Hey

Came across some new HTC releases. Sound pretty sweet.

HTC Touch Diamond

HTC Raphael / HTC Touch Pro

HTC Titanium / HTC Touch Dual Pro

www.gsmarena.com/a_ton_o...may-news-494.php

hotcellularphone.com/win...one-with-vga-gps

Cheers

HTC Diamond just officially launched.

- Available in Asia (hopefully that means Aus) and Europe from June.
- Large network coverage in Europe and "most other countries" could mean the first HTC branded device for optus or most likely if the rumours are true, Telstra.
- Orientation Sensors, HSDPA, HSUBA, 4GB onboard storage, eGPS, FM Radio, VGA Screen, new TouchFLO 3D interface - looks like no video driver issues on this one.
- Massive focus on one handed use/one click useage.

Looks amazing I think if there is a flagship Windows Mobile iphone killer this is it.

Check this link out for more info...

www.youtube.com/user/HTC

www.htc.com/www/product.aspx?id=46280

HTC Touch Diamond Key Specifications:

• Size: 102 x 51 x 11.33mm
• Weight: 110 g
• Connectivity: WCDMA / HSPA: 900/2100MHz. HSDPA 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA
• Operating system: Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional
• Display: 2.8-inch VGA touch screen
• Camera: 3.2MP, with video calling
• Internal memory: 4 GB Internal Storage, 256 MB flash, 192 MB RAM,
• Bluetooth: 2.0 with EDR
• Wireless: WiFi 802.11b/g
• GPS: GPS/AGPS
• Interface: HTC ExtUSB? (mini-USB and audio jack in one; USB 2.0 High-Speed)
• Battery: 900 mAh
• Talk time: GSM: up to 4 hours
• Standby time: GSM: up to 300 hours/100 hours with push email
• Chipset: Qualcomm® MSM 7201A? 528MHz

Just read confirmation this device does come with video acceleration drivers. Now I wonder how recent HTC Touch Cruise owners feel knowing in June there will be a device that totally trounces their device?

Any guesses on pricing (for outright purchase)?

I'm guessing it'll be well over a grand.

When the price gets that high the eepc and clones come into play in my book - ie I would love the diamond but think I'd be more productive with a basic 3g phone and an eepc and still have plenty of cash left over

This device actually has a GPU chipset therefore its not so much a driver issue as an actual new 3d capable GPU. Most likely the Nvidia one showcased back in 07.

Pricing looks to be $1070. A couple of UK sites have prices and release dates up and the conversion comes out to about $1070.

The interface really looks good. I like how it almost ditches the Windows Mobile look altogether. WM is still too PC like to work properly on a mobile phone.

wow, expensive... should look at the d990i SciPhone.. was also released today.. it is a iClone that has shake control and java... about 1/5 the price..

Specs looked all good
until i saw the 65k colour screen!

Osir1s writes...

Looks amazing I think if there is a flagship Windows Mobile iphone killer this is it.

definitely agree!!!! can't wait for it to come down under!

The HTC Touch Diamond looks cool. However, in my opinion, it has the following limitations:

(1) No external memory card slot. One is limited by the 4G internal storage
(2) The fancy TouchFLO controls do not work well with 3rd party softwares
(3) Limited data & voice connectivity. The Asian/EU version has UMTS900 MHz instead of 850MHz. High-speed data is restricted to the major cities only.
(4) May not work well overseas due to its limited number of UMTS & GSM frequencies.

Xperia X1 is much superior device. However, we have to wait longer to get it.

I think I will get this, however does it have AUX IN like the N95? Can it take normal headphones?

I'd like to use it in my car with theAUX in feature

MAXDUDE writes...

I think I will get this, however does it have AUX IN like the N95? Can it take normal headphones?

This is kind of the same question mate. The AUX IN needs to be a feature of your car stereo that allows input of an auxiliary source that is then played through the car speakers. Typically a car stereo auxiliary would be via 3.5 mm audio jack. The same jack that standard headphone use. Since the N95 has a 3.5 mm jack you can connect it directly to your favourite headphones or your car radio auxiliary in.

To answer your question about the HTC Touch Diamond no it does not have a built in 3.5 mm audio jack. It does however use a propriety mini USB like plug that you can purchase an adapter for to provide a 3.5 mm jack plug.

The Diamond also achieves a slimmer than normal profile by not including a micro SD slot and instead provides 4 GB build in memory so it has limited capacity as a music player.

Thanks for that very informative post, very much appreciated.

Rooster-au writes...

Xperia X1 is much superior device.

Ditto.

Rooster-au writes...

Xperia X1 is much superior device

with, one suspects, a superior price tag:)

Rooster-au writes...

Xperia X1 is much superior device.

They have different pro's and con's. I find the full hardware keyboards like the one the X1 has to be too small clumsy and add to much size to the overall unit.

