HTC Shift to arrive in Asia

Reuben Lee | Mar 19, 2008

Editors' note:

It took a little longer than expected, but Singapore will be getting the first units of the S$2,188 (US$1,608.82) HTC Shift from early April. We're still awaiting word as to when the Shift will hit other Asia-Pacific markets.

It's finally here. After the initial announcement way back in October last year, HTC's much-anticipated Windows Vista-based computer--the Shift--is finally set to launch across Asia from February. Unveiled at a press event today in Singapore together with the HTC Touch Cruise, the Shift will be priced at S$2,188, which puts it almost in the same price bracket as the HSDPA-enabled LifeBook U1010.

At first glance, the Shift looks very much like a larger version of its Windows Mobile predecessor, the Dopod U1000. It weighs just 800g (with battery) and comes in a portable 207 x 129 x 25mm footprint, which makes it great for traveling but not something you can carry in a pocket. Feature-wise, the Shift is comparable to tablet UMPCs like the LifeBook U1010, with its 7-inch touchscreen display, built-in Webcam, fingerprint sensor and HSDPA/UMTS connectivity. Sliding the display sideways reveals the QWERTY keyboard and the screen (like the HTC TyTN II) can be tilted for a more ergonomic desktop typing position.

What differentiates the Shift from other devices in the market is its SnapVUE function. To better understand what SnapVUE is all about, think of it as a PDA extension to the Shift. Rather than having to fully boot up into Vista to access features such as emails, SMS messages, contacts and calendar, users can now instantly access them through the SnapVUE interface at the touch of the button. Now why didn't anybody come up with something like that sooner?

Our initial impression of the Shift is that its tiny keys and touchpad will take some getting used to. The overall build quality of the device is good, though we can't help but notice the lack of connectivity ports on the machine and its limited 2-hour battery life (using Vista). The Shift comes with one USB, VGA-out, 3.5mm audio in and out as well as an SD card slot. Look out for our full review closer to launch.

Filed under: Notebooks
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serwei

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serwei says...
understand that the SnapVUE is a rigid wm5 layer, that does not allow one to install pocketpc apps. The battery life is quite dismal, allowing 2 hours of use and 6 hours of carrying :D

Jan 18, 2008 10:45