Database Users

HD or Xperia - Buying advice

I am a current Tytn II owner contemplating the purchase of one of the afforementioned two devices and would appreciate the (un)biased advice of fellow owners/debaters/interested parties in my decision.
My reasons for buying is to rid myself of carrying around 2 devices (iPod classic & mobile phone - the unachievable one-does-all device), and, of course, the upgrade from my current hand-held.
Reasons for going for those two (and not the HTC Touch Pro) are resolution and 3.5 jack. I currently live in Hong Kong so the whole 3G in the US problem doesn't bother me.
My list of requirements:
1. Ability to play music / watch movies (*kick* the iPod).
2. Ability to comfortable access my email and, at times, be able to write lengthy responses.
3. Ability to comfortable scour the web on the move in my ongoing search for happiness (or something to resolve immediate boredom).
Sadly, I have yet to test any of those devices since I've only seen non-operational example sets at carriers' shops.
Xperia:
* PRO - Keyboard
* PRO - Directional Pad
* PRO - More memory
* PRO - More battery capacity
* CON - Engadget Mobile's review speaks of a finicky joystick/direction pad - Has anyone else observed this?
* CON - No accelerometer - Is this really a serious hindrance to user experience?
* CON - Keyboard's top letters are flush against the panel - so when typing on the R/T/etc., you hit the panel.
* CON - Smaller screen - How does this affect browsing?
HD
* PRO - Larger screen
* CON - No Keyboard - I've read mixed reviews on the performance of the on-screen keyboard. Can anyone that's tried it speak of its capabilities?
* CON - No Directional Pad - I've read that's resolve-able by use of key-mapping software. However, I must say I'm kind of used to the directional pad on my Tytn II. Thoughts?
Unanswered questions:
1. Battery performance X1 vs HD, including Video playing?
2. Video performance X1 vs HD?
3. GPS performance on the X1? I've read about "lags" in the HD, is this limited to Google Maps or a problem with the device? How does X1 compare?
4. Why did you choose one over the other?
5. ROM development - I am somewhat concerned that homebrew is going to be limited on the X1 (not a direct HTC device)?
Thanks!

If the X1 has more memory then this must be an academic PRO for that device? With288MB RAM, the HD surely has more memory than anybody will ever need. My little old Touch (Elf) has 35MB or something and it's never a problem. I can't imagine how I'll ever fill 288MB with running programs.
I saw dummy versions of the HD and the X1 for the first time in shops yesterday. The HD was bigger than I expected (but thinner) and the X1 looked "cheaper" than I expected. The X1 didn't look like a quality phone IMHO. I'm slightly tempted by the X1 because of the KB and its relatively small size, but the HD just looks so cool.
The looks are a personal choice though. I can't answer your unanswered questions.

Looks like SEXXI did a fine job in attracting long queue to be among the first buyers.
http://www.mobilehornet.com/archives/1887
http://www.mobilehornet.com/archives/1885
http://www.mobilehornet.com/archives/1882
http://www.mobilehornet.com/archives/1873

Just Got My HD...Charging Now...

I've been following this forum in anticipation of receiving my HD. Now that it is in hand, I don't know where to begin...So, I'm asking all you experienced HD owners out there for help. If you had to do it all over again, what would you do with your HD once unboxed and charged. Please provide a list of important settings and tweaks that is a must for new HD owners.

phongdto said:
I've been following this forum in anticipation of receiving my HD. Now that it is in hand, I don't know where to begin...So, I'm asking all you experienced HD owners out there for help. If you had to do it all over again, what would you do with your HD once unboxed and charged. Please provide a list of important settings and tweaks that is a must for new HD owners.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My top 5 programs:
HDTweak
S2U2
Resco Explorer v 7
Sprite Backup
iGO 8
My top 5 apps:
TouchHD system (update from HTC, perhaps not neccesary in your ROM)
Net Framework 3.4
SDKCERTS + darklord.cab (colored top bar icons)
ammarTF3D tabs v2 (fixed 2)
micro SD TuneUP
Look for details (when neccessary at wiki: http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Blackstone)
Rgds,

