Database Users

Screen with "frame"?

Hi,
does the screen of the X1 have a "frame" arround like the "Kaiser" for example. The iPhone or the Diamond have no "frame" as far as I know, the screen surface has the same level than the rest of the device.
From the pictures of the X1 I have seen it looks like.
The reason behind this question ist that there are a couple of alternative SIPs available which are using not only "touching" onto the screen but also "sliding" to have a faster and more acurate input.
Examples:
http://www.speedscript.biz/
http://www.cootek.com/
and others
The problem I have with my Kaiser is by using those SIPs that it is not working as good at the left and right edge because the finger is stoped by the "frame". A frameless device would be better.
(Maybe my fingers are too big ... )
Best regards,
Claus

you're totally right about the frame, also it will be sort of a pain to use scroll bars as well. But why would you worry about the screen keyboard when you have a hardware keyboard? Honestly, once i get my xperia, I will take any excuse to pull out the keyboard cause it's such a cool device!

I have customized my Kaiser with AE button Plus (double and triple clicks).
This is quite handy and much faster than any "touch" button. The X1 has also some nice hardware keys. Most of the time I am fine with the Touch keyboard, some of than could be used just with the thumb. Also the switching time into landscape mode and back is on the Kaiser not realy fast, but this should be different on the X1.
I am in favor of the X1 because of the hardware key, not so much because of the hardware keyboard
Claus
n4v1n said:
you're totally right about the frame, also it will be sort of a pain to use scroll bars as well. But why would you worry about the screen keyboard when you have a hardware keyboard? Honestly, once i get my xperia, I will take any excuse to pull out the keyboard cause it's such a cool device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Advantages of Hardware Keyboard ?

Hello everyone,
I'd like to buy a X1 but i'm hesitating with the future TOUCH HD ...
My question is : "Could you give me some arguments to prefer a hardware keyboard, instead of a fullscreen soft keyboard such as the SPB full screen Keyboard"
I'm a SonyErricson Fan, but the fact is i have not so many arguments to prefer hardware keyboard instead of a soft one on a huge screen like the one of the the HTC TOUCH HD (3,8 Inches)...
Maybe you'll have some very good arguments...
Thanks very much.

zoltan_cs said:
Hello everyone,
I'd like to buy a X1 but i'm hesitating with the future TOUCH HD ...
My question is : "Could you give me some arguments to prefer a hardware keyboard, instead of a fullscreen soft keyboard such as the SPB full screen Keyboard"
I'm a SonyErricson Fan, but the fact is i have not so many arguments to prefer hardware keyboard instead of a soft one on a huge screen like the one of the the HTC TOUCH HD (3,8 Inches)...
Maybe you'll have some very good arguments...
Thanks very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. god forbid that you get into an accident and cant see, you are in a better position with a tactile keyboard where you can feel what keys you are pressing.
2. Another point is that in my opinion with the tactile keyboard they typing is much much more accurate and faster than on screen.
3. Another with 700 and 1000 dollar phones I try to minimize my screen contact as much as possible just out of personal preference.
4. Just having the option to use the tactile keyboard is a plus ... i sorta dont like having one option.

One advantage of a hardware keyboard is that you have more screen real estate to use when entering text, plus typing on a windows mobile touchscreen keyboard without a stylus is asking for trouble.
The X1's keyboard is very good.

hutchy69 said:
One advantage of a hardware keyboard is that you have more screen real estate to use when entering text, plus typing on a windows mobile touchscreen keyboard without a stylus is asking for trouble.
The X1's keyboard is very good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the Touch Pro´s is even better

Mr.Sir said:
But the Touch Pro´s is even better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But screen resultion is lower, X1 has more hardware buttons (I am using App Button Plus to have single and double click) and last but not least the battery on X1 is much better according to the information on this forum.
Downside:
X1 has a "frame screen", Touch Pro is "frameless"
Because of the hardware buttons and the battery I am in favour of the X1
The hardware keyboard is for me not the key decicion maker
Claus

dingolino said:
Downside:
X1 has a "frame screen", Touch Pro is "frameless"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
? please explain

He means that the X1 has a recessed screen (makes the edges difficult to touch with your fingers/can be a dust trap/protects the screen) whilst the Touch Pro's screen is flush with the case (making edges easy to touch and alleviating the dust problem but leaving the screen Vulnerable to scratches).

ah ok, he means "recessed" thank you for clarification

BuddyLee said:
1. god forbid that you get into an accident and cant see, you are in a better position with a tactile keyboard where you can feel what keys you are pressing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. BuddyLee: this is so funny.

