Design

The AT&T Fuze is brilliantly designed and while I personally have a few things I don't like, they are very minor though.  For those that do not follow HTC phone releases closely, you are highly unlikely to have a phone with all the goodies the original Euro version from HTC would have.  Carriers tend to strip features from the phone as they see fit, some more than others.  This can be both in terms of hardware or software.  Thankfully, AT&T played nice and actually has what many now consider the best version of the HTC Touch Pro out there.  In this section, I'll provide plenty of pictures and comment on design differences as well.

Like the original HTC model, the Fuze sports a mirror-like black front panel where you'll find the home, back, call and end keys.  Between the buttons is where you'll find the navigation panel.  Now, while the keys themselves, as well as the actual navigation buttons are not touch-sensitive, the center navigation wheel is indeed capacitive and I'll show you one area of functionality where you can take advantage of this cool feature.  On the top front is where you'll find the earpiece and yes, AT&T slapped on their logo on the right corner.  Sorry, that was a given before it even was released and based on how it is etched, no sugar or salt will get rid of it!  Last but not least, this is where you'll find the excellent 2.8" VGA touchscreen.  Now, there are many who continue to nag about the size of the screen on most new HTC phones.  However, what many fail to understand is that unlike most Pocket PC phones on the market that have a QVGA screen, the Fuze has a stunning VGA screen with a 640x480 resolution.  While it may look small, it is capable of fitting so much more on such a small area and the quality versus a QVGA screen is absolutely no comparison. 

Now, while some carriers have chosen to alter its design and release this model with a flat rear back panel, AT&T wisely chose to maintain that cool diamond-cut back panel that made the original HTC Touch Diamond so unique.  The back sports a very glossy black coat that is quite a fingerprint magnet.  There is a very thin piece of aluminum that is used to accent the back and give it that high-end look and feel.  This is where you'll find its camera and LED flash light.  I guess it is a matter of personal taste.  Some don't like the diamond-cut design but I love it and it is this signature design that has made this phone and other variants so successful from a marketing standpoint.

On the left side of the phone is where you'll find the volume buttons and the infamous PPT button that many have complained about.  Unlike the volume keys, this button is not flush against the sides and extends outwards where it can accidentally be pressed.  However, what has many irritated is that this "Push-To-Talk" button cannot be remapped and dedicated to this service most don't care for at all.  Considering the right side of the phone does not have a single button to map for use, this has many  users quite frustrated.  However, stick with me here because a complete section dedicated to tweaks and fixes to annoying issues will include an easy method around this.

On the bottom side is where you'll find the mini USB connection jack, mic and small soft reset button that can be activated using the stylus.  However, they have oddly slapped a headphones logo on top of this button and you'll be surprised as to just how many people don't know this is really a reset button.  Not sure why they did this, as it has only confused a majority of novice users.  You'll also find the stylus slot here as well.  I'm personally trying to get used to this as I have always owned a phone with a top loading stylus.  Now, what's neat about the stylus slot is not only that it is magnetic and somewhat "sucks" the stylus securely in place, but when you remove the stylus, it will actually "wake" the phone and basically remove it from sleep mode.  The buttons will automatically light up as well.  This is a small feature that many seem to love.

Let's get to the good stuff now though and show you that spring-assisted, slide-out keyboard!  Like most devices in this class, upon sliding out the keyboard, the screen will automatically switch orientation.  This phone is solidly built and the slide mechanism is no exception.  It "feels" nice and the phone slides out with little to no play.  Now, for you Tilt owners out there looking to upgrade, note that this new successor does not have the tilt feature.  It will only allow you to slide it out flush with no ability to tilt it upwards.  This is not an issue at all and just something Tilt owners will need to get used to.

**click to enlarge**

Now, let's get back to the keyboard itself, which is what makes AT&T's version of this phone so unique and loved.  The keyboard layout on this version is completely different than the original HTC Touch Pro and other variants.  Not only is the color scheme different, but there is a substantial difference in terms of its layout.  Fortunately, it is to AT&T's favor and many prefer this layout over all others.  A nice job was done here in regards to providing a high level of functionality in such a small space and making the keyboard much more "usable".  However, this doesn't come without some sort of compromise.  Unlike the original HTC Touch Pro, which has dedicated number keys along the top row, the Fuze reserved this area for symbols, most of which are so common that it actually is more convenient this way.  However, this led to having to press the function key in order to make use of all numbers and these keys, along with all other function keys, are blue instead of green. However, one reason to love this design is that they manage to offer a dedicated Windows and OK key, two of which are highly convenient as well.  In addition, there are shortcuts to very common applications like the calendar, IM and web. 

Is it perfect?  Almost!  It is simply a matter of adjusting and getting used to the fact that there are no dedicated number keys or soft button keys.  I will tell you that this really isn't and issue and you will get used to it.  Hit the function key twice and that's your num lock, making it easy to type in numbers quickly.  Some have complained that the keys are too small.  They are just fine and again, you will get used to them rather quickly.  Also, a minor note regarding its backlighting.  There are a number of sources that state that the keyboard is backlit in blue.  This is not true.  Like all other buttons and keys, it has a soft white glow.  More on that later though, as it is one of the minor design issues I have with the phone.

**click enlarge**

Remove that back cover and you'll find the SIM slot conveniently located right above the battery slot.  Also, if you look closely at the pic above, you'll notice the Micro SD memory slot.  What's nice about this phone is that both can be accessed without having to remove the battery, something that many tend to dislike.  Also note that the Diamond, which does not feature a built-in keyboard, does not have memory expansion.

Size Comparison

One thing I would like to stress is that no matter what pictures you find of this particular phone, unless you actually see one in person, you won't appreciate just how small the phone really is.  Many who haven't even played with one are quick to label it as a "brick" or simply say it is too large.  That's really not the case at all and those thinking about getting one and concerned about its overall size should not be.  At least go over to a store and hold one in your hand.  I think you'll immediately be shocked by its size.  Now, while I do not have a Tilt on-hand for pics, I have used the Tilt and have compared this phone to it.  While its height/thickness is almost the same, the big difference is its width.  I did take some pics of the Fuze next to the tiny HTC Touch I have been using to give you an overall idea of what to expect...

While the HTC Touch is thinner and shorter in comparison, the Fuze just "feels" like a smaller phone.  It is so narrow that it just feels nice in your hand.  For all it has to offer, including that slide-out keyboard, I think its size and weight is just fine.  Anyways, that's just my opinion but I recommend that you visit a store and play with one to determine if it is right for you. 

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