The first screen is a launcher which gives quick access to six commonly use apps: e-mail, SMS/MMS, Internet Explorer, Tasks, Comm Manager, and Calendar on the unlocked model, and Software Store, IM, Internet Explorer, SMS, Comm Manager, and Mailbox on the Sprint version.

The second screen is an even bigger-buttoned launcher with access to three media apps: music, photos, and videos on the unlocked version, and Sprint Music, Sprint TV, and On Demand on the Sprint version.

Finally, the third screen, which is the same for both, gives access to your phone controls. It offers a nine-button visual favorites list, which you can personalize by taking ID snapshots of your favorite contacts. Below the contact list are four phone command buttons for calling up the dial pad, opening your calling log, opening your contact list, and adding or deleting from your visual contact list.

The TouchFlo interface worked smoothly in our testing and it was fun to see the menus change from one to another, which looks like a rotating 3D cube. But the problem starts when you load an application from TouchFlo.

Most of the applications on the phone are your basic Windows Mobile 6 tools. They require a stylus to use them and aren't especially finger-friendly. So even though you can choose your applications with the cool TouchFlo interface, you can't do anything except dial the phone with only a finger. Try to tap out a message or enter a Web address with your thumb and you'll make a lot of errors.

That's why the Touch will never surpass the iPhone. The iPhone's touch interface works with every application, and they were all designed or redesigned to work with finger input.

But the HTC Touch is simply a cool touchable interface that provides a gateway to the usual Windows apps. You'll need to dig out the stylus to use them and that takes away a lot of the usefulness of the touch interface.

Performance
While we didn't think the Touch's features live up to the hype, it's still a solid performer. We liked the attractive Start screen, which is neatly organized to show you the time and the number of e-mail, text, and phone messages you've gotten. It also provides quick access to a customizable launcher, weather forecast, and more.

The battery, though, drained quickly. The unlocked version is rated for 5 hours of talk time or 200 hours of standby, while the Sprint claims a more accurate 3.5 hours of talk and 240 hours of standby. With either model, it emptied after only a day of regular use.

If you have the e-mail app set to check for new mail a few times an hour and you use the phone occasionally though the day, you'll need to charge the phone every night.

The HTC Touch is a slim and useful smartphone for people looking for an iPhone alternative, but its good looks-and novel features-are only skin deep when compared to Apple's smartphone.