Unboxing and first look at the HTC Touch Diamond

The devices just keep rolling in here at the ZDNet Mobile Gadgeteer headquarters and this time we have the HTC Touch Diamond device that was announced at a major kick-off event last month. I didn't attend the event where each attendee is getting a Diamond, but HTC came to Mobius 2008 in Seattle and promised to send each of us a device to evaluate. I don't normally post a full unboxing video, but I think you will find the packaging unique and enjoy the unboxing video below. I also shot an initial turn on and setup video for you to check out. Once I have had a chance to play with the device more this weekend, I'll post a 2nd look post with a video of the TouchFLO 3D in action. There are some unboxing and device photos in the image gallery and I will post another one with screenshots of the device after further evaluation.

	Image Gallery:The HTC Touch Diamond is a highly anticipated Windows Mobile device with TouchFLO 3D.

The HTC Touch Diamond comes in a very cool shaped box, like an inverted pyramid with the pointed end cutoff towards the top. After opening the box on the side, a cool glossy black plastic box slides out in the same shape as the outer box. The words HTC Touch Diamond are embedded on the front glossy cover and after removing the HTC labeled tape the tope cover lifts off. There is a CD and a flyer on HTC customer care locations in the top cover. On the main bottom part we see the HTC Touch Diamond with the stereo headset earbuds on each side of the Diamond. Lifting this top divider out shows the headset cable and HTC ExtUSB connector. Below this you will find a USB to HTC ExtUSB cable, battery, extra stylus, A/C adapter (Euro plug into a USB dongle device), and screen protector. There are also some brochures/paperwork in the box, including a Quick Start Guide, accessory advertisement, TouchFLO 3D brochure, and warranty information.

Unboxing video

Windows Mobile Professional 6.1 includes some setup wizards that help make getting your device up and running out-of-the box fast for even the novice user. When you start up the HTC Touch Diamond you will also see that a quick video launches to show you how to use the device's new TouchFLO 3D UI. I think including this was a good idea because the UI is so different than anything you have seen on a Windows Mobile device that this helps people use it without frustration. You may also be able to use it without the video, but it does show you some quick tips and the video is quite short.

Initial setup video

This model HTC Touch Diamond is the European 3G model with a tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz) radio and dual-band HSDPA (900/2100 MHz) radio. Since it is tri-band GSM, you will have to use T-Mobile USA with the device since they support the 1900 MHz band while AT&T supports the 850 MHz band. There will be a North American version coming later in 2008, but it hasn't been confirmed yet if this will also support the new T-Mobile 3G 1700 MHz band. The specifications of the HTC Touch Diamond include:

• Dual mode WCDMA (900/2100 MHz), Tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz)
• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• Qualcomm MSM7201A 528 MHz
• Integrated GPS/A-GPS reciever
• 802.11 b/g WiFi
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• 2.8 inch VGA (640x480 pixels) touch screen display
• 256MB internal flash ROM memory and 192MB RAM to run applications
• 4GB internal flash drive for storage
• 3.2 megapixel camera with front facing VGA camera for video calling, no flash
• Stereo FM radio receiver with RDS (rare for WM)
• Proprietary HTC ExtUSB headset jack (also used for charging and USB 2.0 connectivity)
• 900 mAh battery

Dimensions:
• Weight: 3.88 ounces
• Length: 4.01 inches
• Width: 2.00 inches
• Thickness: 0.45 inch

I just started using the device and kicked it off by putting in my hosted Exchange settings so that all of my calendar, contacts, tasks, and email data would be on the device in seconds. I plan to spend lots of time with the Diamond this weekend and will try to get a bunch of screenshots and a 2nd impressions review up by late Sunday, early Monday for you to enjoy.

Please also leave any questions you may have in the Talkback section so I can help make sure my review answers as many of your questions possible.