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The Linux-Maemo OS Nokia N900's keyboard got compared to the HTC HD2 and SlashGear finds that the on-screen software keyboard does a better job than most hardware keyboards on the market today. In part, this is due to the HTC HD's large capacitive touchscreen. However, as I found in my keyboard comparison with some HTC devices, HTC also implements a great auto-correction and predictive input mechanism making the on-screen keyboard great to use.

According to SlashGear, "Even in the short time we’ve had the HD2, we’re already faster at typing on it in than we are with most hardware keyboards on smartphones." This should be welcomed news for those who are anxiously, eagerly, and impatiently awaiting for the HTC HD2 to hit the market.

(via: SlashGear)

We're expanding our Verizon Wireless Motorola Droid coverage with a comparison of the usability of the on-screen and hardware keyboard against some present and past popular smartphone models. We're pitting the Droid's keyboard against the Verizon HTC Imagio, the Touch Pro2 slider, the tilt sliding AT&T Tilt, the iPhone 3GS, the Sprint HTC Hero, and the Sprint Samsung Moment.

The verdict: The on-screen keyboard with its auto-correction engine on Android 2.0 works very well and gives you more predictive correction options than the competing iPhone. It mimics the functionality of HTC devices, like the Imagio and the Android Hero. The hardware keyboard, although usable, is a bit cramped and keys were a bit more narrow than the original AT&T Tilt. We found that the island keys found on the Touch Pro2 (also known as the AT&T Tilt2) were better for typing than the membranous, contiguous keys on the Droid. However, the keyboard on the Droid, together with the directional pad found on the right of the keyboard occupies the same amount of space as the capacious Touch Pro2 keyboard.

Remember the Samsung Omnia Pro B7610? Think Samsung Omnia II with a slide out keyboard. It was due to pack an AMOLED display, a rocket fast 800MHz CPU, and a capacious slide-out keyboard. It could have been a big competitor to the now ubiquitous Touch Pro2. In addition, the B7610 had the 1900UMTS band (like the Omnia II), meaning that for many in the US, 3G on AT&T would be possible. It was also supposed to see a release in September, then October, and now it may be released this month. We've talked to two mobile phone retailers and both have no explanation for the delays, except that the Samsung keeps pushing back the release date without reason. We'll keep an eye on the situation, and we hope that Samsung gets the device out before the HD2 Pro is released (or whatever keyboard-packing device is derived from the HD2).

Have you dropped your Touch Pro2 yet? Well, if you have or are prone to (eventually) dropping your Touch Pro2 and have been looking for a suitable hardcase, the search may be over. You’ll be happy to hear that Seidio is gearing up to finally launch their Innocase Surface line for the Sprint and Verizon Touch Pro2. The case is up for preorder for around $30 and will start shipping the week of November 9. They’re currently working on one for T-Mobile’s TP2 as well, aiming to release it in a few weeks.

Quality hardcases are rare for devices with slide-out keyboards due to moving parts. The Innocase Surface is a two-piece case that doesn’t obstruct the slide-out function of the Touch Pro2. It’s only 1mm thick and has a soft touch coating. To compliment the Innocase, the spring lock holster is also up for preorder.

If you’re looking for a charging dock, the Innodock Jr. desktop cradle ($30) will start shipping next week for the Touch Pro2/Tilt 2. View all Seidio Touch Pro2 accessories for Sprint and Verizon.

Notes: Seidio is a well-known manufacturer of smartphone accessories. Most notable are their hardcases and extended batteries.

Update: Seidio's having a special promotion on Touch Pro2 accessories. Enter promo code "HTP210" for 10% off, expires November 11.

Here's a video comparing the outdoor screen visibility of the Samsung Omnia, Omnia 2, Omnia HD, Samsung Galaxy, iPhone 3GS, and the HTC Hero and Touch Pro2. It seems that the iPhone's screen has the highest level of readability in bright sunlight, while the devices with the AMOLED screens looks the sharpest in lower light conditions.

(via: HDBlog.it)

At CTIA in San Diego this Fall, we witnessed Microsoft demoing the
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 running Windows Mobile 6.5 with US 3G bands intact.

It looks like the FCC has just seen the version of the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 running Windows Mobile pass through its testing facilities. What's curious is that the version that the FCC is looking over doesn't have any US 3G bands, a move we find curious as there is a version with US 3G out there somewhere as we saw one running on HSPA at CTIA a few weeks ago when Microsoft gave us a tour (see video above). However, the user manual (PDF link) was left as part of the FCC paper trail for those who want some geek reading before the device is released.

