Touch Screen phones are all the rage - we know that. The iPhone has changed the landscape of smartphones -probably from this point forward. Even RIM has patented a touch screen device for the future!

So, what are the "real" options if you are in the market for a touch screen interface and a powerful smartphone? Well, the field is getting crowded. Today we will look at the very popular and capable HTC Touch. HTC makes lots of the Smartphones used in the market place today - but the Touch is unique. Running their own UI (User Interface) essentially on top of Windows Mobile 6, HTC has done a commendable job of creating a pleasant user experience. Let's take a closer look.

Who is HTC? - Here is a little information from their web site:

Founded in 1997, High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC) designs, manufactures and markets innovative, feature rich Smartphone and PDA Phone devices.

Since its establishment, HTC has developed strong R&D capabilities, pioneered many new designs and product innovations, and launched state-of-the-art PDA Phones and Smartphones for mobile operators and distributors in Europe, the US, and Asia. These machines are available as HTC devices and as products individually customized for operator and device partners.

HTC is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile device market. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com

The HTC Touch is a first for the company. Don't let anyone tell you that this is not a response to the iPhone - this is all about the iPhone and the consumer desire for a Touch interface. Companies will have to adapt and move from the "old school" touch interface of Windows Mobile and Palm to a more consumer friendly and cool interface. The is what sets the Touch apart from other Windows Mobile Smartphones.

Before we get into the details - here are the feature and specs from HTC and Sprint:

Touch by HTC™

Go ahead. Touch it

Touch provides one-touch access to the tools you want to stay connected. Get free shipping and free activation when you purchase a phone with a new line of service online!
For small business discounts, shop here.

Highlights

• Touch screen navigation with TouchFLO™ technology
• Windows Mobile 6.0

Key Features

• Sprint Music StoreSM
• Sprint TVSM enabled
• Slim and fashionable
• Speakerphone
• Built-in camera
• Web, email capable
• Bluetooth
• External display
• Memory card slot
• Voice dialing
• Broadband speeds where available

$249.00 at www.sprint.com after rebates and promotions.

TouchFLO™ Technology

This enhancement allows customers to interact with the device using either their fingers or the included stylus. With an upward swipe of your finger, use the TouchFLO™ ‘cube’ to access entertainment, communication tools, and a “top 9 dial-by-picture” screen. Navigate the menus with a sweep of your finger or thumb.

All In One Smart Device with Windows Mobile 6

Easily manage work and play with the versatile Touch. This go-anywhere Windows Mobile 6 device combines a smarter phone with wireless email, built-in web browser and rich media capabilities.

Sprint® Music StoreSM

Download stereo-quality tracks instantly to your wireless phone or PC. Choose songs from thousands of artists in virtually every genre, and listen wherever you go.

Sprint ® Power Vision

Sprint Power Vision gives you fast and easy access to news, sports, weather, music, email, GPS and much more. Enjoy the network that gives you the power to watch live TV, instantly download songs to your phone and play multiplayer games all at broadband speeds.

Sprint® TVSM Enabled

Watch live TV and video-on-demand with full-motion video and vivid sound. Catch the latest news, sports, weather, entertainment and movie trailers on the go.

2.0 megapixel camera and video camcorder

Capture high-resolution images with the digital camera and zoom. Create your own video clips and easily share them with family and friends.

Stereo Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

Enjoy the convenience of hands-free communication by using headsets, car-kits and other Bluetooth-compatible devices.* Stereo Bluetooth lets you listen to your music on the go or listen to your music using compatible accessories without wires. *Bluetooth wireless accessories are sold separately.

Streaming Music

Listen to R&B, hip-hop, country and rock, and access Sirius, Vh-1 and MTV to see the latest headlines and video clips of your favorite artists.

512MB MicroSD Memory card included

Store data on the included 512MB removable memory card. Up to 4GB cards supported and available for purchase.

High-Speed Data Transfer

Enjoy powerful, always-on data flow with expanded capabilities, plus a brilliant, colorful display and broadband-like download speed

Phone as Modem

Use the included USB cable or Bluetooth Wireless technology to connect to a PC allowing Internet and email access.

MP3 and Media Players

See and hear your favorite news, sports, and other fun content in real-time streaming video and audio, all at broadband-like speeds. Play MP3, AAC, and AAC plus files everywhere you go with the 2.5 mm headset included.

Download and listen to your favorite MP3 music files with the included stereo headset.

Battery

Standard Lithium (Li-ion) Battery provides up to 4 hours of continuous talk time

Games

Download exciting, interactive games that you’ll want to play all the time. With hundreds of options to choose from, it’s easy to find all your favorites.

On Demand

Retrieve customized up-to-date web content such as sports, weather, news, money and movie information with the push of a button.

Bright Main Display

See brilliant images, text and graphics on a 2.8" screen covering a range of 65,000 colors

Instant Messaging

Send and receive IM and email from your phone. Join a Web-based topic group or chat privately.

SMS Text Messaging

Instantly send and receive SMS text messages across the room or around the country.

E911 Emergency location enabled

Features an embedded Global Positioning System (GPS). Chip necessary for utilizing the E911 emergency location services, where available.

Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC)

This handset has been certified as Hearing Aid Compatible in accordance with applicable industry standards. This handset has a HAC rating of M3 for hearing aids operating in the acoustic mode.