Although Acer has traditionally been a Windows Mobile company, it seems like the company is moving more and more towards Android. Its latest high-end handset, the Stream, offers a wide range of cutting edge features that we haven’t seen on competing handsets.

We've brought you a few bits and bobs on the smartphone previously, but this is the first time we've got to play with one. 

For starters, it has a micro HDMI port - also known as a Type D connector - which allows you to connect it to any display or TV with an HDMI port. You can then watch content from your phone in 720p resolution on the external screen. 

It also claims to be the first Dolby Mobile-certified Android handset.

The 5-megapixel camera can record 720p video at 24fps, but sadly it doesn’t have any kind of flash. The screen measures 3.7-inches, offers an 800 x 480 resolution and is based on Samsung’s AMOLED technology, just like the Nexus One. 

The processor in the Stream is a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon and Acer has kitted it out with 512MB of RAM and ROM, as well as a rather unusual 2GB of internal flash memory. A microSD card slot allows the user to add more memory.

802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and an FM radio with RDS support are also part of the spec. The Stream will work on all four 3G bands and supports 7.2Mbit HSDPA and 2Mbit HSUPA. 

It also has a set of media playback buttons below the standard Android navigation keys, although we can’t say we’re entirely sold on this concept as it doesn’t add anything to the aesthetics. Additionally, this is Acer’s first handset to run Android 2.1 and, judging by the interface, the company has done some minor customisations. 

The Stream measures 119.5 x 63 x 11.2mm and weighs in at 126g with the battery, making it slightly bigger, albeit somewhat lighter than the Nexus One.

Overall, the build quality feels good and the Stream is very snappy in use. We’re not sure anyone would buy it over the Nexus One or HTC Desire, when it comes to design at least, but if Acer can offer the phone at an attractive price point, then it could be a big seller.

What do you think? Does it tickle your fancy?