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Ok im just reading things about android and this community. Im a user of windows mobile since 7 years ago and all windows enviroments more than that and know nothing about java and not trying to light fire on this here but i would really wanted to know what advantages can bring this new OS to the WM user. The hardware seems the same but i mean as there are so meny people here that came from WM i want to hear from them ....Why do they made the switch?
I have read about the multitouch and capacitive screen but what about, community support, apps, customization, overall feel as a phone and perpectives of the platform, issues to resolve......you name it.
Thanks in advance for your anwers
HTC Tytn
ROM: Shamanix WM6 Ultimate v2 Final
RADIO: 1.48.00.10
History: HTC VPA Compact (Magician), Jornada 720
In short, just great. I Have been on tytn II, Diamond, Xperia - and im now on the HTC Magic. I feared i would miss the keyboard, but dont really, and the OS - it's just great.
No more waiting for screens to update, no more strange windows errors, all in all, im not looking back.
/a
same as above. Absolutely loved my Kaiser and Dell X50 before that but love my new Android phone even more. I think the transition was even easier as I'm a big user of Google products (search, calendar, email, contacts) anyway.
me too love it had a htc touch and htc diamond before this! love the android now!
hows the overall responsiveness comparing it to WM?
is it true that we need the cloud (gmail etc) to be able to sync? what about outlook sync? its there support for office docs?... seems that is as upgradable cause i have saw many ROMs here..........thanx for the above answer
another: having a data plan is mandatory to use the phone?
HTC Tytn
ROM: Shamanix WM6 Ultimate v2 Final
RADIO: 1.48.00.10
History: VPA Compact (HTC Magician), Jornada 720
The interface on the OS is dramatically better, but when it comes down to getting work done WinMo is technically more capable in a lot of ways. I prefer Android because it's just flat out more fun to use, but if you need to get serious work done with your phone then definitely do your homework before making the switch.
Mmm... ive been thinking yeah. thats why im asking
As you said the interface its just amaizing even to wm6.5 imo and interaccion with big capacitive screen is a plus indeed. but still havent got the gist...ill do more reading thanks as is going to be a major step and think to buy a phone for at least 1-2 years.
still open to others opinions.
HTC Tytn
ROM: Shamanix WM6 Ultimate v2 Final
RADIO: 1.48.00.10
History: VPA Compact (HTC Magician), Jornada 720
I Started my PDA life on a Moto Q, then a Excalibur, Wizard, Kaiser, Diamond & Then to a Blackberry Curve (dont hate me it was only a couple weeks) & now on a g1 while waiting for my MyTouch 3G to arrive..
I Can tell you that basically everything is smoother & faster. Even when compared to TouchFlo the android interfact is easier & faster to access what I Want when I Want it then WinMo
I'm on WinMo for years, see my signature. I would say I'm a Power User with deep knowledge of WinMo. Switching to the Android powered HTC Magic was easy.
- The usability is much better, capactive screen is incredibly good (the resistive screen on the WinMo devices made me sick as I'm rather use fingers than the stylus)
- customizations + extensions through Android market are pretty good (Nitrodesk's Touchdown gives me the one major feature that I was missing on Android here in Europe: Exchange Sync)
- I'm missing nothing else from WinMo (compare the time MS had time to develop and enhance WinMo and the time Android devices are on the market), not even the very detailed settings options which seem to be good for Power Users, they are just unnecessary in the end.
-It is easy for developers to create and deliver applications
It is strange that MS as one of the pioneers in this market became just a "slow follower" and did not manage to turn the corner. It is the same as with the Iphone: even the first version is almost as good as WinMo, what about version 2.0 and 3.0...? Usability counts.
Hotas said:
I'm on WinMo for years, see my signature. I would say I'm a Power User with deep knowledge of WinMo. Switching to the Android powered HTC Magic was easy.
- The usability is much better, capactive screen is incredibly good (the resistive screen on the WinMo devices made me sick as I'm rather use fingers than the stylus)
- customizations + extensions through Android market are pretty good (Nitrodesk's Touchdown gives me the one major feature that I was missing on Android here in Europe: Exchange Sync)
- I'm missing nothing else from WinMo (compare the time MS had time to develop and enhance WinMo and the time Android devices are on the market), not even the very detailed settings options which seem to be good for Power Users, they are just unnecessary in the end.
-It is easy for developers to create and deliver applications
It is strange that MS as one of the pioneers in this market became just a "slow follower" and did not manage to turn the corner. It is the same as with the Iphone: even the first version is almost as good as WinMo, what about version 2.0 and 3.0...? Usability counts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem windows faces with it's OS is that winmo is well understood. It's tried, tested, and true to it's followers. If they suddenly revolutionized the whole thing, people would get pretty angry. A lot of people who own winmo phones, own them for their business and development needs. These aren't the kind of people who want to **** around with sudden change to their previously solid operating system.
All that aside, I just moved from the Touch HD, to the Magic. I've gotta say, I love it. I'm an electronics enthusiast. I like to play with new technology. If you're all about trying something new, android is about as new as it gets. The best thing about it is, it's not some sort of gimmick, it's a real alternative to the way things are on windows mobile. That means that, while being completely different in a lot of ways, it can still do the same tasks.
Another thing to love about the android is how connected it is to everything via the marketplace. I do quite enjoy the selection of windows mobile software, but the method of buying it is very antiquated. Get out your credit card, shop around at a bunch of sites, find your app or game of choice, pay, download, install... So much trouble.
The Google Market feels solid, and is constantly updated with plenty of useful (or time wasting) apps. The best thing is, there's a huge selection of free apps. If you find something is missing from your phone, go to the marketplace (one click on the home screen) and do a search for it. You'll find something to solve your needs.
Another nice feature of Android devices is the ability to add widgets (or shortcuts) to your home screen. You also have three home screens available just by swiping your finger from left to right or right to left at the home screen. This means you can put all the apps, widgets, and shortcuts you want on the screen. AND you can arrange them in any orientation you'd like. Android IS customization at it's best.
The last thing I'll say about the Android platform is that thanks to the marketplace and the ingenuity of independent developers, you'll find apps that allow you to use your phone in ways you'd never even considered. Take the HTC Magic for instance, it's got a built in magnetometer (compass) that allows you to not only find yourself in google maps, but also see the direction you're facing and basically watch your phone while walking to your destination. You can SEE where you're going.
