Database Users

Thinking of getting an HD, is it worth it?

I've been looking over and coveting the HD for quite a while now and wanted to get some input from those of you with time using the device. Is it worth it? I've read tons of reviews and watched a million videos of the device and really, I am in love with it. I just don't know if I can justify the $700+ pricetag and the fact that I am in the US and can't get 3G (Not to mention the fact that 3G doesn't exist in my community yet).
I also saw the Toshiba TG01 and I think that phone is amazing. Although the guy that does the reviews for it has some nasty fingernails.
I want the HD now, but with HTC projected to release some 1Ghz processor phones later this year I am thinking about holding out for one of those.
I am currently using a Mitac Mio A701 which has been good to me for the past 2 years, but I need an upgrade badly...
Any input you guys could give me would be Very much appreciated!
-LZ

lordzelo said:
I've been looking over and coveting the HD for quite a while now and wanted to get some input from those of you with time using the device. Is it worth it? I've read tons of reviews and watched a million videos of the device and really, I am in love with it. I just don't know if I can justify the $700+ pricetag and the fact that I am in the US and can't get 3G (Not to mention the fact that 3G doesn't exist in my community yet).
I also saw the Toshiba TG01 and I think that phone is amazing. Although the guy that does the reviews for it has some nasty fingernails.
I want the HD now, but with HTC projected to release some 1Ghz processor phones later this year I am thinking about holding out for one of those.
I am currently using a Mitac Mio A701 which has been good to me for the past 2 years, but I need an upgrade badly...
Any input you guys could give me would be Very much appreciated!
-LZ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Given the fact that you don't have 3G in your area I would strongly consider the HD. However since you seem like the type of guy/girl that doesn't buy a lot of PPC / PDAs it wouldn't be a bad idea to wait and see what is officially launched by HTC this year.
I personally like the HD. The huge draw back for me is the lack of 3G in the US. I'm in a strong HSDPA area and it was very hard to give up 3G. The screen size is well worth it though. The size difference between the Touch Pro (Raphael) is quite signifigant in my opinion. It's also nice to have everything bigger when you have big hands and big fingers. Lot easier to select what you want without having to pull out the stylus.
The screen is also very responsive for me. I also like the fact that HTC put a 3.5mm standard headphone jack on the HD. I use the headphones from my Zune on the HD and it works perfect.

AllTheWay said:
Given the fact that you don't have 3G in your area I would strongly consider the HD. However since you seem like the type of guy/girl that doesn't buy a lot of PPC / PDAs it wouldn't be a bad idea to wait and see what is officially launched by HTC this year.
I personally like the HD. The huge draw back for me is the lack of 3G in the US. I'm in a strong HSDPA area and it was very hard to give up 3G. The screen size is well worth it though. The size difference between the Touch Pro (Raphael) is quite signifigant in my opinion. It's also nice to have everything bigger when you have big hands and big fingers. Lot easier to select what you want without having to pull out the stylus.
The screen is also very responsive for me. I also like the fact that HTC put a 3.5mm standard headphone jack on the HD. I use the headphones from my Zune on the HD and it works perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One thing I didn't mention is I work for a university and they have wireless over the entire campus so that would be nice as a kind of replacement for 3G since a lot of my time is spent there. The screen size is something that really has attracted me. I tried using the iPhone for a day and only made it about 3 hours before I decided it was awful. Windows Mobile is my home, so the HD fit into the category of having a screen I was very attracted to. The 3.5mm audio jack is awesome too... I forgot about that.
Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!!!

I think Htc Touch HD is fit your most requirement.
of course Toshiba TG01 and Htc 1Ghz processor phone must be better. but the price will not be the same.
you'll never get a perfect machine because the perfect one is the next.
HD is a perfect phone for me, the size;the screen;the battery and the running speed..everything makes good performance.
I like it and I think I will not change it within 2 years.

just keep in mind that the major drawbacks of the hd are the slow and flash-less camera, the lack of good and working hardware-accelerated graphics drivers and the occasional stutters every now and then when you play music...
if those are not big issues for you, go for it

I recently upgraded from an Omnia to an HD and I'm so pleased! The camera on the HD is not nearly as good it seems but everything else about it is great.
Put it this way I've always been pleased with other smartphones/winmo phones I've owned, but I'm delighted with this.
The HD is to Phones as Casey Ryebeck is to cooking.

