Wallpaper* and HTC team-up for design awards !

December 16, 2009 By Remo Knops 1 Comment

Yesterday I received some interesting news about HTC, which for a change isn’t about one of their latest devices, like the sponsorship announcement of Team Columbia-HTC just before the start of the Tour de France 2009 earlier this year.

However HTC now teams-up with Wallpaper* and sponsors the Wallpaper* design awards 2010, as you can read on the Wallpaper* website. An intersting move since Wallpaper* isn’t about mobile technology, but about design interiors fashion art and lifestyle as you can read in the subtitle of the Wallpaper* logo.

Perhaps this collaboration isn’t as strange as it seem to be at first sight, since the common denominator is design and functionality. You all probably know examples like the eye catching design of the “chin” on the HTC Dream and HTC Hero devices, or HTC is the first to use capacitive screen technology on Windows Phones with the HTC HD2.

“We all enjoy a bit of flash and flamboyance now and then but we reserve our highest praise for design that does something truly useful and does it beautifully. We go ga-ga for elegant solutions and functional punch. HTC, world leaders in communications technology, are of a similar mind and operate under the banner ‘quietly brilliant’. Who better then to partner up with to present this year’s Readers’ Choice award, a celebration of the beautifully useful.”

The nominations for the HTC Reader’s Choice (Design) Awards 2010 are:

Bullfrog LED front bike lights by Knog;
Air Multiplier fan by Dyson;
W+W toilet and sink by Roca;
Up street furniture by Ewo and Norway Says;
The 3rd person archive book by artist John Stezaker;

This list clearly shows a great variety of products, which really makes it an interesting “competititon”. Furthermore it is very intersting to check out additional pictures and art in a gallery of the five nominations.

Concluding thoughts

In ordre to wrap this is a very interesting collaboration, and it might sound strange when you first read about it. However according to the press release the partnership expresses HTC’s focus on design and innovation.

Strategically it might even be an interesting opportunity for HTC to tap into a “new” network of fresh designers guided by great out-of-the box thinking and who are able to come-up with new designs.

If you are interested in design, which I am as a mechnical engineer, you should certainly check out the five nominations with the additional pictures and bring out your vote. I’m very curious which design will be the winner of the HTC Reader’s Choice Awards 2010 !!

Windows Phones Launch Event Netherlands – Event Impressions

October 26, 2009 By Remo Knops 3 Comments

October 6th is an important day for Microsoft and Windows Mobile in particular due to the launch of the new brand Windows Phones, the new mobile operating system Windows Mobile 6.5 and two services Microsoft MyPhone and Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

I was fortunate to be invited by the Windows Mobile Team in the Netherlands to attend the local launch event at the Lute Suites in Amstelveen (near Amsterdam).

In his article I would like to share some thoughts on- and impressions of this successful event on a very cool location to launch new mobile technology.

1. Welcome and short introduction

The local Windows Phones launch event in the Netherlands starts with a short welcome followed by an introduction to Windows Phones and its new (marketing) campaign. I would like to quickly share some main points of this introductary part of the day.

Sometime ago people typically talked about the business market and consumer market as two totally different- and separated entities. However the ongoing trend is that the customer needs are changing and the consumer- and business needs converge. In other words you simply want one smartphone on which you use for business and personal things as well.

On the powerpoint-slide above you further see that three key concepts listed that drive Windows Mobile 6.5: (1) connect to people, (2) get stuff done and (3) meet my needs. In these concepts, which are a little more explained in the powerpoint slide below you can cleary see an excellent balance between productivity and efficiency vs. personalization and fun.

“

IMPORTANT REMARK:

During research on the three screen strategy the is currently driving Microsoft I did a Google search with the keywords: “three screen strategy windows phones” and found a valuable powerpoint presentation originally designed by Vesa-Matti Paananen, Mobile Business Group Lead & Marketplace WE Marketing @ Microsoft, and is titeled “Mobility in Microsoft’s Three Screen Strategy & Windows Mobile 6.5“. It’s certainly interesting to read, and shows similarities with the presentations / workshop content that I was fortunate to see in real life. 🙂

Back on topic. After the general introduction you were able to attend three different workshops each covering a specific perspective of Windows Phones. I attended workshop 1 and workshop 2, since these were the workshops closest to the technical aspects of Windows Mobile.

