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SmarTone-Vodafone gets Toshiba TX80, TS32
The goodness coming out of Hong Kong's ITU Telecom World 2006 continues, and this time it's Toshiba flaunting the hardware. Their new TX80 and TS32 are both destined for Hong Kong's own SmarTone-Vodafone, and Toshiba seems pretty confident about the launches -- the senior VP of its mobile group even went so far to say that these are "just the phones that people in Hong Kong want and need." We're a little skeptical about the claim, though, seeing how the TS32 doesn't even do 3G, instead topping out with EDGE on the 900, 1800, and 1900MHz bands. Other features include a 1.3 megapixel cam, microSD slot, and Bluetooth in the buyer's choice of Lunar Graphite, Desert Gold, and Midnight Purple. The TX80 is the more exciting of the pair, bringing 3G data, dedicated music controls, and a more respectable 3.2 megapixel shooter. Both should be available now across Hong Kong, though we don't envision much of a rush for either phone. Sorry, Toshiba![Via I4U News]
SmarTone-Vodafone lights up 3.6Mbps HSDPA
Speaking of 3.6Mbps HSDPA equipment, Hong Kong carrier SmarTone-Vodafone has flipped the switch on what is apparently the world's first network-wide implementation of the boosted 3G standard. They're moving at a pretty good clip, too, considering that the 1.8Mbps setup that preceded it went live just this past June -- but even better, they intend to squeeze HSDPA for everything it's worth by 2008, taking the network all the way to its theoretical limit of 14.4Mbps downstream. We'd still be pleased as punch to see nationwide HSDPA at any speed in these parts, but it's encouraging to know that the hardware (and the optimistic attitude) necessary to push it to the max exists somewhere in the world.
Sharp ships SX633 to Hong Kong's SmartTone-Vodafone
Apparently Sharp likes its 705SH for Softbank Mobile enough to export the thin clamshell, though not before getting a name change. Apart from some minor cosmetic changes, the tri-band SX633 is a dead ringer for its Japanese cousin, ready to bring joy to the hearts of SmartTone-Vodafone customers willing to shed the asking price of $4,180 HKD -- a bit north of $500 USD. For the money, you get a 17mm-thick 3G clamshell with 2.2-inch QVGA internal and 72 x 12 external displays, and microSD support for when you fill that 20MB of internal memory to the brim, all in your choice of Black Opal, Pink Champagne, or Silver McIntyre. Doesn't quite seem to justify the coin; we'll pass. Er, we would if we were in Hong Kong, that is.[Via Ministry of Tech]
