HTC Touch Diamond
HTC is one of the fastest growing mobile phone companies ,and has achieved notable recognition in recent years, thanks to its high-end Pocket PCs and smart phones. Since 1997, the year in which the Taiwanese manufacturer began operating under the brand name Palm, it became clear that the whole world dominance was the main target of the former Qtek company . In 2006, it announced that it no longer produces Qtek-branded products, starting in place to manufacture PDAs under its own HTC brand. Excellent cooperation between Nokia and Microsoft, the supplier of the operating system that runs on all Palm devices, made it possible for Taiwan-based Company to work on their own user-interface that would improve the standard Windows Mobile operating system.
The first attempt to mix their own user-interface with Microsoft’s OS was a successfully story. The device was codenamed HTC Touch , while the interface was called TouchFLO. What was unique about the latter, in addition to its stunning visual appearance, was the ability to detect a sweeping motion and the skill to really distinguish between finger and writing. How was coming out with something innovative in response to Apple’s iPhone, and even managed to launch its product a few weeks ahead of his rival.
Unfortunately, the comparison with the iPhone UI only were fundamental, since it can only be applied to some of the media features of Palm unit includes, for example: music players, photo albums, video recorders and video-based contact book. A year later, HTC improved its interface, which is now called TouchFLO 3D, and integrate more complex features designed to exceed the functionality of the iPhone interface. The first device to feature TouchFLO 3D user-interface has been codenamed HTC Touch Diamond.
The device was announced in May 2008 and became available the same month in Asia and a month later, in June, right across Europe. The price of HTC Touch Diamond may vary depending on location and in the plan that goes with it. Prices for the free unlocked unit starts from around U.S. $ 700, but it could easily go up to $ 800-900.
As the Asian company stated in its official press release, HTC Touch Diamond is the thinnest unit that the company released so far. Its actions, 102 x 51 x 11.5 mm, and weight (110 grams, battery included), confirmed the statement and introduce a new meaning to the word "thin" on the Pocket PC market. No other Pocket PC has been worthy of the title "pocket significant" product before HTC’s Touch Diamond. Its thickness and weight makes it one of the smallest handheld on the market, even less than that of its main rival - the iPhone (115 x 61 x 11.6 mm and 135g). Enough said about the size of the device, let’s look at the materials used to produce it, and in the development of the ports and keys.
When you receive the product in your hand, you see the first disadvantage - the shiny plastic is a fingerprint magnet. There is no way to keep it clean the moment you start using it. In fact, its front portion will always be full of grease and fingerprints, if you do not dry it thoroughly every time you touch it. What is worse / better, you will only be able to notice the dirt on the display are driven out, just as in sleep. In addition, the phone may seem black at first glance, but if you keep it in good light, you might find that it is actually gray. Only the back of the phone is made of a glossy black plastic. There are not many ports or external keys, except the two volume keys on the left side of the phone, and miniUSB port on the bottom, where you can put the charger, a miniUSB cable for PC-synchronization or headset, which comes with the phone. There is also the power switch is placed as usual in the early part of the phone. It can also be used to activate the phone when in standby mode. A very small ambient light sensor, in small earpiece and a secondary VGA camera that can be used for video calls have been placed above the 2.8′’screen. Below the screen, there are only four keys that can be used to control the menu on your phone if you do not want to touch and fat drive.
Impressions
I believe that the new HTC Touch Diamond is redefining the perception of advanced mobile phones. It signals a giant leap forward in combining hi-tech prowess with intuitive usability and exhilarating design. The device has been built in quite a balanced manner, and the quality of the materials used is obvious. Moreover, the whole layout of the device has been well built. Who says that style and substance in a phone are mutually exclusive? This device proves that you can have both under the same hood.
The Good
Without any doubt, the most enthralling feature of the device is the new TouchFLO 3D interface. The vibrant touch-responsive user interface, ultra-fast HSDPA internet connectivity and rich multimedia features make Touch Diamond one of the best "multimedia devices" on the market.
The Bad
I was about to say that the device lacks the power it needs to offer a smooth multimedia experience but, with the latest ROM launched, this no longer holds true. Still, we have a 3.2 Megapixel below average camera and a very weak battery. Maybe more accessories in the sales package would have made it more attractive for potential buyers.
Sales package
HTC Touch Diamond handset
900 mAh Lithium-ion polymer battery
USB to PC sync cable
AC Power Adaptor
Spare Stylus
HS S300 earphones
Manual
CD-ROM
