Android advice/guides for a very willing beginner - Hero, G2 Touch General

Hi all,
I will recieve my first Android handset tomorrow (HTC Hero) and plan to use it until Autumn (Windows Phone 7 looks very appealing and I didn't spend much on this handset, it's not even on a contract). I am looking for some tips and advice on Android.
I was very well accustomed to Windows Mobile at one point, and very active on this site, but then stopped altogether - so I'm not a novice to flashing (I know what this could be seen to mean!).
I plan to read through various short guides over the next couple of days, before flashing a new ROM on my Hero tomorrow night. I intend to become as good (i.e. knowledgable) with Android as I can, in the next few months.
Is there anything I should know, read or look into/look out for?
Should I update the radio (is there a wiki entry on here for that?)
And recommened apps or ROMS and why?
Any general advice?
P.S. Will I regret buying the black version of the Hero? Is it a good choice?

aameerp said:
Hi all,
I will recieve my first Android handset tomorrow (HTC Hero) and plan to use it until Autumn (Windows Phone 7 looks very appealing and I didn't spend much on this handset, it's not even on a contract). I am looking for some tips and advice on Android.
I was very well accustomed to Windows Mobile at one point, and very active on this site, but then stopped altogether - so I'm not a novice to flashing (I know what this could be seen to mean!).
I plan to read through various short guides over the next couple of days, before flashing a new ROM on my Hero tomorrow night.
Is there anything I should know, read or look into/look out for?
Should I update the radio (is there a wiki entry on here for that?)
And recommened apps or ROMS and why?
Any general advice?
P.S. Will I regret buying the black version of the Hero?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I popped into T-Mobile the other day and got myself an HTC Hero G2 and I like it, very customizable and you probably won't regret it. Depends how much you spend on the device cost wise because remember you will be going into a contract.

andrewb84uk said:
I popped into T-Mobile the other day and got myself an HTC Hero G2 and I like it, very customizable and you probably won't regret it. Depends how much you spend on the device cost wise because remember you will be going into a contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No contract for me. I paid around £165 for it ('virtually brand new, in perfect condition') and I've got T-Mobile's SIM only deal (30 day rolling contracts, basically). 100 minutes, 100 texts, unlimited internet for £10 - brilliant! I'll get the £15 tariff if I find 100 minutes isn't enough, but I use Skype, Google Voice and just email a lot.

£165,.. Thats a v-good price if its in mint condition!!... I paid £230 Less than a week ago and i thought that was good.
In regards to ROMs,... I flashed the latest Modaco ROM to mine the day it was delivered, it seemed abit smoother than the stock Orange ROM that was on it when i had no apps installed, but now iv loaded it up there is a tiny bit of lag, like a nano second, its hardly noticeable at all.
But there are so many ROMS to choose from, I think just swapping and changing between them till you find one that suits you is the best bet, but its not something I have the time (or patience) for. This is what i followed to update the ROM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=645253 - [Guide] How to Root & Install a Custom Rom on Orange UK & T-Mobile UK [Updated 13/03]
As for the Radio update, definately do it. Im using a handset that is locked to Orange UK but using an O2 sim in it with a rebel sim. On the first day I only had 2 bars of reception most of the time, sometimes it went to 3 bars but not often. Since updating, it has consistantly been on 3 or 4 bars.
Check out this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=646465 (- Radio update advice please?...) about how to go about updating it.
As for apps, there are too many to go through, I'v just been googleing 'Best Android Apps' and seeing which ones will benefit me.
And lastly,.. Hellllll Nooooooo,... You definately wont regret buying one. IMO the white version looks abit more slick and has a teflon coating to stop it getting dirty but how dirty can a black (or graphite in my case) phone get?...
Im happy!

Recommended Android freeware apps:
The Ever-Growing List of Awesome Android Applications
Some good-to-know Android tips & tricks:
Android Tips & Tricks and Tutorials
Hope you will have use for them

Related

What should I do?

