Well, people, it has been 5 months since i got the phone and i think it's about time i shared some thoughts with you. Nothing special, just telling you my experiences so far.
I should start by saying that i hesitated between the Touch Pro and the Xperia for nearly 3 months. Then in december i decided to buy the X1. It was the best phone purchase related decision i have ever made ! Usualy when I'm sure i want a certain phone, it turns out that the phone is crap. This time around after hesitating so much I made the absolutely right call .
It is the best phone i have ever used/ touched/ bought and it is 100% the right phone for my needs. After trying out a lot of smartphones and pocket pc phones over the last 5 months (pretty much everything from Touch Pro/ HD, Omnia, N95, 96 and other Nokia devices to Motorola and Samsung) I came to the conclusion that the X1 is THE BEST phone in the world today. I don't see any direct threat for its superiourity until the Touch Pro 2 arrives.
I really cannot imagine how I have lived without it .
I'm not saying it is perfect - far from it. It has its flaws. But for this exact moment in time it has no competition.
I'm not going to do a review here of Pro's and Con's, but a simple list of what I use and my impressions.
I am happy, I never got any cracks (and there have been 5 or 6 major drops , one of wich was from over 1 meter and the phone hit a steel table's edge and some hard tiles ont he floor). The only thing that I really don't like is that a lot of dust and other stuff congregates in the edges of the screen. It was a stupid designer decision to make it that way (recessed). The battery rarely last more than 12 hours , but I use the device a lot hehe. The Camera sucks. It is blurry and slow etc. But w/e, I didn't buy a camera after all.
I really enjoy the overall shape of the device and the feel of it in the hand. It's solid, but fits good in my pockets. The slide mechanism is flawless (at least so far ).
The mood lights are pretty cool and useful especially at night. The panels need more work though.
The phone is pretty fast after a hard reset, but gets progressively slower after i install 200+ apps hehe. I got around 140 games and more than 150 apps installed on it.
Here are the apps I use the most.
At first I did a lot of hard reseting, ROM try outs, apps and games intalations etc. After awhile i figured what i need and stuck with the original (now updated) ROM believe it or not. I made a folder with all the games and apps sorted out, which enbles me to reinstall them in a couple of hours.
At the beginning I used the Xperia primarily for Video (all the season of Prison Break ftw), YouTube and browsing (Opera>IE). Also some gaming and radio (online and panel).
After a month or so i started using Office, Mail clients and GPS (IGO 8)a lot more (I guess i had some major work going on at this time and some travelling).
Now the 3 apps i use the most are:
- Microsoft Reader (IMHO the best e-book reader out there). If you turn on ClearType there is no strain on the eyes and you could read for hours. By the way a side note. If you are a sci-fi fan and haven't read the Commonwealth series by Peter F. Hamilton you should be really ashamed of yourself . These books blew my mind away.
- SPB Insight. Very good RSS reader. I use it all the time. I really like to download a lot of articles and then read them whenever I don't have anything else to do (travelling on the train, stuck in traffic etc.).
- MP3 players !!! I got Pocket Player, Pocket Music and S2P, but what I use the most is Mort Player. It is outstanding. 1000 MP3s of my fav tracks ftw .
I'm not into social networking apps, so I don't use Facebook and stuff. I really prefer to call or see someone face to face.
For movies I use WMP and convert the files beforehand with the AMAZING HD video converter by projection. For other types of files I use the Core Player 1.3 Thank you.
I use the outstanding WVGAfix by Cotulla for a lot for the games that are not in fullscreen (that is about 3/4 of them). Thank you.
A list of some other great apps that i like follows:
Astro Navigator 2
BEIKS Dictionaries
QuickMark (nice barcode reader)
VirtuaMouse (gives you a cursor )
MagiCall (for the calls you DON'T want to take)
MP3 Trimmer (Cut your MP3s right in the phone and make your own ringtones without the use of a PC) A must!.
PhatNotes
Resco Photo Viewer (A mini Photoshop)
Pocket Cleaner
Resco Radio
Resco Audio Recorder
SKTools 9Great for tweaking)
SPB Time (I use the screensaver only)
SPB Weather 2.0 (It is one amazing weather app)
SPB Online (Incredible software giving you access to online games, TV and more)
WkTask (If you don't have this - you have nothing. Amazing task manager and today plug-in, changes the "x" button and a lot more)
Xperia Tweak
Calligrapher
HomeScreen PlusPlus (Absolutely a must for anyone. Gives you the ability to launch apps from the tray, monitor Xperia's temperature, CPU speed, battery drain and much more)
MorphGear (What can I say. Now i got 5 thousand (5000) games on my X1, from NES and SNES to Gameboy and SEGA, playable in landscape with customizable keyboard keys.)
WM Torrent
Skype
ICQ
PhoneEx (Great call manager, but strangely enough, prevents me from using 3G calling???)
Resco Today Plugin
Task Manager 3.1 (Beats the Windows XP task manager hands down)
There are more, but these are the best ones IMHO.
There were 2 other apps i tried, but i cannot palce the names right now. One was for controling the phone from the PC screen and the other used the phone as a second display for your PC. If i remember the names I'll post .
I bought some random cases for it, but what i really like to get is a case i saw on YouTube. It has spare battery slot and slots for SIM cards and MicroSD cards. I need a docking station too, but never got around to buying one.
Congratulations if you read the whole thing . These are thing that popped into my mind right away. I guess there is more, but I'm not going to bore you to death haha.
Feel free to ask me anything, post comments and better yet share your own thoughts and experiences.
Thanks for this post im a new X1 owner and this list of apps is a great place for me to start
SkyW4lk3r said:
Thanks for this post im a new X1 owner and this list of apps is a great place for me to start
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome . That is one of the reasons i decided to make the post. To share some of the apps i got. I think not all of them are well known to most of the people.
Some advice:
Backup software is useless. Even if you backup everything 100% the phone WILL act strangely afterwards. If you screw up something, hard reset is the only option .
You seem to have tried most things...have you tried 3D ?
The superb resolution, outstanding colour and brightness of the X1 screen is perfect for viewing 3D.
Are you ready for the next big leap in the mobile experience?
Check out the 3D thread at the end this post.
I heard the back battery cover can become loose if you open it too often ie. flashing too many roms, what's your experience on this issue?
cheers.
how to use morphgear.. ?
i left my x1 for touch hd...
the faulty keyboard and casing had me enough
orelsi
The thing which catched my eyes was your opinion about backup/restore.
I'm going to backup my X1 via Sprite Backup...
What did you backup? I think it's better not to backup apps....
Sorry for not responding earlier, but I had some Internet issues. They are all solved now hehe .