The external memory slot I read would have added another 2 mm thickness to the Diamond and 4 Gb suits my needs for 95% of the time.

4gb is more than enough for me......I got 2gb card now in my phone and ive got way over 1gb left.

Cant wait for this phone - I was gonna get a touch cruise soon - lucky I didnt get it yet....I can wait another month (or 2?)

We just got these for testing.. brilliant... best windows mobile launched so far...

New UI is good still needs a little tweaking.. but for any every day user you dont really need to go into windows mobile much... all email,calls, text and surfing can be done in touchflo 3d

Hi Limestar,

Does it really not have an external microSD capability?

Cheers

Limestar writes...

We just got these for testing..

And where r u from?

AND, did you not notice the size of the battery - 900mHA - for a phone with VGA screen, wireless, 3G, Bluetooth. That battery will not last past half a day.

Rooster-au writes...

The HTC Touch Diamond looks cool. However, in my opinion, it has the following limitations:

Rooster-au writes...

(1) No external memory card slot. One is limited by the 4G internal storage

A memory card slot would have been nice. If it keeps the phone small though, I can learn to live with 4G.

(3) Limited data & voice connectivity. The Asian/EU version has UMTS900 MHz instead of 850MHz. High-speed data is restricted to the major cities only.

How do you figure that? Optus and Vodafone are both pushing their 3G coverage out to 96% plus of the population. Both will be using UMTS900 for regional coverage.

Looks like a nice device alright. I'll be waiting for an Android handset though. Those specs and an Android OS would seal the deal for me.

No card slot.. which is a shame I know..

Battery is actually pretty damn good.. the new chipset and windows mobile 6.1 help a lot.

Limestar writes...

No card slot.. which is a shame I know..

mmmmmmmmm :(

Makes a grown man cry :(

First they give us crappy IR on the D810, next they completely remove it from Touch cruise ( I love being able to use my PDA as a IR remote control )

Now they add crappy 4GB internal flash and completely remove any ability for external memory .... what are they thinking ...?
They could have put the microSD slot inside the battery compartment ...

Cheers

the touch pro version of the diamond,'Raphael', is rumoured to have a qwerty keyboard and a card slot, but no 4gb internal memory.

I think its great that it has 4gb internal and no card slot.
4gb is plenty for normal use. Only reason why ud need more is for music or video - in which case ud be swapping mem cards all the time, which i find annoying.

Auswill writes...

4gb is plenty for normal use. Only reason why ud need more is for music or video - in which case ud be swapping mem cards all the time, which i find annoying.

If you use the internal memory at the BLAZING USB2 Full speed transfer rate of spectacular 1.5 Megabytes/second it will take you 2666 seconds at best to fill it up.

With a microSD and a High Speed USB2 you'll fill it up in about 6 minutes ( limited by the flash speed, not interface ) ...

Limestar, could you verify if the transfer rate to the internal flash is still " full speed USB2" ie no faster than 1.5 Megabytes per second?

Sherlock Holmes ! writes...

I love being able to use my PDA as a IR remote control

Same here. I wish all devices would include IR. I mean, how many TVs/DVDs etc come with bluetooth? Until that time, PDAs should come with enhanced IR as a must.

Osir1s writes

"Hrmm, yes a mobile phone that lasts half a day - that does sound like a product one of the largest mobile phone manufactuers would release....note the sarcasm.

Diamond was built around WinMo 6.1 as the Microsoft EVP stated you can expect an 8-21% increase in battery life from the optimisation of WinMo 6.1, further to that the CEO of HTC noted that the device and engineering had been further refined and users were unlikely to see any difference. Lastly, note the FCC submission for the US version. 2 Batteries 1300Mha, extended battery.

Hrmm you taste that? a hint of enlightenment through a mouthful of ignorance."

Well, Osiris
My opinion of your sarcasm, and the quality of your response, is that it is ignorant and uninformed. Clearly you are demonstrating that you have not experienced many of the HTC phones that preceded this model, nor have you spent any time on forums such as XDA Developers and kept up with the multitude of issues that exist on these phones and that have helped foster a subculture of cooking new and better and more reliable ROMS for HTC phones. I must say your faith in large manufacturers is touching if extraordinarily naive.

HTC have a bad reputation for producing phones that do half a good job.They demonstrated this during all the time they built the iMate phones. They have continued the trend with their own models. For example, the current HTC Cruise has been released without the video drivers which enable the Qualcomm chipset to produce stunning video,which it is quite capable of - and as a consequence the video on the Cruise is absolute crap. But I guess the largest manufacturer of WM phones wouldn't do that so I must be imagining things. Which is why the guys on XDA forums have launched a class action suit against HTC. And still HTC think this is a low level issue that they are not going to bother to address - even though they advertised the phone with this chipset and promoted its video capability. But then again they are the largest manufacturer of phones so they wouldn't release a phone that didn't work too well would they.

