HTC has created a more affordable version of it's popular Touch mobile phone, that sacrifices a few features to hit a lower price point. The Touch Viva is, surprisingly, not a crippled device but a capable smartphone with almost identical functionality as the original Touch. While the HTC's new Touch 3G and Touch HD are clearly an improvement over the classic Touch -- with faster processors and more features -- the original Touch was a very capable device, and passes on its 200Mhz processor, 2.8-inch 320x240 touchscreen and quad-band GSM with GPRS/EDGE to the cheaper Viva.

While the new unit gets downgraded to a plastic screen, drops down from a 3.2 to a 2 megapixel camera, and loses 3D-acceleration in an effort to keep the price down, it offers a snappy, fully-featured 2D-version of HTC's TouchFLO interface and comes bundled with standard business applications and media support. Improving upon the Touch by offering Wi-Fi connectivity, the device also offers usb and Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, a microSD card slot, and manages to gets eight hours of talk time and 11 days standby time.