Though slightly modified cosmetically, the Tilt is essentially identical to the TyTn II announced by HTC last month. Like that device, it has an adjustable keyboard angle that makes it function something like a tiny laptop.

Hardware specifications are the same as the TyTn II's, including a 400 MHz Qualcomm MSM7200 processor, based on an ARM 11 core. The device is equipped with 128 MB of RAM and 256 MB of flash (approximately 124 MB user-accessible).


AT&T's Tilt has an adjustable keyboard
Also like its HTC progenitor, the device can download data at up to 3.6 Mbps over HSDPA networks, and 384 Kbps on UMTS networks. Uploads take place at 384kbps with either type of network.

The Tilt includes 802.11b/g wireless capabilities, according to AT&T. It additionally offers Bluetooth 2.0, which the company says can support stereo audio streaming and up to six simultaneously connected devices.

Via its Qualcomm system-on-chip (SoC) core silicon, the Tilt also provides GPS capabilities, including both an internal GPS antenna and a connector for an external antenna. The device also includes the latest version of TeleNav GPS Navigator, providing turn-by-turn directions on screen or via voice, according to AT&T. This software provides turn-by-turn directions via voice or on screen, plus restaurant reviews and ratings and a feature allowing users to share their current location with others. For business users, TeleNav Track is described as a "mobile workforce management solution that includes GPS-enabled tracking, timesheets, wireless forms, navigation, job dispatching, and bar code scanning."

Like other Windows Mobile 6 devices, the Tilt offers Microsoft's Direct Push technology for email delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars, tasks, and contacts. In addition, AT&T says, the Tilt will be the first Windows Mobile device in North America to include the BlackBerry Connect software announced by RIM in April. This is said to support push email for Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino, and Novell GroupWise through the BlackBerry Enterprise Server, and personal email through the BlackBerry Internet Service.

Key features and specifications of the Tilt, as listed by AT&T, include:

• Processor -- Qualcomm MSM 7200, clocked at 400 MHz
  
• Memory -- 128 MB RAM; 256 MB flash
  
• Display -- 2.8-inch, 320 x 240 pixel display; adjustable angle and backlight
  
• Keyboard -- slide-out QWERTY keyboard; finger scrolling and panning, 5-way navigation control; pressable rotary scroll wheel
  
• Cameras:
  • main camera -- 3 megapixel with auto focus
    
  • secondary camera -- VGA resolution, for video conferencing
• Wireless:
  • WAN:
    • HSDPA/UMTS -- tri-band 850/1900/2100 MHz
      
    • GSM/GPRS/EDGE -- quad-band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
  • WLAN -- 802.11 b/g
    
  • WPAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
• I/O ports:
  • 11-pin mini-USB and audio jack
    
  • RS-232 serial (proprietary connector)
    
  • GPS Antenna connector
• Expansion -- microSD memory card
  
• Battery:
  • 1,350 mAh rechargeable Li-polymer
    
  • up to 365 hours standby, 420 minutes talk time, 120 minutes for video calling
• Weight -- 6.7 ounces (190 g) with battery
  
• Dimensions -- 4.4 x 2.3 x 0.74 inches (112 x 59 x 19 mm)
  

While retailers have been quoting prices up to $800 for the TyTn II, AT&T says the Tilt will be available Oct. 5 for around $300, with monthly data plans ranging from $30 to $45.

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