A couple of years ago, WM-slider from HTC looks rather awkward - remember even a nice platform, Blue Angel, which at that time seemed to be the acme of perfection. But, by and large, today's hero of our review, Touch Dual, got rid of only one "rudimentary" ancestor - the large size, and as a result got a lot more. Speech - the new concept of management through the interface TouchFlo, you can learn even an absolute beginner in this business. At every fire, just for that user, developer and provided a new alternative to the interface device - a classic numerical keypad. So the Touch Dual is clearly intended to reinforce the success the precursor of the broad masses. However, the keyboard issue is clearly not giving developers the rest, so there were two modifications of the Dual. The first option with dvadtsatiklavishnoy QWERTY-keyboard, the second with shestnadtsatiklavishnoy digital. According to official information provided, these two modifications are designed for different regions. In Russia, Touch Dual comes with sixteen keys.
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| HTC Touch Dual 20-key (QWERTY) |
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| HTC Touch Dual 16-key (numeric keypad) |
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| HTC Touch Dual and HTC Blue Angel |
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| HTC Touch Dual and HTC Blue Angel |
Of course, if HTC is limited only to a change in form factor (with candy bar on the slider), to prepare this detailed review would not make sense, it was enough to limit the description of keyboards. In fact, changes much more than meets the eye: a more robust hardware component with all the attendant and a bit of a modified hull TouchFlo, which are just below. Let's see what has changed technically.
Features HTC Touch Dual: - Operating system: Windows Mobile 6 Professional
- Cellular communications: GSM / EDGE (900/1800/1900 MHz), WCDMA / HSDPA (2100 MHz)
- Display: 2.6-inch touchscreen with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
- Processor: Qualcomm MSM7200, 400 MHz
- Built-in Memory: 256 MB ROM and 128 MB RAM
- Expandable memory: microSD card
- Communication: Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, extUSB
- Battery: removable Li-Ion 1120 mAh
- Camera: 2-megapixel primary and CIF-front for video calls
- Hours Talk Time: 240 min (WCDMA), 360 min (GSM)
- Time Standby: 150 hours (WCDMA), 250 hours (GSM)
- Dimensions and weight: 107h55h15, 8 mm and 120 g.
Among the obvious things - the emergence of a more powerful processor in the form of a new chip from the Qualcomm MSM7200 400 MHz vs. 200 MHz of its predecessor, as well as doubling the amount of memory on board. Not immediately apparent, such changes as reducing the screen diagonal of 2.8 to 2.6 inches and a slight increase in the thickness and weight. All this "merit" of a new design unit.In addition, there was also support for mobile networks of third-generation UMTS / HSDPA, and as a result - front camera for video calls. To our great regret, of Specification disappeared para Wi-Fi. At the time of writing this review, it became clear that the way HTC left groundwork for improvements in the future, as was recently officially announced the release of Touch Cruise with Wi-Fi and GPS-receiver. Among the closest in capabilities of devices can be distinguished Samsung SGH-i710 with a similar control interface, the forerunner of HTC Touch, and of course, Apple iPhone as the ancestor of a class of devices with Finger friendly. However, for understandable reasons, to compare the device in the tests we will be only the first two models.
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| Comparison of characteristics: Samsung SGH-i710, HTC Touch, HTC Touch Dual |
Set
The kit includes the HTC Touch Dual, according to the instructions: card microSD, battery, AC adapter, sync cable USB, Stereo Headset USB, document Read Me First and the user manual, pouch, CD, "Getting Started" and a CD with software. In short, classic furniture, as befits a device in this price category.
Design
Significant changes in the appearance of the apparatus, except the keyboard, compared with the first Touch, did not happen. Among the most notable: the device a bit stretched in length and stouter. Front of the screen appeared front camera designed for video. Otherwise, it's the same pretty sturdy child of the velvet to the touch plastic - does not mark and very reliable. Due to such material, the device for a long time will not lose a presentable appearance. The only negative - it's glossy screen, derived flush with the surface. On the one hand, it is certainly a convenient solution, since even the corners of the touch-sensitive display. On the other, because of its coverage and control features devaysom, it looks somewhat bedraggled. Every time you want to walk on it with a cloth. But, characteristically, is not always evident.
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Controls are still - a little bit. On the front panel - is two tiny buttons, a little protruding above the surface - to receive a call and hang up, and Five-way button, differs a good ergonomics, you get used to tonkovatomu rim. However, once you get comfortable with touch controls, the need for its services virtually disappear. By the way, the button lights out in the Touch Dual default hanging and output function of so-called "list of shortcuts." It appears, if you hold the button a few seconds. Learn more about its capabilities - in the chapter on TouchFlo.
