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First Review: HTC 3G Phone Redefines Touch

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HTC looked at its Touch phone released last year, took down some points of improvement, and implemented the changes to its new Touch 3G. This smartphone has a great form factor, comes with better specifications, and is set to take the touch experience to another level.


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The most noticeable improvement on the Touch 3D is its TouchFLO interface: it is now more responsive and allowed us to navigate the tabs and press the various icons without any problems. It also comes with a number of connectivity features to help you stay in touch and a number of useful applications for added versatility. Moreover, users may like the Touch’s form factor: it only weighs 96g and is designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.

The Touch 3G is 102mm long, 53.6mm wide, and is only 14.5mm thick, which fits perfectly in your pants pocket. There are only a couple of essential buttons on the Touch (a power button, five-way navigation keys, end button, power/standby button, and volume up and down), which makes it simpler to operate. Located at the bottom part of the unit is the sync connector/ earphone jack, while the unit’s stylus is located at the upper right side. HTC has also included a 3.2-megapixel camera, which is located at the back of the unit.

 


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Removing the back cover reveals the SIM card slot, the battery compartment (uses 1100mAh Li-ion battery), and a microSD card slot for memory expansion. While located inside the back cover, memory cards can be swapped without shutting down the device.

After starting up the unit, aligning the screen, setting the date and time, and configuring the data connection settings (manually or automatically), HTC’s TouchFLO will automatically kick in and users will be brought to the Home Screen. The 2.8-inch QVGA screen is big enough for its size, with the icons not being too big or too small.

The Main screen shows the time, call history, and upcoming events, but there are 10 more tabs to choose from. By sliding your finger on the tabs or pressing left/right on the navigation pad, one can immediately have access to People (12 favourite contacts with a photo), Messages, Mail, Internet, Photos and Videos, Music, Weather, Maps Search, Settings, and Programs with quick shortcut icons (up to 18 shortcuts).

The new generation TouchFLo enabled us to slide our finger across the tabs and scroll thorough the sub-menus without experiencing any problems. And thanks to its 528Mhz Qualcomm chipset and 192MB RAM, the HTC Touch was able to launch programs quickly.

 


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Composing text messages became a whole lot easier, as HTC has included three different touch input layouts (Phone Keypad, Compact Keypad, and Full QWERTY) in addition to the default input layouts set by Windows Mobile (Block Recogniser, Keyboard, Letter Recogniser, and Transcriber). Despite having large fingers, I did not have a hard time sending messages or composing e-mails.

The built-in Opera browser displayed various websites properly, although the browser was unable to handle flash files. Since the unit is HSDPA-enabled, websites and YouTube content loaded in just a matter of seconds. If you don’t want to incur additional data charges, you can always turn on the built-in Wi-Fi and surf the Internet wirelessly. The Touch can also be used as a modem by hooking it up to the computer (an option will be available).

HTC has also included a Weather Tab that displays the current weather as well as a 4-day weather forecast. Users can update the forecast as often as they want and customise the cities to be displayed.

The Maps function (powered by Google) allowed us to search for nearby points of interest such as ATMs, restaurants, or petrol stations near our location. For example, typing in ‘Petrol’ displayed 11 nearby petrol stations in our location. The entries shown only displays the address, but by clicking on the hyperlink, Google will be able to display the telephone number and the website, with users being able to save it to their contact or get directions.

 

Received SMS are displayed on the Messages tab. Clicking on any message received automatically shows previous messages sent and received between the two parties. The messages are laid out conversation-style, which made it easy for us to remember what we said.

Users can also set the unit up to retrieve e-mail from POP3-enabled accounts such as Yahoo or Gmail and can also be configured to synchronise with an Exchange Server. The unit also comes pre-installed with Office Mobile for quick document edits anytime.

The 3.2-megapixel camera took fairly decent shots, although it did not have any auto focus function, producing some blurred shots in the process. The camera can also be used as a video camera and will capture footages in MPEG4 format. Stored photos and videos are displayed on the ‘Photos and Videos’ tab, with users being able to look at them with a single touch.