i've been thinking of getting a Vogue for about $190 (is that a good price or can i get it cheaper?) so i can use Android. I currently have the Dare which sucks and its bugging out on me. I have been lurking and reading a lot of posts here to educate myself but i have a kind of network question...If and when i buy the Vogue i would have to upgrade my plan to include email and such on it which is an extra $15 a month, which adds up after a while. I can can talk the reps into not activating the email portion (yes they can do it and have before), but will the gmail app be usable on android??
Homeylarry said:
i've been thinking of getting a Vogue for about $190 (is that a good price or can i get it cheaper?) so i can use Android. I currently have the Dare which sucks and its bugging out on me. I have been lurking and reading a lot of posts here to educate myself but i have a kind of network question...If and when i buy the Vogue i would have to upgrade my plan to include email and such on it which is an extra $15 a month, which adds up after a while. I can can talk the reps into not activating the email portion (yes they can do it and have before), but will the gmail app be usable on android??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly, the HTC Vogue is currently going for about $50 bucks - whomever is selling you one for $190 is really REALLY liking your naivete
As for GMail app - its web based so you can access your mail as long as you have some data plan to access the internet
Detroit Doug
where can you find em for $50? (the verizon version)
I would say check ebay, but if you are planning on spending around $200 i say just wait a couple more days for the Diamond to come out.
not only best to wait and get your money worth, but also as long as your going to be getting a CDMA device dont worry about it being Sprint/Verizon or whomever, once unlocked you can use just about any service at worse you may have to install whats referred to as a carrier .cab (simple click, wait for install to complete, done)
Detroit Doug
for verizon
u can use the phone w/o data plan if u want. it is has numerous capabilities. if you need data you can add that as part of your plan. you can use texting plans also for texting. but if you want to send and recieve picts or flix you have to pay data. the verizon phones cases have a history of cracking. i guess the diamond is about to come out on verizon from the previous post. i would compare specs with the voque or "touch". the touch does not have wifi or g accelerator. the gps is locked on the touch by the verizon folks but the kind folks here and at ppg have ways around that.
so can i get full android functionality on the diamond?
Homeylarry said:
so can i get full android functionality on the diamond?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I imagine you should be able to, I would research the Android threads as well as the Android help desk thread here and also review the diamond threads for anything related to Android first before making any purchases
Orignal Android was designed on the HTC Vogue, one of the reasons it came out and was ready to rock when it hit the forums as it did and just so your clear, Android is a linux shell, it wont replace the WinMO operating system, you just click on the haret.exe and it will boot up into a linux shell/os (unless there is a ROM out to flash the phone over to Android fully - I havent kept up on Android all that much to search for it LOL)
Detroit Doug
i know it only runs on top but it works very well on the vogue as an everyday OS which is what i want on the diamond...i have looked into it further and apparently development is slow. as far as i know right now they dont even have data, voice, or sound working. thank you for your help
Homeylarry said:
i know it only runs on top but it works very well on the vogue as an everyday OS which is what i want on the diamond...i have looked into it further and apparently development is slow. as far as i know right now they dont even have data, voice, or sound working. thank you for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have run it alot on my vogue a while ago, while impressed I wouldnt want the extra steps for day to day use with restarts of the phone and all
As for data, it does work, you just have to start IE, Opera, whatever and get a data connection before starting Android and you can browse all day
Sound was working last I knew (video/music)
As far as development though, Im not surprised its slow, its linux after all, not alot of app writers for linux let alone android porting to a winmo device especially when windows development can be hard enough to get right (Windows ME and Microsoft BOB anyone?? LOL)
Basically it boils down to if you want a phone, get a phone and get one that YOU want that will do what YOU want it to do, if its as a phone with data, internet, text your choices are wide open, if it is something with Android (which really at this point is a shiney new toy thing although usable somewhat for day to day) then pick up a Vogue or Diamond/Touch Pro and be ready to play with it and do alot of work to make functional - Just my opinion -YMMV
Detroit Doug
o ok then...do you know of any place that consistently updates progress on the development of this? everywhere i looked stopped updating in january some time...
I'd check with your carrier first before using another carriers phone. I know for a fact that Bell Mobility WILL NOT activate foreign phones.
I've been watching ebay for a Bell touch and the best ive seen is about $150... not much cheaper than buying a new one.. (a hundred bucks or so, but new is nice)
GG
the problem with that is i don't want to renew my contract (which enables the discount) so i am going to get one off of ebay and Verizon's open phone policy works perfectly for sprint phones that verizon also carries
well my DARE is crapping out and i have decided to go ahead and get a Vogue for under $100 and wait for the Pre to hit Verizon. i will throw money at that and be happy

