HTC Touch Dual launching in the US this weekend courtesy of Best Buy

At first, we were all stoked at the realization that it took HTC shy of two months to go from announcement to availability of its US-flavored Touch Dual, but then we had this wet blanket thrown on us when we reflected on the fact that it's been like six months since the European model was first shown. No bother -- at least the US model will be among the very first devices anywhere to ship with Windows Mobile 6.1 out of the box, which is kinda cool. Best Buy will be offering the phone starting this weekend for $549.99 unlocked, available on its website or directly from "select" Best Buy Mobile locations around the country, so try not to let those visions of Diamonds distract you too much while you're whipping out the credit card.

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 2:39PM]

Too bad it's not the suretype keyboard version. :(

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2008 10:39AM]

Given the popularity of the original Touch (I love mine) and the suretype keyboard, I'm expecting big numbers even without new service rebates.

http://www.HTCTouchDual.net

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 2:40PM]

$549.99, still without video drivers!

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 3:09PM]

Best Buy is blowing it by not showing the photo of the 20-key suretype. The Blackberry Pearl with the suretype is a worldwide best sellers....not sure if people will spring for $550 without suretype. Best Buy has a photo of the suretype when you click on the photos page......a little confusing especially for online only ordering.

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 3:06PM]

Check out BestBuy.com, they are going to be carrying the 20 key version with sure type.

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 3:08PM]

Check out BestBuy.com, they are going to be carrying the 20 key version with sure type.

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 3:15PM]

No 3G = NO SALE!!!

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 3:43PM]

I meant no T-Mobile 3G of course....!

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 3:35PM]

Quad-band GSM/Dual-band UMTS

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 4:14PM]

tmob 3g? tmob has no 3g to begin with. they've been launching it for two years now.

also, it looks like they will also be selling the original Touch unlocked for $500. tri-band with 850 instead of 900 band.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8677737&st=Tou&lp=4&type=product&cp=1&id=1197678618070

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 4:14PM]

oh boy. another winmo device. yawn. oh, and no ascii keyboard = no sale.

[(Unverified) Posted May 26th 2008 5:28AM]

htc has this advertised at the lax airport already. american airlines baggage claim area has a big white suitcase light up sign with htc devices on it, including this one.

[(Unverified) Posted May 26th 2008 9:51PM]

Wow... an unlocked phone at Best Buy. I can't say I've ever seen any unlocked phone at a major retailer before. Seems like a first. I would guess the vast majority of the population is unaware that such a thing even exists. At least in Chicago, the only place you can find them are at electronics/junk marts tucked away in ethnic neighborhoods. And even there, all I ever see is a random N73 in a dusty box.