What better way to start off a new week than with an early review of an unreleased handset from our Russian friends at mobile-review. Maybe it’s a Labor Day present. This week they’ve managed to get their hands on the HTC Touch2, a device that will help kick off the Windows Phone revolution evolution interim solution. Overall the device scored well with good build quality, pocket/palm-friendly dimensions, great performance, solid call quality and good battery life; but it wasn’t all milk and cookies. One of the biggest shortcomings of the Touch2 appears to be the lack of auto-focus for the 3 megapixel camera — mobile-review feels the cam produces shots with bland colors and an extra helping of blur. Also, the navigation buttons proved to be very difficult for those with larger digits. As for how much the Touch2 will cost when it hits shelves starting October 6th, no one is really sure but the latest word is that it will run about $500 unlocked, give or take.

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If you can get over the lack of 3G data, coupled with the presence of Windows Mobile, the HTC Touch Viva starts to look more than a little appealing…we suppose. Launching exclusively on T-Mobile Europe where it will be branded as the MDA Basic, the Touch Viva is a down market handset with a decidedly impressive spec sheet. Sporting a 2MP camera, Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, Wi-Fi, GPS, MicroSD slot, TouchFlo 2D, and an impressive 8 hours of talk time, the Touch Viva can be had for a lowly 4.95 Euro, which works out to a lowly $6.47. Not too shabby. Sure, you won’t be carrying around much of a conversation pieve, and we can think of about a hundred dozen other options that are more to our liking, but if economy and function are you primary concerns (in that order, of course), then the Touch Viva might be worth a look. We wouldn’t hold our breath for an American release, but the Quad-Band EDGE support should make for an affordable Ebay jump if your heart so desires it.

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