Buying a N1 for a UK user

Hey peeps,
Got some money to burn before the end of my tax year and have been keeping my eye on the phone market recently (boy has it been eventful with the passing of the MWC), and have decided i want a Nexus One.
Can i just get a few questions clear so i know it's defiantly the right choice (as i keep thinking i should wait for the *cough* iphone *cough* 4 *cough*):
1) Will the N1 get updates to Android first over other Android phones like the milestone and the Desire?
2) Will there be any issues with updates as i will be buying from the US for me in the UK?
3) If i have a problem with my N1 where do i go to get it fixed in the UK?
4) Is the N1 'always on'? (need to decide what data package to go for)
5) If i root the N1 will this cause problems with Android updates?
6) If i put the HTC Sense on the N1 will this cause problems with Android updates?
I can't think of any other major questions, but i am sure i will ask if i do
Paul
1) It will be faster than the milestone, but for the Desire we don't know yet. Anyway, it's not like features like this won't be ported the next day by the devs here
2) No problem.
3) Dunno, sorry
4) Well it can connected only on demand, but it's not how android is supposed to be used I guess.
5) Not so far, and at worse you'll have to wait (not long) for unofficial updates
6) You'll have to use the updates found here. The OS won't be 100% identical to the Desire, so no official updates will work. Applications updates from the market work us usual though.
Thanks Blimblim
with regards to No.4, i asked cus someone told me that the iphone is always on, so if it hasn't found a wifi network to connect to it uses GPRS or 3G which could get costly if i'm out and about
With No.6 I think i might leave it as stock if it may cause problems/inconveniences. (but i might change my mind when i get it )
3) It'll go to HTC UK who are based in Milton Keynes.
4) You can turn data on and off as you please with the 'Toggle Data' widget.
sir.chunk said:
1) Will the N1 get updates to Android first over other Android phones like the milestone and the Desire? More than likely, as the updates will come straight from Google
2) Will there be any issues with updates as i will be buying from the US for me in the UK? No
3) If i have a problem with my N1 where do i go to get it fixed in the UK? Phone gets sent off to HTC in Milton Keynes
4) Is the N1 'always on'? (need to decide what data package to go for) Yes, although you can disable mobile data with APNDroid, which was fine for me till I sorted a dataplan
5) If i root the N1 will this cause problems with Android updates? Only if you load a custom ROM
6) If i put the HTC Sense on the N1 will this cause problems with Android updates? Yes, as it's a custom ROM, not that the devs wont include the updates themselves though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope that gibberish helps
sir.chunk said:
Hey peeps,
Got some money to burn before the end of my tax year and have been keeping my eye on the phone market recently (boy has it been eventful with the passing of the MWC), and have decided i want a Nexus One.
Can i just get a few questions clear so i know it's defiantly the right choice (as i keep thinking i should wait for the *cough* iphone *cough* 4 *cough*):
1) Will the N1 get updates to Android first over other Android phones like the milestone and the Desire?
2) Will there be any issues with updates as i will be buying from the US for me in the UK?
3) If i have a problem with my N1 where do i go to get it fixed in the UK?
4) Is the N1 'always on'? (need to decide what data package to go for)
5) If i root the N1 will this cause problems with Android updates?
6) If i put the HTC Sense on the N1 will this cause problems with Android updates?
I can't think of any other major questions, but i am sure i will ask if i do
Paul
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm from uk and have an N1
1) Update was prompted to me the moment the wizard setup up wifi (by establishing my google accounts) upon startup
2) None so far. Be aware navigation will only work at present if you root your phone (iphone equivalent of jailbreaking). Google are working on a european version, i chose to wait. And then there is an intermittent sync error with Picasa web albums directly onto the phone, though you can still access the web version in your browser in seconds [EDIT - this will be resolved by updates according to Google forums]
3) A problem with software would be to contact Google. Hardware would require HTC's uk based team.
