The Toshiba TG02 follows in the footsteps of 2009’s TG01, although to the casual observer it might be difficult to see where the changes have been made to merit the updated model name. If you look a little closer you will see that Toshiba has actually put in quite a bit of work without altering the overall formula of the original. The TG01 was an odd beast in the mobile world; a critical success that never found a mainstream audience. The TG02 might be able to make a larger impact this time around.

The Toshiba TG02 has one obvious asset: a 4.1 inch touchscreen display. Whilst the TG01 used resistive touch technology, the TG02 has a capacitive screen, which means that you no longer need to push hard or use a stylus to get your inputs registered. The lightest tap of a fingertip will take you to where you want to go and the 4.1 inches of screen space allows the TG02 to retain its position near the top of the charts in terms of sheer size, with only the HTC HD2 and the upcoming Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 for competition.

The Toshiba TG02 uses Windows Mobile 6.5, but Toshiba has taken action to combat the slightly clunky WinMo interface which can be a bane when used in conjunction with touchscreen smartphones. The result is Toshiba’s own 3D interface slapped on top and this is not just a rushed job to paper over the cracks. The 3D interface skims along at a pleasing rate and you can use your fingers to manipulate the menus and objects in three dimensions. It also allows for multitasking, with applications remaining open whilst you work elsewhere and different windows being selectable in a carousel formation.

Inside the Toshiba TG02 is the same 1GHz processor that made its predecessor so powerful. Other manufacturers have caught up with this kind of speed now, but it does mean that the TG02 can compete with the best of the rest. Windows Mobile 6.5 is slowly being phased out as Microsoft prepares for the launch of Windows Phone 7 Series, its next big mobile phone operating system. The TG02 will have WinMo 6.5 as standard, but its specifications more than match up to the proposed minimum requirements for Windows Phone 7. Many fans will be hoping that Toshiba will be updating the software to the latest version when it becomes available, although few will purchase a TG02 without having confirmation that this update is indeed in the works.

Windows Mobile 6.5 may have been criticised for its touchscreen deficiencies in the past, but there is little to complain about when it comes to functionality. It has a large library of compatible apps and because it comes with the Microsoft seal of approval you will be able to synchronise contact details, calendar, emails, media and other personal information from your PC to your phone with relative ease. It is the choice of business users and serious gadget lovers.

The large screen of the TG02 lends itself to media playback, but it is also perfect for web browsing. To get online there is Wi-Fi connectivity, along with HSDPA and 3G networking for when you are out of range of a wireless network. Expect to see GPS onboard as well and a microSD memory card will probably be required if you want to expand upon the modest allocation of memory that the TG02 will come with out of the box.

Toshiba expects to get the TG02 to the market for the second half of 2010, although it has not made clear any plans for pricing or network partners. Consumers should expect to pay £500 or more for this 4.1 inch beast.

Tags: toshiba, toshiba tg02

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on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 5:59 pm and is filed under Mobile Phones.
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