HTC Touch Cruise Video

To play this video, you need Javascript enabled and the latest version of Flash installed. Install Flash now
HTC Touch Cruise
Created: 07/17/2008
Video description: While the integrated GPS and TomTom navigation software makes the HTC Touch Cruise very enticing, there are some limitations, not to mention a high price tag that turned us off to the smartphone.

HTC Touch Cruise Video Transcript

[ Music ]

>> Bonnie Cha: Hi I'm Bonnie Cha, Senior Editor at CNET.com and today we're taking a first look at the HTC Touch Cruise. This is a Windows Mobile Smartphone that has some advanced navigation capabilities and is actually the second version of the handset that HTC has put out. The company did a really nice job of slimming down the design on this one. It's smaller and thinner so it fits comfortably in your hand and you should be able to fit it into a pants pocket with no problem. Even though the Smartphone is smaller the screen size is the same at 2.8 inches. The touch screen is pretty bright and clear but it's definitely not as sharp as some of the other Smartphones I've seen. Also when I was using it in a car as a GPS device I found that the display washes out in bright sunlight and it's also pretty small. So I relied heavily on the voice prompts for directions. Below the display you've got some navigation controls including talk and end keys, a navigation wheel and shortcuts to co-pilot live and HTC foot prints. The last 2 applications is what makes the Touch Cruise different than other GPS enabled Smartphones. Co-pilot live is a navigation software that comes on the device so you don't have to subscribe to a monthly service to get turn by turn voice directions. Plus is offers some other useful extras like the ability to send your location to friends and family via text message and local search. HTC ships the Smartphone with 2 Gigabyte micro SD card that's preloaded with maps of the United States so you don't have to worry about downloading any maps. The only downside is that it restricts the expandable memory a bit. There's only about 850 megabytes of storage left on the card with all the maps on there. So you can't put a ton of your files on there. You can always switch out the cards when you're not using the maps but still kind of annoyance. The other application I mention is HTC Footprint. This allows you to not only view geotech [assumed spelling] that you take with the Smartphones 3.2 megapixel camera but it also allows you to add notes and audio recordings to the photos and them send them to friends or family as virtual postcard. The rest of the features is pretty much standard for a Window's mobile device. You get Wi-Fi Bluetooth and support for AT&T HSDPA bands. Call quality was pretty good but there was some sluggishness to the overall performance of the Smartphone. The HTC Touch Cruise definitely isn't for everyone. I think it's a good device if you're on the road a lot for work or pleasure and want to minimize the gadgets that you carry with you. The HTC Touch Cruise is available unlocked for around $500 which is pricey but remember that you're getting full navigation software and maps for that price. I'm Bonnie Cha this has been your first look at the HTC Touch Cruise.

Related Videos

HTC Touch Cruise

While the integrated GPS and TomTom navigation software makes the HTC Touch Cruise very enticing, there are some limitations, not to mention a high price tag that turned us off to the smartphone.

Nokia N97 (unlocked)

While the Nokia N97 is packed with features and offers the freedom of an unlocked phone, its clunky touch interface, sky-high price tag, and outdated operating system make it hard to recommend when there are better touch-screen smartphones on the market.

WWDC 2009: TomTom launches navigation app for iPhone

At Apple's WWDC in San Francisco, Peter-Frans Pauwels, CTO of TomTom, shows a new navigation application for the iPhone. The new software combines map data with turn-by-turn navigation. The new app will be available in the summer.

eMachines T5254

The eMachines T5254 costs less than similar systems from Dell and HP, and it outperforms them (in some cases), and uses less power while doing so. You can't configure it before making a purchase, but eMachines has chosen this system's specs wisely, and with a level of environmental consciousness that make it a very enticing deal.

2007 Audi A6

We enjoyed spending time behind the wheel of the 2007 Audi A6, whether driving winding mountain roads or cruising the freeway. The car does a good job of justifying its high price with a luxurious interior, good cabin gadgets, and excellent handling.

"Mission: Impossible III" Philip Seymour Hoffman featurette

Tom Cruise and Philip Seymour Hoffman talk about the making of "Mission Impossible 3."

TomTom One XL

The TomTom One XL offers ease of use, accurate directions, and a spacious touch screen, but you can get more for your money from other portable navigation systems.

2005 Honda Element EX

The Honda Element's looks might not please everyone, but its flexible interior and comfortable cruising manners make it an excellent tool for carrying all types of gear.

HTC Touch Pro2 (Sprint)

Despite the jaw-dropping price tag, the HTC Touch Pro2 is a powerful smartphone that delivers in performance and features to make it one of the best devices for Sprint's business customers.»

2007 New York auto show: Hyundai Genesis

The Hyundai Genesis features Hyundai's first V-8 engine and is loaded with tech, including navigation, adaptive cruise, HD and XM radio, and a USB jack for portables. Seen at the 2007 New York auto show.

HTC Touch Cruise Review

Editors' rating

The good: The HTC Touch Cruise features integrated GPS and comes preloaded with TomTom navigation software. The Windows Mobile 6 smartphone also has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 3G support.

The bad: Though it includes TomTom software, you only get one city map for free; you'll have to pay extra for other regions. We were slightly disappointed by the multimedia performance, and the smartphone is expensive.

The bottom line: While the integrated GPS and TomTom navigation software makes the HTC Touch Cruise very enticing, there are some limitations, not to mention a high price tag that turned us off to the smartphone.

Read full review

HTC Touch Cruise Specs

Manufacturer: HTC
Part number: P3650

Product Basic Spec
  • Product Basic Spec

Read full specs

HTC Touch Cruise Prices

Online stores

Store Certified rating Inventory Price
eBay

Rate this store
See store profile
In stock $350.49