2. Workshop: A technical look on Windows Mobile 6.5

The first workshop is hosted by Maarten Sonneveld, Business Group Lead Mobile of Microsoft Netherlands. The workshop starts with explaining the details on the Windows Phones branding inline with the outlined concepts in the previous section.

2.1 Connect to People (orange pillar)

The main message is that a Windows Phones has the best programs onboard to connect with colleagues, friends and family. For example think of excellent support of e-mailaccounts within Pocket Outlook (where all core PIM information is stored in one single application). But also Windows Live for Mobile or Microsoft Facebook for Mobile are great examples of excellent software to stay connect via Instant Messaging (IM) -and remark the voiceclips functionality- or Social Networks.

Furthermore Maarten Sonneveld, Business Group Lead Mobile of Microsoft Netherlands, discusses new Windows Mobile 6.5 features: (1) lockscreen, (2) new todayscreen, (3) new start menu. These features heavily contribue to a more optimized GUI for touch “control and on-device-navigation”. It might be interesting to compare the “HTC Touch2 review – Windows Mobile 6.5 and TouchFLO 3D combined !” and “Windows Mobile 6.5 on the HTC Snap – Impressions and thoughts” on these features. 🙂

2.2 Get Stuff Done (blue pillar)

After a demo the workshop is continued with capturing the value of Windows (Mobile). At first Windows Mobile has the best Microsoft Exchange synchronization avaialble, ad I must admit this is the key feature why I love my Windows Phone. Furthermor on my Windows Phone I can create and edit documents with the Ofice Mobile Suite on my Windows Phone.

Windows Mobile 6.5 takes advantage of the new Internet Explorer 6 (for Mobile) resulting in a more robust browsing experience and getting more transactions done on the internet. Very cool was also the MSN Money widget, based on the Intenet Explorer Mobile framework, that fist saw appear on the HTC Touch2. You an also create your own widgets, if you like.

Microsoft did also announce the Microsoft MyPhone, a free backup and restore service, for Windows Phones. Joris Jan Goos, Product Manager Mobile Services of Microsoft Netherlands, provides us with a demo of the Microsoft MyPhone, and shows of the new premium services. Good friend and colleague Paul Willen has covered these premium services really well in an article on www.mobiltyminded.com.

2.3 Meet My Needs (green pillar)

The last pillar covers the possible personalization aspects of Windows Phones. Back at CTIA Wireless 2009 not only Windows Marketplace for Mobile was announced, but also a number of partnerships with leading designers -like Mizrahi- that create cool (background) themes for Windows Phones.

Furthermore you can enhance your Windows Phone to your personal needs and demands with your favourite third party applications that make your Windows Phone even more powerfull. Windows Marketplace for Mobile makes the search for-and installation off these applications easier than ever before. In the next workshop the Windows Marketplace for Mobile will be covered a little more extensively.

Windows Phones are available from different brands, in different formfactors, and in different types of devices. This diversity in Windows Phones provides the end-users an optimal choice to choose a Windows Phone that best fits their personal needs and -demands.

windows_phones_service2media_clients_570px

3. Workshop: The world of applications for Windows Mobile and Windows Marketplace (for Mobile)

The second workshop is hosted by Peter Broekroelofs, CTO and co-founder of application developer Service2Media.

Peter starts with a short introduction about Service2Media and its customers, and remarkable is the fact that Microsoft is one of their top technology partners. On the company website you can read that Service2Media was the first with Windows Mobile applicatons in the “Dutch” Windows Marketplace for Mobile:

“De Telegraaf – a dutch newspaper- news application is the first Windows 6.5 app in the Dutch Windows Marketplace app store. Other applications that will be developed for Windows Phones are Buienradar, NS Reisplanner Xtra and Rabobank CashMS.”

The concepts of these applications are discussed during the workhop, but more interesting is the discussion about the main drivers for the development of mobie applications. At first it is the technology that enables new opportunities.

For example alsmost every Windows Phone today in the Netherlands is sold with a flafree data subscription, that makes it possible to stay connected as long as yo have cellular coverage. Furhermore smartphones are becoming more and more powerful with different connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), a GPS-receiver and even accelorometers.