As to WM 6.1 being touted as having an 8-21% increase in battery life, do you believe all the advertising you hear from MICROSOFT? Are you really that gullible? And don't you think that is a very big spread they are describing here(8-21%). By the way I have a nice bridge for sale.......

At the moment I have an HTC Advantage, a Nokia E90, a Treo 750, and a Touch Cruise. all of these except the Nokia are HTC phones and they all have issues. I also have an Imate 9502 which is 3G, GPS, Bluetooth, VGA screen etc etc etc - virtually identical specs to the HTC Diamond. The 9502 has a 1660 mAh battery and absolutely struggles to get through a day without a recharge, I constantly have it plugged in when I am at my desk and when I travel I keep a spare battery with me. Even with a 21% increase in performance from that battery it would struggle to do a days work unaided. But them what would I know, when HTC say that 900mAh is all this phone will need. After all i am only talking through experience and you are talking about marketing hype.

On my 9502 experience, a 900mAh or even a 1300mAh is going to have issues, even with a 21% increase in performance - and what if it is really only 8%. (Oh of course, I can her you think, the 9502 has a pop out hardware keyboard, maybe that is what is sucking all that extra power......... )

But you go ahead, you clearly know what is best, you clearly trust HTC to do the right thing

And frankly there was no enlightenment in that post, just the demonstration that you are a somewhat rude and ignorant and definitely naive newbie.

mmm the market is going to be very busy soon.

With a new iPhone, the X1 and now the Diamond.

OH, I almost forgot Nokia's touch screen iphone copy too.

Flashgordonv writes...

At the moment I have an HTC Advantage, a Nokia E90, a Treo 750, and a Touch Cruise

Wow, that surely qualifies as some sort of tech-head record doesn't it?
I must admit to struggling with two handsets, let alone the 4 (advanced) ones you mention.

The dimamond looks great esp the new 3d flow. The internal memory doest worry me as i have an 80gb ipod. even with an external card slot it would be enough for music/videos. 4gb internal is perfect for non multimedia use. X1 looks more like a UMPC than a smart phone - i like my phones to look like phones.
As for the battery life - even when you account for the "21% increase" that still only adds like 3 to 5 hours onto half a day. I like how thin this phone is but slenderness isnt worth the cost of battery life.

blibster writes...

Wow, that surely qualifies as some sort of tech-head record doesn't it?

Well, I think what it probably indicates is an unhealthy obsession on my part in my endless search for the perfect PDA/phone. :-)

I was under the impression that Touch Pro will have a memory card slot? Or am I wrong?

Anyways it's true that battery doesn't last for more than half a day for all WM phones... but as long as you keep the screen at 50% brightness (perfectly fine during indoor), and turn off your screen completely while you're not using, then it can easily last you for 3 or so days...

I've got a charger at home, dock to work, and my handsfree/charging setup in car, and never had any battery problems...
(Use I plead ignorance to think that everyone have similar usage pattern :P)

I've also had a look at the touchFlo 3D... does that look useful to anyone?! I'm also another xda-dev forum fan, where everyday I check for new rom/apps for my d810... I still find my current setup to kick the crap through touchflo 3d (using ultimate launch, rltoday, etc)

That being said, I probably will still get it because my d810 would be perfect if only it's faster, vga, with fm radio... :D

Touch pro is a different phone isnt it? Touch diamond has no card slot

Flashgordonv writes...

Well, Osiris
My opinion of your sarcasm, and the quality of your response, is that it is ignorant and uninformed. Clearly you are demonstrating that you have not experienced many of the HTC phones that preceded this model, nor have you spent any time on forums such as XDA Developers and kept up with the multitude of issues that exist on these phones and that have helped foster a subculture of cooking new and better and more reliable ROMS for HTC phones. I must say your faith in large manufacturers is touching if extraordinarily naive....

I am slightly confussed as to whether there is any points of contention in that post beyond your own catologue of bad experiences but we shall proceed none the less.

I too have been using WinMo devices since 02 and heavily from 03 for phone features with the Motorola Mpx200 and on. During that time I Haven't had cause to go back since. I am also an active member of the Windows Mobile community and forums and in my experience, as with so many other users - clearly not yours- my HTC devices have on the whole worked fine and even with heavy useage I have never had a device die half-way through the day.

Mayhaps you could answer me as to why HTC devices would even still be around if they only lasted your alleged half a day?

Is it not more probable, in your opinion sir, that you have just had a bad run of devices, make an exxagerated statement which I responded to, which you then took offense to and now we are locked in this ridiculous battle of you trying to convince me that HTC devices and in particular a 900mAH device has no chance of lasting half a day of regular use?