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Brief rundown on the edges and look for the "front" unit. Around the perimeter of the Touch Dual is a silver metal band that performs, rather, a decorative function. On it and are the main connectors and buttons. The left side is a socket extUSB, which serves for the power / sync and headphone jack. Disadvantages of this solution you are well known. Above him is placed a long handy volume control button, and under - a slot for microSD cards, closed with a rubber stopper. Pry it with a fingernail will not be difficult. True, here the extraction card may have a little problem.
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| HTC Touch Dual: volume rocker, extUSB, microSD |
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| HTC Touch Dual: a slot for microSD memory cards |
On the right side - the button on the camera, raised flush with the surface, but tight enough not to accidentally press it and well defined by touch. At the junction of the right and the upper end is a silo, which is easy to get.
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| HTC Touch Dual: the camera button, silo |
Placed on top of one button - enable or disable the device and an ear for the strap. The bottom end is empty, except for the microphone and groove through which removed the back cover.
On the reverse side is a camera with a self-portrait mirror, speaker, and actually the battery compartment. The removable lid covers the entire back surface, because of what little play, and not just sit firmly. When it is withdrawing the right of the battery detected hole reboot. It is a pity that now it is available only after removing the cover. However, the device works so steadily that two weeks of testing your obedient servant, did not have to use it.
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Curiously mounted SIM-card. Here it is located next to the battery and inserted into a slot only when you remove the battery. Need to move a small cap, blocking access to the slot, insert the card, snap the cap and then put the battery. Now about the curious - on a slider. This mechanism is a Touch Dual, like everything that makes the HTC, is equipped with automatic finishing. Disclosed at once - with one hand - just stretch your thumb into a small recess under the screen. Works well and without problems. Backlash at the time of use was not recorded. The shell itself is stitched tightly and right - again, Mark! It seems that soon, this time in the case of HTC devices do not have to mention. As always for assembling the device gets a solid five.
Keyboards
In our hands, visited both the test sample: the first, as we have said, with a 16-button numeric keypad with classical alphabetic layout (like a regular phone), and four hardware buttons - the "return" call "Start" menu, email client and Internet browser.
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| HTC Touch Dual: numeric keypad |
Second, with 20-key QWERTY-keyboard. On each key are a pair of Russian and English letters, and the central keys perform more functions and keypad.
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| HTC Touch Dual: QWERTY-keyboard |
In total, users have three ways to enter - with a hardware keyboard, the standard virtual keyboard, Windows Mobile, and two layouts Touch - the keypad and keyboard. The keypad is actually duplicates the hardware keypad.
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On the one hand, it is more convenient due to lots of buttons. Thus, the individual keys are reserved for Shift, calling digital layout / set the T9, space, multi-language and writing. Button in the layout is larger than in the alternative, to hit it easier, however, requires more clicks to get to your desired letter. On each key, like a conventional phone - four letters. But on the other hand, the virtual solutions do not have such an important characteristic of a real keyboard - how to return, so to that I have a long way accustomed. Even the virtual buttons a little "tugovat" for my taste - soft toe work with them in order of worse than a hard stylus, or alternatively a long fingernail. As for the other layouts - Keyboards Touch », it is double the hardware keyboard QWERTY. Here, the buttons more than the previous layout (20 units versus 15), but their size smaller, so it is more convenient to operate with a fingernail. The key has an average of 2-3 letters. A set of character keys is the same.
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If we compare the usability of the hardware keyboard, then each has both pluses and minuses. The quality of the numeric keypad, we estimated only four to minus. Keys tugovat little and not too sympathetic, because of which, gathering, such as text messages, often flies past the desired letter. In order to assist here can make the system T9. However, those who are dearer to the usual method of entry, with time, too, adapt himself. In addition, the keypad buttons do not protrude above the surface, actually representing a single platform without bumps.Dividing grooves do not save the situation, and as a result of pushing one button, you can catch another one. Slightly compensates for this lack of width of the buttons. However, everything here depends strongly on the size of your five fingers. If your fingers are larger and wider than average, then before buying is strongly recommended to try the keyboard in action. Maybe it will work with you difficult. With 20-key keyboard, things are no better, however, and not worse. In the ergonomic keyboard has some improvements, the keys have a characteristic profile, they are convex, several of them easier to press. But typing without looking, still problematic, unusual layout is always confusing. Another strange moment, the number keys will not highlighted. More accurately identified only in color, so when dialing a number still have to keep an eye on the keys. In general, it is difficult to say which of these methods is preferable. Of course, since this interface the first time really want to work with a virtual keyboard, but for the week of your humble servant and not used to it, so personally in my ranking won by digital hardware keyboard, once again proving the validity of their presence in this model .