The unit lasted for almost three days with normal use, with the unit’s Wi-Fi occasionally turned on to surf the Internet and update the weather. HTC promises up to 360 minutes of talk time and up to 450 hours of standby time for the Touch 3G.

Better is probably the word that describes HTC’s Touch 3G. This 3G phone is slick, has an improved TouchFLO interface that resulted to a better touch experience, and is packed with a lot of connectivity options to boot. For those who find Apple’s iPhone too big, then perhaps this small wonder may be worth looking at. The Touch 3G is available now from authorised Brightpoint mobile phone retailers with an RRP of $799.

See page over for product specifications and final rating.

 

HTC Touch 3G Specifications:

  • Chipset: Qualcomm MSM7225 528 MHz
  • Connectivity: GSM/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz & WCDMA / HSPA: 900/2100MHz.
  • HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
  • Software/Operating system: HTC TouchFLO with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
  • Internal memory: 256 MB flash; 192 MB RAM
  • Display: 2.8 inch QVGA screen
  • Interface: HTC ExtUSB (mini-USB and audio jack in one; USB 2.0 High-Speed)
  • Camera: 3.2 megapixel
  • Memory card: microSD
  • Bluetooth: 2.0 with EDR
  • GPS: GPS/AGPS
  • Battery: 1100 mAh
  • Talk time: WCDMA: Up to 360 minutes / GSM: Up to 400 minutes
  • Standby time: WCDMA: Up to 450 hours / GSM: Up to 365 hours
  • Size: 102 x 53.6 x 14.5 mm
  • Weight: 96g

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HTC Touch 3G | $799 |  | www.htc.com/au

For: Small profile; Responsive TouchFLO interface; Easy to use; HSDPA-enabled; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in; QWERTY keypad is responsive; Google Maps allows you to look for nearby points of interest
Against: Good interface only limited to TouchFLO skin; microSD card needs to be purchased to store additional data; Camera lacks auto focus function; Browser lacks flash support
Conclusion: HTC refines the art of touch with its new slick 3G phone

HP Notebook A Multimedia Powerhouse

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The new HP Pavilion dv7 promises faster running programs, noteworthy graphics, quality audio, and even has enough hard drive space to store your music, videos, photos, and games. Just make sure you are prepared to lug a notebook that weighs 3.52kg.

Spending $2299 for a 17.3-inch notebook seems steep, but HP is promising good hardware specifications on the dv7. The system features a 2.66 Ghz Intel Core i7 processor, 4GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GT 230M graphics card with 1GB memory, and 1TB of storage (two 500GB drives). Also included are Altec Lansing speakers with an integrated subwoofer.

This means that you can edit photos and videos, play games, or watch movies in HD without experiencing slowdowns. The 17.3-inch BrightView widescreen display has a native resolution of 1600×900, although it could have been better if HP used a Full HD panel. The Altec Lansing speakers were loud, but those who want to enjoy movies or music in peace can connect their favourite headphones in the jack located up front.

The shiny black finish looks good but is a fingerprint magnet. The touch pad is large, while the keyboard is well-spaced and responsive. Users can find touch-sensitive media controls above the keyboard that allows a user to adjust the volume, put audio on mute, and even play or pause an audio file or movie. It also comes with a Wi-Fi button that changes colour depending on status (connected = blue, disconnected = orange).

 

The dv7 garnered a score of 6961 in 3DMark06 and lasted for 158 minutes in our movie playback test.

Connectivity is not an issue with the dv7 as it has a lot of input/output ports. It comes with four USB ports (one shared with eSATA), D-Sub, HDMI, Firewire, Ethernet, Modem, two headphone out, microphone out, IR, expansion port, and Expresscard slot, and 5-in-1 digital media reader. A built-in web camera and microphone are also onboard that can be used for Skype or other video conferencing software.