Well despite you're clearly well grounded assumptions on my influence from advertising I would hardly call a Microsoft Windows Mobile EVP at an official HTC launch answering questions and discussing the product with a room of techies as advertising. I would consider it a feature of WIndows Mobile 6.1 which Microsoft are probably quite proud of.

As to your class action suit, over video drivers please stick to wasting the solicitors time not mine. Whilst I acknowledge the drivers issue exists and does comprimise the devices full capacity, it never slowed my work nor my use of the devices down enough to warrant something that I would go to court over or stop using the device over.

Now to clear up a couple of final points, I dont expect this device to outlast the TyTNII devices or any higher cap battery, but I am pretty sure you're going to get your daily useage out of it between charges. However, once again, paraphrasing the CEO Of HTC - whom I would assume to be an authoratative source on these matters - there is a trade-off between design, features, size and battery life, which way do you want it? That being said based on the optimisations in WinMo6.1 and the device being engineered around a smaller form factor one would have to give them the benefit of the doubt that its still going to be a functional daily device.

Lastly, it's easy to throw around experience in these matters, and whilst I don't defend the quality of the writing, -nor lay any claim to experitise - I submit for evidence my reviews of some of the HTC devices I have owned; as proof that I didnt just pick up that latest HTC device and decided to defend the products for no reason.

One of the first Australian TyTN Reviews (Back when I worked on Importing WinMo Products)www.mtekk.com.au/Article...Full-Review.aspx

HP Ipaq6828 (WinMo5 dev) www.mtekk.com.au/Article...nger-Review.aspx

HTC Advantage X7500
www.mtekk.com.au/Article...7500-Review.aspx

Now if you will excuse me I think I hear a fat lady singing...

Osir1s writes...

Mayhaps you could answer me as to why HTC devices would even still be around if they only lasted your alleged half a day?

I am glad you have had wonderful experience with HTC devices do understand some of us have had enough of HTC. Some of us are sick of consistent problems with HTC devices.

For reference I have owned the following HTC devices: HTC Tornado, HTC Magician (owned 2 different phones with the same issues), HTC Wizard, HTC StarTrek, HTC Cheetah (had 2 different phones with the same issues) and HTC Artemis. I have owned the following non-HTC smartphones: Motorola A1000, Nokia 6680, Sony Ericsson P910i, Nokia 9300, Nokia N70, Sony Ericsson M600i, Samsung Blackjack I, Nokia E61, Nokia 6120 Classic and Samsung Blackjack II. The only reason why I mentioned these phones is to illustrate what phones I have been comparing HTC devices to.

I have not been able to keep a HTC based device for more then 3 months due to consistent issues with signal reception, signal quality, in call quality and general sluggishness. After HTC Cheetah and Artemis I have given up on HTC devices.

My current phone is Samsung Blackjack II one of the few decent Windows Mobile phones.

Wow uve had a lot of HTC phones. Can I ask why you kept buying their phones when you've had so many issues with em?

Ive never owned a HTC so I cant comment on how they work - but Im certain I will be getting the touch diamond.

Although Flashgordonv, mob1lejunkie and anyone else here are entitled to their views, its not really gonna change my mind at this stage coz
no matter how many HTC devices u've used before - Touch Diamond is new and may be totally different - better or worse - cant say. And really, this is whirlpool - we all know there is more posts about what a device isnt doing then how good it is. Theres been numerous times where Ive come to whirlpool to get an idea about something im about to buy - theres bound to be someone having a problem with it - but in the end, if I decide to buy it, I have no problems....ever.
So maybe Im lucky - hopefully that luck will carry on to the touch diamond.

Im also looking at this phone, it will be this or the 3G iphone that will be my next phone.

Auswill writes...

Can I ask why you kept buying their phones when you've had so many issues with em?

For this reason:

coz no matter how many HTC devices u've used before - Touch Diamond is new and may be totally different - better or worse - cant say.

Thats what I always told myself every time I considered a new HTC phone.

And really, this is whirlpool - we all know there is more posts about what a device isnt doing then how good it is

Perhaps you should read other forums like XDA-Developers.com, HowardForums.com or Modaco.com as people on these forums also have issues with HTC devices.

I recently purchased HTC Cruise and now Diamond is out??
If I'd waited only a couple of weeks more, I wouldn't have bought Cruise.

I actually searched for Diamond on ebay and there was one available from US for US$850, and now it's gone. Someone must have bought it.

US$850 is a good price, I reckon.

cs2602 writes...

I recently purchased HTC Cruise and now Diamond is out??
If I'd waited only a couple of weeks more, I wouldn't have bought Cruise.

I actually searched for Diamond on ebay and there was one available from US for US$850, and now it's gone. Someone must have bought it.

US$850 is a good price, I reckon.

