iPhone Week: iPhone Killer - HTC TyTN II

QWERTY 3G smartie with GPS and tilting screen

6 November 2007 13:02 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

Although we wouldn't suggest that HTC's TyTN II has the style of Apple's iPhone - it does offer quite distinctive love-it-or-hate-it looks - we believe it's worth a peek before you hand over your plastic to a black-clad Apple employee.

A Windows Mobile 6.0 smartphone, the TyTN is available as an HTC branded handset, but is also available as the MDA Vario III from T-Mobile.

Featuring high speed HSDPA connectivity, in-built GPS for personal navigation and an innovative adjustable screen angle, HTC describe this device is the "ultimate mobile companion".

The unusual form factor is a the 2.8-inch touchscreen that slides back to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, then tilts up to position the screen for what HTC say is perfect for reading and creating emails and using applications.

Connectivity comes in via 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, there's a 3-megapixel camera and a microSD card slot and the HTC homescreen offers easy access to photo dialing, text messages, calendar entries, emails and contacts, as well as one touch access to live weather conditions plus 4-day forecasts.

As well as all the productivity gubbins you get with Windows Mobile 6 Professional, there's Direct Push email available as well as further applications including as a business card scanner.

Handset only, the TyTN II will set you back around £400, but is obviously subsided on a contract purchase.