Mark A Cilenti said:
You seem to have tried most things...have you tried 3D ?
The superb resolution, outstanding colour and brightness of the X1 screen is perfect for viewing 3D.
Are you ready for the next big leap in the mobile experience?
Check out the 3D thread at the end this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. It looks amazing. I am not a fan though and haven't made anything myself, but i did try some stuff made by other people. I'm looking forward to seeing more developent in the area.
steven10freak said:
I heard the back battery cover can become loose if you open it too often ie. flashing too many roms, what's your experience on this issue?
cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey.
I don't have any problems with the cover of my X1 and I have removed it hundreds of times. I guess it is either a rumour or a manufacturing problem with some of the X1s. Same as the cracks. Certain factory batches have the problem, others don't.
aksx1 said:
how to use morphgear.. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean? Do you have a problem with it? If yes, share the problem. I might be able to help. Anyways. All you have to do is:
1 - Install Morphgear
2 - Install the module you want (NES module, GameBoy module etc.)
3 - Deselect "disable fullscreen" from the "global options" menu.
4 - Select the keys to play with from the menu (done separately for each module)
5 - Play and Enjoy .
leobox1 said:
i left my x1 for touch hd...
the faulty keyboard and casing had me enough
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have any problems with either. You should have tried getting your X1 replaced with a new one, because it was probably a faulty device.
doministry said:
orelsi
The thing which catched my eyes was your opinion about backup/restore.
I'm going to backup my X1 via Sprite Backup...
What did you backup? I think it's better not to backup apps....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried all of the most popular backup software. They do their job fine and after a backup you have all your items, apps, settings (whatever you choose). The problem I have with all of them is that after a backup the device is unstable. It tends to freeze up, crash or generally do things slowly. No matter how good the backup is, it is ecentially a negative experience for your system and software.
In my eyes, backup is only useful if you don't want to loose certain info or w/e. It is not good for restoring your device into full working condition. Hard reset ftw .
Just my experience and opinion though. I might be completely wrong.
But hey, who would want to backup their personal data (this way)? I hope ya'll are not using My Documents?!? I put all of my files on the storage card and I can Hardreset as often as I want without losing any files...
But one thing regarding backup: I want a backup that I can plae right after Hardreset. So what I will do (once I have tested all the software I've downloaded and erased the bad ones) is a Hardreset and then install all the software and THEN make a backup, so in case of problems I can first Hardreset and then directly use that backup to get back all of my software without having to reinstall each one separately. Have you tested such a case? I've tried RESCO Backup (Which is bull**** because it can't create a standalone-exe and instead produces 100 ZIP folders...), Spb backup (Which crashed my inbox so I couldn't open it anymore AND did only a partial restoration because I was running out of memory (Stock Videos/Music... )) and Sprite Backup (Which looks quite good but requires Softresets all the time and the standalone-Exe needs to fit in RAM, I guess, so if it's bigger than about 180 MB it won't work... And apart from that it takes a minute to open up, Spb Backup with their separate restorer is better regarding this point). You know any others? I know about Sprite Clone, I think it would be very good for my purpose, but I suppose it's only a pimped up version of Sprite Backup... At least it looks the same.
I keep all my stuff on the SD card as well.
I have tried restoring apps after a hard reset and nothing woks as it should. Everything seems normal at first, but then small glitches start to appear.
The software you mentioned is pretty much the best out there, but I won't use any of it anymore.
dude, you gotta try Tomtom. imo it's the best app for the x1 and really completes the x1 experience.
I have . I prefer IGO8 though. I have tried Garmin XT, CoPilot 7 and some free stuff too. IMHO IGO8 beats all of them.
do you have the cab for IGO8?
Related
Is there anybody who can't find his/her Universal veeeeryyyy veerryyyyy sloooow????
If yes, which 3rd party softwares installed?
I'm really thinking about selling it.
I really love VGA, 3G, and other things, but I feel I have 286 PC with a MacG5 hardware chances.
If I want my VGA PDA to run well, I should not install most of appications written nowadays.
I'm really really sad.
What to do?
Who is the hero who finds his toy acceptable?
And HHHHOOOOOWWWWW????
I'm not an amateur - very very not -, but I'd like to use the abilities of the Universal, but it seems, it can't give me its capabilities. I have to chose which app I want very well and which not.
HEEEEEEEELP!!!
SOMEBODYYYYY!!!!
As I said already in other thread, my Exec is running very fast, screen orientation change is very quick, I have no delay in answering phone calls, always over 21-22 Mb memory and it doesn't freeze at all.
I soft reset it every 4-5 days.
Applications that I have now installed (all of them in phone memory) after trying many others are:
- MohairSofa Calendar+ Today PlugIn
- Insignia Solutions JeodeRuntime
- Vijay555 VJOkButt
- Softick Card Export II
- Softatics Corporation xConverter Pro ( great software!!!!)
- Macromedia Flash Player ActiveX
- Handmark Monopoly
- Kasuei Hitchhiker
- Microsoft .NET CF 2.0
- TCPMP The Core Pocket Media Player
- PHM Registry Editor
- GreenSoftware GSFinder+
Everything is running absolutely flawless.
I have UMTS connection avaliable 95% of the times, I'm using Orange UK 3G Sim
My radio is the 1.04 version and I see absolutely no reason for update.
I had many problems before, which seemed to dissapear after a careful selection of software installed.
Thanx the answer.
"I had many problems before, which seemed to dissapear after a careful selection of software installed." - You wrote
Yes, you are right, but I don't want to be careful to select which software I can use.
I WANT TO USE ALL THE SOFTWARES I USED WITH MY O2 XDAIIi !!!
Why is it a big wish?
It is the same if you buy a laptop, and you can use just WindowsXP with Opera Browser, a 3rd party calculator and some ActiveX plugin.
If this device can use just these few apps without freezing or crashing and with acceptable speed, then this is just ten pence a schilling. ( ) (I just learned this in english)
In this case I'd rather buy a stable, fast and old Nokia phone.
