AT&T Tilt2 Launches with Large Screen and Keyboard

Ed Hardy · 10-18-2009, 11:20 AM

AT&T is launching its version of the HTC Touch Pro2 today. Renamed the AT&T Tilt2 by this carrier, this high-end Windows phone offers a WVGA touchscreen, sliding keyboard, mobile broadband, and much more.

AT&T is the fourth U.S. carrier to offer this model, but the first to release it with Windows Mobile 6.5, the new version of Microsoft's operating system for smartphones that was introduced earlier this month. This includes an extensive suite software for work and play, including mobile versions of Outlook, Office, and Windows Media Player.

Like the original Tilt, this new device has a slide-and-tilt touchscreen and a landscape-oriented QWERTY keyboard. The Tilt2 has been been upgraded in almost every way though, starting with a 3.6-inch, WVGA display -- larger and higher resolution than its predeccessor.

Technical Details
The AT&T Tilt2 runs Windows Mobile 6.5 Pro on a 528 MHz processor. On top of Microsoft's standard user interface is HTC's TouchFLO 3D UI, which has been designed to make the device easier to use with a fingertip, rather than a stylus.

It a quad-band phone with tri-band HSDPA, plus it sports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1.

This model also has a 3.2 megapixel camera, GPS receiver, and a microSD memory card slot.

Overall, it is 4.5 inches by 2.3 inches by 0.7 inches, and 6.3 ounces.

Pricing and Availability
The AT&T Tilt 2 is available now at www.wireless.att.com. It sells for $300 with a two-year contract with at least $30 per month for data, and a $50 mail-in rebate.

Without a contract it is $500.

Photo Gallery

Source: AT&T

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Hook · 10-18-2009, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Hardy

Without a contract it is $500.

Except that, at least the website, they won't let you put it in you cart that way. (I'm not looking to buy one, just curious so I did the experiment).

I suspect that, although they will clearly let you bring in an unbranded unlocked TP2 and stick a gophone SIM in it, they won't let you buy theirs and do that.

So really, that is just AT&T blowing smoke. The $500 Tilt2 doesn't exist, except maybe on ebay.

JRakes · 10-18-2009, 12:11 PM

Ayup - You can definitely use your own unlocked TP2 with a PAYG SIM.

My guess is the "no contract" price is pure marketing - Make (gullible) people think they're getting a good deal with the subsidy. Since an unlocked TP2 costs significantly more than $500, however, they could have milked that portrayal a little more...

That said, it's still definitely cheaper to pay the premium up-front for the unlocked version if you don't want / need the big data plan. There are a couple of trade-offs with that, but for those of us who fall into that category (don't need the big data plan,) they're all positive IMHO.

I'm happy, though, to see this device get some more market coverage - It should help spur more app and accessory availability!

Mi An · 10-18-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hook

Except that, at least the website, they won't let you put it in you cart that way. (I'm not looking to buy one, just curious so I did the experiment).

I suspect that, although they will clearly let you bring in an unbranded unlocked TP2 and stick a gophone SIM in it, they won't let you buy theirs and do that.

So really, that is just AT&T blowing smoke. The $500 Tilt2 doesn't exist, except maybe on ebay.

Amazon's listing seems to work fine (however barebones it might be at the moment).

As to whether they'd allow you to Paygo with their branded version, I don't really see why not, Since data is pay per amount, it isn't like some paygo plans that have unlimited data (VZW) but won't let smartphones on the plan because they fear you would abuse it. In fact, they'd be making quite a profit off of any heavy/normal data user that chose to spend $20 per 100mb. The income to network-burden ratio for that kind of user would be a gift for ATT.

@JRakes: the unlocked int'l version, as I'm sure you know, has already dropped to $600, and that is when one individual purchases one at a time. When ATT made some sort of bulk purchase with its negotiating power, I think they may well be able to swing a much lower per unit price. Since it's locked, and the mass market doesn't completely understand how to bypass that, they can still count on some profit income from plans, so they don't have to profit entirely from the handset.

Also, when the TMobile version debuted at $550 (but was immediately sold at $500 at places like walmart and letstalk), the int'l unlocked version was still $700+. The no commitment pricing just doesn't seem suspicious to me, and I certainly think consumers will be able to take advantage of it without resorting to ebay.

Hook · 10-18-2009, 12:39 PM

Good catch, Mi An. Curious that AT&T seem not to want to sell it directly.

On the other hand, I probably wouldn't buy ANY carrier branded phone. ROM crap and all that.

I'm not one for reflashing ROMs.

Mi An · 10-18-2009, 01:00 PM

I sort of seem to recall that TMobile's no commitment price was hard to get directly from their website right after launch, even though that price/option was clearly listed there. It could well be that all carriers want some roadblocks to access no-com to encourage new contracts to be signed, but legit retailers did have easy to access no-com pricing within days of launch.

In my extensive searching of WinMo ROM flashing threads, I've yet to find one person who has bricked their phone, or one person who knows of someone who bricked their phone, which is weird, because it's not hard to find people who bricked their iphones or wiis trying to do similar hijinks. Thus I consider WinMo rom flashing to be rather safer than other related hacks.

The real inconvenience appears to be finding an appropriate ROM. There's a huge selection and many of them are as loaded down with crap as carrier roms, it's just different crap. I'm also concerned about potential loss of functionality by someone ripping out something they shouldn't have, or having a rom that doesn't comply exactly your branded keyboard layout.

JRakes · 10-18-2009, 02:12 PM

I have no desire to reflash the ROM (except for the HTC supplied WM 6.5 update.) I've not seen any of the custom ROMs that interest me. Yes, the unlocked International version lacks US 3G, but as I said before: Those of us who don't rely on massive amounts of cell data (and for whom the PAYG model works,) that's not an issue. In return, I don't have to diddle around with the carrier-bodged ROM and get some other stuff in return.

As for the price - The drop for the International unlocked version is relatively minor. I paid ~$630. I fully expect that price to continue dropping - It's just the reality of all electronics as devices mature, new devices come along, etc. But it's still WAY cheaper in the long run than a 2 year contract @ $100/mo for something I don't need.

rhauer · 10-19-2009, 11:24 AM

I had the Tilt and now have Sprint Touch Pro and have been very happy with both. One issue on the Touch Pro is that at times it is extremely difficult to use the touch screen to scroll and zero in so I have to use the dpad to move up and down. This phone doesnt have a dpad so i concerned what will happen when trying to scroll.

Varjak · 10-19-2009, 06:04 PM

Not to beat a dead horse; but will there be a review of the Verizon version of the TP2 (I'm interested in things like menu changes, WiFi and BT operation, etc.). Also, perhaps a review of the ATT version? Thanks.

Mi An · 10-19-2009, 06:33 PM

pocketnow has an extensive look at the Tilt 2's software, and they point out all ATT changes. As to whether or not you can get the same look at VZW's or others from them, it varies. When Brandon Miniman does an article or video, it's smashing. Some of the other writers aren't worth reading.