The highly-anticipated HTC EVO 4G isn't going to hit stores until early month, but those who would like to get their hands on this very high-end Android OS-powered smartphone as soon as possible can pre-order it today.
The EVO 4G's high-end feature set has attracted a lot of attention, and includes a large, high-resolution touchscreen, fast processor, 4G cellular-wireless networking, and the latest version of Google's Android OS.
Both Best Buy and Radio Shack are taking pre-orders now, but only in their retail stores -- these can't be placed online. Radio Shack is asking for a $50 deposit, but everyone who does so gets $20 in store credit for accessories.
This smartphone is going to sell for $200 with contract, and will launch on June 4.
Overview of the HTC EVO 4G
With a 4.3-inch WVGA touchscreen, the 4G standard WiMAX and 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the model is going to be among the most advanced smartphones released this year.
On top of Android OS 2.1, the EVO 4G will run HTC Sense, the company's alternate user interface that expands on Google's. It will come with Google's standard suite of communication, Web and entertainment software.
The device is going to support Sprint's WiMAX network, which should give it peak downlink speeds of up to 12 Mbps, and an average downlink speed of 2-4 Mbps. This 4G service will add $10 to the monthly service fee.
It's also going to have the 3G standard EV-DO, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The smartphone will come with software allowing it to share its wireless Internet connection with eight other devices, but this will cost $30 a month.
The EVO 4G will include a front-facing camera and will support a new video chat service from Qik, which will make the EVO 4G the first phone in the U.S. from a major carrier to offer two-way video conferencing.
It is also going to include an HD video port that can connect to TVs and monitors that support 720p, a GPS receiver, microSD memory card slot and a kickstand that holds it at an angle when playing movies.