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What kind of device would it take to make you leave touch HD and switch to something new?
I've been looking at some of the latest generation devices popping out (from various manufacturers) and I have to say I have not been not one bit tempted to make the switch.
So, for some future imaginary HTC device, here's what I'd like to see addressed:
Hardware related:
1. Illuminated hardware touch sensitive keys. I really hate this isn't present on Touch HD. A tinly LED would solve this and make the device much more usable in the dark.
2. More hardware keys. Perhaps a camera button, or simply few "blank" buttons that users can customize. A scroll wheel would be awesome.
3. A better visual indicator of received / missed calls and messages. That tiny LED on power button is hardly noticeable. They should've placed it on front side.
4. More easier way to soft-reset and swap memory cards. Perhaps dual memory card slots.
5. Make the device slightly more responsive, either by increasing memory / processor speed, or optimizing the bundled software. If ROM chefs can do it, I guess HTC can too.
6. FLASHLIGHT LED (This should've been the first on the list )
7. Add multi-touch.
8. Video output would be nice.
9. Make an accessory that would serve as a small portable and detachable Bluetooth keyboard. I can't figure out why HTC doesn't offer this. Is it so hard to rip out the keyboard from say new Touch Pro 2 and put a battery and Bluetooth chip inside that would work as a HID interface device?
SOFTWARE RELATED
1. Proper drivers that support hardware video acceleration.
2. Complete overhaul of Touch Flo 3D. Make it skinnable, make it highly user-configurable, integrate it even deeper over ugly WinMo.
3. Fix the annoying bugs.
4. Add default Divx and Xvid support. For a device with word "HD" in it's name, and such a big screen, this really should've been done long ago.
I'll leave other ideas to you
I like where you are going with this. However we all know that the "perfect" device will never be made due to the fact that people will then have no reason to purchase anything new unless hardware tech increases.
They aren't going to bundle everything you have said in there due to the compromise they would have to make between power/battery life/useability.
However I'd almost like to see a cut down version of this...iPhone like I suppose. Only offer 10 features or so (good overlay of SMS, Email, web browsing layers) but do it almost seamlessly without the need for using WinMo standards (such as SMS etc..). Get those right and provide a sleek, slim, portable, and cheaper device.
The one thing I hate is the fact that I have a front camera on the touch hd but hardly any software to take advantage of it in terms of video calling....renders it useless.
Wiggz said:
I like where you are going with this. However we all know that the "perfect" device will never be made due to the fact that people will then have no reason to purchase anything new unless hardware tech increases.
They aren't going to bundle everything you have said in there due to the compromise they would have to make between power/battery life/useability.
However I'd almost like to see a cut down version of this...iPhone like I suppose. Only offer 10 features or so (good overlay of SMS, Email, web browsing layers) but do it almost seamlessly without the need for using WinMo standards (such as SMS etc..). Get those right and provide a sleek, slim, portable, and cheaper device.
The one thing I hate is the fact that I have a front camera on the touch hd but hardly any software to take advantage of it in terms of video calling....renders it useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you in some aspects. Yes their will never be a perfect phone as everyone has different opinions on what the perfect phone is. So what may be perfect to you, may be no where near perfect for me etc. Thats why there will always be a wide variety of phones.
I disagree with you on manufacturers bundling everything into phones as that is what is currently being implemented by all manufacturers. Phones nowadays aren't just a phone they have cameras, radios, mp3 players, navigational apps like tomtom, tv tuners, personal organisers etc. Why have one of each when you can have one in all. This is what the customer wants and the manufacturers are realising this and are already producing devices with this already built in. With time the quality of these devices will improve.....but there will always be room for improvement. This is why we will never be happy IMO. For example. If you go out and buy a 50 inch plasma tv. Next year a better model will e available and you will want it instead etc etc etc.
Thats my 2 cents anyhow!!
Happy to say that people share the same thought. at least it is one step closer to be perfect.
Wiggz said:
I like where you are going with this. However we all know that the "perfect" device will never be made due to the fact that people will then have no reason to purchase anything new unless hardware tech increases.
They aren't going to bundle everything you have said in there due to the compromise they would have to make between power/battery life/useability.
However I'd almost like to see a cut down version of this...iPhone like I suppose. Only offer 10 features or so (good overlay of SMS, Email, web browsing layers) but do it almost seamlessly without the need for using WinMo standards (such as SMS etc..). Get those right and provide a sleek, slim, portable, and cheaper device.
The one thing I hate is the fact that I have a front camera on the touch hd but hardly any software to take advantage of it in terms of video calling....renders it useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure a "perfect" device will never be made. There were some in the past that would pretty much fit into "perfect" category, based on their market position and "features vs. price vs. usability".
Also, I do not advocate putting everything into every device, but as you know, Touch HD is sitting pretty much at the top of the food chain when it comes to Windows Mobile devices. So, it's logical that it's feature pack will be bigger then the devices placed lower. I don't even want to throw in the average mobile phones in here.
My ideas are mostly very easy to implement / improve. For example, lets take a look at the Touch HD camera. They packed inside a 5 megapixel camera that takes rather ****ty photos even in perfect conditions, and they left out a LED flashlight. Wouldn't you rather have a LED flash and 3 megapixel camera that takes decent photos? Not to mention that the flashlight can also be used as a torch light in everyday situations.
Battery life on Touch HD is actually best out of all 2008. touch screen devices. Believe it or not, but you'll actually squeeze 30 minutes more battery out of Touch HD then out of famous iPhone, and the rest of the touchscreen gang isn't even close! I would gladly give up 10-15% battery life for an illuminated hardware keys and a flashlight and pay equally bigger end price.
Rozenthal said:
My ideas are mostly very easy to implement / improve. For example, lets take a look at the Touch HD camera. They packed inside a 5 megapixel camera that takes rather ****ty photos even in perfect conditions, and they left out a LED flashlight. Wouldn't you rather have a LED flash and 3 megapixel camera that takes decent photos? Not to mention that the flashlight can also be used as a torch light in everyday situations.