Another driver is the availability of application stores like Windows Marketplace (for Mobile) to provide visibility to reach the masses, easy on-device installation and easy secure payment. I was able to cover these aspects for Windows Marketplace for Mobile in a few articles: “Windows Marketplace for Mobile coming to Windows Mobile 6.1 and 6.0” and “Windows Marketplace for Mobile – Payments and Operators“

Finally Service2Media and Windows Phones triggered the people who attended the workshop to be creative and think about an application concept. The best concept would be awarded with development of the application and a place in the Windows Marketplace for Mobile, which is quite an opportunity especially if you are creative or have a background in software development.

4. Workshop: Organize your life with a Windows Phone – Tips from a professional lifestyle coach

The third workshop was hosted by Lorraine Simoons, professional organizer and life-style coach from SO Organized.

The title of the workshop is “private and work in balance with 12 simple tips“, and Lorraine shows that despite you are working hard on your personal carreer you can still have sufficient time for to spend with the people or things that are valuable to you.

The method is based on 12 tips framework, and one of the key approaches in the workshop is that technology -like Windows Phones- is a must-have partner for organizing and balancing your life !

If you are interested you should spent some time reading on the SO Organized website or Loraaine Simoons’ blog !

5. Launching partners show off new Windows Phones

It was very cool to have these workshops with theoretical approaches, interesting and flashy demo’s, but also good questions and open discussions.

In addition there are four launching oem partners present at the Windows Phones launch event, to show their latest Windows Mobile 6.5 powered devices to the mobile tech-community in the Netherlands.

5.1 HTC (Benelux)

The first Windows Phone on the Dutch market with Windows Mobile 6.5 pre-loaded on the device is the HTC Touch2. Despite that the HTC Touch2 is positioned in the middle segment it is very powerfull and packed with technology and features.

At a very competitive pricepoint this is certainly an interesting device to “push” the Windows Mobile 6.5 market. If you are interested, you should check out the review of the HTC Touch2 on www.mobilityminded.com.

In addition there was a nice surprise, which is shown in the picture above: the local announcement of the latest powerhouse HTC HD2 by Mark Moons country manager HTC Benelux. This is certainly a device that makes the heartbeat of every geek rise immediately, and I was fortunate to have a short hands-on.

5.2 Samsung Mobile

The second OEM is Samsung Mobile, who announced a free Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade for the Samsung Omnia II and the Samsung Omnia QWERTY.

Samsung Mobile had also a special new device in their suite, which is shown in the picture below. It is the Samsung Omnia Pro B7330 which will be a Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard device, and honestly I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

windows_phones_launch_0684_570px

5.3 Sony Ericsson

Early september Sony Ericsson announced the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2, and at the Windows Phones launch event I was able to have a short demo of this Windows Phone.

5.4 LG Electronics

The final OEM partner present at the Windows Phones launch event is LG Electronics, with their latest Windows Mobile 6.5 device the LG GM750 with the S-Class interface. This device will be exclusively available via Vodafone only.

5.5 Other launching parters

While the previous launching partners are the device manufacturers there are also other partners involved in the local Windows Phones launch. I mut compliment Microsoft Netherlands for this approach since it provides the whole porfolio of partners involved (which reflects the underlying business model to some extent).

Mobile operator KPN provided a short workshop on their latest developments, while also the largest retailer of Windows Phones – Belcompany- was present at the Windows Phones launch.

In addition various application developers were there as well, and for example I talked with one of the founders of the Buienradar application.

6. Concluding thoughts on this event

At first I’m very grateful that the Windows Mobile team of Microsoft Netherlands invited me to attend the Windows Phones launch event in Amstelveen. Furthermore I would like to thank Weber Shandwick for the exceptional organization, communication and willingness to help.

It was also great to see such a diverse portfolio of launching partners, and I would like to thank each one of them for the excellent device demo’s and takng the time and patience to answer my questions. The presented or announced devices show the potential of Windows Mobile, and the richness of the platform is for example reflected in the different GUI’s developed by the OEM.

Finally I would like to recommend a video (in DUTCH) of Mobilyz.com website, who attended the event with a professional video crew. I think the video is a nice summary and wrap-up of this article that reflects a succesful Windows Phones launch on October 6th.

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MWC 2009: HTC announces a new signal wave: HTC Touch Pro 2

February 16, 2009 By Remo Knops 1 Comment

While I wrote earlier about the announcement of the HTC Touch Diamond2, HTC also announced another flagship device: The HTC Touch Pro2, a real powerhouse with a full QWERTY hardware keyboard.