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Display
As mentioned above, the screen of HTC Touch Dual - slightly smaller than its predecessor - 2.6 inches vs. 2.8, but for convenience is not affected. The resolution - 320x240 with the support of 65 thousand colors. Matrix itself - very bright, excellent color rendition, however, a protective glossy screen coating is quite glares at deviations of the device. Backlight can be adjusted as from the desktop - is available 4 points and the standard way, through the settings. The latter option provides a more flexible adjustment in 11 steps. The minimum value is quite possible to read in the dark, at a maximum - to use the device in direct sunlight.
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The screen itself is not so sensitive to touch, as we would like in the case under the control of finger gripping device. In order to induce the so-called touch cube - the main component of the shell TouchFlo, with an effort to run your finger across the screen from the bottom up. Generally speaking, all this kind of manipulation (scrolling web pages, documents, scrolling through photographs and turn them) require some perseverance and skill (important and not overdo!). However, gradually get used to this feature and learn to adjust by pressing. For example, to work with the same virtual keyboard to press the buttons with less effort. And, passing from one page to another book or scrolling through a web page, be able to brake in time in the right place. In the latter case, everything is more convenient to use the joystick. In general, it's time to talk about changes in the shell of TouchFlo.
TouchFlo
Innovations implemented in the TouchFlo for HTC Dual, can be called beauty. So let's say, the interface device a little refreshed, taking into account the emergence of a sliding keyboard, well, tossed a handful of facilities to manage the finger. Therefore, immediately will forward you to the first review of the shell, and just tell yourself about the improvements the new version. Among the changes are the following: - The appearance of the menu QuickTask to quickly launch applications and communication planners. The list is displayed briefly when opening the keyboard.It includes: email, SMS, MMS, new meeting, the new challenge, a new note, a new contact. Each item, as seen in the screenshot posted on the big button to get into that can not be a problem. Disable the automatic startup list, you can by the same name of the program in the "Preferences".
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The solution - a well-founded, given that the keyboard will reveal mostly to drive some data. And then just one click takes you to the mail client or contact list, calling the new post immediately or create a new contact. The only pity is that the list QuickTask can not be configured in its sole discretion, to add the required items or removing superfluous. - Added fourth icon on the desktop, is responsible for changing profiles. It is located in the same row with the icon return to the Today, weather information and the launcher (all three plug-in have not changed.) It's all intuitive.
- The reset button can hang two functions - display the To Do List Shortcut "(vkl-vykl. mode" in the airplane, "Block device", "Terminate data transfer, turn vibrate, Set list) or the automatic execution of one of the above action. Button can be reprogrammed through the utility "Hold the button end" in "Settings".
- Now you can turn on "Enlarged Start Menu" that is, increase the font size and menu bars for easy thumb control. In this case, the last running applications are displayed as icons on top of the list.
- The icons that show the current state of the device: the charge, a network connection signal strength and so on, are also increasing, which allows them to click on the finger.
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As for the main component of TouchFlo - Touch cube, here in the long run all remained in their places. Recall that to call the cube need to hold your finger on the HTC logo at the bottom of the screen up. In Cuba continues to have three faces, which can be switched between by moving a finger across the screen from left to right. On the first side located Photo contacts with the ability to quickly call subscribers added to the list, view call history and the actual notebook itself. On the second face - a multimedia part (music, photos, video). With the first button starts the player branded HTC - Audio Manager, which is also conveniently manage your finger. It is curious that after the launch of the song right on the face of the cube (between music and photos), there is a panel with buttons to control the player. Pleasant trifle.
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Another new feature TouchFlo is found on the multimedia tab. Speech - a program for viewing images and video - "Camera Album" (not to be confused with another application "Photo & Video!), Very reminiscent of an analog of the iPhone. You can get to it, or click "Photo" or "Video" in the cube, either through the camera. This application is also perfectly controlled with a finger. And, not only the swipe, and rotate, and an increase in images. How do these simple manipulation explains the brief instructions, built in softiny.
In addition, the program allows "one click" on the large icon to send the resulting pictures or video MMS-Communication Institute, assign it to the subscriber from the phone book, make a slide show, delete, or return to the album.