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Click to collapse
Agree with you there mate, though I don't think a compromise on camera i.e. 3 MP with flashlight is the way forward. Look at Samsung for instance. They are able to provide 8MP cameras with autofocus and flashlight. Why can't HTC follow suit? Instead they keep throwing out 3.2MP with flashlight. I heard there next release is still only 5MP. Why not try and leap infront of their competitors? Its this kind of thing which irritates me
Fallen Spartan said:
Agree with you there mate, though I don't think a compromise on camera i.e. 3 MP with flashlight is the way forward. Look at Samsung for instance. They are able to provide 8MP cameras with autofocus and flashlight. Why can't HTC follow suit? Instead they keep throwing out 3.2MP with flashlight. I heard there next release is still only 5MP. Why not try and leap infront of their competitors? Its this kind of thing which irritates me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, well, the reason for Samsung offering some pretty damn good phone cameras is simple: they already have a strong photo / video department within their company. Heck, they even have an SLR photo cameras, not to mention quite decent compact cameras.
So, with that technology already being developed and implemented within the house, it's much more simpler for them to throw out devices with 8 megapixel cameras and autofocus and xeon flashlight.
HTC is (s)lacking in this area.
Rozenthal said:
Ah, well, the reason for Samsung offering some pretty damn good phone cameras is simple: they already have a strong photo / video department within their company. Heck, they even have an SLR photo cameras, not to mention quite decent compact cameras.
So, with that technology already being developed and implemented within the house, it's much more simpler for them to throw out devices with 8 megapixel cameras and autofocus and xeon flashlight.
HTC is (s)lacking in this area.
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Click to collapse
Yes to some extent, but I think thats to easy an excuse personally. The technology is out there and easily copied between manufactuers and competitors. All you would need to do is go out and buy some camera, take it apart and learn how it worked. How long have cameras been around, and HTC is japanese. Aren't they supposed to be the best at compact electronics??
2 Years ago when I got my Prophet I thought about the same topic.
At that time I wanted a bigger screen with a higher resolution, a 3,5mm audio jack and a faster processor. When the HD came I thought it would be the perfect device for me but now I want other things.
The most annoying thing of the HD is the lack of Hardware keys and D-PAD.
I used them all the time with my Prophet and many programs need them or are much more usable with D-PAD and real hardware buttons. I've always asked myself why HTC gave the HD only 2 Hardware Keys. It may have the touch keys but they aren't usable when the screen is off and you press them sometimes by mistake and they aren't really usable at night.
They could just take a look at some old devices and see what they did better with them. For example the reset key. On my Prophet it was easy accessible without the need to remove the cover. The same with the SD card.
One good thing is that you can change the SIM while the device is running. It isn't easy because there is a pin that should prevent it but with some force you can take out the SIM without taking out the battery. So why can't they make the SIM easy changeable if possible even without the need of removing the cover.
The camera is bad but I haven't seen a really good camera from HTC yet. The only thing it can better than most other camera phones is taking videos because it doesn't use 3gp but that is everything good there is to the camera of the HD. And they could make the camera much better only by putting in a flash because without much light the camera of the HD isn't usable.
Fallen Spartan said:
HTC is japanese. Aren't they supposed to be the best at compact electronics??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC aren't Japanese as far as I'm aware. They're Taiwanese, and generally they're best @ mass producing stuff and not exactly classy innovation (just look at ASUS, Gigabyte and all the other Taiwanese PC co's....).
Anyways, my wishlist for a "perfect" device with (hopefully!) near-future avaliability (some of these may have been mentioned already):
Hardware:
1. MultiTouch. Apparently with some new software even resistive screens can be as nice as responsive as capacitive ones.
2. 3.7" WVGA screen. Yeah I know smaller than the current 3.8" on the HD, but a slightly smaller screen = better handling when only using one hand, v. important for a mobile device imho. And @ that size, it's still possible to read (just) webpages without zooming in massive amounts (unlike the X1 / Diamond2)
3. Dual-LED Flash (at least!) w/ Auto-Flash. If SE can get Auto-Flash working on the X1, so can HTC!
4. SonyEriccson W950-style backlit buttons instead of the capacitive ones they have right now. It's annoying since I sometimes accidentally press those without meaning to.
5. Lanyard hook / hole. WTH they didn't include it before, I dunno.
6. (Optional) Slide-out landscape keyboard w/ dpad (kinda like the N97, but no silly angled slide)... always nice to have a proper keyboard when typing long emails
7. 1Ghz Snapdragon or some other sort of beefy processor so we can enjoy games and other stuff @ WVGA res without slowing down!
8. At least 512mb RAM. I want to be able to do TRUE multitasking and not have to shutdown apps just because Opera is starting up. And I wanna stop getting those annoying "out of memory errors" from NFS:U!
Software:
1. More stable OS. I don't wanna have to soft-reset the device every couple of days! If my previous Symbian-based UIQ3 SE W960 could work for weeks on end without having to reset it, WinMo should be able to do the same.
+ What Rozenthal said
So many people share the thoughts on the obvious defects in HD.
Was wondering whether I should return it. But which one else could be the good substituion?
In another word, HD is the perfect device til now?
henrik.dk said:
So many people share the thoughts on the obvious defects in HD.
Was wondering whether I should return it. But which one else could be the good substituion?
In another word, HD is the perfect device til now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going for Windows Mobile, I don't think you'll find a better device available at this moment. I would not go as far to say that it's "perfect" - as any high-tech device, it has it's downsides and annoying moments, but it is the best you can get.
Also, biggest change for me since getting my Touch HD was flashing a custom made ROM. That felt pretty much like getting a new device.
I am a true lover of my HD2, but even if I find this device almost perfect I feel that it still has some parts that shall have been better.
That is why I am opening this topic. This post is not aimed at listing the HD2 problems, but rather evoke the ways to make our device even better, from the users' point of view, based on our experience.
So please, tell me what is your own point of view after several months of use.