OK. I'm trying to write what I'm using:
With the Storage:
- SBSH iLauncher 2.2
- SBSH Pocket Breeze 5
- Marsware WeatherPanel
- AlarmToday
- DKtoday
- PocketZenphone
- WisbarAdvance2
- Wisbar Desktop
- Dinarsoft HandyMenu
- Dinarsoft MemMaid
- Double Launcher
- Macromedia FlashPlayer
- Spb GPRSmonitor
- XCPUscalar
- PDAmill Topkey
- RescoExplorer
- Novosec SmartFilter
- Sunnysoft BackupManager
- PhatWare PhatPad
- Microsoft VB Runtimes for PPC
- RescoViewer
On Storage Card:
- Resco PocketRadio
- MobiMate WorldMate 2006 professional
- SKtools
- OmegaOne 1-Calc
- Astro WinCE
- PocketMusic
- Cash Organizer 05
- ListPro
- Bryht FlashPlayer
- Opera
- TomTom Navigator 5
- Aeromap VR3
- CheckNotifications
- Tweaks2k2
- PocketMechanic
- System Monitor Pro
- eWallet
- VITO MobileDownloader
- VITO SoundExplorer
- WiFiFoFum
- OutlookCleaner
- PocketEarth
- PocketWorldInfo
- SpbImageer
- XnView Pocket
- PocketArtist
.........and many more with a lot of games in 2GB SD
I know this is not a small list but I used all of these on my 2020i without any problem. I used PocketInformant too but I found it really slow on Universal so I decided not to install it.
Maybe You have a question: then why do not use 2020i?
Simple answer: I really hate HTC showing me what is a VGA PDA with 3G.
That is why. I fuc*ing love it and I feel I cannot live without VGA and 3G.
So, if somebody has some experience in upper softs and knows errors or bugs with using them on Universal, please write it to me.
Sorry, but I will never believe that you need and are using all of these applications. And this is definitely the list to slow down your universal.
I like to keep my PC and Pocket PC clean and install only what I need, not what I MAY USE ONE DAY. Clutter is not good in any situation!
And so far it works for me.
And another thing is that many of the applications you have installed are enormous in size: Pocket Breeze, SPB Pocket Plus, Wisbar Advance, MobiMate World Mate Pro,Wisbar Desktop. And there is plenty applications doing the same things which are not only many times smaller in size, faster, and free. Like for example Pocket Breeze and Calendar+ or SPB Pocket Plus and VJOKbutt and VJTrayLaunch.
And don't you think that you sound silly and childish when you say that because you don't want uninstall few of these applications you will stop yourself from using all of them and buy a Nokia. :lol: Go for it, in the meantime I will enjoy using my fast, reliable Exec with all the applications I need...
In one part you have right in other part you don't have.
If you believe or not I'm using almost all of these applications almost every day.
Maybe I can find some which I really don't need but which you wrote in your slowapps-list I really love and if these are forbidden softs with a PDA I'm not sure I'd like to use them.
BUT!!!!
I've been using PDA-phones for years!!!!
I have not any problems with speed and stability before.
I used all of these applications.
WHY IS IT PROBLEM FOR THE NEWEST AND MOST EQUIPPED PDA??????
I'm not able to accept this.
(Spb PocketPlus I'm not using, I found it slower than other slow applications)
Tuningszocske said:
I'm not able to accept this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that a threat? :wink: :lol:
Good night/morning...Enjoy your new Nokia :lol:
Yes, this is a threat.
Real problem is I'm in a special relationship with my Universal: Hate&Love.
I can't live with and without it.
Maybe I should find a specialist?
Is it a psychic problem now? :roll:
been smoking something? :twisted:
Frankly I understand your angst and kind of feel cheated myself after spending so much money on the Exec. Right now I am down to barebones in terms of the s/w that I have installed on it and inspite of that, it is really slow. One realises how slow the Exec is after having used the XDAII which was blazing fast with at least 3 times more s/w installed. I still have the XDA II and just checked it again... boy it is FAST!
Understandably, I too am dissapointed with this device.
Cheers, Vikas.
Tuningszocske said:
Yes, this is a threat.
Real problem is I'm in a special relationship with my Universal: Hate&Love.
I can't live with and without it.
Maybe I should find a specialist?
Is it a psychic problem now? :roll:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Tuningszocske
Same here. love and hate.
With my Nokia 9500 I never worried about how much s/w I installed (especailly with 80mb of user storage) but with my Exec I now only use Agenda Fusion, MS Reader (which is buggy), Opera & Mobireader.
Personally I don't think the problem is from the device itself, but the software. WM5 seems to run a lot slower than 2003SE, and even with faster CPUs and more memory, it's kinda like trying to run Windows XP on a Pentium 500... In other words, we'll need to wait for the hardware to mature and specs to be much more advanced to run WM5 at full speed. The hardware manufacturers also have to learn to use the new functions of the new OS, and learn to work around its quirks, but this can be solved by firmware updates.
So yeah, the Universal is great, as long as you keep things relatively simple with it.
Answering your question is a bit of a personal preference. But for me, I am very happy with my EXEC. This is my first Pocket PC coming from a TH55/E1 Palm OS. Anyone who owned a TH55 knows it only can run applications at 144 MHz, with tons of applications installed it was very slow in opening applicaions, but once opened it runs smoothly. So for me, coming from a slow device to my EXEC is like a blessing. PLUS, as mentioned above, I only install applications that I really use and tend not to clutter my 2GB SD card which I use mostly for keeping my MP3s and Movies. I have no complaints so far. I never had any of the problems described in some threads like being slow, delayed rings, bluetooth problems, etc...
more than happy with it, only a few gripes, but that is towards the 3rd party applications with exception of the lack of a backup function, in general it is fast enough, considering it is a pda phone.
for speed, I just whip out my Sony VAIO laptop not as portable nor as light, but each has there uses
this however looks very interesting
http://www.dualcor.com/photos.php
Blue Angel and V3i
Hi all,
Yes - despite having an SPV for over a year (Palm os Treo 600 before that), I must say I'm still forced to draw one conclusion:
Bloated OS on an underpowered device.
I had hoped that after the CE days they would have sorted this out, but had so many problems with my BA being slow and hanging (how cool is it to say "sorry, my ohone just crashed?!"), I did look at the M5000 (wizzard).
I may be wrong on this but I believe the main problems with the BA - namely battery life, memory and cpu speed - weren't upgraded for the wizzard. And, unfortunately, I had to decide that the Wizard is just TOO BIG.
IS it me, but does anyone actually NEED the h/wkeyboard?
So, am going on with a barebones BA, and have bought a motorola V31 as a "propr phone"! Hopefully when i come to replac my phone in 12 months time, things will have got much faster and better in PPC phones....
Yes, I know they can do some very cool things, but I really didnt find the BA a very reliable phone.
Perhaps it's too cumbersome for a phone, and too small for a laptop?
Right idea - keep going - lets see where we are in a year!!
man how people complain...
dont like it, sell it, simple
i dont have a hate relationship at all, i just love it all the way...
i use lots, but again selective, even my existing configurations can make the device run slow, so i just dont use them for a while and switch them back on when I want to change it.
I have the perfect, fast efficient machine, and if I want to make it look pretty, make it do more functions simultaneously, I accept that it will slow down. Try loading any computer up with 60% - 80% drain on its available ram and its gonna slow down.
