Hi everyone,
I'm looking for a replacement for my N95 which borked and am quite intrigued by the HTC Touch HD or Blackstone so thought I would join on here.
One of the features I liked about my N95 was the ability to browse the web so that is why I am drawn to this phone. I also like the idea of having lots of features and functionality.
One thing I can't find out though is how good it is at being a normal phone (I don't know if saying 'normal phone' is sacreligious around here). I do quite like phoning people and also texting people. I have seen the keyboard being demoed and the regular T9 keypad looked quite thumbable, is it? How does it compare to that of the Samsung Omnia because I have tried texting on that and I found that quite easy and I very much liked the haptics response. Also, I have no idea what happens when you do receive a text, or a phone call. With a text does a big screen come up saying you have a text and all you need is one click to read the text and one more to reply or is it a very long winded process?
I am planning to go into town tomorrow and although I might not find a Touch HD to try I will hopefully find some other HTC like the Diamond which I believe has Touch 3D, so if I like that would the Blackstone be right for me?
To be absolutely honest: as a REAL phone (texting and calling people)...it is not as good as a real phone with a phone keyboard. For that experience, get an old candybar Nokia. But then again, iphone or any other phone (including ttyn's and others with slide-out keyboards) don't have that level of dedicated, made-for-phone-use feeling. An all touchscreen phone, and/or a WM pocketpc just lose a little in pure phone functionality.
HOWEVER, you don't loose too much, although you'll need some extra programs. Like TouchResponse (it's free and it's great ), for some haptic feedback when you press keys, and you'll need to take the time to set up WM/TouchFlo2/3d to your liking.
As for recieving txt's; you open the phone, click on the txt button (ribbon on the bottom, third onscreen button) and viola, you see the txt you just recieved...oneclick operation (maybe two if you have to power the screen on if you'r way too late in getting the phone).
All that said and done: it is a decent phone, but THE BEST pda+phone Internet rocks (try a few different browsers though ) with an awesome screen. Contacts could use some work though (or find a replacement app...I'm still looking), but sms and dialer are fine, if not very special.
Anyway, me personally, I'm quite happy with my Touch HD
PS:The camera is technically good, but in real life it sucks as it takes too long from registering the screenpress to actually taking a picture, rendering it useless unless taking a picture of a nonmoving building.
First of all - welcome to the forum!!!
mike_dangerous said:
...how good it is at being a normal phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not had any problems with it as a phone. I hear people fine, they hear me fine, and so far no calls have been cut/lost.
I have seen the keyboard being demoed and the regular T9 keypad looked quite thumbable, is it? How does it compare to that of the Samsung Omnia because I have tried texting on that and I found that quite easy and I very much liked the haptics response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have only tested the Omnia at stores, and I think the keyboard on the HD is better. The Omnia has the space bar in strange location toward the right of the keyboard. That kind of bugged me.
To read more about the HD keyboard, see this thread. There you will also find a couple of youtube videos along with lots of responses and opinions from different users.
Also, I have no idea what happens when you do receive a text, or a phone call. With a text does a big screen come up saying you have a text and all you need is one click to read the text and one more to reply or is it a very long winded process?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll post some screenshots showing:
Pic Nr. 1: Home screen - normal
Pic Nr. 2: An SMS arriving (no big screen, just a signal/vibration and a green little call box with the number of messages unread (at the bottom) as well as an envelope icon on the top bar.
Pic Nr. 3: After tapping on the green call box - opens up sms tab
Pic Nr. 4: Tapping on the message itself in Pic 3 opens up this window to respond to the sms
Pic Nr. 5: If in Pic 3 you tap on Menu instead of on the message text, you get these options (New, Answer, Forward, Delete)
Pic Nr. 6: A call arriving (I blurred the number). Use the slider to accept/reject or use the grey button below them to stop the ringer. You can also turn the phone face down on a surface (desk, table) to make the ringer stop. If you have a picture of the person calling, you will see the picture instead of the "anonymous" picture you see here.
Also, if you press on "Text" at the bottom left, the sms application opens up with a predefined text to send to that caller. In settings, you can type whatever you want that text to be. For example, "I can't answer your call right now. I will contact you as soon as possible". That's pretty handy, I think.
