HTC launches mini Vista laptop

HTC's upcoming Shift is an ultra-compact laptop with a 7in screen and running Windows Vista

Handset maker HTC has unveiled a mini laptop at the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) show in Florida. The device is a step beyond the firm's usual Windows Mobile offerings and into full-blown Windows compatibility with a format that may attract many mobile professionals.

The HTC Shift, set to ship in the third quarter of 2007, runs Windows Vista Business edition and features a 7in widescreen touch-sensitive display, 30GB hard drive, and connectivity options including 3G HSDPA, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Pricing details and exact specifications for the unit have yet to be disclosed by HTC, but the unit more closely resembles a miniature laptop such as Toshiba's now discontinued Libretto than the rest of HTC's line-up of Pocket PC and smartphone devices.