Would that have been a pre-released version? I thought it wasn't out till June-July.

There's also the new Philips Xenium touchscreens just announced www.gsmarena.com/philips...uch-news-502.php.

And also the Samsung F480 in a few days.

But the HTC Diamond looks really good and it has a better screen (VGA) than the Samsung or the Philips. And... Coverflow.

oh I was so hoping you would be flash as I was so impressed with your list of devices. If you read the next couple of sentences you will see I can do the same thing. Watch: I too work in IT for a large international company, my devices include, The HTC Shift, The HTC Advantage X7501, a HTC TyTN and a blackberry. Wow look at all my gadgets, I must be an expert in this field - something you will note I discounted previously, but for which you still seem to lay claim too.

I cannot help but feel it is you who lacks the capacity to absorb arguments and respond to them with any facts. I have given technical information on the diamond and my argument is supported by the actual launch event and post launch event information. What is your information supported by? Your own personal opinions and your persist babble that anything anyone other than you says must be Advertising....

But having said that, I have found something we agree on...I notice you nicely clarified what you meant by last half a day. Well I have to say I agree. If I were to, run GPS, run Windows Media Player, have the screen on full, use wifi and 3G, I am pretty confident my Advantage nor ANY device would last half a day either and it has a 2200mHA!

So there, yes I agree with you based on that ridiculous unrealistic useage of the device, however if we bring it back down to real world usage which would contain a bit of everything over the course of a business day I am once again comforted by the fact that it will likely see me and all the other consumers through the day. If you are like me though and work for an international organisation and are often mobile, some days perhaps it will be cutting it a bit fine, but I guess we are blessed that HTC has thought of everything an a 1300mHA battery will be available!

Now given that neither of us can be vindicated and proven correct until the device is launched - assuming we havent been debating your hyperbole' - and given your use of ad-hominem attacks, I will be the more mature person here and leave this argument until I am vindicated over the coming months.

Osir1s writes...

I cannot help but feel it is you who lacks the capacity to absorb arguments and respond to them with any facts. I have given technical information on the diamond and my argument is supported by the actual launch event and post launch event information. What is your information supported by? Your own personal opinions and your persist babble that anything anyone other than you says must be Advertising....

But for all your sarcastic nastiness, you have not addressed the points I raised. Anything that you cannot answer, you attack and belittle. You insist that an HTC press release is gold plated fact and anybodies experience to the contrary with that company's product is to be discounted as irrelevant.

We argue from two positions that cannot be reconciled. You argue for the accuracy of the data provided by HTC and Microsoft at an advertising event. I call that information into question and call it what it is - advertising - and instead argue from my and others personal experience, (which also includes experience of Large Corporate Press releases being wildly inaccurate - think "Vista Ready" PCs for example).

For some reason you are much more comfortable with press releases from large corporations that you are with multiple real life experiences from the trenches. (And yes I did refer you to XDA Developers and other user forums to show you that I am not just a solitary voice crying in the wilderness)

Osir1s writes...

Now given that neither of us can be vindicated and proven correct until the device is launched - assuming we haven't been debating your hyperbole' - and given your use of ad-hominem attacks, I will be the more mature person here and leave this argument until I am vindicated over the coming months.

Wow, I am impressed, you are mature and you make sure we all know by telling us.

So, in the spirit of rampant maturity that is now being demonstrated here, lets both buy a Diamond and a 900mAh battery when they are released and put this to the test. Now as it happens, I HOPE you are right. I really HOPE the software and hardware has improved to the point where a 900mAh battery can power a phone with mixed use of 3G, Bluetooth, WiFi, and VGA screen. Because I too am very often mobile and on a travel day, I would use all of these technologies on my phone - bluetooth in the car, 3G for push email and telephone calls, wifi in the QANTAS club etc.

But as I have been previously discussing, based on past experience I am really doubtful that I will be able to do all this without needing to carry and use a spare battery. But, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Lets eat and then talk again. I look forward to a discussion based on real life experience, when one of us will be proven correct.

So, you better keep the fat lady on a chain, she has definitely not sung yet.

I can't believe you guys are arguing over battery life....very interesting though.

hehehe, the argument sure is funny and entertaining... I can't say it's the least bit informative... yet I can't stop reading :P

Anyways logically thinking, HTC are too experienced to release anything that requires you to carry a spare battery around... so I'm quite certain that battery is the least of its issue...

Looking at the video, I still find the touchflo3d to be chokey... and not very useful either... it's almost like they're making the graphics for the sake of looks and forgot about the usability...

That being said, I love my HTC Trinity, and have loved it for the past year (since WM6)... things will definitely be more perfect if it's got VGA resolution, better camera, FM radio and faster CPU... which is really all I'm getting the phone for (as well as waiting for WM7)

For those people who don't consider themself a tech geek, and haven't used a PPC phone before, don't get it. PPC phones are for tech geeks, and for those who wants to spend hours on end looking for the best setup and apps... if you're looking for the best out-of-box phone, go for iPhone!

