to AT&T as the "Fuze." No word on pricing, though.