Handtops, UMPC - HTC Shift...WOW...

03/26/07 + urk

From Gizmodo -- link

It surprises even ourselves when we say that HTC's Shift should be the UMPC device that makes us—who were mild on UMPCs before—a fan of the platform. Instead of using a split keyboard or a *shudder* on-screen circle pad, the Shift makes like the Advantage with its sliding and flipping screen. With the input problem solved, you can really enjoy the 7-inch touchscreen, 30GB hard drive, Tri-Band UMTS/HSDPA, Quad-Band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi, and Windows Vista.

More so than the Advantage, the OQO2, or the Flipstart, the Shift can serve as a substitute for a laptop when you're out of the house, away on business trips—or hell, even at home.

When we played with it last week, we found the keys very comfortable, the weight fairly light (but heavy enough to be solid), and the touchscreen responsive. Current plans has it headed for a Q3 2007 release, which honestly isn't soon enough for us. We're ready to leave our laptops at home now. – Jason Chen

Picture: link

03/26/07 + urk

link -- Note the animation on the keyboard: Slides from the bottom then the screen flips up...wow...

03/26/07 + urk

Issued by: High Tech Computer Corp.
Issued on: 2007 03 26

For Release 11:00am EDT

HTC Defines Mobile Computing With Introduction Of
Shift and Advantage

Mobile computers set to deliver ultimate experience by combining innovative designs with powerful functionality and connectivity

ORLANDO, FL — March 26, 2007 — Today, at the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association’s (CTIA) WIRELESS 2007®, High Tech Computer Corp. (TAIEX: 2498; “HTC”), the world’s leading provider of Microsoft® Windows Mobile®-based smart devices, announced the expansion of its product portfolio to include two new groundbreaking computing devices that focus on providing users with the definitive mobile computer experience.

The HTC Shift brings the full power of Windows Vista and advanced wireless connectivity into an innovative and compact design that is sure to create a new paradigm for mobile computing. The HTC Advantage delivers extreme portability that leverages the mobile office strengths of Windows Mobile 6 and advanced wireless connectivity in one of the smallest mobile computer designs available.

“The introduction of the HTC Shift and Advantage continue HTC’s long history of innovative, precedent-setting devices,” said Peter Chou, chief executive officer of HTC. “These new devices bridge the gap between being mobile and being in the office, giving customers new choices for how they work, communicate and live.

With nearly a decade of experience designing and building pioneering smartphones, HTC is extending its mobile convergence leadership into a new mobile computing category created by the introduction of the HTC Shift and HTC Advantage. The company is now doing for mobile computing what it did for mobile phones, adding powerful functionality and advanced connectivity in compact and innovative designs.

HTC Shift

Unveiled at CTIA, the HTC Shift combines the power of Windows Vista with an innovative QWERTY-based keyboard design and 3G-connectivity. The days of compromising productivity for portability are gone. The HTC Shift provides all the power, functionality and connectivity the busy professional needs in a sleek design that is half the size and a fraction of the weight of what they lug around today. Similar in size to a couple of DVD cases, the HTC Shift comes with Windows Vista Business, includes a brilliant 7-inch widescreen touch display and a 30-gigabyte hard drive. Packed with advanced connectivity, the HTC Shift features high-speed global connectivity with Tri-Band UMTS/HSDPA, Quad-Band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi. A multimedia maven, the HTC Shift leverages Windows Media Player 11 to provide easy access to music, videos and photos.

“The HTC Shift is combining the power of Windows Vista with advanced connectivity in a sleek mobile computer design,“ said Bill Mitchell, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Windows Mobile Platforms Division. “HTC and Microsoft have been innovating on smartphones for years, so it is exciting to see them bring that experience and innovation to mobile computers.”

HTC Advantage

03/26/07 + dontpanic

I'd like to see something like this with Verizon Wireless EV-DO data services. Looks like there are going to be a ton of choices in UMPC land this year.

03/26/07 + urk

Yeah, it ships with HSDPA, I would presume for a worldwide release and I understand that...but since it has a USB port, I'd be tempted to put an sprint EVDO wireless modem into it...

03/26/07 + GreatDane

Now here really is something for the Psion guy's to have a look at!

Recent Blog: Performance Capped

03/26/07 + ArchiMark

Anyone hear when this lil' puppy will be available and at what cost?

Just curious....

;-)

03/26/07 + scoobie

Q3 availability. Priced "aggressively" according to HTC

03/26/07 + LKay

I want it now. Right now. Immediately. The only thing it doesn't have that I've been pining for is a clamshell design, but with a decent screen protector, I'd compromise. Sounds like the keyboard will be a workable size - maybe a little lean in terms of depth, but it looks like they mean it to be typeable using the traditional 10 finger approach. Here's hoping "aggressively" means WAY under $2k.

edited: Mar 26 2007 + Hite

wow, this must be the 1st device to be used in 3 markets...

vertical - slate .. (tablet PC's/UMPC's)

vertical - thumboard .. (OQO, UX)

horizontal - keyboard .. (laptops)

03/26/07 + ecsk2

So how are these going to compete (or not)!?

link

link

How come they can't design something that nice looking for the Windows Mobile setup, I think the 'advantage' is both ugly and unpractical by design.

Wonder if this will come out in Dell, HP etc branded versions too, since HTC has been making the PDAs fro all these brands.

03/26/07 + GreatDane

It is difficult to credit that these two designs came from the same company.

Recent Blog: Performance Capped

03/26/07 + ecsk2

GreatDane said: "It is difficult to credit that these two designs came from the same company."

Yeah, and also anyone dear to have any prediction as to how this might affect potential Flipstart sales?
Flipstart has yet to have a single product on the market, whereas if you have owned ANY PDA or Smartphone, chances are you have had an HTC product

even PALM phones are made by HTC!

03/26/07 + ecsk2

Wonder why this pressrelease 'throws' you to the year 2006 in the left bar!?
link

03/26/07 + ecsk2

Seems to be slightly larger res pics (closeups)
link