“Designed for business professionals, the HTC Touch Pro2 is architected with distinct style and strength while delivering the most powerful productivity experience available on a mobile phone” [ref01]

If I have a look a the current HTC Touch Pro, this is also true. HTC has packed the HTC Advatage X7510 features into the compact casing of the Touch Pro, making this an extremely powerfull device in a compact design. This device is very very popular and commonly used both in corporate environments as well as in personal (home) environments. Let’s have a quick look at the HTC Touch Pro2:

htc_tp2_front-back-side_570px1

“Sporting Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, the HTC Touch Pro2 features a Qualcomm MSM7200A CPU at 528 MHz, a 3.2 megapixel main camera and a 3.6″ TFT-LCD WVGA touchscreen at 480×800 pixels. At a size of 11.61 x 5.92 x 1.70 cm the device weights 175 g only, including the 1500 mAh LiIon battery.” [ref02]

“Leveraging HTC’s TouchFLO 3D, people-centric communication and Push Internet technology, the Touch Pro2 features a high-resolution 3.6-inch widescreen VGA display for an expanded viewing area and large finger-friendly QWERTY keyboard. With improved battery life, expandable memory, a touch-sensitive zoom bar as well as gravity, proximity and ambient light sensors, the Touch Pro2 is optimized for touch as well as heavy email use.” [ref01]

Specification wise there is nothing to complain. To be honest some specifications look the same as the HTC Touch Pro1. I like the new outer casing, which has a more business-finish in comparison with the diamond design. Also the round edges make it a more comfortable device in use. I currently use the HTC S740 and this one also has this sharp edges. Furthermore I do like the improved batterylife, with 3G use in the current times you can’t have enough of battery juice. Thumbs up for HTC.

I was watching the Microsoft Mobile World Congress Keynote with Steve Balmer and Andrew Lees. The demos during the keynote were conducted on a HTC Touch Pro2 device, given the rounded edges. During the keynote already I was impressed with both the speed and snappy-ness of the devices as well with the fact that it will be upgradable to Windows Mobile 6.5 as soon as this platform hits te market. At the end of the keynote Pter Chou, president and CEO of HTC made the announcement that both the HTC Touch Diamond2 and the HTC Touch Pro2 are free upgradeble to Windows Mobile 6.5. This speed is also addressed in a short hands-on video Arne Hess from the::unwired shot at the Mobile World Congress.

Finally one of the features that made the HTC TyTN II such a popular device is back: A screen with TILT-MECHANISM. In the short hands-on video this feature is also addressed, while it is also shown in the picture below. According to Eric Lin fron HTC it is possible to tilt the screen in what position you just like.

“The HTC Touch Pro2 will be available across major global markets beginning in early summer. A price wasn’t announced today.” [ref02]

Although in general I prefer a full QWERTY non-sliding device, I do think the features of this device look really great. Again a five row QWERTY keyboard, which I also like on the HTC Android G1 device is build in. Furthermore I can’t wait to get my hands on a Windows Mobile 6.5 device, so combined with the power and features of the Touch Pro2 this seems a fair choice ! htc_tp2_open_570px1

UPDATE:

T-Mobile announced, the day after the HTC announcement of the HTC Touch Pro2 and the HTC Touch Diamond2, the T-Mobile MDA Compact V and the T-Mobile MDA Vario V. These devices have a slightly different casing than the HTC models. Please have a look at some pictures live from the Mobile World Congress (Barcelona).

UPDATE2:

Michael Gartenberg writes about a new people centric approach on the device, which is also mentioned by Peter Chou, president and CEO of HTC in my previous article about the HTC Touch Diamond2.

“I had a chance to play with this a few weeks ago and the implementation is downright brilliant. Need to see a contacts history in terms of email, messages or other interaction? It’s all there. Want to call a person instead of emailing them back a reply? It’s one click. Want to make a conference call to all the folks on an email list? No problem. Favorite feature? Turn the phone upside down on a flat surface and it automatically engages in speaker phone mode. There wasn’t a whole lot of innovation this week at MWC, but the Touch Pro 2 delivered quite well. This is one handset to look for when it hits later this year.” [ref05]

UPDATE3:

Windows Mobile Italy has posted an article with a great video, showing a hardware tour of the HTC Touch Diamond 2 & HTC Touch Pro 2.