Another strange use of the magnetometer is done by an app called "Metal detector". I'm sure you can guess what it does. While I won't be out at the beach holding my phone out and searching for spare change, it's still kinda cool showing your office mates what your phone is capable of by identifying metal wiring in walls, or whatever.
What I'm trying to express with all of this is simple, the Android platform is a greatly different experience from winmo, if you're looking to crave some new tech, take the plunge. But remember, it's a whole other ball game, which means it takes a little bit to get used to.
I recommend doing what I did, get all excited about it before you pick it up, that'll ensure a lot of smiles when you turn your new Android device on for the first time.
Caid.
444.
All i can say is..
Had the Touch, Diamond, Xperia...
Play with more because of my job....
But Android is a breath of fresh air..
Nice integration, nice looks, response nice, love the market... i,m happy i switched.
Only thing i miss a little bit is messing with some settings and registry...
Caid444 said:
The problem windows faces with it's OS is that winmo is well understood. It's tried, tested, and true to it's followers. If they suddenly revolutionized the whole thing, people would get pretty angry. A lot of people who own winmo phones, own them for their business and development needs. These aren't the kind of people who want to **** around with sudden change to their previously solid operating system.
All that aside, I just moved from the Touch HD, to the Magic. I've gotta say, I love it. I'm an electronics enthusiast. I like to play with new technology. If you're all about trying something new, android is about as new as it gets. The best thing about it is, it's not some sort of gimmick, it's a real alternative to the way things are on windows mobile. That means that, while being completely different in a lot of ways, it can still do the same tasks.
Another thing to love about the android is how connected it is to everything via the marketplace. I do quite enjoy the selection of windows mobile software, but the method of buying it is very antiquated. Get out your credit card, shop around at a bunch of sites, find your app or game of choice, pay, download, install... So much trouble.
The Google Market feels solid, and is constantly updated with plenty of useful (or time wasting) apps. The best thing is, there's a huge selection of free apps. If you find something is missing from your phone, go to the marketplace (one click on the home screen) and do a search for it. You'll find something to solve your needs.
Another nice feature of Android devices is the ability to add widgets (or shortcuts) to your home screen. You also have three home screens available just by swiping your finger from left to right or right to left at the home screen. This means you can put all the apps, widgets, and shortcuts you want on the screen. AND you can arrange them in any orientation you'd like. Android IS customization at it's best.
The last thing I'll say about the Android platform is that thanks to the marketplace and the ingenuity of independent developers, you'll find apps that allow you to use your phone in ways you'd never even considered. Take the HTC Magic for instance, it's got a built in magnetometer (compass) that allows you to not only find yourself in google maps, but also see the direction you're facing and basically watch your phone while walking to your destination. You can SEE where you're going.
Another strange use of the magnetometer is done by an app called "Metal detector". I'm sure you can guess what it does. While I won't be out at the beach holding my phone out and searching for spare change, it's still kinda cool showing your office mates what your phone is capable of by identifying metal wiring in walls, or whatever.
What I'm trying to express with all of this is simple, the Android platform is a greatly different experience from winmo, if you're looking to crave some new tech, take the plunge. But remember, it's a whole other ball game, which means it takes a little bit to get used to.
I recommend doing what I did, get all excited about it before you pick it up, that'll ensure a lot of smiles when you turn your new Android device on for the first time.
Caid.
444.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree, except with this:
"The problem windows faces with it's OS is that winmo is well understood. It's tried, tested, and true to it's followers. If they suddenly revolutionized the whole thing, people would get pretty angry. A lot of people who own winmo phones, own them for their business and development needs. These aren't the kind of people who want to **** around with sudden change to their previously solid operating system."
At least for me, as a WinMo "Power End User" (private and in business) it was easy to switch. I think that a) the number of true hardcore business users is too small for WinMo to survive and b) Android will very soon provide the missing features and capabilities to those users. Let's face it: there are only a few things missing for company use like (native) Microsoft Exchange Sync and this is already available in some countries and will IMHO soon be available for all. MS Office support is next that will come I think. 3rd party software is already there. We will see...
I really liked what youve written here cause ive been doing some other readings and learning . First i wanna thank you all for sharing your experiences. I should say than even knowing than android is still a bit immature i am very tempted, as all of you were at a moment, to give it a try. As you all have stated, its difficult to understand how ms being a almost a lonely leader together with palm for many years in the pda market, have been careless about the usability and interface of their os and the convergence and integration of features from pocket pc to smartphone have been slow ihmo. Apple for example did a very good job in a relatively short time taking a successful concept like the ipod onto production of a very usable product like the iphone that, we like it or not, is today still a bomb after some years in town. Google nowadays have only 3 devices on the market as far as i know, and improvements and updates have come fast. I saw the sense ui in the new htc hero and even though it resemble touchflo3d seems a refreshed finger friendlier version.
For winmo imo, dont think that lacking the marketplace is going to be a disadvantage for long time as ms is going to have one like every major player already did, but once again a little late. Same with compass and other cool features many ppl enjoyed. I see winmo as a very strong os with many many capabilities and it has served me well over all these years. I love integration with apps i use like office, pdf readers, outlook sync for contacts, task, emails, .net framework, flash support, the ability to be tweaked and customized and above all the support of this community which ive became a fan of. Also i have read da vinci code and saw some episodes of dr house and prison break in my phones. But no matter how many third party apps and shells you through on it to avoid dealing with the old fashioned pc like interface, at the end every user will have to deal with that. There is a performance cost in installing many apps as enhancements to the shell, as in any os, instead of just having these visual features as part of the standard api, because they have to run concurrently with the basic shell and that makes your interaction slower and slower. So mostly i have to admit that winmo interface and today screen basically today lacks the level usability and simplicity of these newer os user interfaces. Thinking only in the techie capable or corporate user will probe to be a wrong strategy as blackberry’s rim realized at a time.
HTC Tytn
ROM: Shamanix WM6 Ultimate v2 Final
RADIO: 1.48.00.10
History: VPA Compact (HTC Magician), Jornada 720
Android vs Win Mobile vs iPhone
Hi all,
I switch from HTC Touch to iPhone, later to HTC Magic and now I have a HTC Diamond 2.