Overall, the HP Pavilion dv7 is a powerful multimedia notebook that performs well under most circumstances. Whether it is playing games, working on spreadsheets, or watching movies, this notebook will not slow you down. It may be heavy and hard to bring around, but it won’t certainly be an issue for those who do not want to sacrifice productivity. 

Optus Refreshes Broadband Plans

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Optus has launched its new range of Bundled Broadband (with home phone and/or mobile) and Naked plan range that claims to offer more data. The company will also continue to offer a 12-hour off-peak period to its users and remove excess usage fees on most of its plans.Optus Consumer’s Marketing Director, Austin R. Bryan said, “As Australia’s second largest ISP and the first to offer bundling options for the home, Optus knows that customers want flexibility, value and great service from their phone and broadband provider. They also want easy to understand plans to show them exactly what they get upfront.”

“We have listened to feedback from our customers and developed a range of broadband plans that combine extra data with greater value and more freedom. For instance our new $59.99 bundled broadband plan provides customers with a huge 150GB of data a month and no excess usage charges should they reach their limit,” added Bryan.

Optus says that unlike some providers, it has retained “off-peak period at a huge 12 hours between midnight and midday giving customers a greater opportunity to use their broadband when they want to”.

In addition, Optus’ new Naked DSL plans allow customers to bundle their broadband and mobile services and access great broadband value by receiving 170GB of data for just $69.99 a month, a saving of $10 a month on Optus’ current Naked DSL offer.

“As customers download more music, TV shows and movies or access more user generated content online, Optus is thinking bigger and giving customers the option to use the internet for what they want as much as they’d like to, without having to worry about download limits or excess charges.”

“We continue to bring value and freedom to our customers by developing great plans that are easy to understand and represent the best value. With these new broadband offers we are proving once again that when you think of competition and great value, you think Optus,” concluded Bryan.

Fastest Wireless Modem Hits Telstra Stores

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Australian business users can now have access to the fastest wireless broadband in the country as Telstra begins to sell its Next G Turbo 21 Modem.


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Telstra claims that its Next G Turbo 21 Modem is up to four times faster than competitor mobile broadband devices in Australia with typical download speeds ranging from 550kbps to 8Mbps. See our review of the modem here.

Telstra Business Group Managing Director, Deena Shiff said, “The faster speeds now available on the Next G network with the new Turbo 21 Modem will mean businesses can continue to stay ahead of the game at this crucial time. The bottom line is that businesses can get more done, more quickly, when they need to on the move.”

The launch today of the Turbo 21 Modem in Telstra’s retail outlets follows the successful roll out of the device to several thousand Telstra business customers last month. One customer who trialled the new device is John Nayler who runs an online information business, ChannelWhitsunday.com from his yacht off the north Queensland coast.

“I was able to load a video onto the internet in minutes while driving north of Rockhampton,” Mr Nayler said. “The combination of coverage, speed and ability to process many things at once while on the move is invaluable to my business.”

Telstra will also this week be making available a new Telstra information service to help customers understand the various broadband technologies offered by Telstra, how they differ and the typical internet speeds customers will experience under various circumstances. The new service will be available under the ‘Internet’ tab on www.telstra.com.

Acer Unveils New Aspire Notebooks

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Acer has refreshed its Aspire line of notebooks, with the company revealing a multimedia notebook, a notebook that can last up to 8 hours, as well as an LED-backlit model.


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Acer Aspire 5741

Acer’s entry level Aspire, the 5741, features Intel Core I processors, has a high-resolution 15.6″ widescreen display, and sports a mesh-patterned exterior that protects against smudges and scratches. It also featured a full-size Acer FineTip keyboard with numeric keypad and large keys for comfortable typing, along with a multi-gesture touchpad that lets you easily scroll, pinch, rotate and flip through web pages, files and images.

Chris Osborne, Senior Product Manager, Acer Computer Australia believes the entry level Aspire provides a lot of options with great value: “The Aspire 5741 makes the latest technology affordable to the masses, while making no compromise on value.”

