SlashGear JapanHTC have made a name for themselves with capable, business-friendly smartphones, and when back in March 2007 they first suggested they were turning their hand to the UMPC market there was no shortage of interest. Boasting full Windows Vista support, as well as a cut-down quick-start SnapVue interface for basic tasks, QWERTY keyboard, touchscreen and multiple wireless options, the HTC Shift was hailed by some as likely to be the first decent UMPC. The subsequent journey from announcement to actual launch – a point first estimated for Q3 2007 – has been punctuated by delays, wavering interest and more than a little criticism of how competitive its specs are in light of the latest competition; HTC sent over the new CDMA version of the Shift, complete with Sprint EV-DO support, for SlashGear to see whether time has been kind to the UMPC.
Both of these displays were made for Windows Vista and adding 19 or 22-inches of real estate to your desktop should look real nice. In fact, they are Windows Vista Premium certified, and they both are HDCP compliant as well.
It weighs less than the 3 pounds of the Air, and just got a Core 2 Duo processor upgrade. It still only runs a 1.2GHz, but its also noticeable smaller for those who said thinner and lighter wasn’t enough on the part of the Air.
