Top deals on CNET here
CNET editors' review
-
CNET editors' rating:
stars
Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 09/22/2009
The HTC Touch Pro2 is making the rounds to the various carriers; first showing up at T-Mobile, then to Sprint, and now Verizon Wireless. Verizon's version of the Windows Mobile smartphone isn't all that different from the other models, delivering a powerful business device capable of handling all your e-mail, productivity, and communication needs. The carrier also presents an enticing offer by selling the Touch Pro2 for $150 less than its competitors ($199.99 with a two-year contract), but just remember that you will need to sign up for a qualifying voice and data plan. While Verizon doesn't include as many extra services as the Sprint model, the HTC Touch Pro2 is definitely a welcome addition to the carrier's smartphone lineup, as it provides a more full-featured and robust device for Verizon's corporate customers whose needs aren't met by the RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 or HTC Ozone.
Design
The Verizon HTC Touch Pro2 has a similar design to the other versions of the smartphone but most closely resembles the Sprint model. They share features like a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom as well as tapered edges that give the rather bulky phone a sleeker look. To differentiate itself somewhat, Verizon worked with HTC to add a couple of distinctive touches to the smartphone, such different shortcuts on the QWERTY keyboard, a Sleep button on top of the device (the End key doubles as the power on/off button instead), and a lovely world map pattern on the back speaker.
For the most part, though, there isn't a huge variation in design among all the HTC Touch Pro2s, which is fine by us since we love the extra-large touch screen and roomy QWERTY keyboard. For more information about the smartphone's design as well as HTC's TouchFlo 3D user interface, please read our full review of the Sprint HTC Touch Pro2.
Verizon packages the HTC Touch Pro2 an AC adapter, a USB cable, a SIM card, international adapters, an extra stylus, software CDs, and reference material. For more add-ons, please check our cell phone accessories, ringtones, and help page.
Features
Verizon has been in need of a solid business smartphone for quite some time now. The Samsung SCH-i760 was probably the last model to really fill that role, since last year's HTC Touch Pro proved to be a huge disappointment with its buggy software, sluggish performance, and meager onboard memory. Fortunately, the Touch Pro2 steps up to deliver the goods and provide the carrier's corporate customers with a powerful device that can handle all sorts of tasks.
The Verizon Touch Pro2 runs Windows Mobile 6.1, providing you with such standard personal information management and productivity tools as Microsoft Office Mobile Suite, Adobe Reader LE, a calendar, a task list, a voice recorder, and more. For your messaging needs, Microsoft Direct Push Technology provides real-time e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization with your Outlook calendar, tasks, and contacts via Exchange Server. Verizon also offers Mobile Email for access to your POP3 and IMAP e-mail accounts.
We think you'll also be happy to hear that the carrier will offer an upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.5, which brings new features such as Microsoft's My Phone backup service, Windows Marketplace for Mobile, and an enhanced Internet Explorer Mobile browser. Verizon did not provide an exact date for the upgrade but did say it would be sometime before the end of 2009.
The Touch Pro2 is a dual-mode phone, which means it supports both CDMA and GSM networks to allow for world roaming capabilities. Here in the States, the smartphone will work on Verizon's network just like usual but will then automatically detect and switch to a compatible GSM network when traveling overseas. (Note that you can't swap out the included SIM card for an AT&T or T-Mobile SIM card since the phone is locked down to Verizon's network domestically). In all, you'll get voice coverage in 220 countries and data coverage (e-mail and Internet) in 175 countries. Even better, the Touch Pro2 supports the 2100MHz UMTS/HSDPA band, so you can get 3G support overseas. Just be sure to check the international roaming rates for voice calls and text messages before you head off on your trip: Verizon's rates can get pretty pricey in some areas, ranging from $0.69 up to $4.99 per minute. You can find the carrier's international plans here.
Continue readingMost helpful user reviews
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 24 reviews
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 3 of 24 user reviews
-
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
-
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
-
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
- See all 24 user reviews Write review
Submit your review
%20Smartphone%20reviews%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/htc-touch-pro2-verizon/4505-6452_7-33770829.html){kind=small}