14 DAY TRIAL // According to the latest news on the Web, HTC will come at CES 2009 with a Windows Mobile phone, namely the HTC S743. Interestingly enough, the rumors circling around the Consumer Electronics Show were suggesting that T-Mobile would also unveil its G2 smartphone, the successor of the Google Android-based G1. Moreover, the HTC Touch HD, which is already available in some regions, was also rumored to be rebranded as the next Android phone for the United States.
HTC S743 is also available overseas. The device comes with the same lines featured by last year's HTC Touch Diamond, a rather sophisticated and distinctive design, despite the fact that the phone does not feature a touchscreen.
The HTC S743 smartphone is an ultra-slim handset, measuring only 4.6 in x 1.7 in x 0.6 in, and weighing no more than 4.9 ounces, that comes with a 12-key number pad and a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard. Moreover, it also sports a 3.2-megapixel camera with a second VGA camera for video calling, as well as a 2.4-inch QVGA screen. As for connectivity, it features Bluetooth compatibility.
The only problem that HTC S743 seems to have is connected to its price. The device will not be sold locked, which comes both with advantages and disadvantages. The best part is that it won't be tied to a carrier, and people will be able to use it on any U.S. GSM network. On the other hand, as there will not be a subsidized carrier price, retailers will be able to set its price to their liking.
According to HTC, the handset is expected to feature a retail price ranging from $600 to $700. The company also announced that the HTC S743 would become available later in the first quarter of the year.