On the third face are shortcuts for Communication Programs - postal service, SMS, browser, Comm Manager, and two planners - tasks and calendar. Almost all of them, except for the Comm Manager, lead to the standard applications Windows Mobile, which can operate only the stylus.
As for the Connection Manager, then he made a list, placed on large buttons to press are completely comfortable with your finger. With it you can enable or disable "mode in the plane", "phone», Bluetooth, Microsoft Direct Push and data transmission.
To conclude this part let's say that somehow modify or customize their own way the contents of the tab of the cube using standard is still not possible, as well as the use of a cube in the landscape screen orientation. Unfortunately.However, the gradual transfer of the software on a new track (the concept of management) feel. This is evidenced by the appearance of large controls (buttons, icons) in the corporate software from HTC - Manager cameras, video players, with audio.
Speed and memory
Now let's talk about the hardware capacity. Here we are dealing with a more powerful processor in a chip Qualcomm MSM7200 clocked at 400 MHz and doubling of memory - 128 MB RAM and 256 MB. As a result, user can use 104 MB of permanent memory and 70.4 MB of RAM, which is almost twice that of its predecessor. The rest is used by system and shell. Replenish the memory is possible due to microSD card or microSDHC. These innovations - the long-awaited, and therefore particularly interesting. Let's see what really gave our hero to "build muscle". We tested the device on the well-known Spb Benchmark.
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| Spb Benchmark test results |
As we can see, the device shows a very high performance, stars from the sky is not enough, but the main problem is not slow. Performance over its predecessor, of course, there is, but it is not too large. However, it is nice that the new unit shell TouchFlo works much faster, with a barely perceptible delay in response to manipulation. Confirms this view and the standard VideoTesT using TCPMP.
Unfortunately, viewing video on the unconverted Touch Dual is impossible. But for QVGA-clips Forces unit will suffice with a vengeance. By the way, the predecessor is not far behind for these indicators of our hero.
Runtime
Battery capacity HTC Touch Dual costavlyaet 1120 mAh, which is slightly larger than the first Touch. We tested the device using the standard method HPCru: 1. Maximum load. Vykruchena the brightness to maximum volume of the speaker - also including Bluetooth, via Windows Media Player Mobile to play a video loop. Battery life in this mode was 5 hours and 40 minutes. 2. Normal operation. All wireless modules are disabled. The brightness set to minimum. On the PDA was started reading the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. Time work was 22 hours and 30 minutes. 3. MP3 Playback. Bluetooth is turned off. Display brightness set to minimum. Listening through headphones at maximum volume. We used Windows Media Player Mobile and files with a bitrate of 192 Kb / c. Hours - 15 hours 05 minutes.
Our hero has shown very good results. Despite the more powerful processor, Dual working longer predecessor. In addition, the average load is able to last about 3.5 hours without recharging.
Sound
With regard to audio capabilities, in respect of Dual rightly all that is said about the first Touch in the relevant chapter of his review. Call - a loud voice the speaker runs on five, vibration - the average force and the microphone is really sensitive. Oh, and listening to music no problem. In Touch Dual has a pretty good equalizer, which allows to achieve quality sound. And if you pick up the apparatus for other headphones, the quality will not give in to most modern handheld mp3-players. Although it does take care to buy an adapter with a proprietary connector extUSB 3.5 mm audiodzhek.
Communication
Phone
Telephone part - it is an undoubted pride of our hero. Here at Touch Dual all out: and support for mobile networks of third generation UMTS high-speed packet data HSDPA, and most convenient application Somm Manager to manage interfaces (Bluetooth and phone) and communications functions (rapid integration profile "in the airplane," Activation Direct Push, turn on and off data), and not badly decorated the Phone with big buttons and a thumb button "Video Call". Over the past meets all of the front part of the camera with CIF-resolution, which can also be used for self-portrait. On the presence of the EDGE even to mention is awkward - by itself, this standard is maintained.
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In general, getting the machine, you are actually investing in the future of mobile networks in Russia. Take advantage of the charms of 3G in the form of streaming video or listening to audio, video and just high-speed Internet connection can basically only abroad. Recall that at the moment NGN work so far only in St. Petersburg and around the operator Megafon. MTS promises to launch its network in the second half of next year, and "Beeline" and does not name an exact date.
In the contact list you can quickly search by first letter, so far search only works in English.
In addition to the list of phone options will be extended, where you can set automatic sending of SMS-messages when you reject a call, answer a call when moving the slider and some other useful "chips."