The issues are nearly all with the third party applications, the bare bones machine with minimal extended rom installs means I also dont miss a call, rings on the second ring, screen rotation the first time is sub 2 seconds, and subsequently sub 1 second.
I love the bluetooth, keyboard, vga, 3 g, I also like the clam close to protect my screen so that I dont need a case, it just fits in the pocket if I am not wearing tight jeans....
Device is SPB PP (beta), SPB Diary, SPB Weather, SPB Backup (Beta), Resco Explorer, M$VC, KSE True Fax
Card... TCPMP, Resco Audio, Resco Radio, Resco Pictures, Wizbar 2 and Desktop (to play not use), 1 Calc, MS Reader, Bluepoint world and earth, and games
Yes you have to be choosy on your apps, but these are the software developers fault for not correctly utilising and keeping upto date with the change in technology, the permanent storage rather than pure RAM, and thus calling permanent storage information into RAM whn it is in storage.
We wanted permanent storage, but the developers have written applications for the the 2003/SE system and "adapted" to the WM2005 system, and it isnt that adaptable.
They must catch up , they will catch up, but dont whinge about your phone, it works, it works well, the apps are the are that screw it up.
Again, dont like it, sell it, stop whinging, some of you guys sound worse that my missus....
This is not a whinge forum, it is a help and contribute forum to share and develop knowledge.
@simon_darley, okay a balancing view. But lets not promote the Universal as being fault free because this is not true: SMS causing freezing, delayed call alert and loss of data after soft reset. Not making this up, I have suffered these problems.
jah said:
@simon_darley, okay a balancing view. But lets not promote the Universal as being fault free because this is not true: SMS causing freezing, delayed call alert and loss of data after soft reset. Not making this up, I have suffered these problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
I have a QTEK 9000 and:
1. SMS never froze
2. Call Alert always rings in my phone mid-first-ring (i use a 50k mp3)
3. data loss after soft? not sure what this is about
What ROM are you using BTW? Just curious.
@Jorgee, suggest you have a quick look at this forum. There are lots of threads about the problems I mentioned. Regarding the call alert, I have now installed the new Radio ROM and there are significant improvements for finding a weak signal and call alert is also much better. The SMS freez was with my JJ which I have now sold. The loss of data - again the architecture of the Universal does mean this can happen. If RAM data is not written to ROM because of a fault. Again lots of posts on this here at this forum.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/vie...s=0&postorder=asc&highlight=sms+freez&start=0
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=34724&highlight=sms+freez
Got my Xperia on Friday. I am amazed, it is easily the best hardware on Winmo. I have a Touch Pro also and have had every other previous decent windows mobile phone you can shake a stick at.
First thoughts.
It is great to get away from Touchflo as I didnt really like that but I am sorry, SE your panels are sh/*e up to now and are not fit for purpose. Unlike some commentators I think the concept is great but it is so buggy it is unbelievable. On certain panels once you open them you got a desktop that has delays of 30 seconds to a minute when you click on items. How can something like that leave the factory.
However, if you steer clear of the panels (or at least a couple of them) the hardware is truly amazing and really sleek. Way better than the sloppy touch pro. It feels like it is made of metal (it is of course), the screen is fantastic.
The keyboard is not as good as the one on the touch pro but it is only slightly different and I am quickly adjusting to it.
I have to say that I am delighted with it (bar the panels) but I reckon there is more to come once they release some updates (or someone else does a rom for it).
Has anyone else got problems with the panels like this?
My two worst ones are the silver home screen which goes really slow and the multimedia one that freezes altogether.
stuartforrest said:
Got my Xperia on Friday. I am amazed, it is easily the best hardware on Winmo. I have a Touch Pro also and have had every other previous decent windows mobile phone you can shake a stick at.
First thoughts.
It is great to get away from Touchflo as I didnt really like that but I am sorry, SE your panels are sh/*e up to now and are not fit for purpose. Unlike some commentators I think the concept is great but it is so buggy it is unbelievable. On certain panels once you open them you got a desktop that has delays of 30 seconds to a minute when you click on items. How can something like that leave the factory.
However, if you steer clear of the panels (or at least a couple of them) the hardware is truly amazing and really sleek. Way better than the sloppy touch pro. It feels like it is made of metal (it is of course), the screen is fantastic.
The keyboard is not as good as the one on the touch pro but it is only slightly different and I am quickly adjusting to it.
I have to say that I am delighted with it (bar the panels) but I reckon there is more to come once they release some updates (or someone else does a rom for it).
Has anyone else got problems with the panels like this?
My two worst ones are the silver home screen which goes really slow and the multimedia one that freezes altogether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The multimedia panel works nice for me without hickups, but Sony Ericsson Panel 1 and 2 are slow and unusable. But I don´t use the panels often, the phone is so nice even without the panel concept
Hi stuartforrest.
I ve one question for you. . Most of the Touch Pro users (included me) suffer of GPS lag (Not time to fix but arrow 3 or 4 seconds behind you). Could you tell us your experience with Xperia and GPS lag issue?
Thanks
Dani
danielherrero said:
Hi stuartforrest.
I ve one question for you. . Most of the Touch Pro users (included me) suffer of GPS lag (Not time to fix but arrow 3 or 4 seconds behind you). Could you tell us your experience with Xperia and GPS lag issue?
Thanks
Dani
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is already discussed here.
Please do not comment on the GPS in this thread otherwise the information gets lost.
Sorry. As you can see I asked in that thread too and only one answer and the owner hadnt a touch Pro so he couldnt compare. I wanted to know the opinion of a user who owned both phones. I dont really think my question is out of topic
why do you think the keyboard is better on the touch pro?
looks like the xperia would be easier to use with the spacing between keys which should them easier to miss. though it is lacking the extra row. do you find the loss of that row worth the added benefit of smaller size and better accuracy?
i have no idea since i have neither of the phones yet.
I suggest trying the Spb Mobile Shell panel.
I like it.
Working to get a proper install of TCPMP with decent plugins to play all media.
Currently flac, wmv, 3gp and avi, all play decently.
mp4 on the other hand does not.
Luckily the built-in WMP plays mp4 just fine.
I have been using my Xperia X1 for over two weeks now and I have to agree with stuartforrest, the panel function sucks. It is a really useless function.
easycure1974 said:
The multimedia panel works nice for me without hickups, but Sony Ericsson Panel 1 and 2 are slow and unusable. But I don´t use the panels often, the phone is so nice even without the panel concept
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, try this...