As you can see WM -> OSX -> Android OS -> and WM again. WHY?
I really like gadgets and testing new platforms, but as I also use the phone for working, the best suite for me is WM.
Don't you need to work with excel, word, powerpoint and pdf documents?
With Androidyou have to buy 3party apps for this.
Don't you us Outlook? No native support for Android.
Don't you receive mails with attachments? No native support for saving them to the SD in Android.
Of course you can use other apps that can more or less solve those needs. But, why do we need to invent the wheel again?
And what about iphone? Really good hw, lovely OS but plenty of locks from Apple. You have to jailbreak, and install lots of 3party sw.
Conclussion: For professional use, WM has all you need just out of the box.
If I only could flash my HTC Magic with WM ..... sniff.
Bye.
Well i think ill keep my old friend for some more time and wait for now. i want to buy with a contract but with rogers now we only have xperia x1a... alternative is the g1 and the magic that without a keyboard has a point againts my personal preferences. xperia is way a better phone than the one i currently own of course but not sure yet because of lots of complainings about keyboard design, cracks and other issues in its forum. thank you all
HTC Tytn
ROM: Shamanix WM6 Ultimate v2 Final
RADIO: 1.48.00.10
History: VPA Compact (HTC Magician), Jornada 720
Sadly, I miss the random errors in WinMo, because it reminded me, that just like XP and Vista, this is one of the true mobile os's. It will **** up, and it will do so with the ever annoying dialouge box.
Android, is different. the good different. Wait, the great different. Only problem Ive had is that rogers had to go and screw it up by flashing their terrific bs version onto what is one of the best phones I have used.
And the iPhone, please. I have one. Whoever considers that to be a 'OS'. Get your head out of the propoganda machine. The day it has at the least multitasking, and not that bull**** popup notification, i will consider it a OS.
Atleast with WinMo, and Android, there is a good sense of **** the **** around and if all fails reflash the rom to original. iPhone, you can jailbreak, screw around, but thats it.
Coming from a a Diamond, then a iPhone, to my current Blackberry and Android, I think I would rather have the latter two. Sure WinMo and the iPhone are great 'in the middle devices', but in the end when I have serious business to do, I stick with the blackberry, because nothing beats it, everybody knows that. Business = blackberry. WinMo and the iPhone sound like a good choice, but anyone worth their butter knows that a keyboard of a blackberry can save your professional ass. And Android I like, because like WinMo it is truly open to no end, and my fun lies with screwing around and messing with that phone. Sure not the best money spent, but Android phones are more explorative and user friendly then anything else. Ramblings of a idiot maybe, but its more, what really floats your boat. My friend said 'avoid the magic, and the dream. the magic isnt that easy to use, and the dream just looks like shreks ****' but i splurged and I love it. 50/50, sure. But its what YOU want out of your phone.
chicochico said:
blah blah blah... Deleted for space...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You called the android platform immature.. Well you are both right & wrong.. Yes it is in its development stages still where WinMo is still very mature..
But its like saying that the Virgin High School Validictorian who doesn't drink or smoke is Immature where as the 40 year old drunken drug addict who lives with his parents is more mature because he is old enough to buy cigs & beer..
There on 2 different playing fields.. Switching was soooo easy once I finally made the plunge.. & I Find that even with my diamond I Was resetting the phone once every few days.. My Android once every few weeks..
aniteshj said:
Sadly, I miss the random errors in WinMo, because it reminded me, that just like XP and Vista, this is one of the true mobile os's. ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you I do love messing up with a phone... I got infected with this disease here . Flashing woow ... lets you change the face and performance in minutes, new styles, apps, things to try. That left out iphone and blackberries cause they cant keep up with that. Nothing against them really, I know they are really good at what theyre meant to, but I make changse and update very often always trying to get the most out of the thing. Official updates arent enough for me. Agree with u that pre-emptive true multitasking is an asset but mentioned the iphone as an example of responsive and coherent interface. Have friends that cant live without their iphones but have to admit that all of them took it for trendy reasons without even reading a review and were astonished cause they all came from dumb phones.
HTC Tytn
ROM: Shamanix WM6 Ultimate v2 Final
RADIO: 1.48.00.10
History: VPA Compact (HTC Magician), Jornada 720
bastage said:
You called the android platform immature.. Well you are both ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeep inmature relative not only to age but number of devices in market right now and os released nothing more I think. But i got your metaphor. Im not saying its more or less stable.... just dont know Its a way of saying is a very young OS relative to WinMo. Indeed seems that, as you said, switching to android is easier than making the trip to WinMo and that was my point because this learning curve have to do mainly with the interface been intuitive and coherent .... dont you think?
BTW did you know any fact or feature you think make android more stable os than winmo? Or its just a feeling?
Opinions ........
HTC Tytn
ROM: Shamanix WM6 Ultimate v2 Final
RADIO: 1.48.00.10
History: VPA Compact (HTC Magician), Jornada 720
I am stuck on some "fun" apps I have which are M$...such as Insaniquarium. I love my ebooks which are on repligo or pdf.
I am a busy mom to 9 year old twins...my dinosaur Wizard has been a stable friend for almost 4 years. On road trips I hand it to a kid to watch a movie, or listen to MP3s, or to play one of 20+ games I have installed. It serves as my phone book, scheduling manager, I've even used it to create a last minute presentation.
I am looking to move to the My Touch, as old reliable has seen better days...but I am needing the same abilities as I listed above.
Will I get this with Android?? On the Tmo site it says it sync's with M$...so can I run my M$ based apps on it (like Insaniquarium), or will I have to buy something new, and or settle for not having a favorite app?
Any help you can give would be appreciated. For my needs, will the My Touch be a nice fit, or should I consider buying a used Kaiser from e-bay?
Thanks in advance.
Just wondering? I'm playing with the thought of selling my Touch HD. Getting a bit tired of Windows Mobile. Anyone else?
But I'm asking myself, if I can live with the smaller screen and lower resolution?
Im thinking of doing the exact same and my main concerns are screen size and lack of radio. The radio, which i don't use that often, i can overcome by using web radio. But the screen size and resolution is making me consider it carefully.
I've only been using windows mobile for about 6 months but im getting bored. I've looked at all the apps i use and theirs alternatives available on android for all of them.
