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Tuesday December 2, 2008 12:32 PM AEST
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Photos: HTC Touch Diamond, black monolith unboxed

Photos: HTC Touch Diamond, black monolith unboxed
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Aug 5, 2008
 | 2 Comments 
Apple is normally known for fancy packaging, but it seems HTC has added a touch of class to the HTC Touch Diamond experience with this mysterious 6-sided black box. Check out our exclusive photo gallery of the unboxing.
We're normally used to uninspiring cardboard packaging from phone vendors other than Apple, which is why HTC raised some eyebrows with their Touch Diamond.

[See our photo gallery on the right]

The classy touch-screen 3G phone is not only a rival to the iPhone, but HTC are giving Apple a run for their money with the packaging as well, that we're dubbing "the Monolith".

As you can see in the photos, the 6-sided Touch box stands out a mile. The box has a matt-black finish - slide open the flaps and you get a box-inside-a-box, with a piano black shiny finish. Inside is the Touch Diamond, with bud phones, and all the ugly bits and pieces like cabling and charger hidden away underneath.

As we've reported before, the Touch Diamond is one of the first phones in the world with Windows Mobile 6.1, and should provide a classy alternative to the iPhone (though some may beg to differ when it comes to the Touch interface. We'll give you our conclusion soon).
click to view full size image
The HTC Touch Diamond, with cues from Space Odessy 2001

click to view full size image
Look, it's a box within a box. Can't be good for the environment though


You get 3G, GPS, camera, WiFi, 4GB storage, all in an 11.5mm high chassis. The phone itself is only 110grams, a huge difference to some of the very chunky smartphones on the market. Crucially, the phone offers 7.2Mbps HSDPA on Telstra's wide-ranging Next-G network.

click to view full size image

Other key features include:
- TouchFLO 3D interface, which includes swanky menus incorporating rolodex menus of your contacts, and animated weather forecasts
- 4GB memory built-in
- 2.8in VGA screen
- GPS
- 3.2Mp camera
- Windows Mobile Professional 6.1

Stay tuned for review.
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Comments: 2
cklords
Aug 5, 2008 4:09 PM
This company is Apples' only competition. For years I've wondered why other manufacturers didn't care to IMPRESS people before they even got their hand's on the product. The iPod packing is a classic example. When you bought a Creative Zen, it came in the same standard cardboard blah box. The iPod, however, inspired you before you ever held it! That's what THIS box does in pictures, I can only imagine in reality...in fact I'm shopping for one right NOW! ;-)


Comment made about the PC Authority article:
Photos: HTC Touch Diamond, black monolith unboxed?
Apple is normally known for fancy packaging, but it seems HTC has added a touch of class to the HTC Touch Diamond experience with this mysterious 6-sided black box. Check out our exclusive photo gallery of the unboxing.

What do you think? Join the discussion.
ziggyzap
Aug 8, 2008 6:04 PM
i wouldn't touch an iPhone with a bargepole, especially when a device as good as the HTC Touch Diamond and the impending Touch Pro are so good. The iPhone has a nice interface, but that's all. The GPS is garbage, the lack of an interchangeable battery is a huge liability for road warriors who would otherwise carry a spare battery when away from power, the limitations on messaging... I could go on and on. The Touch Diamond leaves the iPhone for dead and the only criticism I have is that it does not have a microSD slot. This is why I'm waiting for the Touch Pro, which addresses the memory card issue and also offers a couple of additional features. What's an iPhone?
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