BuddyLee said:
2. Another point is that in my opinion with the tactile keyboard they typing is much much more accurate and faster than on screen.
4. Just having the option to use the tactile keyboard is a plus ... i sorta dont like having one option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answer.
Could someone else give me his/her opinion on theses points... i ask because i really have no idea if it's really much faster to have a hardware keyboard.
Thanks a lot for your responses.

pharaons said:
LOL. BuddyLee: this is so funny.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But so true my friend, so true

dingolino said:
Downside:
X1 has a "frame screen", Touch Pro is "frameless"
Claus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that a good thing? Not that easy to get unesesary scratches?

zoltan_cs said:
Hello everyone,
I'd like to buy a X1 but i'm hesitating with the future TOUCH HD ...
My question is : "Could you give me some arguments to prefer a hardware keyboard, instead of a fullscreen soft keyboard such as the SPB full screen Keyboard"
I'm a SonyErricson Fan, but the fact is i have not so many arguments to prefer hardware keyboard instead of a soft one on a huge screen like the one of the the HTC TOUCH HD (3,8 Inches)...
Maybe you'll have some very good arguments...
Thanks very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Zoltan_cs,
back to a year ago or so it didn't matter most people used the phones
just for that: To call. Not any more. Phones are closing the gap with
the laptop. And the Xperia is one the leaders of the pack.
Soon you will be involved with a lot of practical applications that
need heavy data entry and the keyboard gives you 40 to 60 keys
to do it with efficiency.
As for a touch keyboard to be REALLY efficent the screen needs to be
larger and that point it will be too bulky to carry, and even then you
lose a lot of screen for your documents.
So by now you can guess that I want a laptop on my shirt pocket
but with hardware keyboard.
As for the xperia Keyboard, in a small space it has the biggers keys
and the more space between the keys than any othe comparable
phone. Besides the layout of the keys is like in a real keyboard.
The PRO for example has an square checkerborad layout with small
keys very close together and with 5 rows i get lost finding a key.
Some say the keys of the PRO have a better click than the Xperia.
Personally, the pros of the Xperia weight for me more than the cons.
NOTE: If you only make call, text msg and listen to music.
You don't n eed a hardware keyboard.

I'm just curious of one thing ...
How fast is it to type a full A4 page on the X1 (or phones with hardware keyboard) instead of a laptop or a Desktop PC ?

Pinguino1 said:
Hi Zoltan_cs,
back to a year ago or so it didn't matter most people used the phones
just for that: To call. Not any more. Phones are closing the gap with
the laptop. And the Xperia is one the leaders of the pack.
Soon you will be involved with a lot of practical applications that
need heavy data entry and the keyboard gives you 40 to 60 keys
to do it with efficiency.
As for a touch keyboard to be REALLY efficent the screen needs to be
larger and that point it will be too bulky to carry, and even then you
lose a lot of screen for your documents.
So by now you can guess that I want a laptop on my shirt pocket
but with hardware keyboard.
As for the xperia Keyboard, in a small space it has the biggers keys
and the more space between the keys than any othe comparable
phone. Besides the layout of the keys is like in a real keyboard.
The PRO for example has an square checkerborad layout with small
keys very close together and with 5 rows i get lost finding a key.
Some say the keys of the PRO have a better click than the Xperia.
Personally, the pros of the Xperia weight for me more than the cons.
NOTE: If you only make call, text msg and listen to music.
You don't n eed a hardware keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'd rather have the larger screen and use a BT keyboard when i need to enter lots of data with my phone...

Zoltan_cs
Dude, I am exactly in the same situation as you are Waiting for the 3rd of november to actually GO TO THE STORES AND TRY BOTH OF THEM!
A friend of mine has an X1 and as I can mention, the screen is very scratch-sensitive, at least more than one of Diamond or T-Pro. The plastic coating on the screen is not that "bulletproof" and a first feeling I get is being-afraid-to-scratch-it-with-my-nails. Xperia-users, what do you say?

I am a guy and I have my thumb and little finger a little long and I'd be damned if I were to use my xperia without any screen protection. Worse yet if you are asked by someone to show them the phone and they rough up the xperia. Someone would have to die
Which is why ill use the keyboard if I have to and the screen when it is necessary.

My reasons:
I prefer my phone to be a bit fatter but smaller in the other dimensions.
Soft keyboard uses screen space.
Tactile feedback. I find it easier to find the right letter n the first try. I am having less typing errors now that I'm using a hardware keyboard. I admit I never tried an iPhone but from seeing people using it I wouldn't like to. I would like to try a BlackBerry Storm though.
Playing action games (console emulators) is a lot easier.
And of course you can still choose to use the soft keyboard in those cases where you prefer to.