Reference List

MWC 2009: HTC announces a new signal wave: HTC Touch Diamond 2

February 16, 2009 By Remo Knops 1 Comment

Today at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona HTC has announced two new flagship mobile devices running the Windows Mobile Platform, of which one is the HTC Touch Diamond 2. Below you can read how Peter Chou, president and CEO of HTC summarizes the launch of these new devices.

“The HTC Touch Pro2 and HTC Touch Diamond2 introduce a mobile communication experience that simplifies how we communicate with people in our lives whether through voice, text or email,” said Peter Chou, president and CEO, HTC Corp. “HTC is delivering the latest, cutting-edge sophistication in a broad portfolio of mobile phones that improve how people live, work and communicate.” [ref01]

You and me care more about the hard facts like specifications and some pictures, so let’s have a more detailed look below.

HTC Touch Diamond 2

htc_td2_front-back-side_570px

“Sporting Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, the HTC Touch Diamond2 features a Qualcomm MSM7200A CPU at 528 MHz, a 5 megapixel main camera and a 3.2″ TFT-LCD WVGA touchscreen at 480×800 pixels. At a size of 10.80 x 5.31 x 1.14 cm the device weights 117 g only, including the 1100 mAh LiIon battery.” [ref02]

“With fifty-percent better battery life, a five mega-pixel auto focus camera, expandable memory, gravity sensor and an ambient light sensor, the Touch Diamond2 brings the most sophisticated capabilities to a broad consumer audience looking for the professional benefits of a smartphone without sacrificing size, looks or functionality.” [ref01]

What really puts a smile on my face is the increased batterylife, which is a problem all mobile users are struggling with. So my compliments for HTC who really do listen to their end-users and dealing with one of the problems of the HTC Touch Diamond. The specification list reveils that this device incorporates everything you need while on the move, and compared with the previous HTC Touch Diamond the screensize is increased. If you are a non hardware keyboard user this simply is your device, due to the easy Touch FLO 3D navigation and the incredible small size and weight. For more incredible eye candy browse to the HTC website. Also very cool are the build-in FM Radio and the G-sensor, which make it a device for both business and pleasure.

The HTC Touch Diamond2 will be available to customers across major European and Asian markets in early Q2-2009 with broader global availability coming later in the year. A price wasn’t announced today. [ref02]

I can’t wait to get my hands on such a baby (which is a real powerhouse) !

UPDATE:

Windows Mobile Italy has posted an article with a great video, showing a hardware tour of the HTC Touch Diamond 2.

Reference list:

NEW: HTC S740 the smartphone brother of the HTC Touch Pro ? [UPDATED]

August 26, 2008 By Remo Knops Leave a Comment

Early this morning HTC announced their newest Windows Mobile standard device. The naming, HTC S740, seems to tell it’s the further development of the HTC S730. Design wise, there are also huge visible influences of the HTC Touch Diamond.

But let’s have a closer look. The most striking difference is the numeric keypad on the front of the device. If the device is slide-ed open, a 4-row full QWERTY keyboard shows its face. With this approach the text input is very versatile and flexible depending on your own personal usage scenario. The formfactor is probably closest to a candybar design (like to good old Nokia 6310i). But let’s have a look at the specifications:

Specifications:

Processor: Qualcomm® MSM7225™, 528MHz
Platform: Windows Mobile® 6.1 Standard
Memory: ROM: 256MB / RAM: 256MB SDRAM
Dimensions: 116.3 mm (L) X 43.4 mm (W) X 16.3 mm (T)
Weight: 140g with battery
Display: 2.4 inch TFT-LCD with backlight LEDs and QVGA resolution
Network: HSDPA/WCDMA: 900/2100 MHz for Europe (Up to 384 kbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps download speeds), GSM/GPRS/EDGE: Quad-band 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz. (The device will operate on frequencies available from the cellular network.)
GPS: Standalone GPS / AGPS
Connectivity: Bluetooth® 2.0 / Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g / HTC ExtUSB™ (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)
Camera: 3.2 megapixel color camera with fixed focus
Audio: Built-in microphone and speaker, Ring tone supported formats: AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, QCP, MP3, WMA, and WAV.
Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer battery, Capacity: 1000 mAh
AC Adapter: AC input: 100 ~ 240V AC, 50/60 Hz , DC output: 5V and 1A

Although the specification list sums up some impressive technologies, I do have some first thoughts about this device and it’s probable positioning.

