U.S. Version of HTC Touch Dual Released -- for Real this Time

Last month, Brighthand ran an article that said a U.S. version of the HTC Touch Dual had launched. And a week or so ago, HTC announced that this device was going on sale the next day. Both of these announcments were premature, as the device has only been available for pre-order. However, the wait is over and this smartphone has now really gone on sale.

The Touch Dual is similar to the popular HTC Touch, but with a sliding keyboard. In addition, the brand new version includes Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, quad-band GSM/EDGE, and dual-band HSDPA for North America.

It is unlocked, and can therefore be used with any GSM carrier, like AT&T or T-Mobile.

HTC Touch Plus More

(view large image)

Although at first glance this model is very similar to the HTC Touch being offered by Sprint and others, the Touch Dual has something its predecessor doesn't: a 20-key slide-out keyboard for text input and dialing.

In addition, this version includes a two cameras, a 2 megapixel one for taking pictures, and a smaller forward-looking one for video conferencing.

Like all Touch models, it has HTC's TouchFLO custom interface, which allows users to perform many common tasks on the QVGA touchscreen with their fingertips.

Other features include Bluetooth and a microSD card slot.

It is 4.2 inches tall, 2.2 inches wide, and 0.6 inches thick, and it weighs 4.2 ounces.

Pricing and Availability

The HTC Touch Dual is available now on the Best Buy website.

Because it is being sold unlocked, rather than through a wireless service provider, there is no subsidy. This why it costs $550, significantly more than the keyboard-less versions being sold by Sprint, Verizon, etc..

Related Articles:

• HTC Touch Dual Preview
• HTC Touch Diamond Preview