Hello El filou
I see that you are from belgium ... in fact i'm french but i work and live in Belgium...
Thank you for your post these arguments seem to be very clear.
A question : For emulation game ? do you think it will be easy with the Xperia hardware keyboard to play these games without directional keys ?
thanks

A few emulators allow to map keys to console buttons. You can map letters on the hardware keyboard, which has the advantage of better mimicking a console pad layout more than using the dpad on the right.
Console emulators migt be considered warez by the board admins so I won't discuss this much further.
And if it doesn't work, I hope some nice developer will make an emulator panel.

Question for xperia owners/users

I have a view questions because i am really in doubt about what phone to get.
The HD or the X1
hd because of the big screen and i love the tf3d.
x1 because of the keyboard (never had a sm with keyboard) and flash
What i would like to know about the X1 is:
1. the screen resolution is the same as the HD, but in a smaller screen.
so this means that everything is smaller on your screen.
does this make if difficult to use your fingers to use the phone?
2. if i am not mistaking, the screen is not on the surface but its a little lower.
does this make it difficult to use your fingers (for X button and stuff like that)
3. is the flash on the camera any good?
4. how good is the software? is there a nice softkeyboard?
how much is standard windows? (like phone cal, write a sms, look in contacts ect.)
5. is opera browser installed on it and default?
6. any you tube app like on the diamond?
7. i listen music a lot when i am on the road.
is it easy to use?
is the sound good?
is it smooth when doing other things on the phone or will you notice the phone having to perform more?
8. is there an easy way to rotate the screen when you want?
seeing there is no accelerometer
9. for the users who used the diamond
do you regret the switch or are you satisfied?
(mainly because of the panels vs tf3d and screen)
thanks for taking the time

U can use Tf3d on the Xperia and all ur problems is solved u get the best of both =)

I don't own it yet, but I can tell u my impression about it judging from others
4. how good is the software? is there a nice softkeyboard?
how much is standard windows? (like phone cal, write a sms, look in contacts ect.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's very standard windows mobile compare to it's rivals (samsung and htc)
no it doesn't have any software keyboard but the standard windows one, but don't worry, you can install replacements, one of the best right now is the touch HD's keyboard, it's already here check the other thread
about other softwares, well they're pretty crap, but I personally already have a lot of essential 3rd party softwares waiting to be installed once I got the phone.

1. the screen resolution is the same as the HD, but in a smaller screen.
so this means that everything is smaller on your screen.
does this make if difficult to use your fingers to use the phone?
yeah everything is smaller on the screen, using your fingers only on the screen is alright but dont expect to type with the built in on screen keyboard with ur hand.. its bloody useless without the stylus..
2. if i am not mistaking, the screen is not on the surface but its a little lower.
does this make it difficult to use your fingers (for X button and stuff like that)
erm.. i dont think it makes it more difficult, i have no problem pressing the x button although u can just press the ok button on the bottom much easier..
3. is the flash on the camera any good?
nope.. its basically a flashlight from the old se phones...
4. how good is the software? is there a nice softkeyboard?
how much is standard windows? (like phone cal, write a sms, look in contacts ect.)
everything is standard windows i think.. phone cal, contacts, sms and all..
5. is opera browser installed on it and default?
yepp but its semi useless (at least on mine..) for some reason if i use opera and type an address with the hardware keyboard the area where u enter text keeps dissapearing.. and it wont work most of time time unless you are on hspda..
6. any you tube app like on the diamond?
havent found one yet, the one on the tf3d dont work..
7. i listen music a lot when i am on the road.
is it easy to use?
is the sound good?
is it smooth when doing other things on the phone or will you notice the phone having to perform more?
cant really answer that.. as i use my iphone for that..
8. is there an easy way to rotate the screen when you want?
seeing there is no accelerometer
yeah flip the screen up and it rotates...
9. for the users who used the diamond
do you regret the switch or are you satisfied?
(mainly because of the panels vs tf3d and screen)
dont have a diamond but i installed tf3d on mine..

