HTC Shift UMPC Priced & Dated On Orange

First announced almost one year ago, the HTC Shift had been so long in arriving it had started to hint of vapourware. Not anymore...

Following the update at MWC, Orange has confirmed that the Shift will go on sale on its network next week for a subsidised (though still whopping) £900 when purchased with a minimum 12 month contract. Orange didn't expand on whether further discounts would be available for 18 or 24 month deals.

Despite the huge outlay, the Shift certainly has a lot going for it with onboard HSDPA and WiFi, a Windows Vista OS, full call functionality along with the ability to send MMS and SMS messages. A 7in 800 x 480 touchscreen display, sliding Qwerty keyboard, 40/80GB HDD and a VGA video conference capable webcam plus Bluetooth and USB 2.0 connectivity. All of which is housed in a compact 207 x 129 x 25mm body which weighs just 800g.

So if you're looking for the king of UMPC's you now know where to head, when and what it'll set you back - just don't try and hold it up to your ear on the local bus....