Preview: HTC TyTN II (Kaiser)

In an exclusive media invite, we had a sneak peek of the much anticipated HTC TyTN II (pronounced Titan II) or more widely known by its "Kaiser" moniker.

For weeks, the tech world had been abuzz with news about the HTC TyTN II's arrival and from the photos that were leaked all over the web, the TyTN II looked very promising. Though touted as the direct successor to the Dopod 838 Pro (TyTN), the HTC TyTN II is not exactly a chip off the block. Even though it retains QWERTY input via a sliding keyboard, the way it does it is the exact opposite of what was done to the Dopod 838 Pro in that it now slides out in a right-to-left fashion, which is a more natural motion.

As opposed to the Dopod 838 Pro's left to right sliding direction, the HTC TyTN's new sliding direction, right to left, is more natural in terms of ergonomics.

Weighing in at 190g (with battery), the HTC TyTN II is quite hefty but in a substantial way than being detrimental to portability. The screen is comfortably large at 2.8 inches while having the ability to tilt it means a more comfortable viewing angle.

Though some might have misgivings about the tilted display being top heavy, first hand experience showed that it is in fact an immensely stable design.

In terms of specifications, the HTC TyTN II follows the Dopod 838 Pro's HSDPA, 3.5G connectivity, while getting an upgrade in the form of a 3-megapixel camera, an integrated GPS antenna and an advanced touch screen interface. Business support is the main focus for the HTC TyTN II and for that, it has push e-mail, a business card scanner and Pocket Office.

At first impression, the HTC TyTN II looks all set to give consumers much to consider for their next smartphone upgrade when it is finally released sometime in October. Until then, you might want to hold off your upgrade plan and to start saving up for its arrival.