Shift Into Ultra Light
HTC announced their plans for their latest gadget, a little more than a year ago. The HTCX9000 Shift CDMA is a 800 MHz ultra mobile PC with 1 GB of memory. With dimensions of 8.2 x 5.1 x 1 inches and a weight of 1.8 pounds, HTC’s latest gadget is definitely ultra compact. Shift includes HTC SnapVUE software, a streamlined version of Windows Mobile. This allows you to quickly gain access to contacts, calendar and E-mail. This is an excellent feature for an ultra light PC to have. Windows Vista is also included if you need to use more powerful applications.
The HTCX9000 does not come with a long list of features. This UMPC central feature is a sliding mini-keyboard. HTC is to be commended for its quality construction of the Shift. The mini-keyboard moves smoothly but securely when you turn the UMPC into a laptop. The reduced keyboard means that you probably won’t write your next novel on it, but it is large enough that you can type and edit most documents. Function Keys 1thru10 are combined with the number keys and require combination keyboarding to use. F11 and F12 have been completely removed from the HTCX9000 Shift. The keyboard also lacks back lighting. You will need to have a light source nearby for late night keyboarding.
HTCX9000 Shift’s touchscreen can easily rotate into your designed position. HTC includes a one-button resolution change - from 1024 x 600 down to 800 x 480. Shift also features speakers, a tiny trackpad, SD expansion slot, webcam 40 GB hard drive and fingerprint scanner. It is WiFi and Bluetooth compatible. You can receive E-mail messages instantly due to Microsoft’s Direct Push.
The HTCX9000 will sell for $1499. It is only available for pre-ordering now. With the different options available today, the HTCX9000 Shift seems to be lacking. If portability is more important to you than processing power, the Shift could be the UMPC for you. Its lightweight would meet the needs for a business traveler with modest computing needs. Windows Vista can run on the Shift, but it runs slowly. Most consumers would be better off shifting to another company and spending t$1500 on a slightly heavier but more powerful laptop.
Tags: cool gadgets, gizmos, cool new gadgets, new technology, fun gadgets, new tech, cool new technology