Three major points to take a decision :
- need or not windows mobile
- need or not a keyboard
- need or not a 3.5"+ size screen
If the answer is I want a pdaphone under winmo with a big size screen, and I do not need a keyboard, you will love the HD.
My previous love was a XDA Flame who was the only one in this category, during roughly 18 months.
Moreover, I have had a lot of pda or pdaphone under winmo from 3.5, and I cant tell that this one is most finished of all. HTC has made a good job.
And last but not least, even if HTC has made a good job, you can continue to have support of the XDA Devs to get even better rom.

crashDebug said:
just keep in mind that the major drawbacks of the hd are the slow and flash-less camera, the lack of good and working hardware-accelerated graphics drivers and the occasional stutters every now and then when you play music...
if those are not big issues for you, go for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're software issues as far as I know... so in time I expect they'll be solved.
I think the HD is an amazing device. Of course there will be one out in the near future that will have a little more functionality. But I can't see many things that are necessary that the HD isn't capable of doing or emulating.

crashDebug said:
just keep in mind that the major drawbacks of the hd are the slow and flash-less camera, the lack of good and working hardware-accelerated graphics drivers and the occasional stutters every now and then when you play music...
if those are not big issues for you, go for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got my Touch HD yesterday. Wasn't sure if I wanted it because I love 3d speeds, but went with it anyways. I really, really, like this phone, way better than my ATT Tilt. It seems faster as just about everything, but internet, but browsing the web is not too much slower. For Youtube and stuff you just have to wait longer for the stream to start or use an Open WIFI.
What really makes me like this phone (so far), is the large screen and fast responce (most of the time).
However I have found a few problems, 1st I could not get it to talk to my PC. Tried on my laptop and worked. I had to un-install the Windows Mobile Device Center off my PC, then re-install from the inclosed CD. Worked perfect after that. Another problem isn't really the deviced fault, it is some programs I have from my old WM dont work well or at all on it. I also miss the real keyboard, but getting used to the touch only one (so over time will like it better).
The camera isn't that slow, at least on mine. It is better then the one the Tilt has all around. I have had no problems taking pictures with it so far, seems to work pretty fast for a device that has to focus before taking that is that small. Sure a real digital camera is faster, but they also are meant for taking pics only.

HTC Touch HD for HTC Hero

I have HTC Touch HD, bought 6 mounths before.. I use it every day and i am very satisfied with it. I bought it in vip (croatia) and it has guarante (2 years). The screen is without any scratches because i have used screen protector.
I saw HTC hero (my friend has it) and i really fall in love with it.
What do you think, can replace my HTC Touch HD for HTC Hero (from someone who has it and who sales it for cheaper than it is in market)?
And do you think it woud be great idea?

I've gone from a Touch HD to a Hero. After having several Winmo phones, the jump to Android was a tough one initially, but I'm so glad I did it.
I do miss the great 3.7 inch 800x480 screen of the HD, and find the Heros screen a bit small. I consider the MSM 72xx to be too underpowered for the 800x480 screen, and more suited to the 480x320 of the Hero.
I watch a lot of films/ tv episodes on my phone too, and the Heros lack of support for multiple video formats is a pain. Appart from that, I'm an Android convert now! Android blows Winmo 6.x out of the water IMO.
I'm looking forward to the next generation of Android devices with a larger screen and a better chipset than this god awful Qualcomm 7200.

