HTC Tattoo

Editor's Review of the Tattoo

Characterised by its shapely appeal, the HTC Tattoo charms users with its curvy design that is reflective of the HTC Magic and the HTC Touch 3G from HTC's popular Smartphone line-up. The Tattoo handset model weighs only 113 grams and measures 106 x 55.2 x 14 millimetres, making it a compact and lightweight device to carry.

This mobile phone has an attractive TFT LCD touch screen measuring 71.12 millimetres through which its wide array of features may be accessed. This touch-sensitive screen displays photos, wallpapers, screensavers and other images or graphics on 65,000 colours over a 240 x 320 resolution. This 3G Smartphone runs on Android operating system with Qualcomm processor that is notable for its user-friendly interface. It has a set of pre-installed ringtones in WAV, polyphonic and MP3 for message or call alerts.

The HTC Tattoo keeps up with the messaging trends by offering text messaging and SMS and multimedia or MMS messaging services. It also enables users to access their e-mail accounts, as well as compose, send and receive e-mails without a bulky computer in front of them. Chatting through this handset is also possible with its instant messaging support. Keeping users organised and on top of their daily schedules is an HTC Tattoo task. It has the customary organiser features of a clock, an alarm clock a phone book and a calendar. It also boasts of a built-in digital compass and A-GPS navigation support, that, as may be applicable, will guide users as they track their way through unfamiliar areas.

This quad band mobile phone functions on GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900, and HSDPA 900 and 2100 that make it ideal for worldwide roaming. Its network reach, however, depends highly on its users' service provider. With this mobile phone's built-in HTML Internet browser, users are able to access the World Wide Web and go online to visit their favourite Web sites. Catering to on-the-go users, this handset is endowed with Wi-Fi support for easy online access in designated hotspots.

This mobile phone is also capable of transferring or sharing data with compatible gadgets through its USB support. Similarly, its Bluetooth connectivity option makes transfer of files with laptops, printers, scanners, personal computers and other handsets that are up to 10 metres apart is possible. This mobile phone is powered by GPRS and EDGE technologies that ensure faster rates for Internet downloads and data sharing. Moreover, because this mobile phone is 3G HSDPA-enabled, it assures users of reliable multi-tasking capabilities.

Even though it is viewed as a practical communication gadget, this mobile phone is rich in entertainment features, consisting of a 3.2-Megapixel onboard camera that has fine-tuning capabilities such as auto focus and camera settings that may be adjusted to make photo snapping fun and bring out the creative in photo hobbyists. Photo outputs may then be stored in a photo album section of this handset for later viewing. As a portable imaging feature, this built-in camera also functions as a video recorder to freeze worth-keeping moments. Users may also view their recorded footages and other videos on H263, H264, MPEG4 and Windows Media 9 formats right on this handset's wide screen.

Makers of the HTC Tattoo recognise that mobile music listening has become a widely demanded handset feature. To offer an enjoyable listening experience, this handset plays music in MP3, WAV, WMA and eAAC+ audio formats. To cater to users who are fond of listening to their preferred radio stations, this mobile phone comes with an FM radio facility complete with RDS feature to keep users up to date with the latest in current events, sports, weather and other information as may be provided on-air by music stations. The game-crazed bloc of mobile phone users will also enjoy playing their downloaded games from the Internet right on this gaming gadget.

This handset offers users a storage capacity of 256 Megabytes Random Access Memory and 512 Mbytes Read Only Memory that is expandable through the use of a MicroSD memory card. Users may consume this handset's talk time of up to 6.5 hours to keep in touch with their contacts. With a fully charged battery, this mobile phone lasts to up to 340 hours on standby.

Critics have expressed dislike for this communication device for its display screen that is small and reportedly resistive. Others also point out that this handset's keyboard tends to be sluggish. Despite the criticisms, the HTC Tattoo is hailed for its user interface's customisability and user-friendly features.