The second notebook revealed by the company is the Aspire 5745G, a 15.6-inch LED-backlit notebook that offers a full selection of Intel’s Core processor range and supports Intel Turbo Boost Technology on i5/i7 models.

The Aspire 5745G features a full-size keyboard with large keys for comfortable typing, while dedicated media keys give you total control over your entertainment. “Another special highlight is the multi-gesture touchpad that lets you easily scroll, pinch, rotate and flip through web pages, files and images,” said Osborne.

Osborne also said that the Aspire 5745G supports up to 16GB over 4 DIMM slots when paired with an Intel Core i7 Quad Core processor.

 

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Acer Aspire 8943

Acer has also unveiled the Timeline 5820T, a notebook that can last up to 8 hours. The 15.6-inch Timeline X 5820T is ideal for home- school- and office-based users on the move all day with demanding PC needs.

It is less than 1-inch thin, is easy to carry, manoeuvre and store while you’re on the go, but still features full-size notebook usability with an easy-to-read display, numeric keypad and an optical drive.

Finally, the company has announced two new multimedia centres that claim to deliver an ultimate high-definition personal-theatre experience.

The Aspire 5943G offers a HD 720p experience, while the 8943G boasts an impressive FULL HD 1080p. In accompaniment is an optimized Acer CineSurround sound system with a subwoofer and five speakers built in, along with Dolby Home Theatre v3 for studio-quality sound. Combined with a Blu-ray writer and a Digital TV tuner, both Aspires can record the latest HD content, giving you an all in one cinematic entertainment experience.

With an Intel Core i7 processor and up to 16GB DDR3 memory, you’ll have all the power you need to smoothly engage in multiple applications at the same time. On top of that, ATI’s flagship Radeon HD 5850 graphics controller supporting Microsoft DirectX 11 will immerse you in detailed gaming worlds and make your creative ideas spring to visual life. Additionally, expansive storage space with up to two 640 GB hard drives lets you keep everything you want, without worry.

Pricing are as follows:
The Aspire 5471: from $899
The Aspire 5745G: from $1399
The Timeline X 5820T: from $1,599
The Acer Aspire 5943G: from $2799
The Acer Aspire 8943G: from $2999

Buffalo Reveals 3-in-1 Wireless Device

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Buffalo Australia has released a new wireless device that can be used as a dual-band Ethernet converter, access point or bridge.


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According to the company, the Nfiniti AirStation can be configured as an Ethernet converter, allowing two wired devices such as gaming consoles, televisions and video streaming products to wireless connect to a network.

The Nfiniti AirStation can also be configured as an access point to create a wireless network or two units can be used to create a dedicated, high-performance 11n bridge or repeater.

The dual band 802.11n offers fast data transfer rate, while network security is ensured with its AirStation One-Touch Secure System (AOSS) which automatically detects and configures other AOSS-enabled devices. For devices which don’t support AOSS, Wi-Fi Protected Set-up (WPS) is also available. The Airstation is backward compatible with 802.11g, 802.11a, and 802.11b devices and supports WPA2, WPA-PSK (TKIP, AES) and 128/64-bit WEP Security.

The Nfiniti Wireless-N Dual Band Ethernet Converter, Access Point and Bridge is available now for $129. 

World Cup Spam Increasing Says Symantec

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Symantec has reported that spam related to the FIFA 2010 World Cup has risen by around 27 per cent.The company has identified numerous scams, phishing and malicious attachment spam related to this sporting event. It found that certain obvious words such as “FIFA 2010”, “2010 FIFA”, “Football World Cup”, and “FIFA World Cup” were being used in various parts of the e-mail (headers, body or obfuscation text).

Online users can expect to receive many variations of spam types, with offers of fake game tickets, malware distribution via fake videos purportedly showing highlights of the games and fake FIFA product offers.

Symantec’s Samir Patil said, “We first observed Fifa-related scams way back in 2005 when South Africa was announced as the 2010 FIFA World Cup host country. However, the message volume during the last couple of months has shot up.”

