An introduction to HTC Desire Z
The HTC Desire Z offers smartphone fans something many have been clamoring for: a physical keyboard. This model has almost gone unnoticed and much of the attention has been focused on the Desire HD as well as the new Windows 7 models.
HTC has always delivered great screens on its phones, and the Desire Z is no exception. Despite not using AMOLED technology, the S-LCD screen offers vibrant colors and is capable of displaying up to 16 million of them. The overall screen resolution is 480 x 800 pixels, rivaling some of the best display technology available. Thanks to multi-touch support, you can use pinch and zoom to enlarge elements of images and websites, and this works well as high-resolution projection maintains much of the image quality even when enlarged. Inevitably, with the addition of the physical keyboard, a few extra millimeters have been added to the overall depth of the model. At 14.2mm, it’s thicker than other models, but to be fair, it’s still a relatively streamlined device. Even though the screen takes up much of the front of the phone, there’s still room for HTC to fit an optical trackpad which offers a good alternative to the touch screen, especially for tasks like correcting spelling errors and anything that requires precise positioning. At 180G the phone certainly isn’t lightweight, but it feels incredibly well built, with the addition of metal elements on the rear panel adding to this expensive feel.
The HTC Desire Z uses the Android 2.2 operating system, just like the aforementioned Desire HD. This brings a lot of functionality to the user, with a section of the most recently used app located in the notification bar. Sense’s user interface also offers some user-friendly features. Through the htc sense website, a lot of your personal information is automatically backed up through a cloud system, so if you ever need to change your phone, your information can be easily transferred. In addition, this system can call your phone if you have lost it, making it ring even in silent mode. The phone can also be locked remotely, preventing other people from using the phone. Another advantage of this phone is HTC’s “Locations” application. This allows you to view maps and use your phone as a satellite navigation system. And even without 3G coverage, you can still view cached maps without downloading them.
The HTC range of phones already has a growing army of fans, and the Desire Z will add to this thanks to the addition of the excellent physical keyboard.