4) You can chose to not have data roaming, chose to not update any widgets should you wish. For your information i'm on O2 simplicity at £20 a month, 800 minutes, 1600 texts and unlimited internet and have had no problems. Advice if you'r unsure would be to buy the paid version of the Taskiller app, it can be selected to automatically close background apps and therefore stop unnecessary data.
5) Not rooted mine. Chose not to do mine as i'm new to Android it's still much more customizable than iphone and Winmo so i'm a happy user with current abilities. I will pursue rooting if Google do not update a sat nav app for uk in the next few months. There are plenty of youtube videos around to show you how with forum advice.
6) Again, there are plenty of youtube videos with the 2.1 Desire new Rom working on the N1 successfully. No visual performance issues fromt he ones i've seen and everything looks as it should.
Hope i've been of some help.
Regards
Scott
oooooo, this is all very exciting! Thanks everyone for the info.
Didn't know HTC had a centre in MK - WINNER!
I think i will leave putting HTC sense on for now. I did it with the X1 and liked it, but that's only cus what SE had to being with was about as much use as a chocolate tea pot! lol
Out of interest, what data plan have you gone for with vodafone UK?
I see they are now offering on their sim only plans a 1gb data plan.
1 more thing, you may need to establish the APN's for MMS and web for your Network but these can easily be Google'd...
scottyj17 said:
1 more thing, you may need to establish the APN's for MMS and web for your Network but these can easily be Google'd...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noted! Thanks scotty
Using Nexus One in the UK on o2 with no problems what so ever, everything working as should.
However just received a big bill from DHL for £81
philaldred said:
Using Nexus One in the UK on o2 with no problems what so ever, everything working as should.
However just received a big bill from DHL for £81
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Mine was £59 Did you get a UK charger with yours?
Also, to the OP, you really should get an unlimited data plan. They are pretty standard now, even on PAYG, and you are not gonna get anywhere near as much out of the phone without one.
philaldred said:
However just received a big bill from DHL for £81
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like a mistake to me, even with the charger it shouldn't be much over £60.
Mine was £59.21 (no charger)
Have they stiffed you for duty by any chance? That should be zero.
philaldred said:
However just received a big bill from DHL for £81
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If DHL try to shaft you for the duty charge, phone them up and demand it taken off your bill. UK customs state that mobile phones and PDAs have 0% duty fee. They put a 5% duty on mine, so I called them up. The lines are always busy, but as soon as I got through it was only a 2 mins affair. They have to recalculate the VAT and other charges so they'll send you a new updated bill in about a week or so.
Hey guys, what was the total cost in £'s if you don't mind me asking (phone, Duty?, VAT)?
Also, would you think when Vodafone release it in the UK, will it be different to the one from Google direct?
@3Shirts - Vodafone don't do unlimited data, just 500mb or 1Gb
guys dont forget quidco as well £100 for a symplicity o2 tarrif and £100 for vf one as well
Vodafone unltd data limit sucks
sir.chunk said:
Hey guys, what was the total cost in £'s if you don't mind me asking (phone, Duty?, VAT)?
Also, would you think when Vodafone release it in the UK, will it be different to the one from Google direct?
@3Shirts - Vodafone don't do unlimited data, just 500mb or 1Gb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys I'm using my N1 on vodafone uk too but hate that i get the 500mb so called unlimited data on my 18 month pay monthly plan (came with my contracted crappy N97)! They give iPhone users 1gig!! N other networks put out 1 gig too...why this unfairness??
sir.chunk said:
Hey guys, what was the total cost in £'s if you don't mind me asking (phone, Duty?, VAT)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
£412.41 all in, no charger as it's a rip-off!
Rusty! said:
£412.41 all in, no charger as it's a rip-off!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Rusty, thanks for that.
How come the charger is a rip off, and what have you gone for instead?
Rusty! said:
£412.41 all in, no charger as it's a rip-off!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I've been considering the N1 replaced for my HD2, really want to try android. How long did it take for the N1 to be in your hand after despatch?
Ordered at 17:15 on Tues day evening, retried order at 17:45 due to HSBC fraud prevention.
Phone in hand about 13:30 on the Friday.