Pic Nr. 7: Home screen showing you missed a call. Notice the new text under the clock (picture is in German) and the red phone icon on the top bar.
KEEP IN MIND that these pictures show colored icons in the top bar. That is done with third-party software. I can attach the .cab files to this post if you want (one for the green battery with % charge on it and another for the other icons).
One downfall is that after you miss an sms or a call, you are not continuously reminded of that. You can set it so the tiny LED light on the top of the phone (next to the power button) blinks for a given period of time (or indefinitely) until you have looked at your missed call or text message. However, other than that, you need third party software for the phone to remind you through sound or vibration every few minutes after missing a call or sms.
I am planning to go into town tomorrow and although I might not find a Touch HD to try I will hopefully find some other HTC like the Diamond which I believe has Touch 3D, so if I like that would the Blackstone be right for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HD and Diamond are very similar as far as TouchFlo 3D. There are some differences - for example the Weather tab, Stocks tab etc... But it will give you an overall idea of the HD. It would be best of course if you actually get an HD to test.
Here is a good review of the HD with lots of screenshots. Check it out.
http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=1111
Nice write up from Chris Cross. The only things I'd like to add refer to the differences between the Diamond/Pro and the HD. I saw a Diamond a few weeks before I found an HD and I thought it was nicely small and sleek. The HD by comparison feels big and heavy but it's still a lovely piece of hardware. If you try the Diamond in a shop you won't discover how much easier it is to use the on-screen keyboards on the larger HD screen. People also seem to report that the screen brightness and sensitivity are better on the HD.
I guess all I'm saying is that the Diamond won't necessarily sell you the HD experience.
Are you anywhere near Sussex?
mike_dangerous said:
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for a replacement for my N95 which borked and am quite intrigued by the HTC Touch HD or Blackstone so thought I would join on here.
One of the features I liked about my N95 was the ability to browse the web so that is why I am drawn to this phone. I also like the idea of having lots of features and functionality.
One thing I can't find out though is how good it is at being a normal phone (I don't know if saying 'normal phone' is sacreligious around here). I do quite like phoning people and also texting people. I have seen the keyboard being demoed and the regular T9 keypad looked quite thumbable, is it? How does it compare to that of the Samsung Omnia because I have tried texting on that and I found that quite easy and I very much liked the haptics response. Also, I have no idea what happens when you do receive a text, or a phone call. With a text does a big screen come up saying you have a text and all you need is one click to read the text and one more to reply or is it a very long winded process?
I am planning to go into town tomorrow and although I might not find a Touch HD to try I will hopefully find some other HTC like the Diamond which I believe has Touch 3D, so if I like that would the Blackstone be right for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Part of the answer to your question will dpend on you - on the face of it, a transition from N95 to HD is much more extreme than from a Diamond to an HD.
As many others have said on this forum, if you are well versed in 'optimising' WM6 then the HD is a great platform on which to stamp your preferences. If you want out of the box...
I wouldn't say 'no' but please do go into any decision with your eyes open - I have had many mates over the years who have loved the various XDA-type devices I have shown them but when they get their hands on one of their own it all becomes a bit too much.
SiliconS said:
Are you anywhere near Sussex?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean near as being in the UK then yes but if you mean near as in being able to travel there easily then no.
Chris Cross said:
First of all - welcome to the forum!!!
I have not had any problems with it as a phone. I hear people fine, they hear me fine, and so far no calls have been cut/lost.
I have only tested the Omnia at stores, and I think the keyboard on the HD is better. The Omnia has the space bar in strange location toward the right of the keyboard. That kind of bugged me.
To read more about the HD keyboard, see this thread. There you will also find a couple of youtube videos along with lots of responses and opinions from different users.
I'll post some screenshots showing:
Pic Nr. 1: Home screen - normal
Pic Nr. 2: An SMS arriving (no big screen, just a signal/vibration and a green little call box with the number of messages unread (at the bottom) as well as an envelope icon on the top bar.
