As we enter the early part of 2007, we are starting to witness a number of unauthorised specification releases for the phones which are expected to be popular. The most recent release is the HTC VOX S710 smartphone which is the latest offering from the HTC smartphone stable.

Obviously aimed at the business end of the market, the phone may also attract some interest from the personal end of the market, due to its neat design, and impressive functionality. The days when smartphones were predominately for the business person appear to be numbered, with a new and potentially more lucrative personal market now opening up for smartphones.

The handset itself offers an interesting compact style with the main enlarged screen and numeric keypad to the fore, with the PDA keyboard behind the screen. As is the norm with this type of phone, the QWERTY keyboard slides behind the back of the traditional mobile phone part of the handset, and is released by a very smooth sliding mechanism. The overall dimension of the handset are 100 mm x 50 mm x 18 mm which compares well with its peers, although there are no weight figures available as yet.

The HTC VOX S710 uses the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5 operating system, which is the most up to date available. The phone covers a vast array of network connectivity such as EDGE, GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900 together with GPRS quad-band - offering continuos connectivity any where in the world. The HTC VOX S710 also includes data transfer formats such as Bluetooth, USB connector and Wireless LAN to name but a few.

The handset itself is dominated by the large QVGA TFT LCD display screen, which measures some 2.4 inches from corner to corner. A useful array of graphics ensures quick and easy navigation, all of which is set against an illuminated green background for easy reading.

As well as the PDA system offering expanded phone contacts book, calendar, standard Microsoft office software and email, etc, there is also a high specification 2 megapixel camera installed. Compatible with video functionality, as well as standard still photography, there is sufficient space to save your favourite clips using the 128 MB ROM and 64 MB RAM available.

The design of the handset, which is professional and compact, will appear to the mass market as interest in smartphones is spilling over from the personal end of the market. HTC has a good reputation in this market, and no doubt this new release will be welcomed with open arms.

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