UK : Orange announced the launch of the HTC Shift. Exclusive to Orange, the Shift packs the punch of a laptop in a smaller, lighter form factor, with full mobile data connectivity. It perfectly blends style with functionality, boasting a seven inch touch screen that smoothly slides and tilts to the perfect viewing angle, as well as a full QWERTY keyboard.

The always-on “mob-top” is the perfect accessory for those that want to both work and play. Users can easily switch between Microsoft Windows Mobile and the fuller Microsoft Windows Vista mode, at the touch of a button. Customers can always be contactable thanks to a long battery life and innovative technology which enables users to preview their text messages, emails, calendar and contacts as well as providing alerts and reminders when new items arrive – even if the Shift is not switched on.

Supporting both 3G/3G+ and Wi-Fi connectivity, a first for any Ultra Mobile PC, the Shift can seamlessly move between networks, ensuring customers can access internet and emails whether at home, in work or out and about.

Customers who are constantly on the move can maximise their time as the Shift comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Office in Vista mode enabling users to download, view and edit their Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint documents.

The Shift comes with a massive 30GB hard-drive, so that as well as being able to surf the web, customers can store all their photos, music and videos to help pass the time away from work.

For extra security the Shift has a built-in fingerprint sensor, meaning that your contacts, content and emails are kept safe.

Nick Horton, Head of Business Devices, Orange UK, said: “The HTC Shift is the first device of its kind, and Orange is the first UK operator to offer it to customers. It perfectly balances both personal and business needs, and it looks fantastic! The Shift’s highly portable design and ability to connect via both Wi-Fi and the Orange mobile network, means customers don’t need to be in the office to keep up to date with their work.”

Other key features of the Shift include:

§ Connectivity to Orange 3G/3G+

§ Full Windows Vista experience

§ Instant e-mails with Microsoft® Direct Push technology

§ Bluetooth® 2.0 and Wi-Fi®

§ USB 2.0 connectivity

§ 207 mm (L) x 129 mm (W) x 25 mm (T)

The HTC Shift will be available to buy online at Orange.co.uk, and in selected Orange retail stores throughout the UK from the end of February. The Shift will be priced at £999 with a data tariff.