HTC Status (photos)

The HTC Status is a solid and well-built handset, with a pretty matte white plastic unibody shell. The 2.6-inch screen is almost unforgivably small, however, and is strangely defaulted to landscape mode when the phone is held vertically. There's also a handy Facebook button at the bottom right that gives you instant access to the popular social networking site.

The HTC Status is adorned with a silver band that looks a little like brushed metal. Sitting atop that silver band is the 5-megapixel camera and LED flash.

The HTC Status has a slight bend to the body that accommodates the curve of the face, plus it's more comfortable to hold when texting.

The HTC Status feels wonderful in the hand. It has rounded corners and an overall supple feel. It's also lightweight and easily pocketable.

The Facebook button is certainly the Status' most prominent identifying characteristic. A short press on standby brings up a screen for you to post a new update to your wall, and a long press brings up a list of nearby locations where you can check in. It's also context aware; the glow pulses when you're in the camera app, to invite you to upload a photo. It also pulses when you're in the Web browser, hinting that you can share Web links to your Facebook wall. It truly makes it so much easier and more effective for the Facebook user.

The HTC Status' keyboard is simply fantastic. It's wide, well-spaced, and the keys are raised above the surface. Each key has a lovely clicky feel when pressed.