Has anyone here swapped WinMo for Android?
trice1921 said:
Im thinking of doing the exact same and my main concerns are screen size and lack of radio. The radio, which i don't use that often, i can overcome by using web radio. But the screen size and resolution is making me consider it carefully.
I've only been using windows mobile for about 6 months but im getting bored. I've looked at all the apps i use and theirs alternatives available on android for all of them.
Has anyone here swapped WinMo for Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did. I have used winmob for 9 years :S Seriously.
I moved to Android Hero on release day last week.
I sent the Android back on Monday and am back on winmob.
There are (currently) apps and 'things' that Android cannot do to the same quality as winmob. I don't for a minute think that situation will be like that forever, but, atm, Satnav is not as good on Android. Syncing is not as good on Android. I missed the hardware keyboard (not a prob for an ex-touch HD user of course )
cbailey said:
I did. I have used winmob for 9 years :S Seriously.
I moved to Android Hero on release day last week.
I sent the Android back on Monday and am back on winmob.
There are (currently) apps and 'things' that Android cannot do to the same quality as winmob. I don't for a minute think that situation will be like that forever, but, atm, Satnav is not as good on Android. Syncing is not as good on Android. I missed the hardware keyboard (not a prob for an ex-touch HD user of course )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have TomTom on my touch hd but i think i've used it once so satnav software shouldn't be an issue. You mention syncing, what do you mean?
Thanks for the input.
trice1921 said:
I have TomTom on my touch hd but i think i've used it once so satnav software shouldn't be an issue. You mention syncing, what do you mean?
Thanks for the input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC Sync is not the best.. well.. its crap.
I sync with Googlemail though, always have and then I have an app on my computer which syncs with Outlook and Googlemail, so don't need to plug the phone in, I have no issues!
CoPilot is a good piece of kit, IF you have bought it. The pirate versions have many many flaws in it, so I presume this is what you mean by that? Obviously TomTom has been around a bit longer so had many years to get its quirks out of its system, I remember it on Symbian and my old XDA II, it was pants then, but nice now.
Just moved from many years on WinMo to Android and I'll give it that, its different. There are some things it won't do as good as a WinMo device, but other things it will excel on. But lets face it, its different, its not WinMo, its not Apple, hence why I want it, something different.
Not everyone will want it, but I've had a Touch HD and moved to a TP2 (0.2" screen difference) then moved to this and its fine, screen size is spot on for me, no complaints at all.
I bought Copilot on Friday night and tested it on a purely vanilla Android config. Nothing else installed. It crashed each time I exited. It also did not have my second tested postcode in it. Thankfully the refund function on Android marketplace worked very well, otherwise that would have been another £25.99 wasted.
More serious was the crashing though. Just kept locking up when I exited the app.
I too run Outlook sync>googlemail on my PC. But, for contracts this is a convoluted process of exporting to a .csv > gmail. It's a kludge and not good. The calendar via gmail syncs well but not the contacts. Pretty basic stuff and should be resolved at first hit and capable locally.
Under Vista, HTC sync hardly works, it's pointless being there. All these issues are exactly why apple is sewing up the market. Their stuff is much more user friendly. I have never had an iphone and probably never will, but fundamental issues that affect the user experience such as the ability to sync are essential for the success of a phone. As I was used to Activesync in Winmob land and that worked seamlessly, why would anyone struggle with an equivalent that doesn't work?
Hero displays a great insight to the future of open phone OSs. It's really exciting to experience. When the flaws are resolved I will be back on board for sure
My main problem is the size of the on-screen keyboard. I've been using palm-held devices to write for years now, so the keys on the Hero are just too damned small. If an Android handset came out with a display the same size as the HD, I would be very tempted. If there's an application on the Market that lets you actually edit Word-type files...
trice1921 said:
Im thinking of doing the exact same and my main concerns are screen size and lack of radio. The radio, which i don't use that often, i can overcome by using web radio. But the screen size and resolution is making me consider it carefully.
I've only been using windows mobile for about 6 months but im getting bored. I've looked at all the apps i use and theirs alternatives available on android for all of them.
Has anyone here swapped WinMo for Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did - but I still have the WM device but am not using. I am bored of WM for now. I will continue to use android as its a fresh and exciting to try something new and a great change, which ill get even better when I start customising the device more.
cbailey said:
I did. I have used winmob for 9 years :S Seriously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously! nine years?
I presume you include your Pocket PC experience with that as WM has only be out six
ive been using windows since the original SPV. I've pretty much had every device ever released from HTC. Just sold my HD and got the Hero - I dont think I will be going back to windows again - unless something spectacular happens in Windows 7!
R3PUBL1K said:
Seriously! nine years?
I presume you include your Pocket PC experience with that as WM has only be out six
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, PPC as well as. I am pwoppa old school (just old really!)
I always had a soft spot for the SP5. I still have one of those and it gets use when I am on a night out, ie, more portable but still carrying the details I need.
Thats the way I feel winwiz, so do other people I know fortunate enough to have the G1.
I have been using a PDA since Apple's newton days and progressed to my first PocketPC in 2000 (Compaq) and on to my first WM device which was the SPV M600 (HTC Prophet) which is still in use now. The Trinity was next SPV M700 (also still in use) and then last year I got a Hong Kong version of the Diamond.
During my time with these devices the experience has nearly been the same thanks to the user interface. The Hero and android is a welcome change, although there are things I will miss with WM - I look forward to the further developments of the Android OS and the missing things with WM will soon appear in one form or another.
R3PUBL1K said:
the missing things with WM will soon appear in one form or another.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is for sure. These are exciting times.
They need a direct sync for Outlook Contacts, call me crazy but I don't trust Google with my contact data and personally I don't like anyone else sharing my contact information with them or anyone else. Once you give them that data for free it's theirs, I'm not looking for complete anonymity but sharing my contact information is just a step away from giving them my checkbook, tax information and SSN. They have a really cool service and it's "free"... too bad people aren't taking account of what they are actually paying.