Which HD2 should I get

I want a HD2 to use with at&t 3g the t9193 model but cant decide if I should buy the australian version or if I should spend a little more money and get the version that on the go solutions has. I cant post a url for being a new member. but its the version on the fist page of their website. I have read alot into getting this phone but dont think I am capable of flashing the phone and or getting rid of the telstra bloatware. I like the conveniency of everything being done but is it worth paying 900$ for. Thank you.
I wouldn't worry too much about the telstra bloatware... You can uncheck any of the sense tabs that are telstra related and you can run a fix that allows you to remove the top 3 (of 9) links on the home tab as these are normally locked to telstra related items...
I noticed that your radio and rom are both stock for your hd2a. Are u using at&t and if you are is it running good. Can u get rid of that blue telstra home screen and get the nice black one.
does anyone else have any input
aescobar900 said:
does anyone else have any input
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have got US-Tmobile HD2 and it works great. No issues - but since you are planning keeping your AT&T service, I think that paying $900 for HD2 is way beyond any normal acceptance.
Don't get me wrong - I love my HD2 and plan to keep it at least 1.5-2 years... BUT:
6.5 will be dead pretty soon...
Many more phones are coming out for better price than $900 and having better hardware functions as well...
If I was stretched between AT&T and having 3G needs on it - I would consider good unlocked Android phone...
Just my $0.02
I want my Hd2 to run like the verizon Hd2 how difficult would this be to setup and do you think someone new to this would be able to complete the installation without messing something up? Any input helps thank you. looking into one on ebay but dont want to miss it before the sale is up. Thank You.
does no one want to help me out
I have been weighing the same options over the past few weeks. I have a FUZE. and I am sick of it...lagging, quirky and so on... I want a new phone (and really the HD2) so badly that I was even considering just buying the TMO HD2 for use on ATT to save money and just deal with no 3G speeds.
In the end I have decided to be patient. WP7 is coming out in October or so. If those phones (fast processor, big screens, other cool features) are desirable for my needs and get good reviews - then I might go that way.
At that same time - because of the new OS and Phones release coming in october ---the then technically obsolete WM 6.5 phones should go down in price...including the HD2. So that is my advise - wait and see how it plays out if you can wait until october.
Do not know how accurately this will all pan out - but I can just not bring myself to pay more ($750.00+) than I would for a full blown laptop for a phone (even though I use it more!)
BTW - I guess I never answered the question...and that is if you are not familiar or comfortable with flashing - then the extra money for the OTG solutions full version as an insurance policy against you bricking it is worth it..
Good Luck
aescobar900 said:
I want my Hd2 to run like the verizon Hd2 how difficult would this be to setup and do you think someone new to this would be able to complete the installation without messing something up? Any input helps thank you. looking into one on ebay but dont want to miss it before the sale is up. Thank You.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon does not have an HD2, the HD2 is a GSM phone VZ is CDMA ..
I LOVE my Telstra HD2 - running on AT&T in the States
I bought mine frm an ebay Seller (ebay name *brno* ) for about $600. Best use of 6 bills I could imagine. He had flased the phone with the Official HTC World-wide English ROM and it rocks. Great customer service too!
Do it, you won't regret it!
MadSci
Well I bought the telstra version from ebay (paid 530$ for everything, not a bad deal). I should be getting it some time next week has to ship from Australia. Guess Ill have to wait and get it before I decide to do any changes to it.
Did you buy your T9193 brand new or used ? I tried to locate the seller but I couldnt ...any help please !
MadSci said:
I bought mine frm an ebay Seller (ebay name *brno* ) for about $600. Best use of 6 bills I could imagine. He had flased the phone with the Official HTC World-wide English ROM and it rocks. Great customer service too!
Do it, you won't regret it!
MadSci
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aescobar900 said:
I want a HD2 to use with at&t 3g the t9193 model but cant decide if I should buy the australian version or if I should spend a little more money and get the version that on the go solutions has. I cant post a url for being a new member. but its the version on the fist page of their website. I have read alot into getting this phone but dont think I am capable of flashing the phone and or getting rid of the telstra bloatware. I like the conveniency of everything being done but is it worth paying 900$ for. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main problem is whether you buy the t9193 or the tmous hd2, you'll never get 3g on AT&T's network. The U.S. GSM network is slightly different when it comes to 3G specs with the rest of the world and there T-Mobile's network is different from AT&T's 3G network.
hjhjhj said:
The main problem is whether you buy the t9193 or the tmous hd2, you'll never get 3g on AT&T's network. The U.S. GSM network is slightly different when it comes to 3G specs with the rest of the world and there T-Mobile's network is different from AT&T's 3G network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are half right. You will never get 3G on AT&T's network with Tmous HD2, but you will get 3G on AT&T's network with HD2 T9193 version.

[Q] HD2 - which version to get?