anheuer said:
I have a view questions because i am really in doubt about what phone to get.
The HD or the X1
hd because of the big screen and i love the tf3d.
x1 because of the keyboard (never had a sm with keyboard) and flash
What i would like to know about the X1 is:
1. the screen resolution is the same as the HD, but in a smaller screen.
so this means that everything is smaller on your screen.
does this make if difficult to use your fingers to use the phone?
It is smaller but I have no problems accessing things. In standard WinMo apps is can be a little annoying but you get used to it
2. if i am not mistaking, the screen is not on the surface but its a little lower.
does this make it difficult to use your fingers (for X button and stuff like that)
'Slight' recess but no issues
3. is the flash on the camera any good?
It is weak - I wouldn't rely on it. I am thinking primarily as a very weak torch rather than a flash
4. how good is the software? is there a nice softkeyboard?
how much is standard windows? (like phone cal, write a sms, look in contacts ect.)
Standard WinMo - same as Touch HD and Daimond. WinMo is almost designed for you to run third party apps!
5. is opera browser installed on it and default?
Opera is installed, but it isn't default. A simple registry hack cures it. In my case it works absolutely fine on 3g/HSDPA or wireless. A very good mobile browser
6. any you tube app like on the diamond?
Nope. But if you get Coreplayer you can access youtube from there
7. i listen music a lot when i am on the road.
is it easy to use?
is the sound good?
is it smooth when doing other things on the phone or will you notice the phone having to perform more?
Haven't done an extended test but it appears absolutely fine. Again get a third party app to get the most out of it but of course with all players your headphones will make a difference
8. is there an easy way to rotate the screen when you want?
seeing there is no accelerometer
Open the keyboard or you can assign one of the bottom softkeys to do this
9. for the users who used the diamond
do you regret the switch or are you satisfied?
(mainly because of the panels vs tf3d and screen)
I have used the Diamond and it is good, but the TouchFlo 3D does become a bit 'meh' to me after a while. I find the SPB Mobile Shell Panel (free download from SE site) to be far better for my needs!
thanks for taking the time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problems! To be honest I had the same dilemma but I felt the Touch HD was just a bit too big for portability. The SE for me is the perfect phone! I am definitely glad I got it

Thanks for the comments!
so one more question
are you satisfied?
what is in your own opinion the pros and cons of this device.
in general and in comparison with diamond/pro/hd
soft and hardware

Pros
excellent screen
TT7 (GPS) works great
Reception and 3G reception very strong
Panels concept (yes I do like it - I believe there will be better panels coming out and the Radio Panel (best radio i've had on a mobile device!) and SPB Shell Panel show what is possible...
Quality contruction
Hardware keyboard (not a huge fan of software keyboards)
Works well as a phone (has the feeling of a phone i.e. not too wide etc.)
Cons
WinMo 6.1 is not really finger friendly
Camera (good during the day - not much use during the night)

anyone els who likes to share?
small other question, i noticed that some people are talking about an X1, X1a and X1i
What is the difference?

anheuer said:
anyone els who likes to share?
small other question, i noticed that some people are talking about an X1, X1a and X1i
What is the difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
X1a = US Version
X1i = EU Version
X1i has Euro 3G bands and 30 fps @ VGA video recording
X1a has US 3G bands and 24 fps @ QVGA video recording.

aah ok
Thanks!
Anyone els wants to share there opinion?

One other question i thought of is:
On my diamond i use S2U2 to prevent my screen to be pushed when in my pocket.
this because i dont like the one windows mobile offers (with 2 taps)
is there a different solution made by se?
or..........?

I want to ask too, does X1 has audio recorder app that not just to record incoming call?

I own a Touch Pro and a X1 and I really think X1 is the best phone ever done. And finallly the GPS lag is gone¡¡¡

danielherrero said:
I own a Touch Pro and a X1 and I really think X1 is the best phone ever done. And finallly the GPS lag is gone¡¡¡
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what are the main reasons you prefer the x1 over the pro?
(soft and hardware)

anheuer said:
One other question i thought of is:
On my diamond i use S2U2 to prevent my screen to be pushed when in my pocket.
this because i dont like the one windows mobile offers (with 2 taps)
is there a different solution made by se?
or..........?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
X1 has the ordinary WM lock function. You activate it by a long press on the end call button. Unlocking is the same as usual, press left soft button and then Unlock button on the display.
Actually you can press any button (Panel, OK, Volume etc.) and then right soft button to unlock also, call it a feature or a bug.
I prefer using a short press on the powerbutton to simply switch off the display. This locks all keys and the display as well. One more press and your back.

on8a said:
X1 has the ordinary WM lock function. You activate it by a long press on the end call button. Unlocking is the same as usual, press left soft button and then Unlock button on the display.
Actually you can press any button (Panel, OK, Volume etc.) and then right soft button to unlock also, call it a feature or a bug.
I prefer using a short press on the powerbutton to simply switch off the display. This locks all keys and the display as well. One more press and your back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, but what if the device activates the screen.
because of an incoming sms or incoming call?
by the way, what does the call screen look like (when you get an incoming call and you want to accept or decline)
standard windows or something like htc does or......?

anheuer said:
what are the main reasons you prefer the x1 over the pro?
(soft and hardware)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The look, Performance, GPS , screen, battery duration, I can use my earphones.
I know It hasnt g-sensor but I didnt use it too much. I think this feature is very good implemented in Omnia, but not in Diamond/Pro....

anheuer said:
Ok, but what if the device activates the screen.
because of an incoming sms or incoming call?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screen get's activated, but after the set time for the screensaver it's blank again. You can set it to wake up on any button or just the power button. So if you press a button while trying to get it out of your pocket and there just has been a missed call so the screen is on, it is not key locked. Small risk though.
by the way, what does the call screen look like (when you get an incoming call and you want to accept or decline)
standard windows or something like htc does or......?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the normal windows screen. The left soft button silence the call, the right replies with a standard text message.