For me, here are the items I find should have been better:
- Soft Reset 'red button' under the metal back cover: this is definitely so ridiculous. What did the HTC guys have in mind when they decided this?
- Camera: compared to other devices (e.g. Blackberry Bold) the quality of the camera on the HD2 is definitely very low. Especially if the light conditions are not perfect. I realized that I have now abandonned the idea to use my HD2 camera to take some pictures inside a home, or in the evening.
Why not a Carl Zeiss lens, and also a separate shutter button?
- Loudspeaker: the quality of the loudspeaker is low. I compared it with other devices and the one of the HD2 is not satisfying. A better one would make louspeaker phoneconversations better. Also, it's almost impossible to use the HD2 loudspeaker to listen to some music on a daily basis. It will just give you a headache, whereas with other phones it's really a pleasure to listen to you mp3s with the loudspeaker on.
- Some Manilla Menu could be improved: did you also notice that it is so difficult to exit from the Message Tab. You have to click on 'Back' before you can close the Message Tab. The same way, in the Comm Manager Tab when you click on 'Done' you would expect it would close the tab. But it doesn't. The UI shall definitely be more simple and intuitive. The same for the Ebook reader tab.
- Bugs on the FM Radio never solved: I know that some other users also reported this bug. Sometimes the FM Radio crashes. The radio skips, then the application crashes. More generally the radio reception is bad. I am shocked that ROM after ROM HTC was not in a position to solve these issues eventually.
- Battery life: this one is a big disappointment, probably the major one. On my HD2 battery lasts maximum 1 day and a half... But most of the time it lasts less than 1 day. I remember the old times when the battery life of my mobile phones could exceed 3 or 4 days. Of course smartphones are more complex and need a lot of resources. But it's the manufacturers' role to adapt the battery capacity to the device needs. Less than one day of battery life is not acceptable. 2 full days would be a minimum.
- Absence of decent internal Memory Storage (e.g. 32 Gb): I think it would be high time the manufacturers like HTC include a decent 32 Gb memory storage. It would avoid spend a lot of money on various SD cards. We would have a huge memory space that could be completed with a small SD card (2 or 4 Gb would then be enough). WHEN WILL HTC PROPOSE THIS ON ALL ITS TOP DEVICES ?
- The HTC Audio Player is so bad: I know that some people like it, but in my opinion the embedded audio player is crap. It takes too long to load, the library organization is a mess. It even includes my IGO audio files! Why HTC could not work hand in hand with great developers such as Kinoma or Corecodec?
- Lack of HTC applications : I know this is mainly due to WM 6.5. This OS is not so sexy anymore and developers prefere to focus on Android and IPhone. That is why I also think HTC should work hand in hand with soft developers to provide great HTC applications. For instance Sony with Southend: the best games on WM 6.5 have been created (Xtrakt, Experiment 13...).
Conclusion: finally I realize the HD2 is not a real multimedia smartphone as it has been introduced. On the contrary, Radio, Audio Player, Camera and Loudspeaker are almost the worst parts of the device. And many competitors do better. Therefore the HD2 is probably a great professional phone, but not a multimedia one.... Unfortunately...
But hey, don't misunderstand me. I really love my HD2.
Just hope all the issues listed above will be solved with the HD3
My experience with:
Camera: it doesn't take pictures like a digicam can, but its one of the better camera phones I have used from a smartphone. Its okay at best for me, but I don't really expect much from cam phones. Also have you tried any tweaks?
Loudspeaker: Don't really use it when playing Music. Like the camera, I don't really expect much from speakers of any phone.
Manilla Menus: I'm not really sure how you want to close Messaging Tab and Comm Manager Tab. Thats just one press. Do you mean you want it to go directly to Home page when you press "X" at the top right or Back button?
Internal Memory: Yes it would be much better if we can have more. But I think it would also cost us more if say the HD2 had 64gb internal mem.
Audio Player: Okay for me. Try 3rd party music players.
Edit: Yes, I also love my HD2
I agree with OP. The only bad issue that really bother me is the Audio Player: why the hell there's not any kind of SEARCH function? HTC failed hard here.
arturobandini said:
- Loudspeaker: the quality of the loudspeaker is low. I compared it with other devices and the one of the HD2 is not satisfying. Almost impossible to use the HD2 loudspeaker to listen to some music on a daily basis. It will just give you a headache, whereas with other phones it's really a pleasure to listen to you mp3s with the loudspeaker on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad that you can't use the loudspeaker to listen to music. There's a special place in hell reserved for people who do that.
Yes Audio and Video player of the HD2 for me is a big let down.
Audioplayer crashes and won't play any of your music if you happen to load in just 1 file that it don't like.
Videoplayer also sucks almost all files need to be converted to play nicely on the HD2 player (video/audio out of sync). No RMVB support.
Camera and Loudspeaker I dont have any complains, they work OK for me.
I would have to disagree with the HD2 cameras quality being low. I managed to take some pretty good pictures with it. While dark or light outside
I also would have to to disagree with the loudspeaker with the music. I came from a blackberry 9700 and a storm 2 and both of their loud speakers distort when turned all the way up. thankfully when someone calls, the ringtones sound crisp on the hd2
but the rest of the stuff i agree with you guys
I wish the text messaging is better then what is now
i love the hd2 too, although it gets annoying at times. i have to admit, i was going to buy the nexus one instead of the hd2, but the hd2's hardware is sexy. cant help it. XP
anyway what bothers me about it:
1.) camera. it does seem a bit grainy, ive seen phones with better 5mp cameras.
2.) wm6.5. the os is snappy, but at random times, i would be forced to take out the battery cause (either sense or windows mobile) freezes up. using the chuckyrom.
3.) loudspeaker, idk maybe its just the mp3s i choose but volume is low even on high. not really a problem since i leave it on vibrate.
4.) horrible battery life. i use my phone a lot. i have my emails/calendars synced to it. let me just say i couldnt last a day without having to plug it into charger (using 3g). i made a test actually, i left around 2pm today to go to the beach, so i turned 3g off and pretty much left it in my backpack. a few hours later (around 10pm) it had around 65% battery left, so that was a shocker.
