If business users started tingling over the HTC Touch, then I can safely assure you that they’ll be convulsing with excitement over the HTC Touch Pro, its keyboard-blessed cousin.  Vincent had the chance to spend some hands-on time with the smartphone at an informal meet-up with HTC earlier today, and he’s come away decidedly impressed.

The key difference between the Touch and the Touch Pro is, of course, the keyboard.  A slide-out full-QWERTY, as HTC does best, it has a full five rows meaning there’s space for dedicated number keys.  Usefully, both the enter and left-side shift keys are double-width (as with the space bar), and there are shortcuts to the messaging apps.  Vincent thought the ‘board was slightly smaller overall than on some of HTC’s other smartphones – after all, the original Touch wasn’t exactly huge and this new version only really increases the depth – but still eminently usable.

Unfortunately the battery was missing from the device, so Vincent couldn’t switch the Touch Pro on, but we’re not expecting any significant differences from the first Touch handset.  That means HTC’s latest TouchFLO 3D GUI, which does a great job of making Windows Mobile 6.1 more finger (and gesture) friendly.

End result is a handset that should satisfy many keyboard-lovers and not disappoint any fans of HTC.  We’re looking forward to getting a Touch Pro in for review soon.