From Taiwan comes the HTC Magic - and at first glance it appears that this phone is a bit of a misnomer. While everyone coos and aahs about the Apple iPhone, the HTC Magic quietly goes about its business - that for which it was designed, and which it performs with impeccable ability and seamless ease.



The HTC is powered by Android™ - upgraded in this version of the phone - and designed to include the Google suit of services like Mail, Search and Maps. Specifically made for surfing the internet the HTC Magic is designed to be as easy to use as possible.

The phone has a ‘triple' effect home page screen which can be moved left or right, showing the icons on both side-pages with a simple swipe off to one side or the other. The icons are easily rearranged into position to suit the user. The simplistically designed touch screen really shows its design merits by the ease with which this is done - either by dragging or double tapping where appropriate.

Google search enables you to be up to date with the latest information, for example finding night club or concert information. With integral Bluetooth, the HTC Magic supports tunes via wireless headsets, and allows video capture. Videos can be emailed, sent by MMS or even published on YouTube™ directly from the phone. Social events are thus easily recorded and communicated - this is the ultimate phone for the socially-orientated person.

We liked:

- The touch screen. We found it to be really excellent, both in terms of its functionality and the ease with which the interface works. It responds to light taps when they are required, and harder taps and hold-downs make dragging and dropping really simple to do.

- The Android upgrade. For once we have a system designed specifically to do what it is intended for. The result is a speedy system, easy access, and simple searching on the web. Why can't all phones be designed this way?

- Easy messaging.

- The interface is one of the nicest we have seen. Simple enough for the least IT savvy person to learn, and intuitive in its design.

- The keyboard is good. HTC made a good choice - not only is the keyboard well spaced, doing away with the physical keypad gives the added bonus of a super-lightweight phone that is sure to please those who are tired of sagging pockets and stretching handbag straps. In fact, until you get used to it, the phone feels a little too light in the hand.

- Tight Google integration. We'd expect nothing less from a phone designed for the job. We were more than impressed with what we found.

- Slim and lightweight.

We weren't too impressed with:

- No 3.5mm headphone. For people who are used to one - this comes as a bit of a disappointment.

- 2 year contract: Two years in today's world is a very long time - especially considering how fast technology develops. We were disappointed with this, and feel it will put many potential users off what is really a very nice handset.

- Some people have complained about touch screen response issues. We didn't experience any, at the time of our test - in fact the phone was very responsive.

- Some might find it slightly lightweight. We felt this was a boon - at last we have a phone which will not ruin your clothing, or feel as though you are dragging a brick around with you.