Thank you, that is what i need
Do you know for how much i can sell my HD? I bought it for 760 Euro.
And one more question, can you download great programs from android store for free? And good games? Is that better than i can have now on HD with winmo 6.5? And one more , can you zoom pictures with 2 fingers like on iPhone, and slide them fast?
Sorry for many questions

chaps said:
I've gone from a Touch HD to a Hero. After having several Winmo phones, the jump to Android was a tough one initially, but I'm so glad I did it.
I do miss the great 3.7 inch 800x480 screen of the HD, and find the Heros screen a bit small. I consider the MSM 72xx to be too underpowered for the 800x480 screen, and more suited to the 480x320 of the Hero.
I watch a lot of films/ tv episodes on my phone too, and the Heros lack of support for multiple video formats is a pain. Appart from that, I'm an Android convert now! Android blows Winmo 6.x out of the water IMO.
I'm looking forward to the next generation of Android devices with a larger screen and a better chipset than this god awful Qualcomm 7200.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never known Winmo, but didn't you have things like Word and notepad etc, whereby nothing like that on here, as well as being able to write with the stylus and it get translated into type which I'd quite like as its a hell of a lot quicker

Peter Franks said:
I've never known Winmo, but didn't you have things like Word and notepad etc, whereby nothing like that on here, as well as being able to write with the stylus and it get translated into type which I'd quite like as its a hell of a lot quicker
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never used stylus for typing. I dont like it. I use word (2007), and excel in my HD alot, so is there any program on android that can open .docx document?

Have another play with your friends! Yes, it does pinch zooming in pictures. And have a look on eBay for prices for your HD.
As for office apps, there seems to be a few choices on the app store such as documentstogo for a fee.
I never used the stylus too, so it's each to their own.

Will you upgrade to HD2?

Ive unsucessfully used the search function to found somethread like this
As a community we are here of Blackstone users, im curious whether will upgrade to HD2?
Actually im satisfied with the HD as i can do everything i need, especially with the ROMs we found here. But i think its question of time that ROM-makers migrate do Leo, isnt it?

MNilson said:
Ive unsucessfully used the search function to found somethread like this
As a community we are here of Blackstone users, im curious whether will upgrade to HD2?
Actually im satisfied with the HD as i can do everything i need, especially with the ROMs we found here. But i think its question of time that ROM-makers migrate do Leo, isnt it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I added a 4th option to your poll. Hope you don't mind

ill skip it for winmo 7

Fallen Spartan said:
I added a 4th option to your poll. Hope you don't mind
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just what the poll needed thanks!! I voted the 4th..

no for me...
more todo with the HD being a work phone. not sure when im due for a replacement but as most places int he current climate - we aint replacing much kit unless it's essential.
HD does me perfect really. does everything i need it to.... although it could be a bit quicker!

i love winmo..which is coming to extreme soon
ofcourse yes
i would like to upgrade
i read opinion out here .. for me I made a query aswell if i could upgrade it or not like what iphone 2g did with 3g 100£ and upgrade option..
for me what i think is htc touch hd is great but two things missing on it...
i.e Responsive ness (really important for being quicker "as someone mentioned up" about htc touch hd not being quicker)
second is multitouch gives lots time saving on internet browsing what i learnt using iphone....
solution on htc touch hd2
multitouch and responsive ness as it uses sensitive (capacitive) screen which is in detailed mentioned on general forum aswell.
of course i am winmo lover as i hate toy type of things and the hype iphone has got.. (yet considering the usability and ease of use it has provided for general users,) i believe our htc touch hd is real tool.
in the end i would love to upgrade if there is anything like upgrade option....... as i still have my 8 months left on contract.

I'd love to, but it's too expensive to consider. I never spent so much in a mobile before as with the HD, and it must last another year at least to be worth the spent.

In most cases if there is something REALLY new on the market, it's a bit like a beta version.
See the first Iphone without 3g, touch hd with rarely supported screensize and the little bit too slow processor, or the first directx 10 cards with to slow performance for this technology, ...
Products with big "improvements" are mostly a little bit beta, so i think it's good to wait and look what's in the future
greets

/skip /skip

Fallen Spartan said:
I added a 4th option to your poll. Hope you don't mind
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely not hehe. I knew that i was missing something. Cheers

Picked 4th one .
Hoping when the winmo7 version comes out, it'll have:
* the front face videocalling camera again (i like how it gives me the option to make videocalls and portrait pics with my gf and mates by giving a preview)
* maybe an even narrower, thinner, shorter body (same 4.3in screen)
* over 1350mah battery size
* that stylus they patented
others I'd like to see:
* Not necessary, but front-touch buttons like the HD. Unless they implement hardware buttons alot better than the HD2 (imo the layout and shape looks ugly)
* oled-amoled screen

My initial reaction to leak specs and pictures was:
No....not enough improvements for me to consider
When 6.5 Leo ROMs came out I was like:
Upgrade? I can have WM 6.5 on my HD!
After reading more reviews and videos:
I’m considering.....
Now:
Is it a question? Of course, yes!
Can't wait for delivery.