I'm finally thinking of getting a smart phone to replace my X51v and Sony-Ericsson flip phone combo.
I'm currently on T-Mobile in the Atlanta area, and am thinking about a HD2.
It's a WinMO 6.5 phone, so all the apps that I'm used to, including my I-Go GPS, will run on it. I'm very familiar with WM6.5 since it has been running on my X51v since Lenny came out with a cooked ROM.
However, TMOUS is not selling this phone anymore. So, it looks like I have to go the eBay route. And, there are 2 possibilities - the T-Mobile version and the international (Leo) version.
1) Can anyone offer good reasons to go with one version or the other. Just wondering if the Leo will work with TMOUS 4G,or do I need the TMo version of the phone for this.
2) I also have a plan that they don't offer anymore -"T-Zone Talk & Text Nationwide" that I got when the SE T68i came out in 2002. It works with tethering and with pretty much unlimited browsing on my phone, will it work with the HD2? Or, will I need to change plans.
Thanks for any insight.
Rob
http://htchd2.t-mobile.com/
or
http://www.htcphones.com/product.asp?itemMDL=HTC_TOUCH_HD_2_TMOB
both will come with a good warranty service
Thanks!
The T-Mobile site says "Out of Stock", which is why I started this thread. I'm thinking they are phasing them out for the HD7.
I'll check out the other site you listed. Also, Walmart and Amazon show them in stock. And, Amazon sells both versions: the T-Mobile and the International.
Rob
rlichtefeld said:
Thanks!
The T-Mobile site says "Out of Stock", which is why I started this thread. I'm thinking they are phasing them out for the HD7.
I'll check out the other site you listed. Also, Walmart and Amazon show them in stock. And, Amazon sells both versions: the T-Mobile and the International.
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in our local Tmobile yesterday and they had one on display still but you are probably right. There is no reason for them to keep them around if they want to sell HD7's. they were listed as 99 bucks with a two year contract.
In order to get 4G on T-Mobile US you MUST have the TMO US version of the HD2, international versions will not get 3G or 4G, only EDGE speeds.
ashasaur said:
In order to get 4G on T-Mobile US you MUST have the TMO US version of the HD2, international versions will not get 3G or 4G, only EDGE speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info, that is exactly what I was looking for!
Rob
I just got 2 new HD2s at the T-Mobile store off of Dallas Highway (120) and Barrett a week ago.
They told me that they are phasing out the HD2 and replacing it with the HD7. They still may have some in stock in the store...I don't know.
I went to the store because after I placed the online order they told me they were on backorder....I went to the store and got my phones, but it looks like they are still shipping out the ones from the online order as well....So I will have a few extra. I was going to send them back, but I'll sell you one for whatever it costs me to keep it. I can meet in the Douglasville or Dallas area. e-mail me at [email protected] if you're interested. I get e-mails right away.
crisisinthecity said:
I was in our local Tmobile yesterday and they had one on display still but you are probably right. There is no reason for them to keep them around if they want to sell HD7's. they were listed as 99 bucks with a two year contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine for free over the black friday weekend ^_^. Online deal only but the guy in the store matched the online deal for me.
Try Walmart
I got mine a few months ago from Walmart.com and saved a lot. You might find it even cheaper now in the store IF they still have any. Try that before you go the eBay route. You want a new, clean phone if you can get it. Unlike a lot of others, my HD2 has worked fine from Day 1. Like you, I wanted to replace my old Dell X51v and old Nokia phone. I have a lot of apps that I couldn't find good replacements for in Android or iOS, so I wanted to stay with WM6x for a while longer. I have not found any of my old apps that do not work, although some are clearly meant for stylus use and a little hard to use with fingers.
I will suggest this: if it works, don't make any changes other than loading your applications. Mine is still the same OS version it came with. I just put the default task manager as a quick link on the main screen so I can shut down apps that don't have their own Exit method. In the Start menu folder, I created some sub-folders to organize my app shortcuts. That way I can have all my apps only a couple of taps away (Start/folder/application shortcut). I don't have to do a lot of scrolling to get to the apps I use the most.
I have had no problem with T-Mobile in my area. (However, even though my area is supposed to have the higher speed service, I don't see it in my downloads.)
If you can get an HD2 you will have most likely the last WM6x device. It is the end of the line.
Good luck.