“Not surprisingly, 419-scam messages stand out as major contributors and with kick-off literally around the corner, we expect all spam volumes related to the World Cup to grow,” added Patil.

Iomega Network Drive Shares Files

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The new Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive will allow users to back up their files as well as stream stored content to gaming consoles or PCs.


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According to Iomega, the 1TB Home Media Network Hard Drive claims to store more than 4 million photos, 18,500 hours of music, or 1500 hours of video.

President of Iomega and the Consumer and Small Business Products Division of EMC, Jonathan Huberman said, “Iomega’s new Home Media Network Hard Drive is a powerful network storage device that’s so straightforward, even a novice can be backing up multiple computers and streaming media around their home in less than five minutes. The Home Media Network Drive does the serious work of backing up and protecting digital files, but it also streams photos and videos to game consoles, digital picture frames and networked TVs, as well as automatically feeding music into iTunes for easy playback – all for little more than the cost of a USB direct-attached desktop hard drive with comparable storage capacity.”

The new Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive operates EMC’s LifeLine Home software, a custom Linux operating system and application suite that can be set up in three easy steps: simply plug the Home Network Hard Drive into a router, power on, and install the software CD.  A friendly user interface screen makes it easy to access files on all networked computers, as well as control which family members have access to certain folders.

 

The Home Media Network Hard Drive supports iTunes and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certified devices, which can save, store and stream digital content to the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, as well as digital picture frames, networked TVs and any other compatible device on a home network.

The Home Media Network Hard Drive is a total network storage solution that provides data backup and protection with integrated award-winning EMC Retrospect Express backup software.  During the set-up process, users choose files and folders for scheduled automatic backups from all the PCs and Macs on the network.  After that, any changes or additions are updated and saved automatically.

Iomega will also offer users an online backup service to store important files. Called MozyHome, this online backup service provides 2GB of free online storage for backing up selected folders to world-class EMC data centres.

The Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive 1TB, will be available in Australia in early May 2009 for $429.

Telstra To Offer 24-Month Handset Warranty

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Telstra announced that will now offer 24-month warranties for mobile handsets supplied with its 2 year service contracts. However, users who sign up for an iPhone plan will still only get a year’s warranty.The decision follows discussions with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

ACCC Chairman, Graeme Samuel said, “Telstra has decided to do what’s right and fair for consumers, and has been negotiating with manufacturers to bring in warranty periods that last for the length of a consumer’s contract.”

” In the EU, most consumer goods sold come with a minimum 24 month warranty… Just because the manufacturer’s warranty period is up, it does not mean that consumers can be hung out to dry if they are left with a faulty product and ongoing service contract,” continued Samuel.

Although nearly all major handset manufacturers have agreed to honour full warranties, the ACCC continues to have concerns in relation to warranty issues with the Apple iPhone.

LG To Release Android Tablet This Year

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In addition to the Optimus, LG has confirmed that it will launch two more Google Android phones as well as a thin and light Android tablet in the next coming months.According to the company, the new Optimus Series will be comprised of devices running on the popular Android operating system. The various smartphones and tablet devices will range from entry to premium level with various form factors to meet the diverse needs of all customers.

The two android-powered smartphones in the pipeline for the Australian market – LG Optimus One with Google and LG Optimus Chic – will run on Android Platform 2.2 (Froyo).
 
LG said that the Optimus One with Google offers the latest in Google mobile features and connects seamlessly to the world according to Google. “Its convenient user interface and diverse multimedia options ensure a mobile environment that makes this device one of the easiest to use on the market,” said the company.
 
The LG Optimus Chic is aimed at fashion aficionados with its ‘tasteful design’ incorporating soft and smooth lines.
 
Finally, LG will be introducing its first tablet device later this year. Running on the Android Platform, LG claims that the tablet will deliver ‘vastly superior performance while still managing to be thinner and lighter than competing devices.’