Rant /off
I am looking very seriously at getting a Hero though, I've had the Star Trek for quite a few years... (got it running WM6.1 now) and while cool. I'm looking forward to messing with Andriod and seeing what happens with the development of Andriod Apps/Utils in the community.
i had the touch hd and tytn 2 and they are all top notch phones....for me tho winmo phones are very precise in getting whatver you want done fast and efficeintly but they lack and excitement or fun while using them. hero i feel has just about put the two together making it enjoyable but efficient. dnt think i could go back to winmo and be happy about it....... the difference in screen size for me isnt really an issue i get on fine with smaller and th ehtc hero offers 3 different keyboard layouts for those who are used to a hard keyboard. obviously personal opinion differs but mines thumbs up to android......give it a go.....you only live once!
trice1921 said:
Has anyone here swapped WinMo for Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was using 4 HTC WM smartphones over the past years. i got bored after a month with my htc diamond so i sold it and buyed a nokia e71 (symbian). Used it till now. In a few days my HTC Hero will be delivered.
I am certain that Android and HTC fit together very good and its getting the only competitive platform beside the iphone os.
menov321 said:
i had the touch hd and tytn 2 and they are all top notch phones....for me tho winmo phones are very precise in getting whatver you want done fast and efficeintly but they lack and excitement or fun while using them. hero i feel has just about put the two together making it enjoyable but efficient. dnt think i could go back to winmo and be happy about it....... the difference in screen size for me isnt really an issue i get on fine with smaller and th ehtc hero offers 3 different keyboard layouts for those who are used to a hard keyboard. obviously personal opinion differs but mines thumbs up to android......give it a go.....you only live once!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, screen size is my main apprehension. If that works out, maybe I'm going to get a hero.
I have a Touch HD and have been considering a switch to Hero. The main thing that stops me is that I rely on a couple of Java apps that run under Winmo but wont run on Hero. For the rest, I think the trade offs are probably worth it.
Rip HD. Sort of.
Just got my Hero(HD's going to the wife) and like any other device out there at the moment(and probably forever, sadly) it is not perfect. Having said that, I don't think I'll miss my HD that much.
That's exactly what i've done. Sold my hd and now waiting for my hero to arrive - hopefully tomorrow. Then il report back to say If I think it was worth it.
I much prefer the look of android tho.
I'm in the same boat as you guys - thinking about trading my HD in for a Hero. As soon as I saw how good Android was, I had been desperately hoping someone would port Android to the HD, but that as it doesn't look like that will happen now, I think I might take the plunge for a Hero.
Of course, like all of you, my main concerns are with the screen, and also the on screen keyboard. I'm using FingeKeyboard 2.1 on WM and it's fantastic, I doubt HTCs keyboard on the Hero will come close.
That said, I'm bored of winmo, and I organise everything online through google anyway, so switching to Android seems to make sense. I also like the idea of an app store, and whilst MS is slowly working on that, I'd rather have something run by google instead of MS.
Guess I should take the plunge!
title says it all really... its upgrade time and i was set on the hero,,, then they release the HD2 and now im stuck back in indecision land again..... *sigh*
main reason im still pulled toward the hero is the upcomming jump to android v2.1 eclair in the new year,,,,
Main reason im pulled toward the HD2 is its just so damn sexy... and who wouldent want that screen!
i have had quite alot of experiance with the hero... but as of yet havent even seen the HD2 in the flesh so cant compare how they operate in comparison to each other........ Is winmo 6.5 as bad as alot of the reviews make out? and does the hd2 suffer from it?
another thing is although people say the winmo market place is pretty poor atm.... after experiancing the android marketplace im feeling pretty let down by it also,,,, yeah sure theres alot of stuff... but really 90% seems a complete waste of time.... really poor stuff i cant see anyone needing.. not to mention the games are woefull.... i feel myself missing my old N95 as it had better games than the hero i would say.. ;0(
i have no idea what the games platform is like on winmo though so if anyone could offer a little insight please?
soo.. what would u go with... the hero or HD2? help me out as my pac code expires in 6 days so gotta pick sumthin sharpish.. lol
If you complain a lot and get frustrated by little nuisance that comes with new technology, then get the Hero. Otherwise, get the HD2.
the hero is old , you can't buy a 6month old phone
How can you even be considering the hero? HD2>>>>>Hero. The Hero is a great phone, but paying almost 480€ for old hardware is not something I'd like to do.
Chivalry,
Answer to your question is simple; if you want a device that is predominantly a phone then it's the Hero, if you want a device that is a focused PDA then it's the HD2.
Also, as someone said above, if you don't like hassle then again, it's the Hero but if you don't mind spending weeks on end tuning and retuning your device (sometimes just to get it to work properly) then it's the HD.
I assume price is not a factor here?
WB
i have had both ohones, i changed from the HERO to the HD2 and can say the HD2 is MUCH better!! no questions and wouldn't go back to the HERO or android.
1. The main downside of the HD2 is that he runs windows mobile : it will give your geek friends with an iphone or an androphone a reason to call you a noob.
2. However, if you can live with that, just get an HD2. The screen is amazing, and the hardware is perfect for real multi-tasking.
3. Don't trust Gizmodo or Endgaget. These people just think that saying windows mobile is crap make them look cool (see 1.). Winmo runs well, and the HTC Sense interface will make you forget it's windows.
4. Windows mobile has a huge application store : it's called the World Wide Web.
5. If you're mainly interested in games, you should get an iPhone. It's got a lot of beautiful ones. Winmo has some too, but you'll have to deal with compatibility issues. Since there's no official API for accelerometer or multitouch, really few games will use them.
6. HD2 is really bigger than Hero. You can see this as an advantage or a disadvantage.
I had a Hero and like dit a lot Then my wife got HD2 as an upgrade and found it too large. So now she likes the Hero and I prefer HD2 over hero.
Here are the limitations of Hero/Android for me:
1 - Exchange support. Lack of tasks was an issue for me. Touchdown fixed it but still not as good as winmo implementation.
2 - Out of the box ms office support is another minus for Hero.
3 - Also windows mobile devices are compatible with Napster to go, so you use their unlimited downloads service in HD2 nicely. You cannot do that on android or other OSes.
4 - Speed is a big plus for HD2.
5 - Feature complete os for HD2. Things like VPN support, connection exceptions make it a better choice for me.
6 - Application availability for windows mobile. While it does not have a good marketplace with tens of thousands of applications, the essential applications such as voip software and video players make it a better choice for me.
7 - Live services integration and myphone service from microsoft are also pluses for winmob.
