Orange Confirms 16-key Touch Dual to be Released in the UK

[Guest Monolithix (MVP)]

Orange today confirmed that the Touch Duals to be used on their UK network will have the 16-key "phone" pad, rather than the quasi-qwerty 20-key flavour also available.

This raises some interesting thoughts as to which devices are viewed as competition to the Dual. Its clear that there is no love lost between Microsoft and RIM, however by chosing to avoid a qwerty layout it seems that between Orange and HTC a decision has been made to target other manufacturers.

Perhaps Nokia's N95? The inclusion of wifi and GPS makes this seem a strong competitor, although this could be offset by the Dual's touchscreen interface. Sony Ericsson's smartphones are equipped with qwerty keypads, however Orange UK is currently only stocking the ageing M600i, with no sign of the better equipped P1i. Both these devices also pack a touchscreen, however the M600i is wifi free.

So, what are your thoughts? Will the Touch Dual's sexy curves (and otherwise fantastic feature set) make sure it stands up in the storm? Post away!

[Guest Neil5459]

...Perhaps Nokia's N95? The inclusion of wifi and GPS makes this seem a strong competitor...

I thought it had been confirmed that there was no WiFi in this model?

[Guest Paul (MVP)]

WiFi and GPS in the N95...

P

[Guest Neil5459]

WiFi and GPS in the N95...

P

We're doing reading at school next week; missed it 1st time around ;) :wub:

[Guest pete.major]

Shame, that counts me out...

I changed from a TYTN to a Sony phone because the TYTN was just too heavy... but the one thing I really miss from the TYTN (apart from WM of course) is the keyboard - I text a lot. Texting from a keypad is just plain annoying, T9 or not.

I was thinking: WM, lighter phone, slide out qwerty... I'll have that!

[Guest Monolithix (MVP)]

Personally i was looking forward to the qwerty version (and wifi!), but Orange as a network provider is a no-deal anyway due to their useless data packages!

[Guest mrpearson]

anyone have any news on a release date? is it still later this month or likely to be next month?

[Guest Disco Stu]

What I've always wanted is something like my iMate Jam with a proper phonepad for input that doesn't need a reboot (or 15) to appear.

I'm not bothered about GPS or WiFi and the QWERTY keyboard is the most annoying invention I know.

Ever since this device appeared over the horizon I've been trying to play it cool but really I'm gagging for it to come out. I'm on Orange now so will probably upgrade as soon as they allow. Cost won't be an issue, but don't tell them that ! ;)

[Guest Helix]

Yet another mess up from Orange. Why the hell choose the 16-key non-qwerty version???

Oh well I think its time to just wait for the Touch Dual 2 or whatever HTC decide to name its succesor.

Maybe this time it will have a qwerty slide keypad and also have WiFi + GPS. Will be one hell of handset if it did. All that power in a small, lightwight device - in my oppinion a true pocket pc.

[Guest Monolithix (MVP)]

In response to #7: I did ask, but there is no word on availability as of yet!

Judging by the speed of the release of the Touch afterits launch I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dual in the next month or so ;)

[Guest VulakAerr]

God, I am so glad they opted for the 16-key method. Ever since I first touched a Blackberry Pearl I've sworn off that bastardisation of qwerty. It is one of the most vile ideas I've ever seen and I honestly can't see how anyone would use it.

Thanks Orange for taking a stand against change for change's sake.

Sadly, I'll probably still just get the TyTN II.

[Guest mrpearson]

this is the phone i have been waiting for.. if you have a C600 and have been waiting for a smallish phone with 3G data capabilities then this is great... for £30 you can pick up a tiny bluetooth GPS receiver chuck it in your car or backpack if you are mtn bike riding, wifi (to much phaffing around with hotspots) and the 16 key vs 20 key debate... tough one as I have never used a blackberry style keyboard, but T9 needs seems to work fine for me...

[Guest Monolithix (MVP)]

I supposed the arguement could be moot of course, considering it will ship with both 16 and 20-key soft keyboards!

[Guest Paul (MVP)]

In which case, just buy an original touch ;)

P

[Guest dleasman]

Don't forget the *coolest* feature of this phone (pictured above)... It's cool graphics that actually have the ability to go outside the boundries of the display! Now that's cool technology! ;)

[Guest KevinAlbrecht]

I'll ask again. Does anyone know when this will be available through the US carriers?

[Guest Paul (MVP)]

Nothing from any US carriers as yet.

P

[Guest Merlin83b]

Orange UK is currently only stocking the ageing M600i, with no sign of the better equipped P1i. Both these devices also pack a touchscreen, however the M600i is wifi free.

No mention of the M700? Basically an M600 with a faster processor and GPS.

[Guest Monolithix (MVP)]

Sony Ericsson's smartphones are equipped with qwerty keypads, however Orange UK is currently only stocking the ageing M600i, with no sign of the better equipped P1i. Both these devices also pack a touchscreen, however the M600i is wifi free.

If you read my entire sentence it'll probably make more sense... ;)

[Guest mcai9ss3]

Still any word on an exact release date?

I'm due an upgrade in the next on the 21st of October and am dying to get this. The HTC touch looked like a really nice, slick, slim, smartphone but no way was I going back to using a stylus only after messing around with palm pilots years ago. Really glad they've got a dual keypad now.

I just want one!!!

Also anyone know what memory card and how much it can be upgraded to?

[Guest Paul (MVP)]

I assume SDHC support so that means 6GB memory cards (and 8GB any day now!)

P

[Guest KevinAlbrecht]

I was hoping to get this in the states, under the ATT carrier. I've seen them un-locked, so I assume this means I could run it with ATT, right?

My company DOES offer the Tilt, and I see that it does have WiFi. Anybody have a link to a review?

[Guest]

I was hoping to get this in the states, under the ATT carrier. I've seen them un-locked, so I assume this means I could run it with ATT, right?

My company DOES offer the Tilt, and I see that it does have WiFi. Anybody have a link to a review?

Link to review of Tilt (AKA Kaiser)

[Guest KevinAlbrecht]

Link to review of Tilt (AKA Kaiser)

;)

[Guest Paul (MVP)]

I need to update that really to release versions!

P