HTC TyTN II

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The size and tactility of the QWERTY keyboard do not differ much from the 838 Pro. But because of the material used, each key does not feel as distinct as they did previously. Again, this takes getting used to and may annoy some current 838 Pro users. But this next thing much more than makes up for it. Above the W and E keys are two little lights which tell you when the shift and function keys have been pressed. This lets you know if you are getting an alternate character instead of the regular letter. While an onscreen indicator does the same job on the 838 Pro, this implementation is much harder to miss and is a great inclusion which helps in the TyTN II's usability.

The inclusion of these two orange LEDs improves typing accuracy by making it clear when the shift and function keys are active.
(click for larger image)

While bright enough, the QVGA screen on the TyTN II is not exactly the same as its predecessor's. Different batches of LCDs exhibit different characteristics, and we found the TyTN II's has a yellow tinge to it and doesn't show colors as richly as the 838 Pro's. We would have loved a VGA display on this new model, but sadly, it was not to be. It would have been a great feature that would really have set it apart from the older model.

Features

The 838 Pro was one the very first phone devices with HSDPA connectivity. This partly explains why it stayed popular for such a long time, and also gave HTC a reason to provide a free upgrade to Windows Mobile 6. To be a proper replacement, the TyTN II needs to at least match up with the former's connectivity options, and we are glad to report that it does, and more.

First up, all the data connectivity options remain intact. It comes with triband HSDPA and quadband GSM with support for EDGE. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are still standard. The additional factor here is the built-in GPS. This feature will be useful out of the box because HTC will bundle maps when the TyTN II goes on sale. In our test, the GPS worked wonderfully. It got a lock very quickly and, while traveling, pinpointed our position accurately. For those interested, the GPS chip is integrated with the Qualcomm processor. This is in contrast to most other devices which have separate GPS chips built into them. Also, though named differently, there is a form of assisted GPS on the TyTN II called QuickGPS.

First found on the Touch, the TyTN II also comes with TouchFLO, HTC's addon application for page navigation. This allows you to scroll quickly through lists by swiping a finger on the screen, somewhat like pushing a piece of paper upward when reading down a page. The modified home screen is also present here. This gives quick access to oft-used applications and settings, as well as a big digital clock and weather information which can be useful at times.

The camera on the TyTN II has been upped to a 3-megapixel autofocus one. Like many other phone cameras, don't expect to get Ansel Adams-like prints from your shooter. It does reproduce color quite accurately in auto mode, but you get the usual noise and slight loss of sharpness. Also, note that the LED light and preview mirror as found on the 838 Pro are not on the TyTN II.

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