Top programs for me:
- Pocket informant
- mobipocket
- Automapa (gps navigation)
- Google Maps (when Automapa does not want to work )
- Perfect Pitch (to tune my guitar)
- Klaxon
- Lumos
Other stuff:
- Touch of Hd 2.2.1 Rom (includes many patches and is a lot faster than the original one)
- 14 languages patch
- Hd Tweak
- WeatherDatabase Editor (to add my city)
Basicly it's all (for now)

Read the wiki (in my signature)

thanks for all the info, definitely love this device.

flash the rom lol. after installing all my apps, I found flashing the rom to one with all the performance tweaks and what not gave a better response. then install what you want after. also, get a screen protector put on asap if you plan on doing it. that way not 1 spec of dirt gets under it. If i could do it again, thats the major thing that bothers me.

Thinking of Getting HTC Snap

Hi All,
Sorry for opening a thread.
I wish to find out more from the users over here what do they think of this phone.
Is it recommended for user like me who needs a phone to do lots of emailing.
My previous WM phones are Touch aka Elf and TyTN II aka Kaiser. My current phone is iPhone.
Do i need to flash the ROM to make it faster and lighter??
Thanks in advance...

Unfortunately I do not recommend the Snap anymore. It is just my personal opinion, and I am sure there are many happy users out there.
But I went trough two sets with the same keyboard problem (see my other thread about sticky keys) and many users are reporting the same issue.
I think the screen is too small, and the trackball implementation leaves a lot to be desired. (No proper acceleration, e.g. like on blackberry)
The way Windows leaves the top title bar and bottom menu bar always on the screen further reduces the available real estate for applications.
Yes, Exchange support is great, like any other Windows phone. But if you got used to the huge screen of the iphone you will find the Snap disappointing.
I also have a Blackberry curve, and it's unbeatable for plain messaging.
I cannot not notice the huge Android wave that is about to hit the world, for example the Moto Cliq is going to be a great device (and the inexpensive HTC Tattoo) so my advice is to stay tuned and hold off buying for a couple months.
just my 2c

Archos 70b eReader

Anyone have this yet? Wondering how it compares to NookColor, etc. Note there are two versions of this...the 70b being the newer model with only the two hardware button.
Specs look decent for an e-book reader. Android 2.1, wifi etc.
Would love to see a review...anyone have feedback?
http://www.advancedmp3players.co.uk...hscreen__and_Android-based_eReader.12552.html

I plan on buying it. it looks decent
but there no bluetooth built it.
I wanted to know if a bluetooth usb key would work or not.

Bandage said:
Anyone have this yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it in MediaMarkt for 139 euros (available online starting 119).
Model Nbr - A7EM
Firmware - 1.0.0
Kernel - 2.6.25 / [email protected] #98
Build - V 0.18.ECLAIR.eng.root.20101209.172546
First impression - pretty slow (comparing to SGS 2.2.1), bugs in original keyboard, pretty bad resistive touchscreen (seems like or a bit better than other Archos tablets) , "read" buttons are not working with all applications, very sensitive orientation sensor - switching all the time, standard Android orientation is horizontal - but the device made for vertical/portrait orientation. So too many software "features".
Also, very important for any user, they made pretty bad decision of making scroll bars very thin on such pretty large screen. Meaning that they could not be used for actual scrolling and it is almost impossible to scroll any screen.
Summary so far - NOT RECOMMENDED for a novice user, but, as I understand, pretty standard so could be "tuned" by an experienced person. Especially if 2.2 ROM could be ported to it.
PS: Could not find any extra information about device itself and how it could be rooted so far. Very limited info on official site, no firmware available, almost no postings on any sites except of 1-2 reviews.
If anybody has questions - please do it quickly. I'm planning to return this device back because it is pretty much failing it main purpose - it has no convenient ebook reader application, so, considering very limited supply in Archos app store - (Stanza is missing!), it is too much work to make this device useful.