Gam writes...

For those people who don't consider themself a tech geek, and haven't used a PPC phone before, don't get it. PPC phones are for tech geeks, and for those who wants to spend hours on end looking for the best setup and apps... if you're looking for the best out-of-box phone, go for iPhone!

Oh man!

I like the look of the Diamond, the touchFLO interface, and the specs. But I don't need Windows Mobile or extra apps.

I have an N82 at the moment, and I don't have any other apps on it, I just use the camera, voice calls and text.

But you see the Diamond has the edge on the iPhone as it has a better camera (3.2mp autofocus) as well as touchFLO, and is smaller, and... it's not an iPhone!

Given that you don't need to delve into windows mobile because touchFLO covers it all, I'm thinking the Diamond will still be a viable no-nonsense choice?

Ha©kErMaN writes...

Im also looking at this phone, it will be this or the 3G iphone that will be my next phone.

Same - UMTS900 support on the 3G iphone will be the decider for me.

hehe if all you really like is the touchflo 3d, then that's still a viable no-nonsense choice...
BUT few things that you need to know and expect...

1) It is a battery drainer, and you need to take some care to use it if you want it to last for more than a day... (don't really need to care if you charge it every night and sync it during the day)

2) It is unstable, and may hang every now and then. Most people have the habit of resetting the phone every night, kinda like a computer.

3) Looking at the presentation, I assume nothing else at all is installed... it still wasn't 100% smooth... it really is extremely intensive, and I don't find it very user-friendly anyway... way more other apps that can do a better job... way faster too...

So yes, sorry to say I still stand by my comment and advice that you wait for the 3G iPhone... my expectation is that Apple doesn't disappoint...

iPhone looks ok but I hate apple software - eg ipod having to sync with itunes.

Anyways - not sure if this is allowed (delete post if not) but Mobile Review have a couple of write ups about the diamond.

www.mobile-review.com/pd...ond-fpr-en.shtml
www.mobile-review.com/pd...diamond-en.shtml

Theres a bit about battery life at the bottom of the 2nd article. Doesnt really answer much though :P

How will GPS navigation software go without an SD slot? I thought it usually came on micro SD cards...

GPS software goes on anything........in this case....the 4gb internal

Auswill writes...

GPS software goes on anything........in this case....the 4gb internal

Must have been just the one I saw... Garmin stuff. On a locked micro SD card.

How big would say the Tom Tom software be? One would hope it doesn't take up too much space with only 4gb...

TT is probably < 150 megs... conservatively thinking

Yes you're right that PDA GPS is usually on a locked SD card and requires you to install via SD card... I have no idea how you're gonna install it...

Taking out card slot surely is a bold move by htc...

I'm an infrequent visitor, so please excuse me if this is a repeat.

My questions is......having done a reasonable amount of reading about the HTC Diamond, I understand that it will not offer 850MHz. If that's correct, am I right in saying that it won't work on NextG? As my uderstanding is that NextG is 850.

I'm not at all technical, so this could be way off base.

Thanks.

bfi2906 writes...

If that's correct, am I right in saying that it won't work on NextG?

According to this, yes:

- Release date is projected to be mid-June 2008 although this could slip.

- The Diamond will not run on the Telstra NextG network. It will however run on the 3G networks currently operated by Optus and Vodafone, and also on the new 900MHz 3G network being rolled out by Optus. And it works on the GSM networks of all carriers, of course.

bfi2906 writes...

I understand that it will not offer 850MHz.

There are two models of Touch Diamond. One is for Europe/Asia and ot supports 2100 and 900. The other model is for Americas and it supports 850 and 1900.

If that's correct, am I right in saying that it won't work on NextG?

Touch Diamond Americas model will work on NextG.

www.gsmarena.com/htc_touch_diamond-2368.php

Gam writes...

Yes you're right that PDA GPS is usually on a locked SD card and requires you to install via SD card... I have no idea how you're gonna install it...

It depends on the software and maps. Tomtom 6.032 and the latest map are downloads from Tomtom or HTC (for the program anyway) and can be saved to the internal memory via Activesync. it is just a matter of setting folders and then running cab files. No big deal at all.

Check this out - it's on sale on the US ebay for US$899.99!!!

cgi.ebay.com/HTC-Touch-D...1VQQcmdZViewItem

That's not including postage and giftmarking.... man this is going to be one expensive phone....

This phone is so awesome. It's everything I want in a phone... But damn it if it's going to be a grand!

It will definitely be $1000 and up. When TyTN II was first released it was up there, same with Touch Cruise. If you want the latest and greatest early then expect to pay.

