HTC Touch Diamond to Cost Around $855 in Taiwan

The much-hyped HTC Touch Diamond smartphone will cost around NT$26,000 (US$855) when it launches in Taiwan next month, sources in Taipei confirmed Friday.

The price of High Tech Computer's (HTC)latest handset has been the subject of much speculation because of theload of expensive features it boasts. It's a 3G (third generationmobile telecommunications) handset with a 2.8-inch touchscreen, GPS receiver and 3.2-megapixel camera. The handset runs on the MicrosoftWindows Mobile 6.1 OS. (Read "First Impressions: HTC's Touch Diamond" for photos and more details.)         Speculation on some Web sites had put the price at under US$800, but that may not be the case.

HTCofficials have said that pricing will vary in each market, and thatoperators play a major role in pricing decisions. In Taiwan, forexample, the NT$26,000 quote may be reduced for users who sign up for abundled 3G contract from Chunghwa Telecom, the service providerlaunching Touch Diamond on the island.

An HTC representativesaid official prices will be provided when the handsets are availablein each respective market, when asked about the Taiwan price.

HTClaunched a different version of Touch Diamond in India on Thursday,which costs 27,500 Indian rupees (US$640). But the handset is anEDGE-based mobile phone (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), whichis the main reason it's less expensive than the 3G model to be launchedin Taipei.

EDGE-based Touch Diamonds will be launched in somedeveloping markets, while the 3G version will be available in placeswhere networks are ready.

Your Ad Here