Honestly, how is the typing?

Guys - great information in the Blackstone forum - wow! I have been following this device for a while, and may want to take the plunge on it (after being disappointed with the Diamond and the Fuze). But - I really need to know how the typing is on this thing? I have read some negative and positive comments on this and other Forums, and I would love to get some opinions. I am a user of Nokia, BlackBerry and the iPhone (cell-phone crack addict), and even though I don't type a book on my phone each day, I do answer about 30 texts and 20 emails per day (1 to 3 sentence responses), and I want to make sure I will not struggle with the typing on this box. I crank on my various Nokia's and my iPhone (BlackBerry goes without saying) - and I don't want to slow down drastically with this device.
Could anyone give me some "real world" experience? I could see myself using the keyboard in both Portrait and Landscape mode - depending on what I was doing at the time.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Adam

I find it remarkably well, after getting used to typing instead of writing (I come from PalmOS). Still, my advice is go to a phone shop and try for yourself to see if your fingers aren't too fat
But at least allow for the fact that the first time typing on a touchscreen is going to feel wierd and that you will improve.

I find it really good (coming from the HTC Touch which was sooo small and a pain even when using the stylus). Typing fast its fairly accurate and although you can tweak it to write in landscape I generally type in portrait. I have spent a fair amount of time with the iphone too and although not directly comparative it really is a fairly close call.
(oh and i have fat fingers )

I have had my HD for about 3 weeks now. I don't type that often on it, but I can tell I am getting better. I usually make about one mistake per sentence, but I must say, that I type somewhat slow to avoid making mistakes.
I also see a pattern of mistakes, that show I probably need to practice accuracy with my fingers. For example I often type: W instead of E, S instead of A, X instead of C. All these are left hand keys, so I guess my right hand is better. My right hand sometimes types the space bar instead of B or N in portrait mode.
In landscape mode I make fewer mistakes. However, you will need third-party software to rotate the keyboard in messaging applications.
One BIG annoying thing in landscape mode when you are writing - say, a text message - is that the "Send" button is directly below the "z" and "x" keys (or Y and X in German keyboard). It has happened to me that I want to type one of those letters and I accidentally hit Send - and away goes the unfinished message!! This does not happen in portrait mode because there are other keys (CapsLock, D-pad etc) above the Send button.
This is my first touch-screen phone, so I can't compare it to others.
All in all, I am pleased with the keyboard, and I can see that I am improving. That leads me to believe that it is really just a matter of practice. But, for you it might be different since you are used to other phones. It would be best if you can test one at a store (unless you live in the U.S.).
Here are 2 youtube videos with reviews on the HD keyboard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh7YJ-upe1s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st7ivblVZwY

I came from the Touch (Elf) to the HD. The extra space on the screen means typing with the full Qwerty keyboard is much easier with fingers. I'm quicker with my finger tip than I am with the stylus, whereas the opposite was true with the Elf. I usually use the portrait screen mode and I like the layout of the keyboard in this mode.
On my Elf I installed PocketCM Keyboard which had the auto-correct feature similar to the keyboard of the iPhone. I miss this feature with my HD's keyboard although I'm making fewer mistakes even without this. The auto-correct meant that I could even type one-handed on the Elf but the bigger screen on the HD makes one-handed typing difficult.
But I agree that you should try the keyboard yourself before deciding.

You've got a fair few different styles with third aprty keyboards - something feature packed like touchpal (check youtube for examples), or resco/spb. Should be possible to customise it to suit your preferences.
Personally I like landscape mode, bashing away with both thumbs. The huge screen means the key sizes are quite practical.

Terrific feedback everyone - thanks! I saw a few videos just now, and it appears that you can crank with T9 or mini-QWERTY pretty well, but the full QWERTY in portrait looked a bit harder to use....maybe in Landscape it will be a bit easier?
No Mobile shops near me on Long Island, NY to test this out in-person, so I'm going to have to "wing it" and place the order if I decide on the HD.
Cheers.

I am having some problems with it because I come from a QVGA 2.8" and the WVGA 3.8" is really huge but considering that you have used an iPhone, the transition should be a lot smoother for you.
I am definitely getting the hang of it and improving by the day so I would say that typing is really great on it.