5.) music player. too slow for my tastes. im an ipod user so u can say my ipod spoiled me.
but still even with these problems, im happy with my sexy hd2. i'd go for the evo but i cant go cdma yet since i travel a lot so i need gsm phones.
- Absence of decent internal Memory Storage (e.g. 32 Gb): I think it would be high time the manufacturers like HTC include a decent 32 Gb memory storage. It would avoid spend a lot of money on various SD cards. We would have a huge memory space that could be completed with a small SD card (2 or 4 Gb would then be enough). WHEN WILL HTC PROPOSE THIS ON ALL ITS TOP DEVICES ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can only agree on THAT.
For the rest: the HD2 is already perfect as a WM-device could be. Always mind: most restrictions are caused by WM, BUT: XDA-dev. overcome almost ALL probs (like I have no probs anymore since netdrg-TCMPM runs on my HD2).
For batt-life and loudspeaker: it´s just a question of simple physics: the more powerful the circuits/processor/speaker etc. the more battery-power is consumed. For heavy use we have the extended batt.
Camera: we do have a small pc in our hands and not a camera that also works as a little pc. Camera is a little gadget I take but it definitely was/is not the reason to buy a PDA. For very good photos I have my digicam.
Last but not least: of course You can always use even better components for assembly but are we willing then still to pay the price ? (Yeah, for me I would ! Now! But what if get unemployed next year ? )
I made a guy build me my Sony Vaio TT91 according to my wishes (SSD´s etc.) but had to pay double the prize of the serial-Vaio TT
Real life means: HTC has to calculate and research the compromise of customer needs, parts available and affordability at a given time (beginning 2009) to issue a new device (HD2) by end of 2009, but unfortunately by the middle of 2010 new cheaper and better parts would be available at the same cost.
That is living at the edge of technology at a given time. So we will see the HD3, HD4 or whatsoever, we will see micro pcs from HTC with flexible screens, LED-projectors and sound projectors integrated, we will see HDs with full voice-steering based on quantum-chipsets and laser diodes, we will see HDs transferring the screen-contents into eye-lenses running on batteries that are smaller than a finger nail lasting almost forever...........
BUT NOT NOW !
k20a1 said:
I would have to disagree with the HD2 cameras quality being low. I managed to take some pretty good pictures with it. While dark or light outside
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really ? It seems to me that other phones have a better camera than my HD2. I tried a lot of different settings.
For instance, a friend of mine made a video with his Bold 9700 of a live concert at night (worst conditions ever: dark, lot of sudden flash lights, etc...) and I was really amazed by the quality of his video.
---
To revert to the general specifications, I think that the manufaturer who will propose a Windows Phone already including 32 Gb of memory + minimum 2 days of battery life will do a major hit.
Running out of storage, or having my HD2 turn off at the end of the afternoon is something I hate.
All the smartphones currently proposed on the market are basically the same. But they all miss MEMORY / Long BATTERY LIFE.
Which manufacturer will finally decide to make the difference? I hope it will be HTC.
I have never liked the idea of have a large amount of memory in a phone, it makes it expensive and you can't just take it with you when you upgrade, i prefer a memory stick tbh.
NitrousB said:
I have never liked the idea of have a large amount of memory in a phone, it makes it expensive and you can't just take it with you when you upgrade, i prefer a memory stick tbh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But we can also expect that the costs will considerably decrease once the 32 gb are included in all devices.
Also, memory is so expensive because manufacturer like Sandisk or Kingston has to hold 32 Gb of memory in such small microSD cards. It makes no sense.
Regarding the upgrade, you are right. But you will have the possibility to transfer all your files to your new phone via your PC.
All the points mentioned before are not so important to me, in general I am very happy with the HD2 except for the GSM reception...my HD2 has a poor gsm reception. tried different radio roms but it does not really make a difference. When I am away for work I am using another phone, which was not the idea when I bought the HTC...
Cfds,
Did you try Radio 2.09.50.29 ?
It's the one I'm using in France (Orange network) with my Miri ROM, and it works perfectly.
So far the best Radio I've tried.
What shouldn't change:
1. the form factor.
2. integrated multi-touchscreen, 3g, WiFi, Bluetooth, G-sensor, Compas, GPS module, speaker.
3. great gps module. No complaints so far with regards to function and reception
4. Hardware buttons.
5. Replacable battery.
What should change:
1.Wacom active digitizer technology added to the current capacative screen
2. A better, prefereably stereo speaker for better speakerphone conversations.
3. A manual configurable secondary microphone on the back for better speakerphone conversations
4. Better and more creative use of the G-sensor for tool applications.
5. Missing a seperate camera shutter button for taking pictures. The button on the screen is bad ergonomics and often causes blurry images because of the pressing of the button on the screen. Focus is lost and the camera moves while taking the snapshot.
6.increased battery capacity. 1300 mAh for a smarphone like the HD2 is a joke.
7. a camera with a carl zeiss lens.
8. the dual LED flash is fine, but in my currrent experience with the HD2 too close to the lens.
9. a protected cover for the audio and microusb port
10. make mini usb the standard. My experience with microusb thus far, is that it is a niche connection. A lot of other productions, even accessories of the HD2 still have mini usb plugs. The also feel much sturdier, and I've got a lot of them at home.
11. Major software creativity for the HD2 that work. There are currtenly several good programs out there. Unfortunately, many work with great ideas seperately. If some would combine creative ideas, I believe you would have a more complete, functional and great product for consumer use.
12. That someone could make an easy program to make your own software using building blocks. I have some ideas, but are ever put on hold due to the complex nature of writing code and debugging, of which I know a little but have no further experience of.
I think, though that if inking could be revived, the phone would be more complete. I'm thinking about the microsoft courier idea put into the HD2 (with a proper pen stylus and not a pogo or dagi stylus).
arturobandini said:
Cfds,
Did you try Radio 2.09.50.29 ?
It's the one I'm using in France (Orange network) with my Miri ROM, and it works perfectly.
