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Gadgets HTC Shift Now Available in Europe
Chris Peredun - February 12, 2008 10:05 AM
Print 7 comment(s) - last by marvdmartian.. on Feb 13 at 10:53 AM

The HTC Shift - and yes, it can run Aero Glass  (Source: HTC)

Picture Passwords are a part of the Microsoft's second-generation Origami.  (Source: Microsoft)

Origami Now makes Windows Mobile's Today screen look a bit cramped by comparison  (Source: Microsoft)
HTC serves up a Vista UMPC with a side of Windows Mobile

After nearly a year since its initial mention on DailyTech, HTC's vision of the UMPC, the Shift, has finally come to market -- at least in Europe.

The HTC Shift sports many of the same features as other popular UMPCs, including an 800MHz Intel A110 processor, 1GB DDR2 memory, 40GB or 60GB 1.8" HDD, 7" 800x480 touch-screen, and Windows Vista Business -- but adds in a 400MHz Qualcomm ARM-based processor with 64MB of RAM and 128MB ROM capable of running Windows Mobile 6. This gives the Shift the ability to run both operating systems simultaneously, and switch between them at the touch of a button, which HTC has dubbed "SnapVUE."

Rather than behaving as two individual devices sandwiched together in a common chassis, the two operating modes of the Shift are designed to interact and synchronize with each other using ActiveSync -- emails, calendar appointments, and contacts can be accessed through Outlook in "full computer" mode, or through the Windows Mobile operating system when running in SnapVUE mode.

HTC is also championing Microsoft's new UMPC software platform "Origami Experience 2.0" designed to make standard computing applications more "finger-friendly." The new Origami platform includes a web browser, RSS reader, media player, and the "Origami Now" screen, which appears very much like the Today screen of Windows Mobile. Even the conventional problem of entering a password on a touch-screen display has been addressed via the "Picture Password" component.

The Shift's connectivity has thankfully remained unchanged from the initial announcement -- UMTS/HSDPA is available for 3.5G connectivity, the slower but more prevalent GPRS or EDGE data connections can be used, and the expected Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11b/g WiFi is also present.

Cost for the Shift has also been officially announced at €1199 (~US$1750) while importer Dynamism is accepting pre-orders for US$1599.

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Very cool. Just way overpriced.
By PAPutzback on 2/12/2008 10:29:14 AM , Rating: 1
As are all things bleeding edge. I wonder if it is the touchscreen or the internal hardware. My guess is the screen causing such a high price.




RE: Very cool. Just way overpriced.
By erwos on 2/12/2008 12:37:05 PM , Rating: 3
The US price will probably be much less, even with the current exchange rate. IIRC, the Fujitsu U810 UMPC debuted closer to $1500 overseas, but is an even $1000 in the USA.

Unfortunately, the Shift has proven to be rather slow, and battery life is absolutely awful. I would definitely skip it at this point. I think that the next version of it could be very good if they fix those problems, though.


By Arribajuan on 2/12/2008 1:50:31 PM , Rating: 2
Well what did you expect by fitting a vista machine and a windows mobile 6 machine into that space...

Expensive hardware and vista + winmobile licenses.


By Omega215D on 2/13/2008 10:00:26 AM , Rating: 2
Remember all things small tend to cost more, esp. in Europe.

The Sony Vaio TZ series cost much more than the HTC and it isn't even touch screen.


By marvdmartian on 2/13/2008 10:53:15 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
HTC Shift Now Available in Europe


Man, I read the article title, and at first thought the 2nd word was without the F. You figure it out!


Too Small?
By aliasfox on 2/12/2008 1:10:23 PM , Rating: 2
Am I the only one of the mindset that UMPCs are really just too small to be full computers and too big to be fully portable (slip in jeans pocket size)? A desktop OS is generally very poor with screen real estate, and a mini keyboard is just an awful replacement for a true full size keyboard. At the same time, it's noticeably harder to carry around than a smartphone/iPhone style device - I haven't seen one in person, but I'm visualizing a device about the size of the old Toshiba Libretto.




RE: Too Small?
By kkwst2 on 2/12/2008 2:19:47 PM , Rating: 3
It's all in what you use it for. I think there are some people who would find it useful - those that really need close to full functionality (and can live with the shortcomings you describe) while maximizing portability.

I agree that it's a pretty limited market, and I certainly have no need for one of these.


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