Thinking about the HTC Diamond, but hating the lack of a physical keyboard? Looks like Europe will be one of the first to get their hands on the solution, the HTC Raphael. Much like the HTC Diamond, the Raphael will pack the same 528 MHz Qualcomm processor, 256MB RAM / 512MB ROM and 3.2 megapixel camera. For starters, the HTC Raphael will go under the name MDA Vario IV and will be available “soon” on T-mobile Germany’s website. The other name for the HTC Raphael is the HTC Touch Pro, which gets its name after the HTC Touch Diamond. At 158 grams, the full QWERTY keyboard equipped MDA Vario IV will be powerful enough to be your backup computer while only measuring in at 103 x 52 x 18 mm. In case you are considering the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1, both the MDA Vario IV and the X1 weigh in at 158 grams so there is no advantage on either device.
HTC Touch Pro / HTC Raphael / T-mobile MDA Vario IV
- GPRS/HSCSD/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA
- 528 MHz Qualcomm processor
- 256 MB RAM / 512 MB ROM
- microSD card support
- Built-in FM stereo radio, MP3 player, and mono speaker
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi b/g, and USB connectivity
- Built-in office apps (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
- Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
- 103 x 52 x 18 mm
- 158 grams
- 3.2 megapixel camera, secondary VGA front-facing camera (autofocus + flash)
- 2.8 inch VGA resolution screen
Before you go out and celebrate tonight, keep in mind that based on the specs listed on T-mobile Germany’s website, this device is only a triband GSM release. This means we will not be enjoying the same 3g love as the rest of the world, so it might come down to a secondary launch here in the US before we get to join in on the fun.