So far the best Radio I've tried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am running radio rom 2.09.51.03_2...at home its ok, phone works ok and the battery lasts about 3.5 to 4 days but abroad its changing/searching networks all the time and drains my battery in 1.5 days...I can compare the reception with an another phone at the same places and the HD2 just has a weak gsm...Its a shame that my iPhone beats the HD2 if it comes to reception quality...
With regards to people's comments about the on-screen camera button, did you know that you can hold down the on-screen shutter button and the camera will refocus and then take a shot? I find it much more stable that just tapping the button. With that in mind, I've never felt the need for a dedicated camera button on the phone. I agree that, the camera quality is not amazing, and even though I have a decent camera for taking shots, I have felt a bit disappointed with the image quality of the HD2 in comparison to my X1.
The speakerphone could also do with improvement - although I never use it for music, there is a lot of distortion during calls, even when quiet.
I agree that battery life is not fantastic (my X1 used to last several days), but then again, with such a beautiful screen and powerful hardware what do you expect? The EVO 4G needs to be recharged every day and so do the Nexus One and the Desire (just done a quick google). I can live with that.
I don't like the placement of the audio connectors at the bottom. Would have preferred it at the top to make it easier to use in my car!
I think that's all my gripes hardware-wise - I love the form factor and so far the performance of the phone has been great.
With regards to software, there are lots of enhacements that could be made, but I'll just wait for Windows Phone 7 or jump to Android. It's a shame that I'm in the UK because otherwise I would have definitely gone with the EVO 4G - same great hardware but Android - that's the perfect phone! At least until we see how WP7 is like...
--Amr
I love my HD2. It is a great communications device. Internet browsing, Exchange Support and the gorgeous screen are the things I love most. I have Pocket Player installed for listening to music, which is really great. Video Playback could've been better but with the right encoding, watching films is a great experience. Battery life isnt that bad and I always get through the day. As with any Windows Mobile device, it needs customization but if someone gives the device the time it deserves, the HD2 is a great phone. (but not for the average consumer)
amrbekhit said:
... I agree that, the camera quality is not amazing, and even though I have a decent camera for taking shots, I have felt a bit disappointed with the image quality of the HD2 in comparison to my X1...
--Amr
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bizarre! The camera on my X1 was awful, as a result I hardly ever used it. It was very laggy, photos were grainy even in good light and often blurred.
In contrast, the camera on my HD2 produces really good photos, with little lag, quickly and of decent quality.
Guys, you should use Windows Media Player 11 (the one that comes with Windows 7) to sync your music. I use that, have like 9 GB of music on my HD2 and it's blazing fast, doesn't take ANY time to load.
Actually I like the music player because of its ability to create playlists and it has pretty much everything you need.
I don't know which Radio ROM I have, but I don't experience the problems you and I (with an earlier ROM) had anymore.
You list some other valid points though.
Thought it would be interesting to see what the most wanted features are in a smartphone. Maybe some "higher up" that works for a manufacturer will read this and start making phones that people actually want. *Here's hoping*
So simple way to do this, just give the top three things you want in the hardware, and the top three in the software. Here are mine:
Hardware
1. Larger Memory (Both RAM & Storage)
2. Larger Screen
3. Larger Battery Capacity
Software
1. Built in Theme Support
2. Built in Recovery
3. Ability to uninstall bloatware (not really software but.....)
What are yours ?
I am more into the hardware then the software..
plus I always like to have a good quality cam in it as well
Good battery life and more storage. Good hardware too. And easily rootable is a plus.
We're comin from a pure power source.
I would love a buttonless sealed phone. With everything wireless. I know it is probrably not possible but anything close to that would be great.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Better cam a must!! Better use of battery. And titanium frame would be awesome! Strong, shiney, and light as hell =D
Sent from my EVO
More battery life, no useless bloatware, more options to customize your phone, more ram and storage.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Me? I just want a useable 3G network.
+1 for battery life.
Me I'm more of a dreamer I would like a 5 inch quad core super amoled plus with 10 megapixal camera beats audio
built in DJ equilizer music player
64 gigs of memory, HDMI port Dedicated Camera Buttons
5 megapixel front facing with auto focus and panorama and HDR and kickstand and customization like built to change anything you like say icons and color and all that with Battery that has 12 hour talk time
Sent From way down Bikini Bottom
I think better definition in the roles of the phone would allow for better phone's on a whole.
Work Phone
Screen size not so important vs. slide out real keyboard
Ability to mount and share to Win/OSX/X
Isolated security setup that is at least much harder to circumvent than just wiping the phone
Interoperability to any international mobile network
Real collaboration to LDAP / Active Directory (e.g. your flavor of office suite)
And I think instead of a good camera, I'd rather have a PROJECTOR. Just sayin... one is handier for presentations than the other.
For a media phone
Screen Size > Battery life
A CAMERA WITH A SHUTTER... A REAL LENSE.
Not a simulated surround sound, but a real one
For a Gamer Phone (yes please)
Actually, I think the Evo is pretty good at this... Friend just got a sensation and of course... he's no longer my friend. BUT sweet jesus play Modern Combat on that thing ... I think that for the most part the hardware isn't the hold up on the games at the moment. Maybe a better 3g network would allow for some better software uses like... Teamspeak or Ventrillo ports
I consider myself a heavy user of all iDevices (iPod, iPhone, iPad, Macs, Apple TV), Blackberry phones and I could not resist myself the moment I saw the Galaxy Note. I ended up owning one and I really fell in love with that device the moment I held it my hands.
My experience with Note is just 1 week old and I wonder if there are any features that I am already / will be missing from iPhone/iPad world going forward. This is not a review and it is just my observation, opinion of what I feel
Here you go!
Hardware:
The galaxy note IMO is far more superior in the hardware specification than the iPhone 4s right the processor speed, performance, resolution, screen technology, feel.