Design wise there are strong influences of the HTC Touch Diamond, however the supreme VGA screen isn’t included on this device.
Furthermore HTC has chosen again for a slider mechanism. If HTC would have chosen for a clamshell design and put a larger screen inside, this device would have been a killer for the Asus M930, the Nokia E90 and the Toshiba G910 devices.
Another option could be leaving out the QWERTY keyboard and make the device much thinner. Having a really nice and thin mobile device (if messaging is not in top of your usage scenario’s).
The device has a similar form factor to the popular business phones Nokia E50 and E51, while there is a full QWERTY keyboard embedded.

Overall it seems to be a promising device, which I’m really excited about.

UPDATE:

There are some really nice early reviews, with lots of high resolution photo’s available through the newly added links !!

Reference list:

HTC: HTC S740 product page
THEUNWIRED: HTC unveils the HTC S740 Windows Mobile Standard Smartphone
SMARTPHONETHOUGHTS: HTC S740: HTC Hasn’t Given Up on Windows Mobile Standard After All!
4WINMOBILE: New HTC S740 Smartphone coming soon
HTC Press Release HTC S740
CE4YOU: HTC S740 Review *NEW*
NEWMOBILE: IFA 2008: Real life pictures of the HTC S740 *NEW*
ENGADGET: HTC wars: Touch Pro, Touch Diamond and S740 go head to head *NEW*

ANNOUNCEMENT: HTC Touch Pro

July 2, 2008 By Remo Knops Leave a Comment

During my holidays HTC officially announced the HTC Touch Pro, as follow up of the HTC TyTN II. A few websites managed to have their hands-on a (pre-production) unit, so let’s have a look !!

The first pictures of the HTC Touch Pro, codenamed HTC Raphael, were taken on a T-Mobile event. In the meanwhile PhoneMag managed to shoot an impressive gallery as well as a nice video. Sometimes it’s even said that it’s simply a HTC Touch Diamond with an added hardware keyboard. [ref06] However this is not true since:

The 5-row qwerty keyboard has the CRTL key on it, and hopefully this is the way to a full desktop experience with loads of shortkeys, not just the copy-paste function. [ref01]
From the pictures on the HTC-website it seems that the TouchFLO 3D version on the Touch Pro seems an itterated version of the HTC Diamonds TouchFLO 3D. So let’s wait what improvements HTC has in mind with this version.

After comparing the specification sheets I was really surprised that this device is almost as powerful as the HTC x7510, which is the flagship and “powerhouse” in the Windows Mobile family. With this device one really has a powerhouse on pocketsize. Also the TV-out / VGA-out seems to be a really high end option, and hopefully it can be very helpful when connecting the device to a beamer.

Branding:

The first picture of the HTC Raphael was the T-Mobile version called MDA Vario 4. Besides the pink T-Mobile branding in the software and the logo on the casing, this type has another significant optical difference. The backcover is flat compared to the Diamond shaped back-cover of the HTC branded version. Also the O2 version, which is shown in the review of the::unwired has a flat back-cover, and the famous blue O2 branding in the software. If I follow my personal taste I prefer that latter, but there is another remarkable feature, which hopefully follows the XDA Touch Diamond. O2’s online shop states, that compared to the other Diamond incarnations, the O2 branded Diamond is bundled with TomTom Navigator 7, and hopefully this will be also the case with the HTC Touch Pro.

Finally and in addition to the different branding it’s also cool to compare the HTC Touch Pro with upcomming devices like the Sony Xperia and the Samsung Omni. the::unwired.net has shot some real nice comparison pictures of those devices (each having its own pro’s and con’s). The reference of PhoneMag is highly recommended !!

Reference list:

HTC Touch Pro product page
MOBILEBURN: Live Photos of HTC’s Raphael – the Touch Pro
PHONEMAG: HTC Touch Pro Hands on images and video
PHOTOVIEW: Hands-on with the O2 Xda diamond pro Windows Mobile Smartphone
VIDEOVIEW: Hands-on with the O2 Xda diamond pro Windows Mobile Smartphone
Phonescoop: Comparison pictures HTC Diamond / HTC Touch Pro