Hands-on with the HTC HD2 for T-Mobile at the "Larger Than Life" event

Call it the last hoorah for the existing Windows Mobile platform as T-Mobile unleashed the HTC HD2 during their exclusive “Larger Than Life” event held in New York City. We were fortunate in attending the festivities as we know that Windows Mobile is slowly being being upstaged by the forthcoming Windows Phone 7 Series platform that's getting some serious face time than anything else. Although T-Mobile is on the eve of unleashing a few decent smartphones before the month is over, the HTC HD2 is no doubt the creme of the crop with its almost larger than life stature that seemingly places everything else they have to offer to the side. With that in mind, the HTC HD2 got one welcomed treatment in New York City where it showcased its star power and undeniable charismatic demeanor that's sure to please Windows Mobile users that may have some pessimistic thoughts about the future of the high-end Windows Mobile segment as we know it now. Even thought the venerable smartphone got plenty of face time during the event thanks to the kiosks strategically littered all around the event, we were invited to take a closer to look to what it has to offer under the hood.



Without a doubt the most prevalent thing to grace T-Mobile's version of the HTC HD2 is no doubt the BLOCKBUSTER app that surprisingly amazed us with its level of depth. Even though the long time company may be going through some tough times partly due to some fierce competition, the BLOCKBUSTER app on the HD2 really does set the bar in terms of watching all of your favorite movies – meaning you can literally browse through the library of movies and choose which one you want to view directly to the smartphone. In addition to actually being able to watch movies, you can even have the ability to purchase or rent movies directly through the app. Netflix subscribers may currently have the ability to stream movies to their computer and select devices, but the BLOCKBUSTER app will enable users to stream movies directly over T-Mobile's network – no need for Wi-Fi to accomplish it. With this close knit marriage intact with BLOCKBUSTER and the HTC HD2, you really can't count out the long time movie rental company as it plots its comeback with the app – so far it's moving in the right direction and most definitely leading the pack.



When it comes to actually handling the device itself, it remains pretty much unchanged from what we saw with the European version that was released not too long ago. HTC continues to lead the industry in truly knowing how to craft a magnificent smartphone that really catapults itself into a level that's rarely challenged. With a staggering 4.3” capacitive touchscreen, its mammoth size easily dwarfs the display found on the Apple iPhone 3GS that we placed besides it – for those who remember, the iPhone was considered a titan in size when it was first released. Construction feels top notch as we know that HTC always places the utmost care in positioning the handset to the upper echelon of the market. Despite its larger than life size, it still doesn't feel too overbearing which is thanks to its streamed line form factor that doesn't place any additional bulk to its frame. Finally, it doesn't feel cheap with its metal-like exterior casing that's more than durable to withstand even some of the harshest of punishment. All in all, the HTC HD2 makes you wonder if this is really going to be the end of the high-end category for the existing line of Windows Mobile phones. Although we can pray that there will still be a push for these kind of devices as Windows Phone 7 Series handsets come to fruition, the HTC HD2 undoubtedly sums up what may be considered as the last of the premier Windows Mobile handsets out there. Naturally, the powerhouse specs required to run Windows Phone 7 Series will continue HTC's commitment in supplanting itself as a top contender in the smartphone market for years to come. Sporting an attractive $199 cost on contract with T-Mobile, its release date of March 24th can't come soon enough. Expect our in-depth review soon!

HTC HD2 Specifications | Review (EU)