Windows Phone Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

"One thing that stood out 1st and foremost when taking the HTC FUZE out of the box was it's size. You can look at pictures, you can check out size charts and the actual dimensions, but you can not describe the way a device feels in your hand in words. The FUZE just amazed me, it's not much smaller than the Tilt on paper, but when you hold it in your hands, it feels much smaller. It's not any lighter feeling and the bulk from the thickness is the same, but the feel of the FUZE in hand is quite awesome."

AT&T's latest and greatest Windows Mobile smartphone is reviewed in detail by Chris Leckness over at MobilitySite. Lot of pictures, lots of screen shots - worth the read if you're considering this as your next device...

"You know you love it, new Windows Mobile -- even new carrier is good enough for us -- hardware always gets us all thrilled and chirpy. Sprint's really blown it open today with the Touch Diamond and Touch Pro announcements, so to honor them we got our hands on the Touch diamond. We like this set, Sprint's version in red -- a well chosen, soft and kind red -- is no exception and while a bit husky, we expect it's going to be well accepted and will be finding its way into many pockets come September 14th. Sadly, the Touch Pro was absent at CTIA, but we'll do our best to dig it up before the show closes out. Enjoy the pics."

Yesterday, Sprint made the announcement about the coming HTC Touch Diamond and the HTC Touch Pro phones. Today, Engadget Mobile has lots of shots of both devices so you can get a closer look. One interesting observation Sean Cooper makes in the writeup about the Touch Pro: "The Diamond murders the Pro for total pocketability, sex appeal, and feel in the hand -- so you've really got to ask yourself just how badly you need that keyboard before you pull the trigger one way or another." Interesting question. I think my first reaction would be to go for the keyboard, but the included 4gb memory and smaller size make the Diamond an interesting consideration. Check out the pictures for the Touch Diamond here. If you had to choose between the two, which one would you lean toward?

"Combining HTC's captivating 3D touch-screen experience, the broad functionality of Windows Mobile 6.1 and the largest mobile broadband network in the United States, Sprint will soon add two devices to its robust portfolio of Windows Mobile devices - HTC Touch Diamond and HTC Touch Pro. Sprint will be the first U.S. wireless carrier to offer both devices. HTC Touch Diamond and HTC Touch Pro set a new benchmark for mobile sophistication, introducing TouchFLO(TM) 3D, an unparalleled touch experience that puts live television, weather, email, photos, contacts, music and more at your fingertips."

The HTC Touch Diamond [pdf] offers Windows Mobile 6.1, 4 GB of internal storage, a 2.8-inch VGA display, Opera browser, 3.2 MP camera/camcorder, and stereo Bluetooth. While Verizon may also be offering versions of both phones, Sprint is claiming first dibs at bringing both the Touch Diamond and the Touch Pro to the US market. Both devices will include the TouchFLO (tm) 3D interface. Sprint will also offer exclusive multimedia content, including over-the-air song downloads and live and on-demand TV channels on it's fast EV-DO Rev. A network. Sprint will offer the HTC Touch Diamond for $249.99 with a two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate beginning this month.

The HTC Touch Pro [pdf] is rumored to have both GSM and CDMA versions, so it may be showing up at lots of carrier parties this fall. The Touch Pro distinguishes itself from the Touch Diamond by offering a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. It adds a microSD slot for expansion, but drops the included 4GB. The phone also comes with Windows Mobile 6.1, and the built-in 3.2 MP camera/camcorder includes special Business Card Scanner software to capture and convert business card information into contacts. HTC Touch Pro will be available October 19th for $299.99 with a two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate. You can sign up at Sprint to be notified when these phones are available for purchase.