(will keep posting with info) Good news:
User 'shinset' posted very interesting video on Youtube "archos 70B ereader" : www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOqbPI3aqDQ
Some modifications were done to the software (see next post).
Not just being cool, but the device looks much snappier and many standard programs could be installed (excluding Google closed source ones as he said in comments). Also with stylus navigation on 70B resistive touchscreen is much easier than with fingers.
'NightTimeification' mentioned: "the only good thing about the A70B is the "c-paper" screen if you read a lot ". Confirming that screen looking pretty good for such a cheap model also color wise.
Checking blogeee forum using Translate from French.Google as: www.blogeee.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=480&t=20537&sid=5c81e90baf766f186ff0c6595748807f

Summary on the device
Product looks alike (except A70b as Android 2.1): Nextbook Next2 7" eBook Reader:
URL: www.nextbookusa.com
PREVIEW: www.youtube.com/watch?v=11KiiL4cMjs
FCC application A70b including Internal photos:
https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas...Frame=N&application_id=420383&fcc_id='SOV7702
= Summary from the French forum (first 13 pages):
- Only temporary root with Z4Root (till reboot)
- no known access to boot manager or Froyo
- apps to be compatible with enlightens 2.1
- Suggested modification: Zeami launcher + home switcher + alternative market (Slide me)
- Office app - Quickoffice - http://gallery.mobile9.com/f/1618835/
- Opera Mini browser 5 is considered as the best browser
- Google calendar via - GCalendar Widget
- A transitional model because Archos is switching to Arnova brand later this year - www.generation-nt.com/archos-arnova-chine-strategie-tablette-android-actualite-1166241.html
- Most of people are pretty happy with functionality for this money
Now I'm not sure any more ...

i have this
http://www.jbmm.fr/2011/02/08/archos-70b-ereader-mes-impressions/
http://www.jbmm.fr/2011/02/04/deballons-larchos-7ob-ereader/
i prefer the 7 IT
the "big" interest for this ereader is the "ADOBE DRM" !
for use epub/pdf with drm

Adobe DRM
cajl said:
the "big" interest for this ereader is the "ADOBE DRM" !
for use epub/pdf with drm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, but there is one problem with it - CPU is pretty slow, so any serious PDF is taking ages to load (like a minute to load every page). So I would not count on this device as being a good PDF reader. In emergency situation - yes, but any complex PDF - no.
PS: On my SGS phone with 1 Ghz CPU reading PDF is much more smooth, but the screen is only about 1/3 of 70b. No perfection in this world

Played with device the whole weekend. Here is a summary of how I think about this device:
For:
Size and weight are just right (for me)
Screen type (c-paper) meaning brightness levels, contrast and colors
Overall functionality for this money
Contra:
Resistive screen
Configuration of a single Home screen is just stupid
Immature and obsolete OS version (full of small bugs)
Incompatible with many Android apps I need (not installing)
The only reasonable usage is as e-book reader. All other are inconvenient in a sense
Low chances that it would be ever properly supported by Archos
PS: I've complained to Archos. Waiting for their reaction.

ppav1776 said:
Contra:
...
PS: I've complained to Archos. Waiting for their reaction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks that Archos never would contact me. So I'm bringing device back to the shop.
For others who are interested, some workarounds:
> Resistive screen
You need a stylus or something alike (finger nail) with small contact surface. Any scrolling easier to do in diagonal style: bottom_left to top_right.
Combining these two, the interface does not look so ugly any more.
> Configuration of a single Home screen
Get a different Launcher and make it default
> Incompatible with many Android apps
It should be a way. Probably in Archos Internet Tablets section they should have more information about this. May be just some libraries to be installed, may be this is just an Installer bug.
> reasonable usage is as e-book reader
It is not bad already.
WiFi driver is not power consumtion friendly - just keep it connected to charger
Browsing is not easy - just try different browsers
> not properly supported by Archos
Who cares! They are a commercial company, but there are a lot of enthusiasts around who might help.
> No bootloader or real permanent root
Get Titanium Backup and z4root, make a full backup (including System settings). So the applications could be easily re-installed and most of settings preserved.

