TAG | HTC’s new Touch model has GPS but ditches the keypad |
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| by Alex Zaharov-Reutt | |
| Tuesday, 25 March 2008 | |
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HTC rectified this when they brought out the 3G/3.5G equipped HTC Touch Dual, featuring a slide-down numeric keypad for easy dialling of numbers, as well as two-letters per key, like SureType on Blackerry devices, for quick and easy text messaging, email or text entry into any software. The keypad, a processor that was twice as fast and the 3.5G chipset within the upgraded HTC Touch Dual really transformed the device into one that was much more useful than the original HTC Touch, and quite impressed me. So, it is with some surprise that the new HTC Touch Cruise does nice things like including an iPod-esque scrolling wheel on the front of the phone – but forces you to, once again, either use your fingers or a stylus to enter numbers or type out information. Of course, a touch interface is supposed to negate the need for any keyboard. But let’s not forget that Windows Mobile Pocket PC phones have been touch screen devices from the start, and we only need to look at the iPhone to see how miserably Windows Mobile devices have failed in comparison with Apple. Yes, TouchFlo is a stunningly good advance in bringing a true finger touch interface, and will both impress some existing Windows Mobile users and answer all their prayers. But as far as I’m concerned, the only device that can truly exist without a separate keyboard is the iPhone/iPod Touch – and there are those that would argue with me on that. Windows Mobile devices need a tactile keyboard/keypad of some sort. It’s sad to say it, but it’s true, at least... in my opinion. Given that the GPS feature is the new standout for the HTC Touch Cruise, it is slightly surprising that the Co-Pilot Live 7 software isn’t pre-loaded, but then it’s no big deal to install it yourself afterwards. Some people might prefer to install Tom Tom or other GPS software instead, so at least you do have this choice. What about some of the HTC Touch Cruise’s other features, like the inclusion of Wi-Fi, an FM radio and more? Also, is the HTC Touch Dual hooked up to a GPS Bluetooth module a better option? Please read onto page 2. |
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