Toshiba TG01 8GB

The new Toshiba TG01 - a super-slim, highly powered, multimedia-focused, mobile device ideal for the consumer that demands high-quality performance on the move - and raises the bar for mobile handsets.

Featuring an enormous 4.1" Wide-VGA (800x480) touch-screen display, the TG01 comes with image tuning technology fostered from Toshiba's LCD TV "Regza". Using advanced picture-definition technologies taken directly from the company's acclaimed range of LCD TVs, the TG01's delivers greater colour image control, ensuring that the display is bright and vivid, with pin-sharp processing for fast-moving video playback. Add support for a wide range of popular video formats and it's clear the TG01 sets new standards for portable entertainment on a mobile device.

Toshiba's TG01 is the world's first mobile device with Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset. Snapdragon uses a custom processor design to deliver an industry leading combination of 1GHz computing and high-power efficiency. By offering processing performance, immersive multimedia, built-in GPS, and high-speed 3G connectivity integrated into a single chip, Snapdragon enables the TG01 to be a groundbreaking, super slim device that is immensely powerful.

Built around Windows Mobile, the TG01 lets you enjoy your favourite multimedia and web content as well as work efficiently. Featuring Internet Explorer Mobile, the TG01 delivers a mobile browsing experience on par with what you'd expect from a desktop computer, with support for even the most graphically rich web sites and the ability to easily complete web transactions, such as banking or social networking site updates. With Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile it's also easy to manage your personal and professional email, as well as contacts and calendar.

The large touch-screen and Toshiba's custom-built, three dimensional user interface provide users with easy-to-use navigation between different applications. Innovative gesture operations also make it easy to carry out everyday tasks without even touching the screen - a simple shake when the device is ringing, for instance, will automatically activate an incoming call, while an integrated tilt sensor allows users to switch between open applications just by tilting the device to the left or right. Also coupling with floating touch pod and zooming bar makes TG01's one hand operation easier, and being 9.9mm1 thin makes sure it can fit into a slim pocket unnoticed - packing more technology into less space than before.

As a communications device, the TG01 also sets new benchmarks for others to follow. Providing users with access to a selection of social interaction platforms, including Windows Live Messenger (MSN), as well as connectivity to GSM/GPRS/EDGE and 3G HSPDA/HSUPA, and support for Bluetooth v2.0 and WiFi makes it easy and simple to keep in touch.

Integrated GPS and A-GPS technology allows the TG01 to double up as a fully-fledged satellite navigation system, providing clear and graphically rich information. The same graphical proficiency allows the TG01 to double up as a capable mobile gaming platform, with the high-resolution wide-screen display and touch-sensitive screen combining with an in-built G-sensor to provide high quality gaming on the move.

The Toshiba TG01 is a large touchscreen phone/Mobile Internet Device. It is based around the Windows Mobile operating system and uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon chip architecture (QSD8250), rated at 1GHz. Connectivity-wise, it is a quad-band GSM phone with support for 2100 MHz UMTS with HSDPA download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbit/s and HSUPA upload speeds of up to 2 Mbit/s. It is Wi-Fi capable, GPS-enabled with support for A-GPS, and comes with Bluetooth 2.0, microSD expandable memory (up to 32GB) and a micro USB connector.

Physically the device is notable for its size and thinness. Available in both black and white colours, it has a Magnesium alloy casing, while its main feature is a 4.1-inch 480 x 800 pixel touchscreen. It only has two buttons, at the bottom of the screen. These are surface click buttons used for Home and Back functions. Other features include a rear-mounted 3.2MP autofocus camera.

Another feature of the TG01 is its G-Sensor, which Toshiba claims enables gesture operations, such as shaking the TG01 to take a call or tilting it to switch between applications. It also has a custom user interface, which visually is demonstrated by three vertical stripes. Software features include the Internet Explorer Mobile 6 web browser, multimedia player, push email, and support for DivX and Flash for media playback.