Wow. It finally happened! MoDaCo in the UK got hold of an HTC Shift in retail packaging and have posted an unboxing video.

Important to note is that the hardware doesn’t seem to have changed at all. I’m analysing the video and will add some text here as soon as i’ve finished.
Update: They are ‘impressed’ with the keyboard. Are having trouble geting used to the thumbpad. The screen is still 800×480, the SnapVue is still a restricted WM conponent. Speed of the device seems good and ‘doesnt feel like it’s got an 800Mhz processor.’ Origami Experience 2.0 is installed. Hibernate speed is improved. Battery life is still 2 hours. In summary, nothing seems to have changed since my review except Origami Experience. One outstanding question I have though is about the slider. Is it improved?

There’s a discussion going on in MoDaCo forums where Paul is taking questions. The Shift ‘old timers’ are also having a discussion in the UMPCPortal HTC Shift forum.