OS:
Is it better than iOS? Well, can't say! iOS always had a clean interface. No cribs on Android either. Highly customizable, looks great and ICS looks promising (can't wait for it though)
Too many options are good
Battery
Note's battery lasts for nearly 16 hrs on moderate use and is definitely better than iPhone.
Display
One word! Gorgeous! Black is truly black and I believer that there are just too many posts complaining about patchy surface beneath the screen. I guess that is by design and I am not worried. The performance is flawless! Show stealer and all my friends who saw the demo could not close their mouth ;-)
Gestures:
I am not missing anything here! Supports all the gestures!
Apps:
I almost find all the apps in the Android market place that I used to use daily on my iPhone / iPad except a few (Love ArtRage on my iPad). I am sure the developers must be working on it. Only crib is that I need to buy them again. I wish there is a platform independent licensing mechanism.
iCloud
Yes, I am missing the iCloud backup / Restore across all my devices. But, at the end of the day I own only 1 Android phone and I believe the backup is happening here on either Google/Samsung. Experts?
Airplay
Yes, I miss it and I am not quite happy with AllShare (DLNA) as the videos don't play. This only plays Audio, Photos on DLNA certified systems and not what I watch on youtube etc.
In Apple world, the AirPlay is just awesome and helped us watch things directly on the TV using Apple TV.
PC Indepent
Truly it is. Till date iOS always depended on a machine and this dependency is removed only with iOS5. In the past one week, I have not connect my Note to any of my machines even once and fully operational within minutes of the purchase!
Audio / Call quality
Not missing anything here. Had too many confusions after reading user reviews and finally i wanted to give it a try and compromise even if the SQ is not that great. I am glad that I did it.
To my ears, the sound is equally good between iPhone and Note. But I found that the music quality is much better with the stock player than using 3rd party EQ/Amps. Somehow, the PowerAmp kills the quality. Not using it any more.
Missing iTunes? I don't think so. I copy my songs the microSD and job is done. Genius playlists? Never use them. No cribs!
iTunes Music Match? Wont work in my country!!
Oh, Did I say the FM quality is good?
Similarly no complaints on call quality either. crystal clear and I am using all default settings while placing the call. I am not disabling noise canceling as some users do.
Car friendliness:
Well, not too much happy as holding it on one hand is an issue while driving. Connects seamlessly with my Parrot BT hooked up to my Alpine and hence no major issues!
However, iPhone is equally bad and not superior. '
I guess it is more to do with lock screens and touch screens as I am more used to using my Blackberry Bold for business purposes to engage in conference calls (Dial a bridge and key in a 6-10 digit PIN code). Just imagine typing the PIN using one hand in Note. Really a struggle and it is too dangerous! On BB, I can feel the keys and type, while I watch the road.
Voice Recognition
Frankly I am not a big fan of this and hence not considering Siri too here. I don't think we can mimic US accent, how much ever we try and hence giving up on that!
Tamil eBooks
My tamil collection worked nicely on iBooks and on Note, I had to struggle a bit for Android. Finally I ended up Moon Reader and Cool Reader for tamil language support. I like Moon+Reader better than the Aldiko!
Timer control to make the phone sleep is missing in Note.
Mails / Messages
Both seamlessly connect to Exchange 2010 and IMO, Android uses advanced features (integrating the SMS) with Exchange better than iOS.
iPod Docking
In my car I am used to connecting my iPhone using the provided dock and connect to Parrot BT using bluetooth.
I know my Alpine suppers hard disks, USB disks etc. Need to buy the accessory to mount my phone so that I can play the songs! Will update once i get it!
Some of the above are just OS related and really not device related though!!
My 2 cents!
onlt thing i miss from iphone is android market is not selling items to my country so making tricks to get paid apps is not a good thing. iphone doesnt have this kşnd of issues.
I came from a IP3,3gs&4.
I miss bubble notifications, i know u can get them on launchers/themes but they don't cover a lot of apps like whatapp, work email etc.
Also on a jail broken ip4 the lock screen app vis on cydia is great. All my emails,SMS,whatapp / notifcations at the lockscreen. Didn't have to unlock to read first few lines of a notification.
So its just software hopefully ill get what i need when someone devs it
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
I will never sell my iphone
iphone apps>>>>>>>>>>>android
So the sole reason you're keeping your iDevices is apps? I know the i ones tend to be more polished UI wise but that will come in time on Android, and seriously, how many apps exist on the i ecosystem that you can't substitute with an Android app, or come close?
Just wondering...
Games apps etc are all better on iphone more fluid and look better
Tamil eBooks
My tamil collection worked nicely on iBooks and on Note, I had to struggle a bit for Android. Finally I ended up Moon Reader and Cool Reader for tamil language support. I like Moon+Reader better than the Aldiko!
If your files are epub try Go Books it looks nice I used to use Moon+reader but switched up
oh.... let's see.... I missed the fact that my thumb can reach edge to edge of the screen on any of the iPhones. I also missed the slow evolution of the iDevices but they made sure we didn't feel cheap about it by selling them at a higher price than similar devices.
Gosh... there are so many paid apps that are so polished that the Androids will never catch up to.....
iFanbois, please get a life.
darkmax1974 said:
oh.... let's see.... I missed the fact that my thumb can reach edge to edge of the screen on any of the iPhones. I also missed the slow evolution of the iDevices but they made sure we didn't feel cheap about it by selling them at a higher price than similar devices.
Gosh... there are so many paid apps that are so polished that the Androids will never catch up to.....
iFanbois, please get a life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The irony
In 2 weeks I miss the app store, the ease of use, the polished ios5 and most importantly the sync. Android sync is absolute garbage!
The rest of the stuff the note wins hands down, I'll bear with it till the iphone 5 comes out and see what that looks like, may even go back to windows if I dont ever manage to sync this thing properly
From 3GS to 4 to Note..
I miss activator from Cydia to features from status bar.
No yet enuf reading, is it activator or something similiar exist?