It is too big IMHO.HD is perfect sized.
But the capacitive screen and the Snapdragon are so attractive...
It's a hard choice

The faster CPU, multitouch (FINALLY) and the bigger screen make me find it worth the upgrade.
As for WM6.5 on the HD, ok, it works, but the HD is still, as it always was, underpowered for such a big display.
Only under the best and freshest of circumstances does it run smooth.
The new gen CPU should change this considerably.
And get ready, my supplier states HD2 to be deliverable on the 6th!

ASK768 said:
ill skip it for winmo 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will have to 2nd that.
Have chosen Option 4.
More CPU Power is good but it is too big now (Not a problem though) and the removal of the front cam and stylus is really bad.
Better camera software is needed and flash should be better.

just to post a quote from msmobiles
Edward J. R. said:
HTC made it: thanks to their big investment in research and development, they are the first to release Windows Mobile phone with multitouch. But there is one big problem:
... namely, unlike Samsung, that is providing SDK for Samsung Windows Mobile phones to take advantage of accelerometer, compass, etc, HTC is not providing such SDK at all, what is a big problem in case of HTC HD2, as one of our readers have noticed:
* Whatever remains of the Windows Mobile community is going bonkers over the HTC HD2 and its hacked-in multi-touch support. Why in the world does this matter if third-party apps won't be able to use it? I'm sure we'll see community API efforts on XDA-Devs, just like for past HTC controls (circular controller, zoom bar, accelerometer, etc.), but that's not going to extend very far beyond XDA.
Obviously what's needed is first-party support from MS, but given that WM development on MS' part has been in a coma for several years, the next line is the OEM, and HTC's support would be quite useful to build a collection of third-party apps that actually make some use of the device.
People talk about matching the iPhone-- sure, the HD2's hardware is impressive, but given its likely software state, it'll be miles away from the iPhone in actual usefulness. Why care about a digital compass, accelerometer, or multi-touch that won't work in any third-party apps?
Conclusion: since HTC HD2 is extremely expensive, maybe users should wait for Windows Mobile 7 phones where third party developers will be able to take advantage of multitouch and compass? Or maybe HTC should wake up and provide SDK for their Windows Mobile phones at last?
Note: according to leaked specifications of Windows Mobile 7, HTC HD2 will not (!) be upgradeable to Windows Mobile 7.[/QUOTE)
Maybe yes, we should wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

i'm really thinking about it, but i think i will wait for the next device announcement.
i guess it will have a smaller screen (capacitive also, maybe 3.8?) with snapdragon 1ghz processor and QWERTY keyboard.
that's what i need

Yes - the Touch HD's poor processor is annoying me everyday. It can't even handle predictive text when sending an SMS in a timely fashion.
It was great at the time, but it's now time for the HD2.

i would skip because i already spent a fortune on hd so it should atleast last another year...
but the snapdragon and capacitive touchscreen really makes you drool

Thought about upgrading, but then it's a really expensive phone that only corrects the HD shortcoming (power, speed, camera, capacitive...)
I will wait for the next generation of devices, and an OLED screen before I upgrade. The next question for me will be to decide between Android v2.0 (it's now only starting to become a real alternative to winmo if the Exchange support is done correctly), and Windows Mobile 7.0
Frankly at the minute, from what I see of WinMo 7, I am not impressed at all...

From a Touch HD to Iphone 3gs...HD2 ?

