T-Mobile myTouch 4G – An Affordable Android Smartphone

If you’re looking for an affordable Android phone, one of the cheapest Android smartphones is the T-Mobile myTouch 4G.  It has super fast Web browsing using T-Mobile’s upgraded network, and since it’s made by HTC it has close integration with all the available Google services. It works on T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network, but the myTouch 4G is also specifically designed for use with T-Mobile’s new updated HSPA+ network, which allows downloads at 4G speeds. Right now, T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network covers at least 75 major metropolitan areas in the U.S., and they plan to keep rolling out this network upgrade through 2011.

HTC designed this Android smartphone exclusively for T-Mobile, so it has a bright 3.8-inch touchscreen display and comes with both the QWERTY touch keyboard and also Swype for easy text input by simply dragging your finger over the keyboard. It comes with a 5-megapixel camera that can also capture video in high-def 720p resolution, and has Video Chat capabilities also using Wi-Fi, or even when wiFi isn’t available.

The Google Android operating system is Version 2.2, which is also referred to as “Froyo”.  The myTouch 4G has seven customizable home screen panels, which includes a panel dedicated as home panel to house one-click access to your favorite Google apps.  You can find more than 80,000 applications in the online Google Android Market, for download to your phone.

Using the integrated Google technology, the myTouch 4G also gives you access to popular Google mobile services, with a single touch. You can use Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, Picasa, YouTube, and even synch your Google contacts/calendar with your myTouch. The myTouch 4G can provide access as well to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts which may be supported by Exchange Server and Gmail.

One of the great features of the myTouch is that it can also operate as a mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot, which lets you have WiFi wherever you go, but also operate multiple other WiFi enabled devices off the Wi-Fi from your myTouch.  You won’t find this feature in many of the cheapest smartphones on the market.

The MyTouch also has some unique video capabilities.  Designed with families in mind, the T-Mobile myTouch 4G lets you share photos and video with the HD Camcorder and also join in easy face-to-face conversations using Video Chat. Unlike other video chat solutions on the market that require Wi-Fi only, Video Chat on the myTouch 4G lets you connect to friends and family from nearly anywhere using either the T-Mobile network or Wi-Fi. The myTouch has a front-facing camera which you can use with Video Chat on the Yahoo! Messenger network or QIK so you can have a video conversation with anyone who has a T-Mobile myTouch, other compatible mobile device, or a PC. You can also see who is on the network to chat by simply viewing the myTouch address book, or just leave a Video Mail message using Qik if someone is not available.

Key Features of the new myTouch 4G

* Blazing fast 4G speeds on T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network for up to 3 times faster than standard 3G networks, while allowing simultaneous voice and data capabilities for the ultimate wireless voice and data experience (1700/2100 MHz bands; see more about T-Mobile’s 3G service below).
* Fast 3G connectivity accelerated data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities in areas not yet served by T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network.
* Quad-band GSM connectivity for good global voice roaming.
* Powered by the Android 2.2 operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
* Visual Voicemail allows you to listen to your voice-mail messages in any order, respond in one click and easily manage your inbox without ever dialing in to the network.
* Built-in GPS for real-time location on maps, driving directions, and more (additional charges may apply)
* Google Maps Navigation (Beta) provides free, pre-loaded turn-by-turn voice guidance. Powered by Google and requiring an Internet connection, it enables you to simply say “Navigate to [your destination]” to get on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device. And with Places, you can easily find nearby points of interest, from gas stations to coffee shops and more.
* 3.8-inch touchscreen display (800 x 480 pixels)
* Onscreen keyboard
* Swype input system allows you to input text faster and easier by gliding your finger around the keyboard, moving from letter to letter in one continuous motion. The Swype technology then calculates what word you’re intending to type (learn more below).
* 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with LED flash, face finder, and digital zoom.
* HD 720p video capture at 30 fps (frames per second).
* Easy upload to social networks such as Facebook and Flickr, as well as T-Mobile Photobackup.
* Digital media player compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC music plus MPEG4 video formats.
* Access to online music services including Amazon MP3 for music purchases and Slacker Radio for personalized streaming music.
* FM radio
* Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile–enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
* Ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
* Wi-Fi and mobile calling enables you to send and receive calls and messages over any Wi-Fi network, whether at home or on the road with Wi-Fi and Mobile Calling–even in areas that have little or no network coverage. (Learn more)
* Tethering and mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot capabilities enable you to share your phone’s connection to the T-Mobile 3G network with other devices, such as a laptop or tablet (additional charges applicable).
* 4 GB internal memory
* Included 8 GB microSD card with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
* Pre-loaded games including Rockband, Asphalt 5, Monopoly
* Text (SMS) and picture/video (MMS) messaging
* Access to popular instant messaging services
* Access to personal and work e-mail (supports Microsoft Exchange corporate e-mail)
* Document viewer (QuickOffice, PDF)
* HTML Web browser
* Organizer tools including calendar, voice memo, calculator, and alarm
* Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
* USB connectivity with mass storage and charging capabilities
* 3.5mm headset/headphone jack

You can find the new T-Mobile myTouch 4G at Amazon and other retail vendors.