Pic Nr. 3: After tapping on the green call box - opens up sms tab
Pic Nr. 4: Tapping on the message itself in Pic 3 opens up this window to respond to the sms
Pic Nr. 5: If in Pic 3 you tap on Menu instead of on the message text, you get these options (New, Answer, Forward, Delete)
Pic Nr. 6: A call arriving (I blurred the number). Use the slider to accept/reject or use the grey button below them to stop the ringer. You can also turn the phone face down on a surface (desk, table) to make the ringer stop. If you have a picture of the person calling, you will see the picture instead of the "anonymous" picture you see here.
Also, if you press on "Text" at the bottom left, the sms application opens up with a predefined text to send to that caller. In settings, you can type whatever you want that text to be. For example, "I can't answer your call right now. I will contact you as soon as possible". That's pretty handy, I think.
Pic Nr. 7: Home screen showing you missed a call. Notice the new text under the clock (picture is in German) and the red phone icon on the top bar.
KEEP IN MIND that these pictures show colored icons in the top bar. That is done with third-party software. I can attach the .cab files to this post if you want (one for the green battery with % charge on it and another for the other icons).
One downfall is that after you miss an sms or a call, you are not continuously reminded of that. You can set it so the tiny LED light on the top of the phone (next to the power button) blinks for a given period of time (or indefinitely) until you have looked at your missed call or text message. However, other than that, you need third party software for the phone to remind you through sound or vibration every few minutes after missing a call or sms.
The HD and Diamond are very similar as far as TouchFlo 3D. There are some differences - for example the Weather tab, Stocks tab etc... But it will give you an overall idea of the HD. It would be best of course if you actually get an HD to test.
Here is a good review of the HD with lots of screenshots. Check it out.
http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=1111
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, those screenshots are really useful because I don't think I have seen anything like that anywhere and it looks fairly easy to handle when receiving a call etc. On the screen where it shows the message you received, there is a button with the message sign and a pencil can you press this to reply with one click or is it for something else?
iain.fraser said:
Part of the answer to your question will dpend on you - on the face of it, a transition from N95 to HD is much more extreme than from a Diamond to an HD.
As many others have said on this forum, if you are well versed in 'optimising' WM6 then the HD is a great platform on which to stamp your preferences. If you want out of the box...
I wouldn't say 'no' but please do go into any decision with your eyes open - I have had many mates over the years who have loved the various XDA-type devices I have shown them but when they get their hands on one of their own it all becomes a bit too much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the thing that I like about the Windows Mobiles is that they can be easily customised. I know they aren't the most finger friendly phones but all I really need my fingers for is ordinary phone use, which the Touch HD looks like it has got down to a tee.
I heard that microsoft will possibly launch WM7 somewhere in the not too distant future. Is it likely that HTC will offer an upgrade (free?) to this or will it be stuck on WM6.1? I have heard they did something similar for previous windows upgrades.
mike_dangerous said:
Thanks, those screenshots are really useful because I don't think I have seen anything like that anywhere and it looks fairly easy to handle when receiving a call etc. On the screen where it shows the message you received, there is a button with the message sign and a pencil can you press this to reply with one click or is it for something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. Before I got my HD I also wanted to see screenshots of different things.
To answer your question...
The button with a message sign and a pencil is to start a brand new message where you would later have to choose a recipient.
If you want to answer to the person that sent you the message, then just tap on the message itself and it will open up a reply window where all you have to do is type the message and press send (that is what picture 4 shows. Also, notice the thin gray line across the screen with the cursor blinking below it - well, you don't see it blinking in the picture That is where your response text would show). All messages and your responses are stored in a chat style thread. The other person's messages begin with the green bold text, and your sent responses (which you don't see in my pictures) start in blue bold text. In that window (Pic 4) you can hide the keyboard if you want to see more of the screen. You can choose to delete an entire thread or just an entry in a thread.
That is the thing that I like about the Windows Mobiles is that they can be easily customised. I know they aren't the most finger friendly phones but all I really need my fingers for is ordinary phone use, which the Touch HD looks like it has got down to a tee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. And along with that, you have the typical buggy occurrences that come with Windows. So, be ready for those too. But, they're not too bad - in my opinion.