I once had a touch HD and loved it, I sold it for an Iphone 3gs.
I have got an opportunity to get an HD2 but need to know a few things.
How do these thing compare to the HD
How much faster on Sense UI is the HD2 over the HD ?
What is the camera/video like compared to the Touch HD ?
What 3D games are on the HD2 ?
what is the future of the HD2 with WM7 coming ?

THUDUK said:
any on a side note just for fun, why should I leave the iphone world ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..because it's evil?
Anyway, there's nothing, hardware wise, were the hd2 doesn't surpass the 3gs. Maybe excluding the internal memory.
Same goes design-wise, but that's more of a subjective opinion.
So, unless you cannot part from the feeling of being cuddled that should come with using an iphone all day long, then the switch is definitely a gain

Search the forum and you'll know EVERYTHING you wanna know just don't waste our time and bytes with pointless discussions.
You like it? Change it, you don't like it or you're switching back to iPhone? Well read my sign.

have edited my question, more suited to comparing HD to HD2

Well I'll try to be as much clear as I can.
You know the difference between the original Xbox and Xbox360? And between Playstation 2 and Playstation 3?
Well, the same difference is between HD and HD2: a whole new world. Faster, smoother and with a bright future for my taste.
Actually the HD2 is the most powerfull smartphone on the market and, as you can read, Android is going to be completely ported to that platform. Moreover in the future probably even WP7 will be ported extending life of this incredible machine.
So it's your choice: you had fun with your HD and you want to come back fighting and testing new ROMs? Well... dump the iPhone and go for the HD2.
Instead you like easy life, everything close to your fingers and the limitation of a closed operating system? Stay with your iPhone.
For my taste, I love to fight and test, so I love my HD2.
I hope to have been clear enough

THUDUK said:
I once had a touch HD and loved it, I sold it for an Iphone 3gs.
I have got an opportunity to get an HD2 but need to know a few things.
How do these thing compare to the HD
How much faster on Sense UI is the HD2 over the HD ?
What is the camera/video like compared to the Touch HD ?
What 3D games are on the HD2 ?
what is the future of the HD2 with WM7 coming ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sense is much faster on the HD2 than the HD, though keep in mind it will not match the UI consistency of the iPhone, regardless of how much you fiddle with ROMs. Sometime's it'll be blazingly fast, sometimes it might hang for a bit.
3D games- you can check out stuff online, but there's not much of note, as large devs have all abandoned Windows Mobile. I have Need for Speed Undercover (works, but the WM version has much poorer graphics than the iPhone one), Xtrakt (slightly better graphics, but I don't think it's very fun), Ferrari GT Evolution (arcade-style graphics), and Doom II (which I suppose is 3D). The HD2 has a powerful graphics chip (just a bit slower than the 3GS'), but there's almost no software on WM that makes use of it. The only platform with decent 3D apps these days is the iPhone.
As for WP7, the HD2 is physically capable of running it, so I fully expect it to be ported over at some point here on XDA (never officially, though, because it doesn't have the requisite hardware buttons).

Basically, if you want a phone to be a phone straight out of the box, to do what it is supposed to do and to do it well then stick with an iPhone. If you want to have to mess about to get your phone to work properly, and even then have to put up with the inherent instability issues, then get an HD2

monty_rm said:
Basically, if you want a phone to be a phone straight out of the box, to do what it is supposed to do and to do it well then stick with an iPhone. If you want to have to mess about to get your phone to work properly, and even then have to put up with the inherent instability issues, then get an HD2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha yeah, that's basically it.
I would add, though, that the HD2's 4.3" screen is absolutely glorious. Unfortunately WM manages to put all that hardware to waste .

monty_rm said:
Basically, if you want a phone to be a phone straight out of the box, to do what it is supposed to do and to do it well then stick with an iPhone. If you want to have to mess about to get your phone to work properly, and even then have to put up with the inherent instability issues, then get an HD2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if you have an Iphone stick with iphone OS its more easy to use and good app support. Who ever has come from the Iphone 3gs to the hd2 and your happy your a really a geek!. I like iphone but its too plain i would get bored by the second month of having it.

Our HD is done,right?