Say you want to listen to some music, start the multimedia panel and start playing the music that you want. Then why not look up the artist on google, lets go to the google panel. Press the X panel button, what the .... the music stops. So with the panels you can only do one thing at the time.
It is much more practical to use Spb Mobile Shell, I only miss a quick way to turn WLAN on and off.
Why do people call this phone Sony xperia X1 on this forum when the real name is Sony Ericsson Xperia X1? I would say that the "Ericsson part" has the biggest influence on design and development so I would rather call it Ericsson Xperia X1 then Sony Xperia X1.
SCtud said:
why do you think the keyboard is better on the touch pro?
looks like the xperia would be easier to use with the spacing between keys which should them easier to miss. though it is lacking the extra row. do you find the loss of that row worth the added benefit of smaller size and better accuracy?
i have no idea since i have neither of the phones yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try to explain..
The keyboard on Xperia is not good. The buttons are small and difficult to feel and when pressed the respons is bad. So typing is difficult, but I'm getting better on it every day..
My pevious phone was the Hermes whitch has a much better keyboard with larger keys.
Press the X panel button, what the .... the music stops. So with the panels you can only do one thing at the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed that too since the previews, that sucks so badly; but the important question is, will it also stop if you're using 3rd party music player like coreplayer? if so then it IS BEYOND HORRIBLE!
are you able to turn off the panels? like you can shut off touchflo? i'd rather use my mobile without easier, i think...
eric b
According to SE is it not possible to turn panels off.
No it is prefectly viable to use all third party software. In fact I would say it is much easier to do this than on the Touch Pro or Diamond where you have to get inot hacking touch flo 3d to launch a different calendar app etc.
The SE Xperia X1 is easily the best piece of hardware ever on WinMo. Why HTC didnt make their own device as good as they made this third party one I dont know.
The keyboard is not as brilliant as the T/Pro but it is still damn good and you do get more used to it.
I just need to learn how to reprogam the utterly sh*+e panels button to launch SPB mobile shell and I will be happy.
Many many moons ago I initiated a thread telling all of the impending sale of my Ameo, and my reasons for doing so. Since then I have owned umpteen handsets including a Toshiba Portege G900, Nokia E90, Tytn ii, HTC Touch Diamond and finally (to my own surprise) an Iphone 3G.
I recall an overbearing distaste for the Iphone and its supposed lack of a software scene, however it seems that times have changed: the iPhone, for all its flaws now has a huge modding scene and an almost limitless array of applications to cover all of Apple's oversights. For what it's worth the iPhone is the most enjoyable handset I have ever used.
Now here's the thing.
I've been offered a very good price for my Iphone and have recently acquired an INCREDIBLY cheap HTC ADVANTAGE. From the quick look at these forums I've had there seem to have been some great developments and I WANT to fall back in love with the Advantage (though I accept that the device is in itself a completely different handset!)
I suppose on a deeper level I want to know if windows mobile can offer me the solutions that I have on my Iphone and enjoy every day. Obviously each device has HARDWARE differences that can never be changed - the Advantage will never have multitouch just as the iPhone will never have a VGA display; but considering the HUGE software library Windows Mobile supposedly offers can it provide solutions to the following tasks....
Google Contacts OTA sync - with Gsync I can synchronize my contacts every day and ensure I never lose a number. This also updates my contact photos stored on Google's servers. I don't use Outlook, never have never will and want a simple over the air solution.
Podcasts. With Mobilecast on the iPhone I can search for an download podcasts which download in the background and update as and when new shows arrive. It supports both video and audio podcasts.
YouTube downloader - allows the download of high quality YouTube videos to keep and supports multiple simultaneous downloads.
Email with properly formatted HTML support. I recall the Windows Mobile html email client displaying weirdly formatted and ugly messages, shifted to one side/ I will happily pay for a replacement email client if it is as beautiful and useable as the Iphone's.
Browser - the iPhone's browser is far from perfect, but I'm able to happily type out a new thread on Safari right now. I recall many problems with the Touch Diamond's Opera browser - most irritatingly the cursor moving back in the paragraph you're typing for no reason. Have most of the flaws with Opera Mobile been resolved? Is it now better than the iphone's Safari browser?
That's pretty much my list. They might seem pretty banal but they make me enjoy my iPhone, and if I can get the Advantage to do all those things then I'll probably sell up. I'm not worried about the size of the Advantage.
Hi Leoni,
Good to hear from you again after such a long period of absence.
I still give the same advice: define your requirements first, and be comprehensive in doing so.
- Do you need navigation software? If yes, iPhone is out, Athena is in.
- Do you want hugh screen and not mind the size? If yes, Athena has a tick.
- Do you do word, excel, and power point, or at least often receive attachment of such and want to read them on the device? If yes, iPhone is out, Athena is in.
- Could you tolerate weak signal strength? If no, iPhone is out.
- Do you have the habit of using handwriting recognition, or write Chinese/Japanese/Korean characters? If yes, iPhone is out.
- Do you want to use the GPS for traking, or prolonged use without access to power source? If yes, iPhone is out, as you can't swap in spare battery.
- Do you a extremely fussy person in wanting really really smooth video playback? If yes, consider iPhone. However, if you'r willing to wait, Coreplayer is going to address this issue very very shortly and poor video playout is likely to be history.
- Do you placed lots of value in internet browsing wihtout having to zoom in and out? If yes, nothing beats Athena. But Opera Mobile would never be as smooth as Safari. As to your questions on typing using Opera, it depends on which version you use. You need to try out all of them to see the difference.
- Are you a fashion conscious person who want to be "cool". If so, iPhone is a cool looking phone, but so is HTC Touch HD (Which I have just bought).
- Do you do presentation as required by your work? If yes, HTC Touch HD is out, and Athena is in, because HD does not have TV-out. Although iPhone has TV out, it does not have presentation software, so iPhone is also out.
- Do you want FM radio? If so, consider Touch HD.
- Do you want good camera (say 10MP camera) and video recording? If so, consider Samsung SBH B600.
You get the idea... You need to know what your requirements are, then gather information to see if your target phones meet your need.
Yes, a lot has changed for the better in Athena since you last left it, but there are still many areas which are unchanged. You could post all your specific question after you've considered your requirements, and we'll be very happy to answer your questions. You have already posted some of those question, but it's a good idea to think more comprehensively to make sure you cover all aspects of your needs.
I may not be able to answer some of the questions as your needs are different from mine, but I'm sure others would respond to your questions.
Cheers.
Hi Eaglesteve - I had a feeling you'd be in here - good to hear from you.
My circumstances are that I already have an iPhone and have an Advantage coming in the post today. I'm not after turning the Advantage into an iPhone, simply wondering if there are one or two bits of software which would sell the idea of keeping the Advantage to me.