I heard that microsoft will possibly launch WM7 somewhere in the not too distant future. Is it likely that HTC will offer an upgrade (free?) to this or will it be stuck on WM6.1? I have heard they did something similar for previous windows upgrades.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last I read is that you would see new phones with it in stores at the end of 2009 or early 2010. But you know how that can change. I would assume you could upgrade, but I doubt it would be a free upgrade.
Well I managed to try the phone in an Orange Shop today and I do really like it. The biggest problem I found was the lack of haptics when typing on the keyboard (it was there on the TouchFlo3D buttons and the "hardware" buttons but no where else. Is this something that can be added?
Thing is I want to get the phone right now, but this would mean my dad getting the contract which could really cause problems in the long run. So I am comtemplating getting a cheap everyday phone for a month until I become the magic age and then getting it on a contract with no hindrance from my dad at all. This would also give me a phone to use at parties and things. Is this a wise move, the problem I forsee is that choices will be even harder in Feb.
You can add third party software to make it vibrate whenever you touch the screen. TouchResponse is one option. I don't use anything like that, so I don't know if there are some that vibrate only with the keyboard. To be honest, it would annoy me for it to vibrate every time I touch the screen even when the keyboard is not there. Also, I don't know if programs like Spb Keyboard have that option for the keyboard only.
Yeah, wait til February. That way, you'll have your own contract, no conflicts with your dad, and you will probably even get a better deal on the HD by then. Time will go by fast and before you know it, it will be HD time!
I just hope that it remains the phone that I really want as things may change. The only disadvantage I see is that O2 might have got their grubby paws all over it by then and it will only be available with their firmware on it which would make it very uninviting.
Maybe by February HTC will have updated the firmware to include haptics on the keypads but other than that I liked the phone.
Go to pocketnow.com and read the full review and that will help make your mind & if that does not then forget it!
I don't doubt that I don't want it, and I want it right now. Its just more practical to wait, saves having to transfer a contract etc etc.
As to some previous replies... yes, with the built in TouchFlo3D and the built in keyboards it's far away from a normal Nokia or SonyEriccsson phone...
I am happier with my phone just with SPB Mobile Shell (Excellent phone like contacts searching, and faster than ANY other phone when needing to find a contact) and PCM Keyboard (best tradeoff between touch friendly keys and size on screen space). Personal preference always.
Also, there are free apps to do some stuff that normal 50euro phones take for granted (like sending group messages and setting alarms etc etc) and then you can make the phone closer to a normal Nokia one, while having all the additional features of Windows.
My 2c
MacDegger said:
PS:The camera is technically good, but in real life it sucks as it takes too long from registering the screenpress to actually taking a picture, rendering it useless unless taking a picture of a nonmoving building.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no problem taking picture of fast moving vehicle at all, and the screenpress is fast enough.
This is one of the pictures I have taken. It looks sharp and clear to me.
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Doesn't this phone have a LED notification feature??
Why should it have?
Isn't that obvious..?: To notify the user of missed calls and new text/email messages...
c-bone said:
Why should it have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The lock screen does a pretty good job of keeping you up to date on whats been happening. I didn't even realise any new smart phones had LED notifications.
That response is hilariously absurd. I have to actually pick my phone up and look to see if something is happening?
SWYPED from my SUPASONIC
I have to say - I had the HTC Diamond before my Omnia and this is the one feature I miss.
The Phone is a million times better in every other aspect, so I will oversee this flaw
zyborg said:
Doesn't this phone have a LED notification feature??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it doesn't. Unfortunately, this is one of the features I miss from my HD2.
But there are dozens of things that are better, so I'll get along with it
Just noticed that. I've been adapting to the icons and never checked.
I like the icons it seems, with Txt, E-mail, Multiple accounts and apps with their own notifications. Wouldn't want to have to memorise each beep. dash. dot for what i missed in this day and age, the icon tells me in one glance what I've missed with a symbol, maybe coloured dots would be the same but, i did wonder how do you not look at the phone to see the LED notification?
That i wanna learn
Point explained
We're talking hardware design here. As far as I can see from inspecting the device, it DOES have LEDs under the buttons, which means that it is INDEED possible to implement a LED notification hack of some sort... like it's been done on the Samsung Galaxy Tab, for instance (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=830782)!
