TyTN IIs from Orange and T-Mobile

There are, of course, plenty of differences between the devices too. On the hardware side, T-Mobile has one of the front keys mapped to launch its Web’n’walk service, which opens into its web portal complete with Google search bar. On the Orange HTC TyTN II, the same button opens the Orange World portal locally in Internet Explorer, with the first tap of a link taking you online.

Orange has implemented its standard Windows Mobile Today screen, which provides tappable icons acting as shortcuts to main applications. T-Mobile, meanwhile, has opted for HTC’s TyTN II-specific Today screen with its large date display and access to favourite contacts and profiles. Alternative Windows Mobile Today screens are also available on each device.

Both handhelds also implement HTC’s X-button utility. This allows you to actually close, rather than simply minimise, applications with a tap of the ‘X’ button in the top right corner of the screen.

T-Mobile's MDA Vario III is expected to be available bundled with ALK’s CoPilot Live navigation software.