HTC EVO 4G Released by Sprint

Today is the launch day for the very highly anticipated HTC EVO 4G. This is the most advanced smartphone on the market, with a 4.3-inch touchscreen, 1 GHz processor, and the 4G wireless standard WiMAX.

The EVO 4G is available now for $200 with a two-year service contract and a $100 mail in rebate.

It can be purchased from Sprint's website and the carrier's retail stores, plus is is being sold at Best Buy, Radio Shack, and Wal-Mart.

To purchase this device, consumers must sign up for an Everything Data ($70) or Business Advantage Messaging and Data plan.

Overview of the HTC EVO 4G
With a 4.3-inch WVGA touchscreen, the 4G standard WiMAX and 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the model is well supplied with high-end featurres.

On top of Android OS, the EVO 4G runs HTC Sense, the company's alternate user interface that expands on Google's. It comes with Google's standard suite of communication, Web and entertainment software.

It is launching with Android OS 2.1, but HTC says an upgrade to Android OS 2.2 is coming soon.

The device supports Sprint's WiMAX network, which should give it peak downlink speeds of up to 12 Mbps, and an average downlink speed of 2-4 Mbps. The 4G service adds $10 to the monthly service fee.

The EVO 4G also has the 3G standard EV-DO, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The smartphone comes with software allowing it to share its wireless Internet connection with eight other devices, but this will cost an additional $30 a month.

The smartphone also includes an HD video port that can connect to TVs and monitors that support 720p, a GPS receiver, microSD memory card slot, and a kickstand that holds it at an angle when playing movies.