HTC Sense solves most of the issues with default windows mobile interface and even for non technichal people, it allows smooth transition from android to winmob and vice versa.
I like the Hero a lot and was not thinking to go back to winmob until wm7, HD2 has changed my mind.
However, the items above are pretty much personal and depends on your work as well I suppose.
Zunzun really sums this up well.
I was in the same seat as you, deciding between hero or waiting for HD2. I decided to wait for HD2 because of the sexiness and the screen mainly, and even though all the bashing of WinMo, I am not let down at all. On the other hand I like how you pretty much can change anything, which is why I always favor PC to Mac for example.
ALAS!
i am glad to see i am not not the only one stuck in this notion of indecision!
I had the Hero and when i got the HD2 couple of days ago my first reaction was "wow so similar to hero but so much better" the screen really DOES make a big difference honestly
the web browsing is sensational in a word
i agree with previous posts, the downside is winmo, but tbh HTC front end is so robust you barely notice it and it is much much finger friendly than it has ever been - once you have your basic settings sorted you will barely ever have to go back into it
although people compare the market place, i would agree with one of the guys who said that most stuff on the google marketplace is a shambles - it really is - its like Tesco Basics vs Tesco finest
Again if you want gaming get an iphone - better still get the ipod and use the HD2 wifi router option to connect to the net! this phone is very good, someone is very likely to bring Android to it and you can try that too but tbh HTC have done a very bang up job on it
Performance wise it is miles ahead of the Hero - i used to work for t-mobile so have had exposure to phones and the problems you get - for normal everyday use, i would get this phone over the Hero, simply for better user experience overall
sorry if that was more than my two cents worth!
Toss3 said:
How can you even be considering the hero? HD2>>>>>Hero. The Hero is a great phone, but paying almost 480€ for old hardware is not something I'd like to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ This ^
Because well, the hd2/leo is one damn hawt phone, but theres bugs in it that will make you pull your hair out (well in a matter of speech ofc, but ye, random signal loss, hanging sms, bugs with sd cards etc etc)
On the bright side theres alot of smart people here, and they already solved some bugs, and HTC themselves are appearing to take notice of all hd2 problems now, more and more 'fixes' appear
i moved from htc diamond (1.7+ year) to omnia ii
i really missed XDA when i moved to omnia ii
omnia ii sold
waiting for my HD2
immyl said:
i am glad to see i am not not the only one stuck in this notion of indecision!
I had the Hero and when i got the HD2 couple of days ago my first reaction was "wow so similar to hero but so much better" the screen really DOES make a big difference honestly
the web browsing is sensational in a word
i agree with previous posts, the downside is winmo, but tbh HTC front end is so robust you barely notice it and it is much much finger friendly than it has ever been - once you have your basic settings sorted you will barely ever have to go back into it
although people compare the market place, i would agree with one of the guys who said that most stuff on the google marketplace is a shambles - it really is - its like Tesco Basics vs Tesco finest
Again if you want gaming get an iphone - better still get the ipod and use the HD2 wifi router option to connect to the net! this phone is very good, someone is very likely to bring Android to it and you can try that too but tbh HTC have done a very bang up job on it
Performance wise it is miles ahead of the Hero - i used to work for t-mobile so have had exposure to phones and the problems you get - for normal everyday use, i would get this phone over the Hero, simply for better user experience overall
sorry if that was more than my two cents worth!
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Why is winmo a downside? Surely it's only a downside if you care more about how pretty the UI is than how powerful/flexible/feature-rich/functional it is? And surely if you're a member of this forum that isn't true?
It is a far more sophisticated OS than any other mobile phone platform. Period.
Hi everyone Im just wanting some opinion on the HD2. right now I have a G1 and im looking to upgrade my phone in june and Im wondering if i went to a HD2 instead of a N1 would I regret it? I have never used a newer winmo phone in my life & im only familiar with android on a smartphone.
anywho any advice,tips are all appreciated.
Hey there, I had a G1 for about a year and I love Android personally. I might still have it but I lost it so I traded up for a Touch Pro 2 which was awesome. I had WinMo before Android so I was already familiar with it but the HD2 is the best WinMo phone out and one of the best on the market to be honest.
The N1 is a great phone as well so it really boils down to what OS you prefer, WinMo takes a learning curve and there may be some things that will frustrate you but this phone more than makes up for anything lacking in WinMo. Plus it's even more open than the open source Android platform so modding and personalizing is even easier.
WinMo is not as app centric as Android or Iphone due to no central location for apps (Marketplace & Omarket notwithstanding) but there are thousands of WinMo apps spread across the net so you just have to look a little harder.
So out of Tmo's lineup the HD2 is the best choice right now but that's my opinion, I would go to a store and spend some time playing with it. Really give it a good test drive so you can see for yourself
I had a G1 and then most recently a MyTouch 3G and upgraded to the HD2 the morning it came out.
My biggest reason to upgrade aside from the obvious graphical and asthetic improvements, is the ability for it to sync up with Exchange which Android doesn't do nearly as well as Windows Mobile.
Sure the apps are a plus, but as already said, there isn't an app out there for Android that I haven't been able to find for this phone. The customization of this is endless and I don't even think the developers and folks out there who build the ROM's have even scratched the surface.
Freezey said:
Hi everyone Im just wanting some opinion on the HD2. right now I have a G1 and im looking to upgrade my phone in june and Im wondering if i went to a HD2 instead of a N1 would I regret it? I have never used a newer winmo phone in my life & im only familiar with android on a smartphone.
anywho any advice,tips are all appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first of, don't think about android if ur willing to try hd2. these are essentially two different mobile os. winmo targeted mostly business oriented people, using office mobile and such.
i still have my g1 because i like android and i switch to either one from day to day since i got my hd2. or i just carry both around. i like showing off my hd2 tho haha people go, hey what phone is that?
My only experience with smartphones was a G1 and I was nervous about making the transition as well, but I haven't had any problems. The biggest difference of course is the app market. The WM market is nothing like it, but if you're resourceful, you can find all the apps you need.
HD2 is definitely NOT an easy phone to get along with.
I've had my frustration during my first 2 weeks with the phone.
It's much harder to get used to than iPhone, G1, Blackberries I've come to across.