8XT vs. ATIV S Neo

Ive been reading on some stuff regarding HTC and their lack of providing a true root unlock on their Android devices. So im wondering if its the same for their WP8 offerings? The main thing i want to do once i dev unlock the 8XT is to be able to get wifi sharing working, but im a bit worried that things like that would be locked down. Im not worried about the usage as it would be minimal at best, 1-2 megs a month prob at most.
Then, onto the Samsung issue... ive heard they are quite a bit more open to full rooting/unlocking and then theres the better resolution over the 8XT.
Then you have the price point, the 8XT is at Sams Club, Radio Shack and other places for $80 while at Sprint stores its $150 before $50 rebate. The ATIV S Neo will be $200 out the door and a $50 rebate.
So, your thoughts?
Talon Pro said:
Ive been reading on some stuff regarding HTC and their lack of providing a true root unlock on their Android devices. So im wondering if its the same for their WP8 offerings? The main thing i want to do once i dev unlock the 8XT is to be able to get wifi sharing working, but im a bit worried that things like that would be locked down. Im not worried about the usage as it would be minimal at best, 1-2 megs a month prob at most.
Then, onto the Samsung issue... ive heard they are quite a bit more open to full rooting/unlocking and then theres the better resolution over the 8XT.
Then you have the price point, the 8XT is at Sams Club, Radio Shack and other places for $80 while at Sprint stores its $150 before $50 rebate. The ATIV S Neo will be $200 out the door and a $50 rebate.
So, your thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi sharing is locked down. The only method available to unlock it involves sim swapping with different carriers.
WiFi sharing is a built-in feature of the OS, but it will check your data plan for approval before you can use it. If your plan doesn't allow it, then there's no way I know of to reliably work around the restriction. However, we do have wired tethering for Samsung phone (haven't tested the Neo, but it should work) and that seems to bypass the carrier restrictions.
No WP8 phone has a "true root unlock" at all. The OEM policies for Android are quite irrelevant here (and FWIW, HTC does offer a bootloader unlock, which allows completely rooting the phone, on Android). We're working on "rooting" WP8, but so far, no dice except for isolated reports of success on specific models of phone, mostly the Huawei Ascend W1.
The Neo is more expensive than the XT because it's a better phone. Look at the specs; the Neo has a better (and bigger) display, better storage, bigger battery (and it's removable; not sure about that on the XT), and probably better cameras too. The XT will have better audio, but that's probably about it.
I keep using rooting in place of 'being able to unlock and flash' I guess. But an article I read today was complaining about HTC and their 'unlocking' issues.
I'm aware the ATIV does have better specs, but I haven't liked the feel of their HW since the Moment, it just feels cheap and light. Not that the XT isn't light and I don't like that either, coming from the likes of the Touch Pro and Touch Pro2 I currently use. I also don't really want a tablet for a phone lol, but I am disappointed that Sprint keeps wanting WVGA devices from HTC
The reason in looking for the WiFi tether is I'm putting Is Galaxy Tab 2 in my Mazda 6 and would like to use it occasionally for nav, and I doubt it has native USB hosting.
So having said all that, what's the SIM trick?
Talon Pro said:
I keep using rooting in place of 'being able to unlock and flash' I guess. But an article I read today was complaining about HTC and their 'unlocking' issues.
I'm aware the ATIV does have better specs, but I haven't liked the feel of their HW since the Moment, it just feels cheap and light. Not that the XT isn't light and I don't like that either, coming from the likes of the Touch Pro and Touch Pro2 I currently use. I also don't really want a tablet for a phone lol, but I am disappointed that Sprint keeps wanting WVGA devices from HTC
The reason in looking for the WiFi tether is I'm putting Is Galaxy Tab 2 in my Mazda 6 and would like to use it occasionally for nav, and I doubt it has native USB hosting.
So having said all that, what's the SIM trick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "SIM trick".
you just need a data plan which allows tethering.
thals1992 said:
WiFi sharing is locked down. The only method available to unlock it involves sim swapping with different carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mcosmin222 said:
There is no "SIM trick".
you just need a data plan which allows tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what i was talking about.
Talon Pro said:
This is what i was talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I had heard some success with having your primary MO's SIM in first, turn it off, place second MO's SIM in, turn back on, go to your mo config app (on nokia its access point in settings, on HTC its Connection Setup, I have no idea where its at on Samsung.) check if internet sharing is on, and repeat the process to go back to the first MO's settings.
I just didn't recall many people getting it working doing that, because I don't know if Internet Sharing can be relocked; hence I didn't reply in detail at first.
If you pay for it in your plan then it should be automatically enabled anyways......
Ok, so heres a stupid question that im sure i know the answer to.. but... here goes anyways...
Are the days of flashing a phone to another provider like WinMo gone? If you can flash a WP8 phone to work on Page Plus, could you theoretically get it on Sprint too?