What new phone with these kind of specs isnt over $1000 at release these days? The cruise was $1199 rrp at release and this is a step up from that so one would assume that it will be similar.

Mobilephreak writes...

Check this out - it's on sale on the US ebay for US$899.99!!!

If you read his ad you will see that he has pre-ordered 100 of them. I don't think anyone has them for sale yet.

Here's another ebay listing for US$865.99 (about $907.75):

cgi.ebay.com.au/HTC-Touc...Z1QQcmdZViewItem

They claim to have them in stock right now. I have my doubts.

My god it is a beautiful device.

From what ive heard the diamond uses a newer Qualcomm chip that has been die shrunk so it should use less power than older HTC phones with similar specs. How much less is anyones guess but that combined with the supposed improvements in WinMo 6.1 should at least make it usable.

I currently have a Nokia N95 which heaps of people bitched aout because you couldnt last all day with GPS and music playing. I expect my smart/pda phone to run like a phone 95% of the time and be able to amuse me for short periods of time when im bored with things i couldnt do on other phones. Hence I dont consider the battery life to be an issue. I am drooling over the VGA screen. I havent had one since my axim x51v, now that was a nice PDA

^critter writes...

According to this, yes:

Does that mean it won’t run on 3(three)? If not will any of the international versions (American/European) work on three?

The 900/2100 version will work on 3 as 3's network is UMTS 2100.

From currency conversions off british sites and then off the american sites it may be possible they could swing this to us for $999 but most likely I would suspect we will pay up to $1099.

We might get lucky for the lower end though, the Touch series has always been competitively priced and this being the most targeted consumer release HTC has done it is probable they would set the price to match.

Osir1s writes...

We might get lucky for the lower end though

Well Techoni is selling it for $1099 AUD at the moment.

Osir1s writes...

From currency conversions off british sites and then off the american sites it may be possible they could swing this to us for $999 but most likely I would suspect we will pay up to $1099.

By the time this phone is released, the Aussie dollar is probably going to be $1.05 to the USD, so you may only have to pay $975 for it. That's if you believe the forex prophets, anyhow.

How does the HTC weather work?

Auswill writes...

HTC weather work?

It accesses weather data via the data connection and displays the icon/info.

I assume the HTC Diamond comes with a Java system for running midlets, e.g. Teashark?

If not, will Esmertec's JBed work on it?

hands on with Mobile Review:

www.mobile-review.com/pd...diamond-en.shtml

jamo96 writes...

Came across some new HTC releases. Sound pretty sweet.

HTC Touch Diamond

Glad did not buy a touch cruise...as could not justify upgrading from my 02 Orbit (Orbit is very good), but the diamond looks like it could change that.. no sd card slot does not worry as 4 gb internal memory would be plenty...just need to sell my (new in box from contract upgrade)n95 8g + the Orbit on ebay and should come out with a new touch diamond... have pre ordered... only hope it comes to aust soon :)

Getting very excited about this phone. Have one due to be delivered to me tomorrow. Will make sure it arrives and is working before I comment. Will be eager to see if it works on NextG without issues.

Now for sleep to overcome the impatience!

mykatt writes...

Now for sleep to overcome the impatience!

I hope its everything you expect it to be ;-)

mykatt writes...

Getting very excited about this phone. Have one due to be delivered to me tomorrow. Will make sure it arrives and is working before I comment. Will be eager to see if it works on NextG without issues.

Now for sleep to overcome the impatience!

You are getting this phone today? Its not out yet is it?
From wat ive read - it doesnt work on nextg?

Auswill writes...

From wat ive read - it doesnt work on nextg?

US model should.

Yeah but US model isnt available yet right? Euro and Asian model comes out first and even thats not out yet

Australia will have both WCDMA 850/2100 & WCDMA 2100/900 versions.

duckzz writes...

Australia will have both WCDMA 850/2100 & WCDMA 2100/900 versions.

Seems a shame that they can't do one that does all three in one handset - then it could be used on Next G and transferred to the national Optus/Voda networks on UMTS900 when they're built.

I guess that this is just further evidence of the growing trend in technology these days - even if it costs $1000+, its disposable technology ... :(

Cobbo writes...

If you read his ad you will see that he has pre-ordered 100 of them. I don't think anyone has them for sale yet.

Oops! Thanx for the correction, Cobbo! Talk about anticipation+!!!

mykatt writes...

Getting very excited about this phone. Have one due to be delivered to me tomorrow. Will make sure it arrives and is working before I comment. Will be eager to see if it works on NextG without issues.

Now for sleep to overcome the impatience!

AAAAHHHH!!!!! mykatt!!!! Why the silence!!!! Have u gotten the phone already?? Huh huh huh??? Have ya??? How goes it??

jamo96 writes...

