Vista PC-mobile hybrid coming to Australia

HTC's first Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), the Windows Vista-powered Shift, will debut in Australia late this year, according to execs.

The device, which sports a seven-inch screen, Qwerty and stylus input as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, represents a swing away from the hardware-maker's heritage of Windows Mobile smartphones.

John Featherstone, HTC's MD of Australia and New Zealand, said: "The Shift will be out during Q4 [of this year]. We hope it will have a real halo effect across the range. It's certainly aimed at the business traveller."

Despite its ultra-mobile PC look, the Shift does bear some of HTC's traditional mobile hallmarks, including HSDPA and EDGE connectivity. However, contrary to rumour, the device will not run Windows Mobile alongside Vista.

HTC has also showcased another UMPC-mobile hybrid, the Advantage, aimed at road warriors but the device is not expected to reach the Australian market.

The concept of a PC-mobile hybrid has already been attracting a lot of attention. Speaking recently in Sydney, R

According to analysts, around eight million UMPCs are expected to be sold by 2011.