The UMPC field is becoming a little bit like modern politics: there is a race to the center. Traditional big notebook makers like ASUS and Samsung have been releasing small and impressive UMPCs. As they try to shrink their PCs, phone makers have been trying to bulk up and add more power to their phones (especially Windows Mobile devices). Nobody has pushed smart phone functionality farther and harder than Taiwan's HTC. HTC recently released the HTC Advantage, which is the most capable Windows Mobile device to date.
Now, HTC has gone all the way to full-fledged UMPC.
The HTC Shift ships with Windows Vista Business and has enough power to run Vista's Aero interface. It has a slide-and-tilt 7-inch wide aspect ratio touchscreen that slides to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. As you would expect from HTC, broadband wireless is integrated -- including 3.5G, HSDPA, and quad-band GSM. Other wireless connectivity includes WiFi and Bluetooth.
A built-in fingerprint sensor is added for security and the integrated camera is an asset for video Skype on the move. The HTC Shift also features SnapVUE, an always-on mode that provides instant access to critical information -- including e-mail previews, local weather, calendar, and SMS -- even if the device is not switched on. Push e-mail gives you instant alerts whenever you have new Outlook e-mails.
As with all our PCs, the HTC Shift includes the Dynamism Rescue Service warranty and unlimited toll-free tech support.
To view a demonstration of the HTC Shift, including the SnapVUE system for use with Push E-Mail service, please check out the video below:
