HTC Touch Diamond Review by 3G.co.uk
The prosumer smartphone market is a notoriously difficult market to crack, with subsequent successful devices proving few and far between. Perhaps the best example of a handset that has achieved the universal feel of appealing to both the business user and the camera-doting music-playing consumer is the Apple iPhone. With the new iPhone 3G recently hitting stores, Apple has once again thrown down the gauntlet to its counterparts, HTC being one. The Taiwanese manufacturer pre-empted this launch with its own super-savvy touch-screen handset (let us not forget that HTC was one of the pioneers of the touch-screen revolution), the HTC Touch Diamond.
Having been invited to the initial launch of the Diamond in May, the accompanying press video had us here at 3G.co.uk drooling at the slick user interface. Unfortunately when it came to the actual demo of the handset the screen froze before we could get to grips with it. ‘Worry not' our demonstrator told us; all such problems would be ironed out by the official release date. So when our review sample arrived in a rather dashing box, our appetite was once again wetted.
HTC Touch Diamond - Designer feel
The HTC Touch Diamond looks fabulous. It's relatively small and lightweight for a smartphone, at just 11mm thick and weighing in at only 110g. But don't let these stats deceive you, as the Diamond packs an awful lot into its svelte body. The 2.8-inch screen dominates the front of the handset, with a panel featuring four hard keys and a command key found just underneath. The panel feels a little loose which is a shame because apart from that the Diamond is a work of art. The back of the handset features a plastic glossy prism-like design that gives it a real designer look, although both this and the screen are a real magnet for grubby paw prints.
When we powered up the phone we were left twiddling our thumbs for a good 20 seconds. Not quite long enough to go and make a brew, but enough to cause mild irritation. However, once the homescreen springs to life all is forgiven, due to the stunning vibrancy of the screen. The icons are both vivid and expertly animated, and the clock on the homescreen can be changed from digital to a retro-style clock that flips over as the minutes pass.
Full Review Here
Full Review Here
