At first glance, this phone seems unclassifiable and somewhat daunting. Actually, this looks nothing like a phone, its size, its large screen and keyboard are comparable to a miniature laptop. In fact, this gadget is regarded as a ‘sub-laptop with a SIM card’, because it possesses many features that the common laptop would not be without.

Included in its catalogue of applications and technology is a 7-inch touch screen, which is great for browsing the internet, scanning through emails or for generally scrolling through the main menu. As you may have gathered, yes – the Shift comes with Wi-Fi, and the screen is used to its potential with the inclusion of Quickplay, which cleverly plays DVDs without the need to trigger the operating system. The Shift proves to be both entertaining and versatile, which is a necessity in today’s market.

The wonderment doesn’t stop here

In-built to the HTC Shift is a 1GHz processor, 1GB RAM and 30GB hard disk storage space. It possesses GPRS, EDGE, Bluetooth, HSDPA (3.5g), Wi-Fi and a USB connection as a means of connectivity. If all this jargon is indecipherable to you, don’t fret, it basically means that this machine is marvellous. Of course, all these have a bearing on weight and size of the Shift, weighing a reasonable 800g. Portability is out of the picture here, but you wouldn’t buy the Shift in hope of it being portable as most gadgets anyway.

With so many features already listed, you’d imagine that the Shift would have trouble providing the battery life that many would desire. The sub-laptop is advanced enough to operate the most efficient Windows operating system, so this must have an impact.

However, the Shift is loaded with a basic version of Windows Mobile, which can be accessed by the click of a button, and this greatly benefits to the battery life. Emails and such can still be accessed as normal, and with SnapVUE, another beneficial feature, so much more can be accessed. SnapVUE is a piece of software invented to allow entry to emails, text messages, news reports and weather. With such battery saving methods, the Shift has enough energy to sustain itself for two days.

The Shift is already making a name for itself on the market as being efficient, convenient and being ranked amongst the greatest laptop-mobiles around. £800 will destroy your wallet, no doubt, which is why it is advised that if you do buy the Shift, use it to its potential, that’s what it’s there for.

Rating: 4.5/5 – For a laptop-mobile of such capability, it doesn’t fail to impress with its copious features and abilities. This machine is for those who especially need to go work ‘on-the-go’ and those who want to be entertained, and the sub-laptop is tailored for all these needs.

A sub-laptop like the HTC Shift has many online cheap mobilephone contract deals that offer good discounts. Taking these kinds of deals is a good idea to save money, at least better than buying it off on the high streets.