It seems that if i want a decent handset that isnt the size of a tablet then a used Nokia is my best bet. 810/820/822's are all over eBay for around $150 and in my area i have T-Mo and Cinci Bell for GSM carriers, but T-Mo is the only one with unlimited data. Which brings up another point. I consider myself a fairly heavy data user, but these days its mostly email and the occasional Twitter website bombing using Opera Mini. I use an average of <300megs/month. So theoretically, i could go to Verizon with the 1GB plan and not worry about it, i just dont know how much more data i would use. Of the apps i mess around with on my wifi Arrive, i use Twitter and Words with Friends the most. Sometimes the eBay app, but i find its cumbersome when i have a real computer within reach nearly all day at work or home.
My biggest concern/***** is that as of Oct 19th ill have been with Sprint for 13 years and they really dont care to keep me that much. Ive had more than one person tell me that, yet despite the ones who say they value my loyalty, cant seem to prove it by offering a free handset, moving my upgrade period up 18 days or offering a 'special plan' like in the past. And they dont have good offerings like in the past and the plans.. ugh. Wheres the carrier that will let me get 200 mins/month with unlimited text/data for around $50 like you used to be able to get?
Talon Pro said:
Ok, so heres a stupid question that im sure i know the answer to.. but... here goes anyways...
Are the days of flashing a phone to another provider like WinMo gone? If you can flash a WP8 phone to work on Page Plus, could you theoretically get it on Sprint too?
It seems that if i want a decent handset that isnt the size of a tablet then a used Nokia is my best bet. 810/820/822's are all over eBay for around $150 and in my area i have T-Mo and Cinci Bell for GSM carriers, but T-Mo is the only one with unlimited data. Which brings up another point. I consider myself a fairly heavy data user, but these days its mostly email and the occasional Twitter website bombing using Opera Mini. I use an average of <300megs/month. So theoretically, i could go to Verizon with the 1GB plan and not worry about it, i just dont know how much more data i would use. Of the apps i mess around with on my wifi Arrive, i use Twitter and Words with Friends the most. Sometimes the eBay app, but i find its cumbersome when i have a real computer within reach nearly all day at work or home.
My biggest concern/***** is that as of Oct 19th ill have been with Sprint for 13 years and they really dont care to keep me that much. Ive had more than one person tell me that, yet despite the ones who say they value my loyalty, cant seem to prove it by offering a free handset, moving my upgrade period up 18 days or offering a 'special plan' like in the past. And they dont have good offerings like in the past and the plans.. ugh. Wheres the carrier that will let me get 200 mins/month with unlimited text/data for around $50 like you used to be able to get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing Nokia's - YES! Anything else... idk, I haven't tested.
With having Sprint/PagePlus, you don't have much of a choice, because there aren't any unbranded CDMA phones on the market, there's usually one or variants for the carrier (usually just color options, but sometimes different models) and thats it. I'd personally recommend Verizon (awesome speed, but meh datacaps) for their stable network covering areas that Sprint/AT&T(Or cincinnati-bell for that matter and I'm in cinci )/T-Mobile can't cover. I'd personally just recommend follow whichever has the fastest, but that might not be very friendly on the wallet.
All in all, just stick with a 500mb plan, I usually use that much and I even use metrotube (3rd party youtube app) fairly often. I can't say though, I'm on my mother's plan still and its 20GBs shared with the HomeFusion thingy (VZW is our home ISP, still better than satellite though.)
Or, have you thought of a pay as you go phone? I thought I saw one for AT&T and one for T-Mobile. I can't really recommend anything on price though.
Hope that helps a bit.
Talon Pro said:
I keep using rooting in place of 'being able to unlock and flash' I guess. But an article I read today was complaining about HTC and their 'unlocking' issues.
I'm aware the ATIV does have better specs, but I haven't liked the feel of their HW since the Moment, it just feels cheap and light. Not that the XT isn't light and I don't like that either, coming from the likes of the Touch Pro and Touch Pro2 I currently use. I also don't really want a tablet for a phone lol, but I am disappointed that Sprint keeps wanting WVGA devices from HTC
The reason in looking for the WiFi tether is I'm putting Is Galaxy Tab 2 in my Mazda 6 and would like to use it occasionally for nav, and I doubt it has native USB hosting.
So having said all that, what's the SIM trick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did I read correctly... you're currently using a HTC Touch Pro 2?
What service plan do you currently have with Sprint?
I'm curious since I'm having a similar dilemma you are facing.
Well, as of that post, yes. I just dumped Sprint after 13 years cause i wanted a Nokia and the 810 was exactly what i wanted. I was on the Everything Talk/Text 450 with a special $3.50 unlimited data plan. If you can look past the internet programming itself into Opera's oblivion and the lack of apps for things you have to use the website for, stay with Sprint. I do NOT recommend the 8XT and the ATIV S Neo just wasnt grabbing anything on the 'like' column. So far with T-Mo ive only found one spot i dont have full 4G coverage at and all i need to do is walk out the door to get it back.
Whats crazy is i still only use around 250megs of data and i have Twitter, WWF, 4 emails accounts 2 of which check every 30 mins. Now that i finally got Sims Free installed ill probably use more data, but still, no where near the 2.5gigs i pay for. Also, for two lines, i pay $100/month for unlimited talk/text and 2.5 gigs of data for 2 lines and thats before my 15% discount. Beat that Sprint. Oh, wait, you cant.
Stupid website...
if you're interested in hacking your phone, get the ATIV. Samsung's diagnosis app (built into the phone) is making messing with WP8 easy. You're able to directly edit the registry and do all sorts of stuff

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