Ordered the HTC Touch Pro2 (Verizon Wireless)

I've decided that it's time to bite the bullet and get the HTC Touch Pro2 (also known as Rhodium). The CDMA version on Verizon Wireless and Sprint is a bit different from the GSM version and you don't want to go around loading a custom ROM on the wrong type of device. Otherwise, get ready to have a nice brick (paperweight) that sits on your desk.

You can expect a series of posts related to the Touch Pro2 as I share my personal experience with this phone.

To me, the most compelling features on it are:

• Larger screen (3.6" vs. the traditional 2.8" screen found on most older Windows Mobile smartphones)
• The larger amount of RAM (not storage space, but RAM used to run software and the operating system)
• The tilting screen/keyboard. This is a great feature when you set the device on your desk.

The processor speed is the same as the original HTC Touch Pro. The upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.5 isn't a big deal since you can run Windows Mobile 6.5 on the Touch Pro as well. The battery isn't too bad at 1500 mAh, but that's not much of an improvement over 1340 mAh. The fact that it's a world phone isn't that important since I probably wouldn't use my phone overseas anyways (who can afford those roaming fees?).

The single most compelling feature was the large screen. I'm the type of person who likes to keep my old gadgets as long as they're still usable. In the case of the Touch Pro2, when it comes time to retire this device, it will make a really nice standalone GPS device. My old XV6800 is now a GPS for one of our cars. The phone radio isn't on and it doesn't receive any service, but it makes a decent TomTom navigator.