I'm surprised you'd go for the Touch HD Eaglesteve as its screen is quite a bit smaller than that of the Advantage. The device does interest me, although its price is more than the combined costs of my iPhone and Advantage! I wonder if I'd just be better off keeping two devices once again. What are your feelings on the HD versus the Advantage? How does the overall responsiveness and also audio and video performance compare with the Advantage?
Regards
Check this out: http://www.goosync.com/
F2a said:
Check this out: http://www.goosync.com/
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Click to collapse
Hi thanks for that. Unfortunately you have to pay, and 20 quid seems a rip-off considering I'd only be syncing my contacts. The solution I have for Iphone cost me £1 or something like that.
I'm seriously thinking of just throwing my Advantage straight onto Ebay. Windows Mobile doesn't seem to have the scope of free software it once had. I don't think the idea of free (or very cheap) Google contacts sync software is that ridiculous an idea - certainly it's enough of an issue for more than one iPhone developer to come up with free or cheap solutions. I bought the Advantage because it was cheap and i thought it would be something fun to play around with but I seem to have made a poor decision.
If every little solution costs me £20 then I'm going to be severely out of pocket by the end of the week!
It don't sync with google but....
Sync = www.dashwire.com is the best over the air sync up I've used. Photos, videos, contacts, photocontacts, emails and txt for free! Also snap2face (free) facebook app can sync up with your facebook contacts images too.
Rss video and audio = Beyondpod 3.0 (free) brilliant software. Use this in conjunction with Mort's Player and the Mypod skin (free). You won't look back with a 16GB SDMicro (w/adapter) in your advantage.
Browser = Netfront or even better Skyfire if you can get it. Netfront has so many different configs that you should be happy with one or two.
Email = I get by with outlook as any major media mails I get tend to need my home pc!
I don't download youtube vids but do use vTap as the wikipedia side of it is cool.
I tried to replace my Athena with an iphone and failed by a long way. I'll be using this Ameo for a couple of years I think. (Unless the 4g HTC Max kicks ass)
The one thing I would recommend is putting MichyPrima's 5.1 rom it as it is so damn rock solid and just works so good. All the sensors work with the new 'G' software knocking about and I have only hard reset once to clear out a couple of programs.
Long live the X7500. Best comms device I have owned, by a mile.
leoni1980 said:
Hi Eaglesteve - I had a feeling you'd be in here - good to hear from you.
My circumstances are that I already have an iPhone and have an Advantage coming in the post today. I'm not after turning the Advantage into an iPhone, simply wondering if there are one or two bits of software which would sell the idea of keeping the Advantage to me.
I'm surprised you'd go for the Touch HD Eaglesteve as its screen is quite a bit smaller than that of the Advantage. The device does interest me, although its price is more than the combined costs of my iPhone and Advantage! I wonder if I'd just be better off keeping two devices once again. What are your feelings on the HD versus the Advantage? How does the overall responsiveness and also audio and video performance compare with the Advantage?
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for software for Athena, you should always have FtouchSL, Wktask and the like. But I'd strongly recommend SPB Mobile Shell as one of the most transforming software IMO. Not only it is finger friendly, it will also enhance the camera function, puts all the Opera mobile history and favoutries on the launch menu, but also give you lots of useful tools. Don't forget the latest Resco File Explorer and Registry editor. Of course Opera Mobile is a must, but you need to experiement with the various version to find out which is suits you. I find surfing with Opera mobile on Athena to be way way better than using Safari on iPhone, primarily due to the large screen and not having to zoom in and out. Try out FL3 and directly play youtube using Opera 9.5, something which was impossible the last time you had your Athena. When using Opera Mobile, go to the configuration to make minimum overview zoom 85 percent to allow you ability to activate links in zoom out mode if you so wish.
Don't forget youtubeplayer 1.0.0.10 which allows you to either play directly or download youtube videos.
I can't remember if I had already posted this info in my previous entry, so please excuse me if there's any duplication.
Regarding my using the Touch HD, it's the closest replacement available in the market today. I'm not sure if I could get used to the near 4 inch (3.8 precisely) screen or not, but would give it a try. I think 4.5 inch would be real nice, but let's see..
It has many things that I thought an Athena replacement should have: smoother rounder form factor, embedded ear piece, more dated 7.2mb/s download speed, FM radio, better camera (hopefully), and no keybaord (always much prefer without hardware keyboard).
I'm still waiting for my unit to arrive when I make this post. It is too soon for me to comment on performance, etc. I'd want to make sure that if I make a review it is going to be honest, truthful, and helpful.
I never let cost to influence my decision too much. I just want to the best available, if you know what I mean. Actually while considering HD, Mackaby influenced me to give iPhone a serious consideration, which I did. iPhone would have cost me nothing with a plan, but as you already know, it was a frustration and disappointment for me, so I chosed the HD, which cost me AUD1225, which is much cheaper than my Athena, that cost me about AUD1600.
I'd still keep my Athena, in case I could'nt get use to the small size in HD. Won't know until I try it. Unfortunately nobody in Sydney is selling HD, so the only way to try is to buy.
Enough rumbling. Will let you get back to your Athena. Welcome back, my friend.
Lioni,
Forgot to mention podcast. I've never used this myself, but there should be two ways of doing this in winmo devices. You could do it in Opera mobile
In the address bar, enter the URL address of the web page that contains the RTSP link to the desired *.3gp, *.mp4, or *.sdp file, then click on the RTSP links.
Another way is to to use the Streamin Media program. The media is sent in a continuous stream to winmo devices and is played as it arrives, along with the audio. You could play 3GP, MPEG-4, and SDP files. To use this program, go to start/program and start the streaming media program (I think most of MiChy's ROM has it, if I'm not mistaken), then click connect. On the next screen, enter the URL for the website, then tap connect. You can play/pause, rewind, fast forward, etc.
Hope this helps and hope it satisfies your need.
Cheers.
Regarding Opera mobile versus Safari, my opinion is that Safari is still better in terms of being fluid and smooth. Opera tends to be jerky and unsteady in comparision. However, speedwise, there is probably no difference. Safari tends to require some waiting for the blurred webpage to turn clear before you could take control of it (during this time, it is temporarily frozen). Opera also has this pause. I would rate Safari the better browser overall. However, Opera on Athena clearly triumph over Safari on iPhone in my honest opinion, because of the big screen.
I'm currently using my athena again, as my x1 developed a serious flaw yesterday. It jumped under the wheels of a lorry!
Awaiting replacement device from Vodafone as their insurance department is a bad joke.