I actually switch a lot between built-in compact and full qwerty boards and leave T9 off. Anybody actually use any of the other built-ins, like the full keyboard etc?

adamzeit said:
....maybe in Landscape it will be a bit easier?
No Mobile shops near me on Long Island, NY to test this out in-person, so I'm going to have to "wing it" and place the order if I decide on the HD.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. yes, landscape is easier (except for the send button issue I mentioned)
2. If you wing it - I don't think you'll be disappointed. Especially if you have been looking into it and know the pros and cons discussed in this forum. (Mostly pros)

One minor glitch I found using qwerty keyboard in landscape (using Gyrator2) is the displacement of the dot with the comma, so when you want to type one you have to click on the other and viceversa. This doesn't happen in portrait

Great - feedback - thanks for the quick replies everyone. I decided to indeed "wing it" - and I should have this bad-boy in my hands tomorrow morning!
I'll continue scrolling through the WiKi and such, but besides installing Gyrator2, another other suggestions for my "out of the box" approach?
Thanks!

I used to love the physical keyboard on the TyTn II (Kaiser) I had as it was the closest thing to a full size qwerty keyboard. Made typing a joy. I was weary to abandon a keyboard for strictly virtual keyboard. So I went to the local shop, tried typing and did not like it. I decided to wait till the HD Pro comes (or similar) but that beautifully large, high resolution screen kept bringing me back. I then decided to try it in landscape mode. I sadly found out that HTC did not provide that option, which lead me to this very wonderful forum for help. I found out that you could edit the registry to bring the option of rotating to landscape. I did that at the shop and then unfortunately found out the next fall, it would not remain in landscape because of TF3D home screen and the dialer. I did not hesitate about turning off TF3d because I u se SPB apps (almost all of them collectively on the home screen) but the dialer menu/screen , when accessed - to dial a number for example, would retard the screen back to portrait which made owning it frustrating. Thats till I found out that changing from the HTC dialer to the standard/default WM dialer would allow me to keep it in landscape. Apparently HTC designed thier dialer in portrait mode, which is restricted from rotating. I did eventually loose the HTC dialer (the WM dialer is not that nice) but the large screen, faster processor outweighed the dialer loss.
Typing in landscape mode using full qwerty keyboard is actually a bit easier but you have to get used to the fact that you will not get a physical response. You know , when you press the button and it goes back up. Other than this its not problem.
I do miss the shortcuts provided by the TyTn II keyboard. Like the Fn + ok turns on wifi, Fn+ -> key opens up the explorer window.

CorruptedSanity said:
Typing in landscape mode using full qwerty keyboard is actually a bit easier but you have to get used to the fact that you will not get a physical response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look for "TouchResponse". This will make your phone vibrating by touching the screen.

johnpatcher said:
Look for "TouchResponse". This will make your phone vibrating by touching the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh My God man! I thank you infinitely!!!!!!!!!!
The little vibes gave me that "TyTn II keyboard" sensation I missed so much. Now I feel 100 times more comfortable looking at the text when typing rather watching whether I tapped the correct key on the keyboard.
Thanks to the generous creator of the app too.
The best part is that you can customize how intense the vibrations are.

Does "TouchResponse" make it vibrate only on the keyboard or does it vibrate in any and every application every time you touch the screen?
EDIT: By the way, can someone provide a link to TouchResponse. I can't seem to find it via search.

To have truly easy typing with your THUMB, use Tengo Thumb. It works like the T9 version of COMPACT QWERTY, except the keys are grouped into six areas instead of 12. Precision is not needed. When you need to type words not in the dictionary, use non-predictive typing with either finger nail or stylus to precisely touch the specific key within the large area.

Chris Cross said:
Does "TouchResponse" make it vibrate only on the keyboard or does it vibrate in any and every application every time you touch the screen?
EDIT: By the way, can someone provide a link to TouchResponse. I can't seem to find it via search.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.1800pocketpc.com/2008/12/12/touchresponse-022-vibrate-on-touch-for-windows-mobile.html
scroll down to the bottom.....

adamzeit said:
http://www.1800pocketpc.com/2008/12/12/touchresponse-022-vibrate-on-touch-for-windows-mobile.html
scroll down to the bottom.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A-ha!! Thank you!

I tried the Blackberry Storm and the iPhone before switching to the Touch HD using SPB keyboard - having come from Sony Ericsson P series phones before that.
With SPB keyboard I can honestly say that I make as few mistakes as I do when typing on my laptop QWERTY. It's terrific. And I don't mean the auto-correction feature a la iPhone. This just isn't necessary as my accuracy is first rate on the huge keyboard.
When I got the 'phone I immediatly downloaded gyrator to have access to a landscape keyboard but I really don't need it. My accuracy is spot on in portrait.

