Sprint To Launch Pricy HTC Touch Pro2 Smartphone Too

The HTC Touch Pro2, the latest and greatest smartphone offering from HTC, runs on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system and offers HTC's own TouchFLO user interface.

One of the hottest smartphones so far in 2009, the Touch Pro2 was released on T-Mobile's network earlier this month.

Sprint said Monday its version will be available Sept. 8 through Sprint's Web site.

While anxious smartphone buyers have been awaiting the release of the Touch Pro2, the device's price has come under fire. Sprint's model will cost just under $350 with a two-year Sprint contract and after a $100 rebate.

Earlier this month, T-Mobile launched its version of the Touch Pro2, which also costs $350 with a two-year agreement.

The Touch Pro2's functionality, however, will justify the high cost for ultra-mobile power users. And as a world phone, the 3G device is aimed squarely at business globetrotters.

The smartphone features an adjustable tilting touch-screen that slides open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. The smartphone is also optimized for use as a conferencing and speakerphone.

The device also adds a 3.2-megapixel camera with a camcorder and a 3.6-inch TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with 480-x-800 WVGA resolution. The Pro 2 is Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth-enabled, weighs in at 6.17 ounces and measures 4.57 by 2.33 by 0.68 inches.

Sprint's version of the Touch Pro2 will also offer access to a host of Sprint-exclusive applications and features, like Sprint TV with live and on-demand programming and Sprint's exclusive sports applications like NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup.