HTC have announced that their fourth Android device, the HTC Tattoo, will be available in South Africa from mid-October.

Like the HTC Hero, it features HTC Sense, the company’s much improved and user focused Android UI. According to HTC the phone will bring “broad personalisation to the masses”, so the Tattoo will effectively be their entry-level Android handset. We haven’t received an indication on pricing, so the jury’s still out on whether it will be for the masses, or the privileged few of the masses.

The device appears to have all the specs you’d expect from an Android device with a 528 MHz processor, 512 MB ROM and 256 MB RAM, GPS, quad-band GSM and HSDPA connectivity.  It also offers a 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera, 3.5 mm headset jack, a digital compass and accelerometer. What we did notice is that it only has a 2.8" screen and a 240 × 320 resolution display resolution.

A bit like Nokia’s 3310 of yore, HTC are pushing a personalised cover feature on the Tattoo. Users will be able to design and personalise covers online and order them for their device. Alternatively they can purchase the designs of others. The company is promoting it as a way for users to further personalise their devices.

Locally Leaf are even holding a competition to choose the best cover designs, with a Tattoo up for grabs for participants.