Like to activate/click on status bar from running app to return to home screen without clickinf on the physical button.(To minimize using of the button that frequently faulty.on my iphone)
TapaTalking on Note
vprabu said:
I consider myself a heavy user ,,,,,
iCloud
Yes, I am missing the iCloud backup / Restore across all my devices. But, at the end of the day I own only 1 Android phone and I believe the backup is happening here on either Google/Samsung. Experts?
.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you try Dropbox? 2GB Free. By the way, if you use this link: http://db.tt/bO7rycn we both will win + 250 Free MB
I would say the apps are better on iOS. More of them, and better quality.
I had that great periodic table app, not on Android. Also there many more star map apps on iOS. Google Sky sux.
Android is very popular, maybe not as much as Apple devices but for how popular Android is I am surprised that more of the polished apps haven't been ported.
The thing I DON'T miss is iTunes. God i hate that app and the fact that you MUST use it to do anything on iOS.
I miss how easy it was to copy and paste, going back to a letter in word for correcting mistakes, and tiny wings
I don't miss the small screen, no flash, and no custom ROMS
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
darkmax1974 said:
iFanbois, please get a life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We don't need those post's here. If you don't agree with him, discuss the topic, stay away from fanboy talk. The best way to let it die is to deny it exist's, lets keep it real.
I'm planning on buying a Note and keeping my iPhone 4(jailbroken) at first at least. I want to see where my needs are met or lost first. I'd like to be able to have the Note replace both my iPhone 4 and my HTC Flyer, but as it stands both devices are very nice singularly. I love my iPhone, and I love my Flyer. Both Android and iOS bring a lot to the table, Thanks for your incite on this thread!
From my personal experience
Hardware - android ++++++
Software - ios ++++++
I'm an android user but have been playing with several friends' iphones. I was always impressed with how polished the iOS in terms of smoothness and design. The sheer number of apps and how good some of them were also made me jealous. But in the end I can't imagine living a day-to-day life with a device so limited by one man's vision. These things are to be used the way somebody wants me to use them (including the way I grip the phone ;P). I'm aware that it really depends on personal preference but I'm a power user and being told how to use my device is simply an insult to me (and a painful limitation of course). On android I feel free.
Pere said:
Why don't you try Dropbox? 2GB Free. By the way, if you use this link: http://db.tt/bO7rycn we both will win + 250 Free MB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do use Dropbox. But what I meant is that the devices synching our data (including apps) effortlessly.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
drgopoos said:
From my personal experience
Hardware - android ++++++
Software - ios ++++++
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I partly agree. To me softwares / apps are still 3rd party stuff and they still do a good job when they support both the platforms. However the developers who are not familiar with UI/UX and when they create apps only on android, the UI is a bit lousy.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
I miss the way Music Player in iOS creating playlist. I find it more convenient as I always like to create playlists each day going out.
And honestly, the way iOS manage apps is better, I dont have to worry if I leave anything running in the background that killing the phone battery.
Anyway, I'm in love with my Note now
My friend has just signed up for a 2 year iPhone4s contract for megabucks and is now constantly bleating about how it's the best thing since sliced bread. I bet him I could name (with a bit of help) 50 things my half the price Xperia Arc S could do that his iPhone was incapable of.
Figured I would start a thread here... Anyone want to help me out... These are my starters off the top of my head. The only ground-rules are this is an out the box phone, so no rooting/jailbreaking or marketplace installing stuff. As I have never owned an iPhone, nor will I ever want to, there may be inaccuracies in my list, so please correct if there are. Some of these things are Xperia and Arc specific, some are Android in general, but that's fine.
I can have homescreen widgets
I can send pictures, music, movies to other devices using Bluetooth (even non-Android devices and phones)
I am not tied to any particular PC software, I can choose how to manage my media
I can sync my media using Wifi out of the box
I am allowed to install non-marketplace applications if I choose to without rooting/jailbreaking
My phone uses open and inter-operable file formats and codecs.g
My phone uses standardized and inter-operable connectors and leads
I can replace the battery when it no longer performs as well as it should
I can add additional storage using standard MicroSD cards
I can do Panorama and 3D panorama pictures
I can playback on a TV using a standard HDMI lead
I don't need to cut down my SIM card to make it fit.
I am not tied to a single vendor by my application purchases. I can move them to any other Android device from any other Android manufacturer.
I can hold my phone any way I wish when I want to make phonecalls
I can beam my media to my TV using DLNA.
I can browse my devices filesystem, it's not hidden from me.
Supports Flash
My Arc has 460 hours standby (4s is only 200)
Dedicated Camera Button
I can tether using Wifi, Cable or Bluetooth.
Supports Game Controllers
Noise Canceling Microphone for calls
Continual Autofocus whilst filming
Zooming whilst filming
Wrist Strap slot
Replacable keyboard/lockscreen/launcher
OS supported by the community long after the vendor drops support.
You can customise SMS tones
You can customise icons
I can have live wallpapers
I can use Bravia Engine to enhance pictures and playback.
I have much better audio quality
I have a much bigger screen.
More plentiful and better quality free apps on Android
Turn by Turn SatNav out the box for free.
The Arc S has an FM radio included
USB Host mode allows me to connect other USB peripherals.
The Xperia's camera and chipset work great even in low-light.
My Arc wasn't made in a factory exploiting workers.
My Arc has a notification LED to signify I have unread mail/texts
My Arc has PROPER multitasking for ALL applications.
Android gives me intents that allow me to share anything with anyone.
Android allows me to replace build in components like browser and keyboard with alternatives.
On Android I can use Google Voice, which is an unlocked and open Facetime.
On Android all my contacts, calendar and todo are all automatically cloud sync'd and I can do group invites.
Android market gives me a refund window on purchases.
I have a choice of lockscreen style (code, pattern, soon face unlock)
On my Arc I can turn the LED on during video filming.
My Arc S is 20% lighter, despite having a bigger screen and removable battery.
I don't buy my phone based on what the television and internet tells me to buy.
Done.....
Flash player, much more customizable due homescreens, toggle for sound on/off on lockscreen
Points for iPhone:
Siri, you can choose a different pic for home- and lockscreen
50 things should be hard to find
Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk
You can charge your device with a standard micro USB cable and don't have to charge it with Apple's what-ever connector.
