Windows Phone Thoughts: From Mt Olympus Comes the HTC TyTN

As a Phone
Using the TyTN as a phone had its ups and downs. The downs are probably the same gripes that I would have with any Pocket PC Phone Edition. Receiving calls was fine. The phone rings, hit the green answer button. Done. Dialing out caused another one of those moments of temporary insanity when I wished for a dedicated hardware keypad. But all the other benefits of the device outweighed the desire and it passed.

Besides there are third party applications, like Contact Breeze, that make it easier.


Figure 20: The Phone Dialer.

The Standard onscreen dialer. Bigger buttons would have made it better to use for me. But that perspective is probably dependant on the size of your fingers.


Figure 21: The Smart Dialer.

HTC's Smart Dialer is a great application for finding the number you want. When you start typing on the keypad, it searches for both numbers and contact names.

3G Data
The TyTN has been called "future-proof" due to the fact that it supports just about every GSM and UMTS spectrum there is. I don't know about that, but I don't know of another phone that deserves the title of World Phone more than this one.

When I first got the TyTN, a few months ago, the UMTS coverage was spotty at best. Cingular is still in the process of rolling out the network. In fact I've yet to see any official announcements or commercials for their 3G access.

Now I get pretty good access where I work in Chevy Chase, MD.


Figure 22: UMTS Meter.

According to Izaino, I've been able to get upwards of 320 kbps. The difference between UMTS and GSM is definitely noticeable. Especially when browsing or synchronizing my IMAP email accounts.

The specs say that it also supports EDGE, though I've never seen the E in my menu bar. Either G, or U. I guess I'll have to take their word for it.

Conclusions
I have had the opportunity to use the TyTN as my daily workhorse for a couple of months now and it is a great device. I don't have any serious complaints or regrets about purchasing it. Between the large screen and slide out keyboard, it has been able to keep me organized during my crazy workdays. And I've put it through the paces. You have noticed a few scratches on the case. It’s had a few drops but I've never had any problems with it.

HTC has bundled several value added applications with the TyTN to make the device more productive. Including a PDF viewer and Zip archive application.

With all of the wireless technologies packed in to the TyTN, you'll be hard pressed to find an excuse to not be connected. Unless you just don't want to be. The only thing that would make this device perfect would be included GPS.

If you're a fan of slide out keyboards, and you're looking or a 3G device then they TyTN is definitely the one for you.

Phillip is a full-time software team leader by day. And a electronics addict by night. Okay he's an addict all day long. He enjoys reading about new toys and staring at the Xbox 360 in Best Buy.[/b][b]