HTC has produced smartphones using both the Windows Mobile and Google Android operating platforms. The latest handsets continue to offer advancements and HTC will be hoping that it can turn the brand from an alternative choice into a mainstream option.

HTC Touch2

Utilising the power of the Windows 6.5 Professional operating system, the Touch2 is a smartphone that is aiming high. The Touch2 uses a resistive touch screen technology which requires more pressure than other examples for a keystroke to register. However, HTC have been able to tame the somewhat unruly Windows software to make using the Touch2 a lot simpler to use than previous incarnations of the series. This extends to innovative use of the onscreen keyboard and the inclusion of a touch sensitive panel which you can use to zoom in on web pages and text. The Touch2 even comes with access to Microsoft’s own application shop which will one day be packed with useful software but for the time being will remain relatively barren until compatible device popularity improves.

HTC Tattoo

The Tattoo uses the Android operating system and as such has a customisable home screen with plenty of useful widgets which you can place and use as you wish. You can also visit the Android marketplace to download more applications and widgets to make the Tattoo work harder. The Tattoo has a built in compass which will help you to find your way wherever you are and this function is sure to be utilised in applications produced over the coming months. With a 2.8 inch screen the Tattoo is not the largest of smartphones but it is improved by its stylish curved design and decent set of features.

HTC Hero

The Hero is one of the few HTC handsets to benefit from a multi-touch sensitive screen which allow you to use more than one finger to zoom and perform other essential functions without having to access a separate menu system. The screen itself is conveniently veneered in an anti-smudge coating to keep it looking its best at all times and HTC have finally been able to get the most out of the Android operating system. The whole package is topped off with a 5 megapixel camera as well as all the usual connectivity options you would expect from a smartphone of this calibre, including GPS and Wi-Fi.

HTC Touch Pro 2

The Touch Pro 2 is a powerful pocket PC in the guise of a mobile phone. It is a hefty item, with a 3.6 inch touch screen as well as a full QWERTY keypad housed beneath. The screen slides out and upwards at an angle so that you can rest the phone on a flat surface such as a desk whilst you type an email or watch a video. The Touch Pro 2 will be able to handle virtually any audio or video file you can throw at it, although it would have been nice if HTC had included a few GB of built in storage space rather than making you purchase yet another micro SD card.

HTC Snap

This smartphone is aimed firmly at the business user with its full QWERTY keypad and brightly lit LCD screen. The Snap uses Microsoft’s Windows Mobile operating system and there is support for a wide range of file types, whether it is media or documents that you wish to access, as well as good web browsing software and fast internet connectivity thanks to 3G and Wi-Fi. The 2 megapixel camera is unremarkable and the design lacks the creative spark exhibited by other HTC handsets. However, in terms of usability and organisational skills the Snap is one to watch.

HTC Magic

The Magic represents the second link in the evolutionary chain in the implementation of Google Android. There have been many favourable reviews of the Magic since its release and as an all-rounder in the crowded smartphone market it performs well without ever really excelling. The 3.2 inch touch screen is relatively painless to use and works nicely with the Android interface. There are plenty of widgets which you can use to enhance your day to day activities and the multimedia playback of music and video files is performed flawlessly. The camera lacks a flash and at 3.2 megapixels is hardly earth-shattering, but the main functions of the Magic are all adequate for its price range.

HTC S740

The S740 is a slight oddity in the smartphone market as it features both an alphanumeric keypad as well as a QWERTY keypad that is accessed once more by sliding the screen sideways. It has built in sat nav and Wi-Fi as well as high speed 3G and HSDPA mobile network connectivity. The minimalist black design is also a notable feature, though the glossy surface of the phone can quickly collect fingerprints and dirt.