Bluetooth
But with wireless interfaces, things are not nearly as much as we would like. There is only Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR. Ironically, Wi-Fi module, which has long been a must-have option removed from the specifications, while at first it was available for Touch. Unfortunate circumstance, to forgive is our hero can hardly be. As for Bluetooth, then this interface - the most recent version with support for "enhanced data transmission» (Enhanced Data Rate). Data transfer rate is indeed worthy. Accordingly, there is support for all available profiles, including A2DP for listening to music through wireless headphones. Bluetooth-module running the standard drivers from Microsoft.
Luggage
Our hero is equipped with a 2-Mpikselnoy camera that allows you to capture a maximum resolution of 1600x1200 pixels. Auto focus, unfortunately, is missing. The quality of images - a very mediocre as ever.Photos are not very precise and very "noisy", especially with a lack of lighting. Settings hardly save the situation. The camera interface is slightly improved compared to its predecessor, but the changes - purely cosmetic. Just now the camera is more convenient to set up a finger: all the menu - the right size.
In the system tray the program will derive access to key settings, the shooting, as well as the entrance to the "Camera Album". With the help icon in the upper left corner you can switch between photo and video, as well as select shooting modes - video for MMS, shooting for the address book, portrait, landscape, series.
Among the basic settings that you can change the touch of a button:
- solution (2M - 1600x1200 pixels, 1M - 1280x960 pixels, L - 640x480 pixels, M - 320x240 pixels, S - 160x120 pixels)
- white balance (sunny day, night, daylight, artificial light)
- Brightness (five points)
- choice of location for storing photos - all photos and videos are saved by default in the folder "Photo" and "Video"
- switch between camera and camcorder
- self-timer (1, 2, 10 seconds).
Among the survey parameters:
- quality (basic, normal, high, higher)
- special effects (greyscale, sepia, cool, negative)
- time stamp
- metering (integral or center)
- unmute the gate
- backlight
- Running Time
- flicker (50-60 Hz).
With photo examples can be found below.
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| HTC Touch Dual: the example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 268,7 Kb) |
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| HTC Touch Dual: the example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 598,2 Kb) |
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| HTC Touch Dual: the example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 597,5 Kb) |
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| HTC Touch Dual: the example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 376,6 Kb) |
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| HTC Touch Dual: the example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 941,7 Kb) |
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| HTC Touch Dual: the example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 499,9 Kb) |
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| HTC Touch Dual: the example photo (jpg, 1600x1200, 354,9 Kb) |
Video recording is supported in MPEG4 or 3GP with the resolution of 320x240, 176x144 or 128x96 pixels.
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| HTC Touch Dual: the example video (mp4, 320x240, 1 Mb) |
Programs
HTC Touch Dual runs Windows Mobile 6 Professional. Its software component is also not much changed compared to its predecessor. In addition to established the first unit of additional applications (Adobe Reader LE, Java, SIM-manager, ZIP, Audio Manager, «Streaming Media, Photo and Video", "Task Manager"), there appeared the browser Opera, a need which no doubt Needless to player Flash Lite, designed for viewing flash-movies.
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| Adobe Reader LE |
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| Java |
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| SIM Toolkit |
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| ZIP |
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| Audio Manager |
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| Streaming Media |
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| Photos and Videos |
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| Task Manager |
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| Task Manager |
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| Flash Lite Player |
In the folder with the communication manager program was prescribed HSDPA, which will set up a high-speed connectivity for eDATA in 3G-networks.
Price
According to preliminary data, price HTC Touch Dual in the Russian market will be about 20,000 rubles. In the sale of the unit should arrive in December.
Output
HTC Touch Dual is uneven apparatus. On the one hand, the lack of mandatory options like Wi-Fi, do not do him honor, and make it hard to draw it to the attention of our regular readers. But, on the other hand, Wi-Fi single live user. The idea of phones with Finger friendly, now looks so important and attractive that in mind long time before the onset of each one of us iPhone, this new product will be well received massive cheers to the buyer, as the first Touch. In addition, the developers made a curtsy in the direction of user-conservatives in the form of a hardware keyboard, which is exactly facilitate their transition from a normal phone device. And there is hardly characteristic will play a big role, although objectively the device is inferior to the latest models from the series Glofiish.
Pros: - 3G support
- QWERTY-keyboard as an additional input method
- Enhanced TouchFlo
- a more powerful processor and substantial memory on board
- Good battery life
Cons: - not too comfortable keyboard
- high starting price
The authors, translation:
