Smartphone Thoughts: A Q&A Interview with HTC on the HTC Str Trk

SPT: There's always controversy when a new memory card format is chosen; many people don't want to have to go out and buy new memory cards. I've read speculation that the size of the microSD memory card reader is the same size as a miniSD reader - can you confirm or refute that? Why was microSD chosen instead of miniSD? And why was it placed under the SIM instead of an external slot?

HTC: The microSD card reader is the same size as a miniSD card reader. MicroSD was chosen for the same reason we decided to develop a smaller connector; to keep the size down. Obviously microSD was cards were designed to be smaller than competing card formats so it helped us to keep the overall phone size down. It was placed under the SIM to keep it close to the main board to save space and also so that users do not inadvertently loose the card due to its small size. We also felt that it was likely that since more powerful yet slimmer phones are gaining popularity, microSD cards were a like industry trend. In other words, HTC feels that this will be a common format for manufacturers to use in the next couple of years.

SPT: One of the main criticisms I pointed out in my review was that because of the placement of the microSD card, removing the card to load up music or videos regularly isn't realistic. That means users will load up the memory card via ActiveSync - which is exactly what I did with my Qtek 8500 and a 1 GB Sandisk microSD card, and it took a very long time over USB 1.1. Why doesn't the phone support USB 2.0, which would make the process much faster?

HTC: The users we were targeting with this device are looking for a powerful smart phone with a sexy form factor. Our market research led us to believe that potential users of this device were looking for style and design rather than advanced features and spec. A faster USB specification was not a priority because as day to day usage didn’t necessitate it.

SPT: The lack of WiFi really turned some people off this phone. Was it a matter of not being able to fit the chips into the phone because of the thiness, or were there other reasons to not include WiFi?

HTC: Size, price and target market were the main reasons for not including WiFi. Adding the necessary hardware--in particular the antenna--would obviously increase the size and thickness of the phone which was not our goal. Adding WiFi would also raise the price of the device. While the device has great computing power, it’s a device more likely to appeal to regular users and not power users who typically see WiFi as a necessary feature. Since it was not a critical feature, it was cut to save space and price.

Jason Dunn owns and operates Thoughts Media Inc., a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys mobile devices, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, and his sometimes obedient dog. He's currently a mostly-happy Qtek 8500 user.