Just look at that screen. The HTC Touch Diamond 2 packs a gigantic 3.2 inch display that’s bright, crisp and finger-friendly. Running underneath its own swanky software is Windows Mobile 6.1, and there’s plenty of depth to the built-in software.
HTC has built in the Opera web browser, shunning Internet Explorer, and for good reason: Opera is much quicker and works a treat on the Touch Diamond 2.
There’s also full speed HSDPA for mobile connections up to 7.2Mbps, and Wi-Fi for those times you’re within reach of a hotspot. Add to all this GPS and a 5 megapixelcamera, and the Touch Diamond 2 has all the makings of a superphone. So what’s the catch?
Unfortunately, it’s Windows. HTC’s TouchFLO 3D interface is included, giving easy access to the majority of features, but dive into messages, media files or documents and you’ll find yourself in familiar Microsoft territory, and it’s awful.
Microsoft’s controls make altering text a chore, and fiddly buttons will reduce you to sighs (or screams) within minutes. Before long you’ll have thrown in the towel and reached for the Touch Diamond 2′s stylus.
It’s a shame. HTC’s TouchFlo 3D system works a treat and looks great, but Windows is never more than a couple of taps away, and the moment you see it your heart will sink.
It’s almost enough to make Windows seem worse, having such a slick interface for half the time verges on torture. But there’s no escaping it. Can you live with Windows? In its current guise, we’re not sure we can.