Now that i've pretty much tweaked this phone to exactly how I like it, everything seems too perfect. I do miss the voice recognition from google, but hey, I can easily type them on the google search on my internet tab.
If you're willing to get HD2, you should really read up on flashing with custom ROM.
Check it out in the store first for a while. Take a couple of visits and use it like you would normally use it
I also had a G1, though I did have some WM experience before. I miss the Android notifications, which are much better integrated. I miss Android gtalk, I barely use it WM now (bad integration and not good UI).
I do find myself doing more reading of websites and ebooks now, also videos. These were my goals for the HD2, so I'm happy with my decision. The bigger screen helps a lot and the physical size is barely taller than the G1 and a bit wider, but also thinner.
These forums can help out a lot if you have patience and the ability to read and follow steps.
I also have a G1 and have been considering getting the HD2... my only hesitation is that it's running WM. I had 2 prior Windows mobile phones (Wing and Touch pro) and really hated them. Just didn't really like anything about the mobile Windows. About 2 months ago I needed to get my G1 replaced and broke out my old Touch Pro to use while I waited for the replacement and forgot how much I hated Windows Mobile but to be honest the Touch Pro wasn't a great phone, lots of lag running 6.5 but still seemed halfassed finger friendly.
Windows Mobile, just like Android or Apple isn't for everyone. They all have their good point and flaws and each will appeal to different users for different reasons while being utterly unappealing to others. Go to the T-mobile store and play with the floor model... go beyond the home screen, check apps, look at the layout, setting options...etc to really get a feel of it and whether you can deal with it. I'm going to wander over myself soon to do that.
I'm excited by the future of Android and looking forward to the updates to the OS where this phone will always be stuck running WM 6.5.x.
I know WM7 will eventually be unofficially ported over to this phone but I have zero desire to use WM7.
Still... the phone is soooo nice and some third party software may make it usable for me and I can use the installment plan with it and keep my family plan together... if I could do that with the N1 I would jump at it.
I had a g1 (rooted) and mytouch (rooted) and sold them both for an HD2
Its been a learning experience, the HD2 has its pros and cons, some of the things I like
The video recording is way better and you can pick the format, same for taking pics, the video player supports several formats at least , twitter , youtube and the basic apps are nice
Beyond that is the problems, the biggest downer for me was no turn by turn gps, and I have no idea where to find one that works (either pirate or buy it, no idea where to get one)
Also the GPS is not real gps, its AGPS only I think? meaning no gps in offline map mode if you lost data signal (correct me if im wrong)
The options on the phone are crazy, most of the good things are hidden in the registry and not turned on (clear type, other video /photo options, etc)
Opera is decent, IE is horrible, I ran it once and the fonts were huge, I just gave up on it
The market sucks, no decent apps at all, and im not sure where to find good apps, luckly on the net I was able to find skype, and it does work
I installed duttys task manger, its a life saver
So for me, really, other than the gps it mostly has the same options as the hero phones/roms
just with a lack of apps and no free turn by turn, I am still impressed by the big screen and graphics, watching transformers on it is cool and youtube is nice
I am using it unlocked with ATT , sometimes it has trouble when I am not on wifi, the apps don't reconize my connection (google maps) which is an upset, I installed the media net cab file
Prophet621 said:
I also have a G1 and have been considering getting the HD2... my only hesitation is that it's running WM. I had 2 prior Windows mobile phones (Wing and Touch pro) and really hated them. Just didn't really like anything about the mobile Windows. About 2 months ago I needed to get my G1 replaced and broke out my old Touch Pro to use while I waited for the replacement and forgot how much I hated Windows Mobile but to be honest the Touch Pro wasn't a great phone, lots of lag running 6.5 but still seemed halfassed finger friendly.
Windows Mobile, just like Android or Apple isn't for everyone. They all have their good point and flaws and each will appeal to different users for different reasons while being utterly unappealing to others. Go to the T-mobile store and play with the floor model... go beyond the home screen, check apps, look at the layout, setting options...etc to really get a feel of it and whether you can deal with it. I'm going to wander over myself soon to do that.
I'm excited by the future of Android and looking forward to the updates to the OS where this phone will always be stuck running WM 6.5.x.
I know WM7 will eventually be unofficially ported over to this phone but I have zero desire to use WM7.
Still... the phone is soooo nice and some third party software may make it usable for me and I can use the installment plan with it and keep my family plan together... if I could do that with the N1 I would jump at it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the TouchPro was a great phone. I've liked all the WM phones I've had. But I also loved my Dell Axim and 2 Ipaqs before that, too. Anyways, if you couldn't stand any of your previous WM phones, I wouldn't recommend getting the HD2. It's not gonna be much different from your other WM phones if you hate using WM.
though i love the hd2's hardware... i cant go back to winmo... i'm eligible for an upgrade so i'm just going to get the hd2 for the 2yr contract price and sell it, then use that money to buy an n1 from google. so there's another alternative.
Had N1 with Tmobile and now HD2 with T mobile...Same signal issues. 3g then all of a sudden HSPA then Edge. I thought with GSM you could use 3g service while on phone. Haven't been able to do that on either phone.. I like HD2 because i can watch Divx. I like N1 because of navigation and all the apps that are available. The internet is faster on N1 then HD2. Plus you have apps that cater towards different websites so much easier. But then again you don't get a 4.3 inch screen. All in all if i didn't have t mobile as a carrier i think i would enjoy both phones.
Edit - Oh and i have to soft boot the HD2 quite often. "I ran all Rom's" Apps just like to freeze HD2
HD2
Hello all,
My last 3 phones were Android powered. G1, Mytouch and Cliq.
Even rooted, with custom roms non were anywhere near as fast or have the multimedia power of the HD2. I have yet to flash a custom rom, cause the stock rom on the HD2 is quite good the way it is.
I have to agree, that the HD2 is a "grown ups" phone. It does what it does well, with no problems or freezing straight out of the box
fhaines
I have 2 rooted G1's and had an N1 for a couple of months. I sold my N1 (it was a TMobile band phone) and was going to buy the ATT version N1 but I thought I would try the HD2 first. I'm just setting it up and slowly getting it how want it so I can't give a comparison to the N1 yet. I suspect I will go back to the N1, I love the Google navigation and voice search on the N1.