CrazyPeter said:
My friend has just signed up for a 2 year iPhone4s contract for megabucks and is now constantly bleating about how it's the best thing since sliced bread. I bet him I could name (with a bit of help) 50 things my half the price Xperia Arc S could do that his iPhone was incapable of.
Figured I would start a thread here... Anyone want to help me out... These are my starters off the top of my head. The only ground-rules are this is an out the box phone, so no rooting/jailbreaking or marketplace installing stuff. As I have never owned an iPhone, nor will I ever want to, there may be inaccuracies in my list, so please correct if there are. Some of these things are Xperia and Arc specific, some are Android in general, but that's fine.
I can have homescreen widgets
I can send pictures, music, movies to other devices using Bluetooth (even non-Android devices and phones)
I am not tied to any particular PC software, I can choose how to manage my media
I can sync my media using Wifi out of the box
I am allowed to install non-marketplace applications if I choose to without rooting/jailbreaking
My phone uses open and inter-operable file formats and codecs.g
My phone uses standardised and inter-operable connectors and leads
I can replace the battery when it no longer performs as well as it should
I can add additional storage using standard MicroSD cards
I can do Panorama and 3D panorama pictures
I can playback on a TV using a standard HDMI lead
I don't need to cut down my SIM card to make it fit.
I am not tied to a single vendor by my application purchases. I can move them to any other Android device from any other Android manufacturer.
I can hold my phone any way I wish when I want to make phonecalls
I can beam my media to my TV using DLNA.
I can browse my devices filesystem, it's not hidden from me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The iPhone 4 had the problem of loosing signal, I think it was fixed on the 4s
The only other things I can think of is
-Bigger screen, 4.2" vs 3.5"
-Easily modified and customised to suit your needs
-Doesn't cost as much (an obvious one, but not listed above)
-Ergonomic arc shape for perfect palm fit, iPhone square and uncomfortable
-Continued unofficial support for the device, even when the manufacturer stops providing updates
-Stronger, screen/back doesn't shatter when dropped unlike the iPhone
-Can plug USB stick, game controller, Keyboard and mouse via Micro USB
-Dedicated camera button (can use volume button on iPhone, but doesn't do auto focus)
-The arc is thinner
-arc has clip to allow wrist strap
-Dual microphones for better phone calls
- 3D photos
-Continual auto focus when filming
Thats all I can think of atm, you might struggle to find 50 haha
the music quality is also close to or on par with the iphone's
---------- Post added at 12:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:09 AM ----------
you dont need 50 reasons to prove arc s superiority......it wins your heart the moment you lay eyes on it....the elegance & the curves....whereas iphone looks like a glorified cigarette box
linx1287 said:
the music quality is also close to or on par with the iphone's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would disagree, every iPhone/iPod I have ever heard sounds utterly crap. If I compare the sound from my NWZ-A845 walkman, it's a world of difference to an iPod/iPhone. My Arc S comes pretty close to the walkman, but not quite.
My Inputs;
A. You can customise sms tone, iphone nope
B. You can customise icon, iphone nope
Delete this post please
Apparently I can charge a second, or even third, battery to use in my Arc. Plus I now don't wait an aeon for an update. And I can flash said update in a minute, rather than downloading it for 1+ hours. And so on...
sinkster©
sinkster said:
Apparently I can charge a second, or even third, battery to use in my Arc. Plus I now don't wait an aeon for an update. And I can flash said update in a minute, rather than downloading it for 1+ hours. And so on...
sinkster©
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Arc have Xda support
most important differentse.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
as i know iphone 4s can do noise cancel when calling
Arc and Arc S, too
Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk
1. turn by turn navigation using google maps (don't think IP4S does?)
2. live wallpaper - pre-installed
3. Themes - pre-installed
Android Market VS Apple AppStore
Apps in Apple are mostly paid while the same app you can find in Android for Free
I have this challenge with my friend too .
Arc has bravia engine !
And iOS 5 also has Wi-fi sync but only with iTunes.
linx1287 said:
the music quality is also close to or on par with the iphone's
---------- Post added at 12:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:09 AM ----------
you dont need 50 reasons to prove arc s superiority......it wins your heart the moment you lay eyes on it....the elegance & the curves....whereas iphone looks like a glorified cigarette box
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOLOL I AGREE =) ARC S MUCH BETTER
[/COLOR]with ARC S you can film with the led light on.
CrazyPeter said:
I would disagree, every iPhone/iPod I have ever heard sounds utterly crap. If I compare the sound from my NWZ-A845 walkman, it's a world of difference to an iPod/iPhone. My Arc S comes pretty close to the walkman, but not quite.[/QUOT
well there you have it......music quality is MUCH better than iphone's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have iphone 3gs IOS5 and Xperia Arc, still using both phone till now....i cant compare to 4s cause i dont have one but till now my experience with iphone is ok with a little drawback compare to Arc...3gs have only 600mhz and arc have 1Ghz, but it perform smoothly even the phone is full of apps...but with my arc it will sometimes lag a little...but with iphone with only 256 of RAM, the phone will sometimes Force close an app even games on play and it will make u mad....
In iphone, in my opinion the orientation is better than the arc as u will noticed the iphone have smooth animation when u oriented the phone as the arc will only blink when you move the phone...well this is not worth mentioning right but i just want to point out the difference and maybe what is best on these phone...
One think i think the best on iphone is the media player...music player is easy to control and search and the video player is the best what i think than the android stock....i use it everyday cause my arc video player is sometimes hard to control.....what i post here is not meant to look down on Arc but just want to make what is the difference between these phone....what i use on iphone is just play game, a little and see video only....and what i use for arc is everything else....well for u guys, the iphone is boring to look at and boring for everyday use, when the arc is beautiful and the home screen is elegant and never get tired to customize it...hehe
if u think i may offend u all in any other way, forgive me okay...i just like these 2 phone to use....nothing is perfect....
13 to go!
Anyone else want to chip in?