The Leo boots android and wp7,HD boots nothing,it is done right? I can not imagine to have a new device ,I spent all my money which I earn last 3 holidays by washing dishes in a hotel I dont know why but just fell sad

What do you mean, done?
Mine is alive and kicking...

I mean ,it is dying ,like an old manwith a weak heart.My HD cost 3700 yuan ,now,here in my town you can buy a htc desire hd with 3300 yuan,or a hd with 2650 yuan,it is crazy!

I agree, having recently just purchased the HTC Touch HD, I was really looking forward to playing around with the front cam with apps and stuff.
I am somewhat disappointed how the possibilities with this device was completely missed, who's fault is it, MS for just not supporting it enough, the developers of the larger applications (Skype, etc) from literally dropping the OS.
I am happy with my phone, but I can see a huge potential just lost.
Maybe its me, but it seems the dev's of the OS just want stronger and stronger hardware, instead of using whats currently around.
Fair enough the device is getting old, but still a massive wasted opportunity if you ask me.

The problem in fact are devs following this trend. Simply abandon old phones and move on to new ones.

retsam88 said:
The problem in fact are devs following this trend. Simply abandon old phones and move on to new ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a fact of life, new devices with better specs come out and people move on. The LEO is an exception to the rule due to its 1GB Snapdragon processor, plus it was the last real WM device released before WP7 came along. Most if not all new devices are still using 1GB processors, some even less, hence why its longevity

Speed doesn't matter that much. When it comes to portability and durability, my old HTC Orbit 2 is great! Holds battery for very long while mantaining usability(400mhz is a bit slow, but enough for 98% of apps.
HD2, well, is powerhorse, but last 1 day on average, very clumsy and fragile.
So newer doesn't always means better.

I've stopped using my Touch HD and started using my old Kaiser. It's older and less powerful than the Touch HD but it can run a very stable and fast Android. The Kaiser was lucky in having excellent xda'ers continually working on it.

I think you're right. The HD is getting a bit old, and the slow cpu @ 800x480 + not very sensitive resistive screen is kinda killing it. That's why most devs have left us I think... *wants an HD2
@Fallen Spartan
You might want to change that B into hz .

Dead? no its alive and kicking!
You can never call anything over £100 value dead!
mobiles4cash.com is the place to be!
£133 for the Touch HD
Looking for a replacement now and getting mine sent away asap!

I have a couple of newer devices [omnia II and acer S200] but still use my HD mostly, if I could only have one of those three, I would keep the HD...... despite the dreadful cpu and not very sensitive screen, I like the overall package best.
I buy WM [or used to] because I like WM, not because I want to run a less versatile and functional OS on the hardware.
The capacitive screen on the HD2 isn't a plus in my eyes, and is the sole reason why I never bought one, ever seen someone trying to use excel or remote desktop on one, it's like a circus act.......

gerryjoson said:
The capacitive screen on the HD2 isn't a plus in my eyes, and is the sole reason why I never bought one, ever seen someone trying to use excel or remote desktop on one, it's like a circus act.......
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Click to collapse
That's exactly what i was thinking.

our hd is not dead
i had mine for 2 years
last 3 months running android
still i will not replace it for another phone

I find it odd, though, how the Touch Diamond 2 gets the official 6.5 ROM upgrade but not our Touch HD. I've gone through what I could find spec-wise of the two models; their processors seem to be the big difference (outside of the physical size, and battery), where the Blackstone seems to have the better of the two, but doesn't get the 6.5?

The Touch Diamond 2 was released not long before 6.5 was, HTC promised there would be an upgrade to 6.5 for people who bought it before it came preloaded, the HD is quite a bit older and there was no promise of any upgrade at the time of release.
There's little difference between the qualcomm 7200 and 7201a, the 7201a is a change to the 7200 in response to a legal dispute with broadcomm, the 7201a has neutered video recording as a result of something to do with this dispute, Qualcomm and Broadcomm came to some arrangement and thus the use of 7200 resumed in the TP2 and Touch diamond 2.
Personally I prefer 6.1 anyway, so the lack of an official update is lost on me.