HTC Herald unmasked

Try as they might, no HTC phone stays hidden for long, and it looks like the QWERTY-rific HTC Herald is the latest of their smartphones to fall prey to a rather convenient leak. As previously rumored, the Herald brings all that HTC Hermes spec love, but in a 17mm-thick form factor. According to hands-on action going on over at SoloPalmari, they're measuring 18mm of thickness, but minor quibbles aside, the phone does seem to be in possession of a 2 megapixel camera, 2.8-inch QVGA screen, miniSD slot, 64MB of RAM, 128MB of ROM and of course that lovable QWERTY keyboard in a notably thin form factor. Unfortunately, nothing much could be verified as far as radios go, such as WiFi and 3G data, but we'll keep our fingers crossed for the Hermes' full complement of 802.11b/g, UMTS and HSDPA. Keep reading for a couple more pics.

[mlucas2006 @ Oct 6th 2006 12:59PM]

If I wasn't already tired to death of waiting for the Hermes, this would be great. I'm guessing this will be around a 4Q07 release.

[Joe @ Oct 6th 2006 1:01PM]

Hotness

[JSM @ Oct 6th 2006 1:26PM]

so, other then the camera - what exactly is the upgrade over my xv6700?

[Jimmy C @ Oct 6th 2006 1:21PM]

Anyone else find it strange that the keyboard opens up from the right, not the left like the Wizard and Hermes?

[Jimmy C @ Oct 6th 2006 1:23PM]

(That is, the right, and not the left. Port? Starboard?)

[jim @ Oct 6th 2006 1:31PM]

Getting better but still not thin enough.

http://www.pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=637
http://www.pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=638
http://www.pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=639

If anyone doesn't believe that a few mm doesn't make a difference, put 4 more credit (grocery, etc) cards in your wallet and see if you notice it.

[jim @ Oct 6th 2006 1:31PM]

I'd love for HTC to consider making an additional unit really just aimed for people looking for THIN. They could ditch the camera and the keyboard (keep the light if they can - great flashlight).

Again I'm not saying they should stop making units with cameras or keyboards, just offer one more model for people who don't really use those things who want a very thin full PPC WM5 phone. Just as there are people who want the keyboard there are those who don't. A little more choice would be great!

[mab @ Oct 6th 2006 3:02PM]

The HTC P3300 is going to be a little thinner (16.3 mm) (http://www.pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=619) and without a keyboard. It might fit your requirements

[captainmicahp @ Oct 6th 2006 3:09PM]

What is under the blacked out bar underneath the screen?

[jim @ Oct 6th 2006 3:23PM]

mab,

Thanks but I think the other two units I listed at 13.5mm have set a bar, HTC is going to have to meet or surpass to blow any wind up my way.

[TomTheGeek @ Oct 6th 2006 3:39PM]

I'm not really that interested in the Hermes, it's slightly better but doesn't really have enough to make me want to switch. I would snatch this up in a heartbeat though. I don't even care if it just has EDGE, but please please let it have HSDPA.

[minh @ Oct 6th 2006 5:22PM]

Man if this comes out Quarter 4 07, then i'll just wait for this instead of the 8525. I think I can live with my 8125 for another year.

[ODC @ Oct 6th 2006 9:51PM]

Being the owner of both a PPC-6700 and a i-mate Jam this is what I've really been wanting all along.
I just wish it looked half as sexy as the white laden o2 atom pure cases or the 3600 though. Silver is getting really blah. They also need to start supporting cdma services such as alltel and sprint because gprs service in more rural areas is way to slow for any kind of internet tethering. EVDO is where it's at and they need to move to that as a second option especially at the prices these mini mobile wonders are moving for. It's a shame you'll have to wait a year to get this on ebay for under $500 too.

[dreamtheater39 @ Oct 7th 2006 1:55AM]

doesnt look all that good. Especially those silver buttons on the front face looks totally gay!

[Z @ Oct 7th 2006 5:55AM]

I love the Hermes, but with this phone, I say, big deal.

Because unless it has what the Hermes has PLUS true GPS, then so what that it's 3mm or whatnot thinner?

[BONES NSB @ Oct 19th 2006 9:51PM]

WHICH CARRIERS IN THE U.S. WILL CARRY THE HERMES AND OR THE HERALD?..IM WITH NEXTEL NOW (HELP)! IM THINKING CING. WILL HAVE THEM?OH AND ALSO WHILE WAITING FOR THESE TO COME OUT WHICH PDA CAN I PURCHASE NOW? I NEED A PDA /PHONE..

[Marian @ Aug 27th 2008 8:19AM]

the slot is microSD, not miniSD