HTC’s TyTN II is a Windows Mobile 6 handset that can be regarded as either a slightly large smartphone or as a compact wireless PDA. It features comprehensive wireless support and a novel sliding screen that opens up to reveal a qwerty keyboard. This design makes the device a suitable choice for mobile workers that need email access on the move and may additionally need to exchange Office documents with colleagues.

Available now from both HTC and Orange, the TyTN II builds on the earlier TyTN model, which boasted a similar slide-out keyboard. The new design differs in that its screen can also be tilted upwards, so that the unit resembles a miniature laptop when opened up. However, typing at any speed on the tiny keyboard is tricky.

The TyTN II is compatible with the high-speed HSDPA version of 3G, and also packs in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth and a GPS receiver for getting a fix on your location. The device features a three megapixel camera for capturing high-resolution images and video, plus a lower resolution (VGA) user-facing camera for videoconferencing.

We found the TyTN II easy to use, although we had to resort to pulling out the stylus for many functions, such as closing windows, whereas most phones can be used entirely one-handed. The TyTN’s size (about the size of a bar of soap) and 190g weight also make it larger and heavier than many phones, although it packs in much more functionality. Potential buyers might also consider the HTC S730, which has a similar hidden keyboard, but is a more compact design without GPS.

In its closed-up configuration the TyTN looks like a fairly standard PDA phone with a 2.8in touch screen, below which is a five-way navigator key surrounded by context-sensitive keys and green and red call/hang up phone keys. There are also buttons on the sides of the unit for power on, the handset’s camera, a thumbwheel, OK button and voice dial. These functions can, however, be re-assigned using a tool in the Settings menu.

The phone function is accessed by pressing the green button, which brings up an on-screen dial pad. Users can also start a video call from this screen if they have a 3G network connection. We found the audio quality on calls more than acceptable.
As with many other Windows Mobile devices IT Week has tested, the TyTn was easy to configure for our test wireless network, and reconnected in seconds whenever we switched it on within range of an access point. Browsing and email downloads were also much faster than with a GPRS or 3G data connection, as would be expected.

To access the qwerty keyboard, you slide the front fascia to the left, which triggers the display to automatically change from portrait orientation to landscape to match the keyboard. The fascia with the screen can also be tilted up at any angle between flat and approximately 45 degrees, to make for a more comfortable viewing position. The hinge mechanism seemed reasonably sturdy, but is still probably the most likely failure point on the device. A flap behind the screen accepts the network SIM card.

We found the keyboard a little on the small side for comfortable typing, and easier to use when cradled in the hands for thumb typing. The keys are packed closely together and rather stiff to press. However, typing is aided by “sticky” function (Fn) and caps keys, which stay active once pressed until you hit another key.

The opened-up configuration makes it easier to use applications that need text input, such as the built-in Office Mobile suite and the Messaging tool for email and SMS text messages. We also found the landscape display more comfortable for browsing the web via Internet Explorer.

For travelling executives, the ability to receive Microsoft Office documents by email and then view and edit them is crucial, although the current Office Mobile applications do not support the new Office 2007 file formats. Microsoft is set to add this capability in a free-to-download upgrade due in the near future.

Our review handset was supplied by Orange and consequently had several Orange-specific customisations, such as a menu bar on the Today screen with shortcuts to key applications accessed via the thumbwheel on the left of the case. We were disappointed to find that, while the TyTN II has GPS capability, no navigation software is supplied with the device as standard. Users must instead download Orange’s Sat Nav, which is offered on a subscription basis, or install an alternative.

A handful of useful applications came pre-installed on our unit. One was HTC’s Comm Manager, which enables you to turn on or off the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or phone radios with just a tap of the stylus, in order to save power or put the device in flight mode. Also from HTC is a QuickGPS tool that downloads satellite position data from the internet to speed the time to get an initial fix on your location.

Other applications on our device included WorldCard Mobile, which lets you photograph a business card then capture the contact details into the TyTN’s address book; and a trial version of TrafficTV, which displays traffic information for roads in the UK.

The TyTN’s three megapixel camera enables users to snap pictures up to 1536 x 2048 in size but is somewhat slow at capturing images, taking several seconds once the shutter button is pressed. It can also capture video using the same application.

The device has a removable battery with a capacity of 1350mAh, which HTC expects will give a talk time of up to 264 minutes using 3G and 420 minutes on GSM, while standby time is about 350 hours. This fits with our experience, as we were able to use the device for several days between recharges, with battery life depending on how heavily we used the Wi-Fi.

The TyTN has a MicroSD card slot in the bottom of the screen fascia for Flash memory storage and also has a mini USB port, used for synchronising with a PC and connecting the battery charger or the supplied headset.