Toshiba TG01 - available now on Orange

Posted: 3 August 2009

Unveiled in February by a manufacturer arguably better known for its home entertainment technology, the Toshiba TG01 is a handset that has been garnering a lot of interest lately, as well as some favourable reviews from a number of sources.

Built to fulfil the premise of a "super-slim, highly powered, multimedia-focused, mobile device ideal for the consumer that demands high-quality performance on the move", it believes the all-new device could be very popular with consumers who like the most up-to-date facilities on their handsets and was very clear about this when it unveiled its specifications.

The 4.1-inch touchscreen display, which operates with a 800 x 480 pixel count, is reportedly based on the image technology that appears on the Toshiba Regza line of LCD TV panels, allowing the user to experience high performance colour and processing capable of handling fast-moving video playback across a range of file formats.

It is noted this is in part thanks to the inclusion of the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, a custom-built 1 GHz computer processor that works alongside the phone's integrated multimedia player, GPS system and 3G connectivity, to offer the user an enhanced overall experience on a daily basis.

Using the Windows Mobile operating system, the Toshiba TG01 provides web access via the Internet Explorer Mobile platform, as well as Office Outlook Mobile and a whole host of other messaging options. However, this does not mean voice calling takes a backseat - as GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSPDA and HSUPA support is built in, along with Bluetooth v2.0 and Wi-Fi.

Hisatsugu Nonaka, corporate senior executive vice-president for the Toshiba Corporation said the gadget was capable of providing the future of mobile technology in a package that also serves the needs of the modern consumer - and this was something many of its rivals could not claim.

"Our challenge was to provide an innovative product that goes beyond today's needs to anticipate tomorrow’s capabilities. In creating the TG01, we've integrated the very best of our mobile and LCD technologies in an attractive, premium quality multimedia handset with internet access capabilities." He added the phone was representative of the firm's "commitment to excellence in an exciting new category" - a statement which could be seen as an indication that we may see more Toshiba mobile phones emerge in years to come.

Mobile gamers might also be interested to hear the new TG01 is equipped with graphics technology that works in tandem with its high-performance screen and in-built G-sensor to give the best possible platform for supporting the latest titles.

The arrival of the handset in the UK will be thanks in part to an exclusive deal struck by Orange to supply the model to consumers across Britain - a move the network announced in July. In addition, the carrier said it would support the release with the inclusion of a pre-loaded trailer for the new Stephen Sommers action movie G.I. Joe - which hits cinemas on August 7th and stars Ray Park, Christopher Eccleston and Sienna Miller. It claimed this would give buyers the chance to test out the feature-rich mobile entertainment device, in particular the 4.1-inch WVGA screen.

Also onboard for those who subscribe to Orange and opt for the TG01 on a 24-month contract - as well as 1,200 any network call minutes, unlimited texts and anytime internet browsing - will be special shortcuts to other facilities like Orange TV & Video, Orange Maps and Orange World. Commenting, the firm's director of devices Francois Mathieu said it was clear Toshiba had launched a high quality handset that they were proud to be involved with.

"We're really pleased to have teamed up with Toshiba to bring the TG01 exclusively to the UK. We believe the TG01 is a prime example of manufacturer innovation and is a device that is at the very top of its game which will allow users to make the most from their mobile experience," he added.

But it is not just the manufacturer and its exclusive operator that have lined up to heap praise on the new model and its video facilities, a recent article for Trusted Reviews saw technology expert Edward Chester offer his opinion on the device. He explained the gadget had some problems, but found pointed out that the front panel looked great. "Its enormous 4.1-inch, high-resolution screen, slim profile and lightening fast performance, courtesy of its Snapdragon processor, means some will find it to be the perfect hardware platform to tweak to their own needs", he added. However, lack of a decent camera or headphone socket, a custom interface described as "poor" and the inclusion of Windows Mobile meant it would not be the right choice for many.

Techradar's Gareth Beavis was equally critical of the phone's operating system, but explained with an upgraded 6.5 version of it due out this year, this may be a problem that is ironed out. "We'll be happy to revisit the Toshiba TG01 in a few months time when it comes with Windows Mobile 6.5, but right now we're just very disappointed with a missed opportunity," he concluded.

In her review for IT Pro, Maggie Holland agreed that many of the issues with the device may be easily fixed when the next Microsoft OS becomes available - and if this happens she is one person who would be keen to get her hands on the TG01 once more. However, she added as a first attempt at the smartphone market, the gadget could prove to be the first of many that go on to impress. "If the TG01 is just the foundation of things to come and Toshiba learns from experience, we're looking forward to its next generation smartphone. One hopes it will be ever so slightly smaller but ever so much better," Ms Holland said.

In any case, it seems the multimedia functions will be one of the big draws of this device for many and as such, it could be an affordable option for those now looking to sign up to Orange's text-focussed Dolphin Pay Monthly plan - where the phone can be found now.

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