Came across some new HTC releases. Sound pretty sweet.

Spoke to a nice guy from Brightpoint at CeBit show today and he said they should have stock Early for mid june release. will be priced around $1200 aud. Also mentioned no carriers have picked up yet so the usual dick smiths etc will have

Chris Ransom writes...

Seems a shame that they can't do one that does all three in one handset - then it could be used on Next G and transferred to the national Optus/Voda networks on UMTS900 when they're built.

I guess that this is just further evidence of the growing trend in technology these days - even if it costs $1000+, its disposable technology ... :(

I totaly agree.
For now I am sticking with Touch Cruise.
I guess for power efficency and size they had to use a different radio module which was more band specific.
It is still a very nice All in one though.

Cheers

I managed to get my hands on one unit. The new Opera browser is absolutely fantastic.. it actually makes you wanna browse the net using the phone.

and also touch screen keyboard is a massive improvement from previous HTC devices.

cheers

duckzz writes...

I managed to get my hands on one unit.

From where / how?

and also touch screen keyboard is a massive improvement from previous HTC devices.

In what way - more like the iPhone keyboard or..?

In what way - more like the iPhone keyboard or..?

I haven't used the iphone keypad..by the looks of it.. look similer. But the diamond gives the user options to choose from either Full qwerty, half-qwerty (like dual 850) or T9.

Just discovered, it comes preloaded with a mad pin ball game.. it actually has forced feedback :)

duckzz writes...

I haven't used the iphone keypad..by the looks of it.. look similer. But the diamond gives the user options to choose from either Full qwerty, half-qwerty (like dual 850) or T9.

On the QWERTY keyboard do the numbers zoom as your finger touches them to allow you to adjust if you've hit the wrong key?

Chris Ransom writes...

On the QWERTY keyboard do the numbers zoom as your finger touches them to allow you to adjust if you've hit the wrong key?

yes it does.. here is a good demo.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ1gPvz1veU

cheers

I wonder if you could answer a question for me, have you tried playing a movie clip/pausing & then answering a call ?
How easy is it to switch applications & do you get any warning that a call is incoming ?
I'm only asking as I have one on the way....

Smooth Operator writes...

Here's another ebay listing for US$865.99 (about $907.75):

cgi.ebay.com.au/HTC-Touc...Z1QQcmd­ ZViewItem

They claim to have them in stock right now. I have my doubts.

They specifically say no paypal. Its pretty much a scam - that and low seller rating = no go. Avoid.

yeah and the seller location is in cyprus!! haha, real scam there... there are some legit ones from some guys in the states for a total of $960AUD including postage, some popped up today on the .au ebay site for 1200 which is a rip off.

the australian model of the 850/1900 MHZ WCDMA isnt out till October.

Seems that the Diamond might be a bit cheaper than expected.

asia.cnet.com/crave/2008...aper-than-cruise
asia.cnet.com/blogs/hkte....htm?id=63003690

Accoding to the above sources, it will be officially retailing in Singapore for S$1,098 (AU$917.70) and in Hong Kong for HK$5,680 (AU$758.12). It's actually cheaper than the Cruise. I like the sound of that.

Unless you're desperate to get to asap, I'd stay away from pre-ordering it which seems to be over $1200 at the moment on aussie ebay sellers.

It appears the cat is out of the bag a month from today: Availability: Due Wednesday 25th June. Of course, the pre-order price is quite high but given time it will come back to earth...

maximus9314 writes...

It appears the cat is out of the bag a month from today: Availability: Due Wednesday 25th June.

Don't bet on seeing the HTC diamond in Australian shops before about October. Us poor ozzies are almost always the last to get the latest.
A few online stores in Oz are taking orders on the HTC Diamond now just google it and you will find them.
Prices range from Au$999- $1300 delivered but expect to wait a couple of weeks for delivery . Anyone saying that they have stock now is full of it .

Smooth Operator writes...

in Hong Kong for HK$5,680 (AU$758.12).

I like the sound of that.. my sister in hong kong will actually have some use after all!! hehe

trublu writes...

Don't bet on seeing the HTC diamond in Australian shops before about October. Us poor ozzies are almost always the last to get the latest.

Hence the link in my post was of expansys HK, not exansys Au.

I think they will have to do a bit better on the price point if they want to be able to compete with the 3G iPhone- especially seeing as the diamond only has 4GB!! I was looking forward to getting the diamond (I already have a HTC) but the 4gb lost it for me. I would prefer a 32GB iPhone thanks. I would assume Apple will fix the bluetooth issues, mms issues, and stick in an fm radio and gps which brings it right up to the Win mobiles if you ask me.....

The iPhone is meant to be selling in the states at a price similar to the 2G iPhone, around $600US...... HTC will have to do MUCH better than what their history suggests....