You will miss apps from Android Market, and customized home screens. Other than that, it's a nice upgrade.
digitallysick said:
Beyond that is the problems, the biggest downer for me was no turn by turn gps, and I have no idea where to find one that works (either pirate or buy it, no idea where to get one)
Also the GPS is not real gps, its AGPS only I think? meaning no gps in offline map mode if you lost data signal (correct me if im wrong)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TMobile US version includes TeleNav free trial ($10/mo after that). But I suggest CoPilot. It's $30 one time fee. Better than Google Nav because the maps are on your SD card and as long as you can find a GPS satellite it doesn't matter if you have data. And it's just a standard Nav system. If you have a car dock it's no different than any other Nav device. Which is nice.
The GPS is one of the most accurate I have ever used. You can turn on and off AGPS (Settings...Other...AGPS). I find i works fine with it on. BUT in Google Maps you have to hit MENU and choose Enable GPS or it is just using cell tower triangulation and it is WAYYY off.
I just got and HD2 this past Monday and I am coming from a G1. The HD2 is very disorganized compared to the G1 IMHO. my G1 was rooted, had Custom Rom, themed (I did some of the theming to my phone), fast and reliable. As for the person who said the WinMo is a grown up's phone you juts are not using the G1 correctly and the G1 does do exchange EXCELLENTLY!!. I could use my G1 to manage my home network and Web server while on the road, seems pretty safisticated to me. I don't have that ability with the HD2, that I am aware of at this point. The HD2 has a nice screen but it is only doing a 16K color depth so there is no real HD but the video is still better than the G1. I am having issues at this moment with data not working over WiFi, For example I could connect to the WiFi on the G1 and still get my Exchange email push out as it arrived to my phone and get my Gmail. With the HD2 I cannot get gmail but I get exchange email, hmm.... Siound fishy. Apps that require data some work on wifi and others don't but everything works on edge and/or 3G and/or HSPA.
I will be going back to the Android OS, picking up the Samsung Galaxy S or TMO Branded Samsung Vibrant when it is released July 21st
[EDIT] I did root and custom rom the HD2 that seems to help performance some a little
I have an N1 and an hd2 prior phone was a G1 both android phones rooted and hd2 stock HD good for buisness a differnent animal all together I use the hd2 duing the week and my N1 on the weekend. Hell of a learning curve.
like many others, i also came from a g1. had the hd2 for about 2 weeks. its a great phone. but it is not an Android. there are a lot if free apps. but you're gonna spend a lot of time searching for them, especially if you want free ones. thered no refunds once you purchase. but it is faster, the screen is beautiful, just takes a while to get use to. but i do wish tmo when with the Evo... i would go for the n1 if i could afford it. no family plan upgrade. plus you get cyanogen. that guy is awesome!
Windows mobile takes a while to learn and set up the way you want, but once you do it is a lot more capable and versatile than android. I've used WinMo since 2003, and android since 2008, so I know both very well... I much prefer WinMo right now, but like I said, I've used it for 7 years. It is much more like a full computer os. You have to understand, too, that WinMo was designed originally as a PocketPC OS, and phone capabilities have been worked in since. Android was designed as a phone OS to begin with. Also, Android is still new and is actively developed, so in a couple years I'm sure it's capabilities will catch-up and surpass WinMo.... but for now WinMo is much more versatile, just not as user-friendly. It's not for the average phone user. I wouldn't suggest it to any new users at this point... especially ones used to android or iphone os.
I have gone and done it, just bought a HD2 and it arrives tomorrow...
Selling my Samsung Galaxy S and returning to my old faithful Windows mobile, responses I have had from some, state I must be mad its old dying platform.
But I for one still prefer my old Touch HD over the bloomin horrid Iphone and now Android, which I simply don't like, reminds me of Mobile shell and I never really liked the messy widget type layout with that either, don't get me wrong here the galaxy s is a superb phone, in fact is quite ballistic and that screen is amazing....BUT I miss my old Memory map navigation sync with my desktop, my collins bird guide and pocketbirds.
I very much miss the ease of sync with my outlook and the simplistic way everything is compatible with my office docs, I have become so used to windows mobile for so many years I don't think I am compatible with anything else just yet, but at least I gave them a go...
Hopefully the HD2 will be as good as my old HD was and more...
looks like You know what You are talking about, so all I can say is that You'll be more than happy. I know it because I am...
hd2 is the best winmo phone ever. period. snapdragon is the answer to most of problems from the past, plus sense interface makes it pleasant and useable.
my advice - stick to most recent stock rom, just tweak it as You used to with previous wm devices. I did that... rock solid, fast, no crashes nor freezes.
I am keeping my hd2 even if I'll buy something new in the future. for now there is no better choice for winmo users... and unfortunately there will never be.
a real leo...
bronx said:
looks like You know what You are talking about, so all I can say is that You'll be more than happy. I know it because I am...
hd2 is the best winmo phone ever. period. snapdragon is the answer to most of problems from the past, plus sense interface makes it pleasant and useable.
my advice - stick to most recent stock rom, just tweak it as You used to with previous wm devices. I did that... rock solid, fast, no crashes nor freezes.
I am keeping my hd2 even if I'll buy something new in the future. for now there is no better choice for winmo users... and unfortunately there will never be.
a real leo...
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sounds like a declaration of love to your leo
but you are absolutely right. its the fackin best winmo device.
Glad to see someone still spreading the love for windows mobile. I have defended WM on my Leo to many Iphone and Android fanboys who are too dumb to use WM properly.
I'll admit I have been playing with Android lately but I will never remove it if the option to flash android becomes available. I wind up back in WM much of the time.
agreed, tis a fantastic piece of kit. i've always sold on my earlier phones but as the above poster stated, this one is staying. you will love it mate !!!
naaah... I wouldn't call it love. see... it is just a tool. I understand however it's capabilities and raw power.
back in the past, I was torn between hd2 and nokia n900. well... I went for HUGE capacitive screen and snapdragon. after placing an order some doubts appeared, but... when I've unpacked the box and held it for a very first time I knew instantly I made the right choice.
now after about eight months, numerous tweaks and apps installed, despite few scratches on the housing it is still my gadget of choice. tried android (same thoughts as op, too much spb ms to me...) and iphone. well... I am waiting for android 3 and wp7, but I just may keep leo for quite a long time... we shall see...