Leo NOT compatible with most applications, due to iPhone-like screen

Yesterday I purchased a HD2 also called Leo, running original WWE ROM from HTC
I have installed several apps including Sloved dictionaries, Lingosoft dictionaries.
Some are in "touch mode" version, some are not. Those apps who are NOT in touch mode, are virtually impossible to operate, due to the new screen. Small Icons and scroll down menu are almost impossible to "touch" they never give the correct results.
Leo seems NOT very compatible. The reason, I guess, is the new screen type: it it different, it is similar to iPhone. They call it resistive screen.
Both iPhone and HD2 you cannot use stylus or pen (simply the screen does not react). Both cannot use the nail of the finger (it does not react).
The thumb and the finger tip areas (which is the only area which can input into the device) are too gross and wide to be precise....
You need to use the soft part of the finger (I guess in English it is called finger tip, or end of the finger), below the nail, in order to have the screen react to your inputs.
I have tried many times: in my software the small icons on top bars, and all scroll down menus ARE TOO SMALL to be tipped with finger tip or thumb tip.
They cannot accessed, or they give wrong results or you need tens of attempts to get it right. Most of the time inputs are not responsive, sometimes they are, with unpredictable or wrong results (for example you open phone ring scroll down menu and click on a ring type "A" and the phone interpret as ring type "C")
This is terrible...altough I admit the 4.3" screen is awesome and superb...What can be done?
1. is there an application which restore or adjust the screen sensibility so that it can be used with NON-TOUCH softwwares?
2. or are all developers going to release new touch-friendly version of their software...suitable to this type of screens?
Thanks a lot
Saulo

saulo866 said:
1. is there an application which restore or adjust the screen sensibility so that it can be used with NON-TOUCH softwwares?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try pinch zooming.
saulo866 said:
2. or are all developers going to release new touch-friendly version of their software...suitable to this type of screens?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They will, but it may take some time and won't happen overnight. They will have to do it to stay alive because of WM7 compatibility requirements.
It may be a (huge) inconvenience for some users like you, but it's a trend that won't be reversed.

Congrats on the new handset.
saulo866 said:
Leo seems NOT very compatible. The reason, I guess, is the new screen type: it it different, it is similar to iPhone. They call it resistive screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screen on the HD2 and the iPhone is capacitive, not resistive.
saulo866 said:
Both iPhone and HD2 you cannot use stylus or pen (simply the screen does not react). Both cannot use the nail of the finger (it does not react).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use a special kind of stylus, I believe some people have bought one for the iPhone on ebay. Also, HTC has patented a magnet tipped stylus which will work on capacitive touchscreens. As the HD2 is built with a 4.3 inch screen I don't think there will be much problems.
I can use my X1 without a stylus just fine.

Is it totally impossible to manage tiny acreen elements?
Is a conductive (metal) "stylus" possible?
Thanks

zolom said:
Is it totally impossible to manage tiny acreen elements?
Is a conductive (metal) "stylus" possible?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A conductive stylus should be possible. Apparently, you get conductive plastics, which are used to package up ICs (integrated circuits), something like could work. But would would need to find a way to make it into a rod somehow. Would be expensive I imagine.
The are capacitive styluses on eBay. They are also quite cheap. However, their tips are quite large compared to a resistive stylus.
I'm going to experiment a little bit when I get my HD2 (hopefully on Friday).
But to be honest, I can use my finger for almost everything on my X1. And that was a tiny screen compared to the HD2. So I don't see the problem. Seems like a lot of people are making a fuss over nothing.

I tried to use morph gear on mine and NONE of the buttons work at all.

I guess the use of capacitive screen is only advantageous if and only if the OS and applications are designed for it. Window mobile would not be able to enjoy this benefit now. I hope WM7 would change that.

madindehead said:
A conductive stylus should be possible. Apparently, you get conductive plastics, which are used to package up ICs (integrated circuits), something like could work. But would would need to find a way to make it into a rod somehow. Would be expensive I imagine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC have licenced one already...

DinoZ1 said:
HTC have licenced one already...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have filed a patent yes. They haven't made it yet tho. Certainly not to the general consumer.