(via: WMPowerUser)

With Sprint and Verizon Wireless having already launched their HTC Touch Pro2, it leaves wondering where US Cellular's version is. The carrier was rumored to be the first CDMA carrier to launch the Touch Pro2 with Windows Mobile 6.5 out of the box, and it looks like the launch may be impending as WMExperts has obtained the US Cellular specs sheet.

There is still no word on that pesky 3.5 mm headphone jack that the current CDMA versions have that the GSM variants lack. However, like the GSM versions from T-Mobile and AT&T, WMExperts is noting that the device is coming with a multi-function audio adapter dongle. We're wondering if US Cellular really feels you need the extra accessory just because it was bundled with the GSM version or if the carrier really didn't score the 3.5 mm version.

(via: WMExperts)

The cool, magnetic car mount that turns your beloved capactive touchscreen HTC HD2 into an iMac with a Pixar-lamp style base will cost you a pretty penny. The base is sticky and uses a number of micro suctions like the Palm Pre's Touchstone charger and will also featuere a micro USB charging port. The car kit comes with a replacement battery door for your HD2 to take advantage of the magnetic mount, which will also put your HD2 into the finger-friendly navigational mode with the touchable tiles.

The car kit is listed as the HTC HD2 CU S400 Car Upgrade Kit on Clove and is expected to retail just shy of $90 US when it launches in the UK.

(via: SlashGear)

The AT&T Tilt 2 comes with just basic accessories: a wall charger and USB plug, a converter plug to use your own headphones, an extra stylus, screen protector and some software. Not included is a case, which is a shame considering that the Tilt 2 is a high end device and deserves some protection.



The tilting screen of the Tilt 2 is fantastic. It makes it easy to watch movies, to navigate in the car with GPS, or to get a correct viewing angle while typing an email or SMS. The screen tilts about 40 degrees, which is a bit less than the original Tilt.

Those of you upgrading from the Fuze or Tilt can rest assured that the upgrade is significant. The screen is larger and higher resolution (plus it has a higher level of sensitivity), the keyboard is far improved, and it brings a professional-grade speakerphone that features two speakers and two microphones.



To enable the spearkphone, you place the phone on its face while you're in a call. The button in the center will turn green to indicate that the speakerphone is on. Tapping the button will mute the call, and to indicate this, the button will turn red. The quality of the speakerphone is better than any phone we've tested. The device uses dual microphones for noise cancellation.

Hardware:



The device exhibits terrific build quality and makes use of metallic paint and brushed metal pieces. The camera on the rear is 3.2MP with autofocus but no flash. The Tilt 2 is running with a 528MHz Qualcomm CPU, the same that is used for all current generation HTC devices. The screen is a large 3.6" and has 800x480 resolution, the highest that Windows Mobile can support. It has 288MB of RAM, 512MB of ROM, WiFi, aGPS, Bluetooth, and FM Radio.



The screen is completely flush and uses resistive touchscreen technology. While it's not as sensitive as you'll find on an iPhone, it's sensitive enough to where you don't need to use the stylus. Compared to the Fuze and Tilt, the screen on the Tilt 2 is probably 50% more sensitive.



The keyboard layout is in an offset pattern, unlike the Fuze and Tilt which used a grid layout. This allows for more comfortable typing, similar to what you would find on a standard keyboard.

The keys on the keyboard have enough "give" to let you know that you've hit a key, but they're firm enough so that they don't feel mushy. The top row is dedicated for symbols, unlike other versions of this device that have a number row at the top.

Software:



In terms of software, the Tilt 2 doesn't have the most recent version of TouchFLO 3D with the weather clock. That said, the version included is well optimized for the widescreen resolution of the Tilt 2. There's an extra tab for AT&T promotional stuff, which can be disabled.

Beyond that, you get the usual Windows Mobile software on the device, plus the new stuff that comes with version 6.5 of the operating system like Marketplace and widget support. You also get an updated version of Internet Explorer mobile which has flash support, though we still recommend using a browser like Skyfire if you want faster page loads.

Performance on the Tilt 2 is much improved over the Fuze and certainly the original Tilt, but compared to the European Touch Pro2, the Tilt 2 has less program memory. This may be attributed to added AT&T software that uses background processes.

Conclusion:

The Tilt 2 is an incredibly unique smartphone. The combination of the large, tilting screen with solid performance, excellent build quality, and a robust feature set makes the device a true winner, and a fantastic upgrade from the Fuze or Tilt. For those also considering the iPhone, you'll enjoy the supreme usability of the slide-out keyboard on the Tilt 2 which makes messaging super easy.