Anyway, I'd got used to the comparitively tiny screen of the X1, but having gone back to the athena there's a couple of observations.
Both Screens are fantastic, the X1 is noticeably sharper (small screen hires), but using the athena again I can't see how I can cope with the X1 when I eventually get the replacement. It's like using realvga on a screen half the size of the athena, yet I have been coping with it, it's amazing how much you adapt really quickly.
There's a massive speed difference, the x1 does things nearly instantly, all that memory does it I suppose, it's like running an XP machine on 256mb then sticking 1gb of memory inside instead.
Gps is near instantaneous, screen rendering is the same,opening applications don't bring up the spinning wheel of doom, the athena crawls along in comparison yet it didn't feel that slow when I was using it before. It's all relative I suppose (it's not really that slow, maybe 1/4 of a second or so).
But having said that I love the athena, I mentioned before that I don't find it too big to use as a phone, and the screen is amazing. It's a pity we can't squeeze a newer motherboard in there ;-)
When I get my replacement X1 through I'm not certain what to do, I'm very tempted to sell it and get a touch HD, the form factor certainly works better. But then I could keep using it and have the Athena as a wifi tablet for websurfing.
As for browsing speed (noticeably this forum), I find Netfront on simple browsing to be the fastest there is especially across gprs, not very pretty but who cares about the backgrounds when the info is so important!
to throw a spanner in the works, I had a decent play with the blackberry storm while waiting for Vf customer service and their insurance & repairs dept to sort out my x1. The hardware is the best I've seen, not sure how long the funky screen would last, but the form factor is great and build quality looks good, but the OS doesn't look amazing, and I'm not sure how much you can get access to change stuff, plus there's no wifi !
how stupid is that?
Sorry to hear about your SEXXI mishap.
Are you using MiChy's ROM? His ROM should be noticeably faster.
The screen size is the thing that I would miss most about Athena. No doubt about that. A larger screen with the same resolution would off course appear to be less sharp. I hope just like you I could adapt to the tiny 3.8 inch screen in HD.
You should be able to get almost instant GPS signal with Athena. There is a thread that I started on this on how to get that result.
Talking about speed, Asus has just released a 800 mhz winmo phone. This is the fastest on a winmo phone. But sadly it has only 2.8 inch VGA screen, which I would never be able to live with.
yep im running michys latest, and with gps ive never been able to get less than a 35second fix, usually its much more like 5 mins, despite all the tweaks
Beyondpod 3 looks to be EXACTLY what I'm looking for - well done Arctic Matt!
Now here's a stupid question....
I've relied on my iPhone and 'sync in a blink' (a Google OTA contacts sync application) to back up my phone contacts. Now I know that I can back up all my contacts to my Windows Address Book with Itunes, but does anyone know how to put my contacts from my Windows Address Book OR my online Google Contacts onto my Athena (just as a one-off)? I feel stupid even asking this but in the past I've always relied on having my contacts on the SIM card but a few weeks ago I got a new sim and threw the old one away. I don't use Outlook or anything like that, wondered if perhaps I could just do it with Activesync.
Thanks in advance.
leoni1980 said:
does anyone know how to put my contacts from my Windows Address Book OR my online Google Contacts onto my Athena (just as a one-off)?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an account in Live.com, when I setup Windows Live in my X7510, there is an option to use another email account. I am not sure though if it can use Google (GMail), but to make the story short, upon setup, it will ask you if you want to syncronize your email and contacts to your device.
If Windows Live won't work with GMail, how about creating an account in Live.com. They might have an option to copy your contacts from GMail to Live.com then use Windows Live from your device to syncronize.
Just some thoughts...
fards said:
yep im running michys latest, and with gps ive never been able to get less than a 35second fix, usually its much more like 5 mins, despite all the tweaks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which GPS Navigation do you use???
cktlcmd said:
Which GPS Navigation do you use???
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memory-map
eaglesteve said:
- Do you a extremely fussy person in wanting really really smooth video playback? If yes, consider iPhone. However, if you'r willing to wait, Coreplayer is going to address this issue very very shortly and poor video playout is likely to be history.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what's the core news?
Don't forget to....
leoni1980 said:
Beyondpod 3 looks to be EXACTLY what I'm looking for - well done Arctic Matt!
Now here's a stupid question....
I've relied on my iPhone and 'sync in a blink' (a Google OTA contacts sync application) to back up my phone contacts. Now I know that I can back up all my contacts to my Windows Address Book with Itunes, but does anyone know how to put my contacts from my Windows Address Book OR my online Google Contacts onto my Athena (just as a one-off)? I feel stupid even asking this but in the past I've always relied on having my contacts on the SIM card but a few weeks ago I got a new sim and threw the old one away. I don't use Outlook or anything like that, wondered if perhaps I could just do it with Activesync.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into the advanced settings of Beyondpod 3 and access Beyond Scheduler! You can automate so much stuff on your Athena without having to program in Mort Script. Via this software my x7500 goes into flight mode at 11pm, wakes up at 6am, connects to my home wifi, downloads all my podcasts, downloads all my emails, syncs with dashwire, switches on realplayer and wakes me up to live BBC radio (I live in Norway - NRK would send me back to sleep.).
Oh and
Once you have all you contacts on your phone I really think you should give Dashwire a go. It is rather spiffing.
Hello all,
I have receintly upgraded to an Xperia X1 on Vodafone UK, coming from a very old out of date phone, it is quite a leap, though i am use to Windows mobile.
I have been reading some of the topics here and have come across some questions, which i hope some kind sole does not mind answering for me.
1) A lot of talk is about flashing ROMS, i assume this is some kind of upgrade to the firmware or OS. Would somebody mind just explaining what it is and why its of benifit.
2)Another thing that has generated a lot of talk is hard SPL, again what is this?
3) I am a keen gamer and want to get some good games up and running on my phone. Though a lot of what i try does not work, i have seen suggestion on other forums that a bit of software can help a lot of compatible games run. Does anybody know what it is i may require? I have seen a video on youtube of somebody running some FPS games is this fake or is it possible?
4) As a new Xperia owner i would also like some suggestions of anything that people think to be essential, to get the best out of my phone. Be these software, firmware upgrades ect. I have installed Batti and Xperia Tweak both of which have been extremely usefull.
Cheers in advance for any help.
1) Have you ever formatted your PC because it's full of junk and it's the only way to remove the crap and start a fresh? Bit like that with some ROM's. Others start from nothing and install programs for you. I find it best to use a clean ROM (Jacks) then install what I want on top.
2) Hard_SPL allows you to flash a new ROM onto the device.
3) FPS is possible but remember it is a phone at the end of the day. Alot of games run fine and the rest just need the VGA fix as it's a different resolution.