That's B.S
If you use softwares from 1996 then sure, it won't be finger friendly.
Almost all software from recent year are finger compatible.
I just went through all the software installed on my touch HD, from about 30 software installed zero are not finger friendly. The only thing I have non finger friendly is some of the WM6.1 screens.

madindehead said:
A conductive stylus should be possible. Apparently, you get conductive plastics, which are used to package up ICs (integrated circuits), something like could work. But would would need to find a way to make it into a rod somehow. Would be expensive I imagine.
The are capacitive styluses on eBay. They are also quite cheap. However, their tips are quite large compared to a resistive stylus.
I'm going to experiment a little bit when I get my HD2 (hopefully on Friday).
But to be honest, I can use my finger for almost everything on my X1. And that was a tiny screen compared to the HD2. So I don't see the problem. Seems like a lot of people are making a fuss over nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, no one is making a fuss. I hate the stupid posts of "visible dot matrix in the screen, HD2 is slower than other phones, HD2 has no video out and so on". But I quite get the feel of problems the poster is trying to address. You didn't get the point here, X1 is with the typical resistive screen, it is entirely different when you operate on a capacitive screen, and it is not about the size of the screen. I now start to worry about the 3rd party apps as I've been relying on many apps with my Touch HD. I really hope somehow the software developers will come out with apps exclusively support HD2 capacitive screen!

I don't understand .. sure, it's harder to press small elements. But even now a lot of software is finger friendly, and the trend will only get stronger. Actually I use only fingers with my current X1, I use stylus like once per week, since some parts of WM 6,1 can't be used well with fingers.
Is there some other problem ? What do you mean by exclusive HD2 support ?

newuser888 said:
I guess the use of capacitive screen is only advantageous if and only if the OS and applications are designed for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me personally, and, I believe, for many others, the major advantage of a capacitive screen is the glass screen surface and no need to use those stupid screen protectors anymore. I don't use outdated apps with tiny elements though, so it's not a big deal for me. If you are tied to them for some reason then it's a different story I guess...

well it doesnt need to be exclusiveto the hd2... just finger friendly would do the trick... I use my stylus only on some drop-down menus...

Exemple of applications which are NOT working??

I got mine few minutes ago, I am using it, and I dont have ANY problem with tiny elements, maybe sometimes you need to click 2 times but nothing. 0 problems for me.
This device is fracking awesome.

precsmo said:
No, no one is making a fuss. I hate the stupid posts of "visible dot matrix in the screen, HD2 is slower than other phones, HD2 has no video out and so on". But I quite get the feel of problems the poster is trying to address. You didn't get the point here, X1 is with the typical resistive screen, it is entirely different when you operate on a capacitive screen, and it is not about the size of the screen. I now start to worry about the 3rd party apps as I've been relying on many apps with my Touch HD. I really hope somehow the software developers will come out with apps exclusively support HD2 capacitive screen!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did get the point. He said small menus are hard to press without a stylus.
I am asking why he finds this, as with a bigger screen (same resolution) the menus are now bigger. If I can use a small menu with my finger on the X1, the SIZE of the icon will be bigger on the HD2 (given the increase in screen size).
I wasn't saying that capacitive and resistive react the same way to a finger press. All the apps need, is to become finger friendly.
They won't react any differently on the HD2. Unless you have a drawing application you use, in which case that will be different.
But my original point still stands. The icons shouldn't be any harder to press on the HD2 as they will be bigger than on an X1 (I have smallish hands, but quite chunky fingers. I have press icons on the X1 fine, so I'm not worried about them on the HD2).

Even with big fingers, it's just a matter of skill. The phone detects center of pressed area and it always sends single point to the application. It does not mean that you can't press very small element with big finger, it just may be harder to hit.
I recommend simply trusting the device, not trying to do anything special ..

let me clarify what I said: let me make some more examples to make you understand what huge discomfort this "otherwise awesome screen" is giving to me:
try for example, (on any HD2) to do the following:
settings > input > options > try to change default zoom level from 200% to 100% (you need to access zoom scroll down menu)...I have tried for 20 times and I failed...sometimes I get 300% sometimes I get 75%...no way you can select the right level.
No way you can use your nails (since the settings are in a small area)
any other settings in which you need to select a choice from a scroll down menu results in a pain and several attempts...
In this condition even the internal settings on wm 6.5 are hard to accomplish...better to shift back to HD1 or to iphone, whose software is simplified enough to make the use of thumbs finger possible

saulo866 said:
let me clarify what I said: let me make some more examples to make you understand what huge discomfort this "otherwise awesome screen" is giving to me:
try for example, (on any HD2) to do the following:
settings > input > options > try to change default zoom level from 200% to 100% (you need to access zoom scroll down menu)...I have tried for 20 times and I failed...sometimes I get 300% sometimes I get 75%...no way you can select the right level.
No way you can use your nails (since the settings are in a small area)
any other settings in which you need to select a choice from a scroll down menu results in a pain and several attempts...
In this condition even the internal settings on wm 6.5 are hard to accomplish...better to shift back to HD1 or to iphone, whose software is simplified enough to make the use of thumbs finger possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just carry a laptop round with you that has MyPhone installed on it and use that. Simple!