The advantage: A slow-blinking LED will enable the user to become notified of a new text/email message/missed call by just glancing at the phone from afar, ergo not having to pick the phone up AND turn on the screen.
It's an epic fail, in my opinion, that this cannot be found in the otherwise great hardware design of the Omnia 7, as all well-crafted smartphones these days incorporate such functionality (e.g. the HTC Hero).
mwako said:
Just noticed that. I've been adapting to the icons and never checked.
I like the icons it seems, with Txt, E-mail, Multiple accounts and apps with their own notifications. Wouldn't want to have to memorise each beep. dash. dot for what i missed in this day and age, the icon tells me in one glance what I've missed with a symbol, maybe coloured dots would be the same but, i did wonder how do you not look at the phone to see the LED notification?
That i wanna learn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get ya, Makes a nice feature for some phone users i guess, But i needed this as smart phone to keep on me at all times *my reason anyway*, if i miss a call/e-mail i have to call back asap anyway
zyborg said:
We're talking hardware design here. As far as I can see from inspecting the device, it DOES have LEDs under the buttons, which means that it is INDEED possible to implement a LED notification hack of some sort... like it's been done on the Samsung Galaxy Tab, for instance (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=830782)!
The advantage: A slow-blinking LED will enable the user to become notified of a new text/email message/missed call by just glancing at the phone from afar, ergo not having to pick the phone up AND turn on the screen.
It's an epic fail, in my opinion, that this cannot be found in the otherwise great hardware design of the Omnia 7, as all well-crafted smartphones these days incorporate such functionality (e.g. the HTC Hero).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If someone writes such an app, and it does not consume much more power, it would be a reason for me to do the unlock...
I guess there is no chance that this app would be approved via the official way?
Just realized: Someone's actually made an app for submitting and voting for already submitted ideas for improvements to WP7. It's called "My WP7 Idea", and yes, it already contains my idea. USE IT! (and please, please, please VOTE for this)
Does anyone know if there's a LED under the middle touch navigation button (the one with the Windows logo)? Would be cool, if this could light up with notifications, wouldn't it...?
Theres not a LED. Only the other 2 buttons lighten up. I don't think that's a problem tough.
You could think of a procedure like back button enlightened when a new sms is there, search button when you have a missed call or something.
Close to the light sensor i saw another something,i dont know what is it for..but on a video on youtube..i saw it blinking in blue..when the user used bluetooth for calling...anyone noticed that?
we got 4" led display !
can notification led just be emulated by a small blinking square right in the center of the screen ?
conqu1stador said:
I have to actually pick my phone up and look to see if something is happening?
SWYPED from my SUPASONIC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Ludicrous, isn't it.
I don't understand how this could bother you so much, unless you like people to notice that you are popular. You should have looked at the specs before you bought it - seems to be an ongoing problem people have with phones.
Spookidoodles said:
I don't understand how this could bother you so much, unless you like people to notice that you are popular. You should have looked at the specs before you bought it - seems to be an ongoing problem people have with phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can't be serious? since the dawn of man (ok,mobile), a phone has had a visual indicator that you have missed an event. This is like having an alarm clock with no alarm. you just have to keep waking up and switching the screen on!
I've recently got my hands on an Omnia 7 and today I realised I was missing emails,sms etc because there was no led flashing. I thought it was broken. Turns out it isn't... the logic of samsung is.
zombiefly said:
you can't be serious? since the dawn of man (ok,mobile), a phone has had a visual indicator that you have missed an event. This is like having an alarm clock with no alarm. you just have to keep waking up and switching the screen on!
I've recently got my hands on an Omnia 7 and today I realised I was missing emails,sms etc because there was no led flashing. I thought it was broken. Turns out it isn't... the logic of samsung is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could go to settings and set a sound for new emails (not set by default) and see if it's better, it vibrates too
just my 5 cent
Sorry if already asked, but I've searched and not found an answer. Does anyone have a mod that changes the answer screen? I'd really like to eliminate the Reply with Text feature.
Haven't seen it, yet. Or much discussion of it for that matter. It would be cool to be able to customize our incoming call screens.
Buy Full Screen Caller ID and never look back.
Tried that - it gives me more info, but doesn't remove the "Reply with Text". Was hoping for more AOSP screen