The battery life is fantastic for a smartphone of this caliber. With moderate usage, you'll get through two full days without a charge. With heavy usage, expect one day. And with light usage, you may not need to charge the Tilt 2 until 3-4 days pass.

Currently the device is being sold for $299 with a new two year contract on AT&T's website.

Pros:

Big, high-res tilting screen

Great performance

Fantastic battery life

Excellent call quality and speakerphone

Cons:

Too much AT&T bloatware

Pricey

No flash on camera

In this video we take you on a tour of the hardware of the AT&T Tilt 2, which is the final (and fourth) variant of the Touch Pro2 to hit the US.

The Tilt 2 is very similar to the European Touch Pro2 in terms of design and in terms of specs. In fact, to see a side-by-side of specs, check out PDAdb.net. More specifically, the Tilt 2 has a big 3.6" resistive WVGA touchscreen and it's running with a 528MHz Qualcomm CPU with 288MB of RAM and 512MB of ROM. After a hard reset, there is only about 90-100MB of free program memory available, whereas on the unlocked Touch Pro2, you're left with more. This may be attributed to added AT&T software that is using background processes. Beyond that it has aGPS, WiFi, TV-Out, a proximity and light sensor, a 3.2MP camera with no flash, and Bluetooth 2.1.

We'll be back soon with more on the Tilt 2!

In case you missed it, check out the unboxing.

AT&T users, rejoice! The Tilt 2 release is here, and it's a heck of an upgrade from the Fuze and certainly the original Tilt.

In this video we unbox the new Tilt 2 and find that it's closest to the European Touch Pro2 that we reviewed than any other variant that is available in the US. In the coming days expect to see coverage of the AT&T variant of possibly the most widely released smartphone ever.

What happens when you take the Acer neoTouch S200, downgrade the processor, reduce the screen resolution and size, and cut the price in half? You get the Acer beTouch E101. If you're looking for a super affordable Windows Mobile 6.5 device, this may be the one for you. Read on for more, plus a video...

While we find Acer's build quality to be sub-par (at best), the £159 (that's about $260 USD) beTouch E101 may be a good entry into Windows Mobile 6.5. It's got a Qualcomm 528MHz CPU with 256MB RAM and 512MB of ROM, plus it sports aGPS, WiFi, microSD expansion, and a 2MP camera. The screen is the same size as the HTC Pure at 3.2", but has just WQVGA resolution (400x240). For more specs check out PDAdb.net. If you want to snag one for yourself, they're in stock over at Clove.

Thanks for the video, @dovella.

Update: As Lenny points out, the beTouch E101 lacks 3G and can only do EDGE data. No wonder the price is so low!

The form factor of the Acer neoTouch S200 is quite similar to that of the HTC Touch HD. They both have screens that are 3.8" at WVGA resolution, both are about 12mm thick, and both have four flat hardware buttons along the bottom.

The neoTouch S200 is indeed a nice looking and thin device. Sadly, it's clear that the device is from Acer because the build quality isn't what it should be. All materials used are plastic, and the back battery cover is extremely susceptible to picking up scratches.

That said, the neoTouch S200 packs a 1GHz CPU, which you'll get to see in action in the next video. In case you missed it, check out the unboxing video.

In this video we unbox the Snapdragon-packing Acer neoTouch S200. The device has a large, 3.8" resitive WVGA touchscreen and has a similar form factor to the Touch HD. Its CPU runs at 1GHz, supported by 256MB RAM and 512MB of ROM. The device has WiFi, aGPS, a light and proximity sensor, plus a 5.0MP camera with flash. Powering everything is a 1350mAh battery.

The neoTouch also has the UMTS 1900 band, meaning that if you live in an area in the US that uses this frequency for 3G on AT&T, you'll be able to get HSDPA cellular data.

More to come on the neoTouch. If you want to snag one of your own, they're now shipping on Clove for £295 which comes out to a very reasonable $470 USD. For some, this may be a good alternative to the upcoming HTC HD2, which also uses the Snapdragon platform but should cost twice as much.

In this video we demonstrate the software included in the Verizon Touch Pro2. The software that is included is pretty basic in terms of a subsidized device. Usually cellular service providers pack their devices with quite a bit of subscription based software to try and get consumers to spend more money. The Verizon Touch Pro2 is very close to the unlocked worldwide edition in terms of basic HTC software included with the device.

Check out the unboxing and hardware tours in case they were missed and stay tuned for a comparison between the Sprint and Verizon Touch Pro2s.