Leaf International Communications, local distributor of HTC, the world leader in Windows mobile-based smart devices, has launched the HTC Shift, which, at 207mm x 129mm, is the smallest sub-compact mobile computer in the local market.
According to Leaf, the HTC Shift has the optimal blend of portability and functionality, being the first mobile device of this size to run both Microsoft Windows Vista Business edition and push email in a single mobile device.
"The HTC Shift features SnapVUE, an always-on mode based on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6, which allows users to have instant access to critical information - including e-mail, weather, calendar entries and SMSes - without having to turn the device on," says Quinton Leigh, MD of Leaf International Communications.
"High-speed WiFi and 3.5G connectivity ensure that users stay online and productive while push e-mail compatibility puts every new Outlook e-mail within the user's reach."
For video conferencing, the HTC Shift incorporates a VGA web camera as well as a built-in microphone and speakers.
The HTC Shift features a 7" touch-sensitive LCD screen, which slides out and tilts at a comfortable angle, exposing a full QWERTY keyboard and touch-pad mouse.
This gives users the look and feel of a full-size notebook PC in a compact form factor that can easily be slipped into a jacket pocket or briefcase.
"With an 800MHz Intel processor, 64MB of RAM and 128MB of ROM for SnapVUE, and 1GB of RAM dedicated for Windows Vista, HTC has managed to cram a lot of processing power and memory capacity into the compact Shift," Leigh says.
Extra storage and control devices can also be connected via the USB port. The HTC Shift can also be connected to an external monitor or projector via the dedicated VGA port.
For added security, the HTC Shift incorporates a fingerprint reader to help secure the device and your data with sophisticated encryption technologies.
"Add a GPS receiver into the mix and the HTC Shift is the one-stop-shop for mobile computing and communication."
Business people are constantly under pressure to be more productive on the move and less than a handful of devices on the market can offer them true, powerful mobile computing ability in such a small package.
HTC's Shift, says Leigh, fulfils this need by giving business people a single, compact device that combines the flexibility to use the rich and powerful features of Windows Vista with always-on communications technologies such as GSM, 3G HSDPA and WiFi.
In addition, the device's wide availability and Leaf's country-wide backup and support ensures that business people will not be left in the lurch when they need a mobile computing platform, which is as flexible in functionality as the HTC Shift.
The HTC Shift will be available from January 2008 at most leading cellular retailers, network service providers and authorised Axiz resellers at an estimated retail price of R14 600 Incl Vat.