ppav1776 said:
(will keep posting with info) Good news:
User 'shinset' posted very interesting video on Youtube "archos 70B ereader" : www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOqbPI3aqDQ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brought it for less than 100 euro. I've followed the instruction, making a very usable tablet. Even Angry Brids runs on it . I am however looking for a calendar app, which doesn't required the stock calender as it is removed by Archos.

The Possibilities of A7

What are some possibilities that you all see with the original A7?

rombold said:
Gingerbread
New Feature Constants
The platform adds several new hardware features that developers can declare in their application manifests as being required by their applications. This lets developers control how their application is filtered, when published on Android Market.
* android.hardware.audio.low_latency — The application uses a low-latency audio pipeline on the device and is sensitive to delays or lag in sound input or output.
* android.hardware.camera.front — The application uses a front-facing camera on the device.
* android.hardware.nfc — The application uses NFC radio features in the device.
* android.hardware.sensor.barometer — The application uses the device's barometer.
* android.hardware.sensor.gyroscope — The application uses the device's gyroscope sensor.
* android.software.sip — The application uses the SIP API on the device.
* android.software.sip.voip — The application uses a SIP-based VoIP service on the device.
* android.hardware.touchscreen.multitouch.jazzhand — The application uses advanced multipoint multitouch capabilities on the device screen, for tracking five or more points fully independently.
For full information about how to declare features and use them for filtering, see the documentation for <uses-feature>.
* android.hardware.touchscreen.multitouch.jazzhand — The application uses advanced multipoint multitouch capabilities on the device screen, for tracking five or more points fully independently.
IF a7 was limited on the multitouch screen due to software wouldn't this be a relevent fix for it.
I would really like to hear Dexters thoughts on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a hardware limitation. Please read.

I'm very new to android OS and have been doing alot of research on the whole multi touch thing, most things lead me to believe its a software issue. Most things I have read spoke of the firmware supporting the screen must be very indepth. Maybe I am grabbing for something that isn't there but I find it hard to believe the a7 doesn't have full multi touch for any reason aside from a rush firmware the lacked the coding to do so.

rombold said:
I'm very new to android OS and have been doing alot of research on the whole multi touch thing, most things lead me to believe its a software issue. Most things I have read spoke of the firmware supporting the screen must be very indepth. Maybe I am grabbing for something that isn't there but I find it hard to believe the a7 doesn't have full multi touch for any reason aside from a rush firmware the lacked the coding to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=932035
http://www.cypress.com/?id=1938
Look at screen Generation 2
Anything else?

rombold said:
I'm very new to android OS and have been doing alot of research on the whole multi touch thing, most things lead me to believe its a software issue. Most things I have read spoke of the firmware supporting the screen must be very indepth. Maybe I am grabbing for something that isn't there but I find it hard to believe the a7 doesn't have full multi touch for any reason aside from a rush firmware the lacked the coding to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the eLocity webite FAQ:
Q: I've heard different information about the A7's touch screen. Is it really multi-touch?
A: The eLocity A7 has a capacitive touch screen with single point zoom out and zoom in gesture technology. It is not a multi-touch screen. We are sorry for the touch screen confusion mentioned in the Amazon description and other articles which were written early on in the product development stage. Our capacitive touch screen still outperforms most if not all of the tablets on the market. We use Grade "A" LCD panels from Tier 1 suppliers in our products and our goal with the A7 is to deliver the best performance, video and image quality and other functionality (i.e. NVIDIA Tegra 2, 1080P HDMI Output) that is superior to other tablets at similar price points. We know of no other tablets in our price range that offer true multi-touch, which is fairly expensive for larger LCD screens at this time.

What are some possibilities that you all see with the original A7?