Hope that helps
Thanks for the swift and helpfull responce.
So if i was to flash a new rom would it speed up my phone any or stop/reduce all the random errors i get?
I have heard that i may need to install .net framework 3.5 onto my phone to get some of the games working. How easy and safe is this to do? I assume it is just like adding anyother software to my phone.
Yes I would (and have) installed 3.5 framework. It is easy to install and maintain as it's just a cab installer.
I use the Jacks 1.4 Lite ROM. It's much quicker than stock and is as stable as you make it really. I highly reccomend at least reading up about it.
The Mole said:
4) As a new Xperia owner i would also like some suggestions of anything that people think to be essential, to get the best out of my phone. Be these software, firmware upgrades ect. I have installed Batti and Xperia Tweak both of which have been extremely usefull.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well so far I've installed SPB Backup, which does pretty much what it says on the tin. Useful if you plan on doing any modding, I guess. I also stuck SPB time on there coz I needed a decent stopwatch. There's a neat little program called Touch Response that basically makes the phone vibrate slightly when you press the touchscreen. The strength of the vibrate can be configured. It's not essential but it gives a nice physical feedback which touch screens often lack. Flash 3.1 is available for download and works with the Opera 9.5 browser. Oh yeah, coreplayer's a good one too. I can't remember where I got all of these but there should be some links on here. You could also try www.xperia-x1.com or www.inexperia.com or www.modaco.com
My current software setup includes:
Resco Explorer - Nice touch-friendly file explorer with many options
Mini Stumbler - Helps you find wifi hotspots
Call Firewall - Nice people ditcher
Coreplayer - for playing videos with assorted codecs
G-Alarm - Cool alarm replacement, you have to solve a puzzle before being able to snooze it
Missed call reminder - beep reminder for missed calls
Newsbreak - RSS reader
Pocket Tunes - iTunes playlist sync for winmo
Resco Audio Recorder - lets you record voice notes and your own phone conversations
Spb Wireless Monitor - lets you run reports on internet usage
Stopwatch - standard stop watch
hTorch - turns your camera flash into a flashlight
This is why i sold my iphone to come back to windows mobile, it's sooo much flexible, I missed being able to mod my phone.
Thanks once again for the great responces and help, they have been of great use i will be getting a good 80% of what has been suggested, it sounds right up my street.
Hi guys,
SO glad tat I was able to find up this forum...I have a SE walkman series phone for the past 4 yrs and feel its time to change to some touch screen mobile. I have zilch knowledge abt smartphones and wat ever i know r based frm my 2 days of browsing this forum.
My issues are
1)Basically am not appl freak and want my phone to stand out from others..Does mini fit the bill..?that is I want a phone with touchscreen,decent cam, very good multimedia playback capacity,something sleek...and thats how I zeroed in on HTC Mini..
but after reading this forum., got 2 know tat not much appl's r developed for Mini becos of the screen size..(Is tat right..?)..
SO, after some point of time, after launch of Win 7 mob, will the case be like HTC Mini left alone..? I am investing close to 480$(Indian money) and want to find out that does HTC mini really have some shortcomings applications wise or is it enough for a normal user..?there r no smartphones among my friends...
2) we do not still have 3G networks here in India, but expected in 1-2 yrs..IS MINI WORTH SPENDING TAT AMOUNT (480$=24000 Indian rupees) wihtout 3G? Or can I go for low-end models like Nokia 5800 or HTC touch.. and jump the 3G ship wen it comes later?
Again, i am asking too many questions, but pls guide me...
THANKS..........
HD mini, regarding my point of view, a very nice device with a lot of preinstalled very nice apps.
The resolution is effectively a bit strange in Windows mobile environment, but it was the same and even worst when I purchased my Diamond with VGA screen.
Regarding applications, most of them work. Some qvga ones do not fit on the screen, it remains two black bands on top and bottom of the screen because of aspect ratio. But the applications, even a lot of high graphic games run well (secret of Da Vinci, return to mysterious island,...), even emulators such ScummVM.
I found a lot of chess games (majestic, Kasparov,..) they run really fine. I nevertheless had some difficult to find a good Sudoku, “Panoramic ultimate Sudoku” works very fine but it do not have problem solving mode.
In brief, screen resolution is not really an issue, but if you want to play some specific games such Play station emulator or other resource consuming games. In this case, HD2 should be a better choice.
You could also consider other OS such Android. For me there are not an option, because I live in a small town without 3G and downloading and syncing via phone line costs an arm and a leg. With winmo, I can natively upload all the things trough my PC, and it is just fine.
Each customer has different taste, that's why there are hundred of million of different phones out there. But from my personal point of view and for my needs, the Mini is just perfect for me.
Any other smartphone looks like a damn brick next to it, so yeah, it does stand out from others.
About the apps, I was worried about them, but for some reason all the apps I need work without a single problem in the Mini. iGo 8, MSS Converter, ClearTemp, Opera Mobile 10, Skype, Dictionary, TCPMP, Shazam Music, BSB Tweaks, JWMD IconChanger, PocketRAR, Midomi...
Personally I don't give a sh!t about Windows Phone 7, since it's gonna be more "phone like", while WM 6.5 is like having a small Pentium III in your pocket and that's why I like it.
Thanks a lot moscard and NitroNitrous. Positive comments do matter a lot for me..since its a one-time big "investment" for me.
I know its upto me to decide but just want to be well informed and do not want to be over excited.....also wat do you guys think abt the multimedia handling of the phone..does the processor seem dragged in case of heavy multimedia usage..? I would want to listen mp3's, check out tracks in radio and video songs..tat's it......
I do not think so, regarding my old Diamond, the HD mini is way ahead in performance. It is very responsive for all the daily tasks including photo, video, music, multi-media and so on. I use a Bluetooth headset and it connects almost immediately against the 10s used by my old Diamond.
Internet and remote desktop that I use often are simply wow. Do not worry about that. Some leaks, but nothing dramatic: Led flashing is less visible than on Diamond, there is no native voice tag for contacts, there is no native close or ok button especially for office applications. Nevertheless it is a lot nicer with real glass screen and crisp colours.
Another thing that annoying me a little bit regarding HD2, there is no electronic compass. This would be really usefull in hiking using navigators or google map.
I watch a movie almost every night in DVD quality and it handles it with no problem. Besides, with TCPMP player it can reproduce almost any video format. As for the music you just need a proper player like PocketPlayer 4, which is the one I use. It has everything you can ask for a music player. I have around 300 songs in the playlist and scrolling the list with the finger is always smooth.
There are some bad points also, but nothing new for someone who has used WM before and is not hard to get used to them.