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Hi everyone,
So I just received/activated/started using my new HTC Hero this week, and I really love the phone. Just today I noticed a strange new phenomenon that I hadn't seen or felt up until today. Wondering if anyone else has the issue, because I'm considering returning my phone to get a replacement - I've had it less than 5 days.
My front silver faceplate, where all the buttons are, seems to be a bit loose on the left side (by the Menu/Home/Send) key. When I press down on it ever so slightly, it makes a very quiet clicky noise - similar to a regular button press but much softer. The right side of the silver area also presses down, since it is just plastic, but makes no noise - just the left side.
This makes clicking the Menu and Home keys much less pleasureable considering it almost feels/sounds like I'm getting two "clicks." This is the type of hardware behavior I'd expect after having the phone for 6 months - not 5 days! To make matters even weirder, the problem seems to come and go, and I haven't figured out a definitive pattern to that yet. Should I return it for a new phone?
Anyone else noticing this (or any other type of physical defect) on your Sprint Hero?
I think you are just over reacting... Mine phone also does this and I have had it a month before release without any problem. I think it is just how the button is designed flush with the rest of the other buttons all in one plate.
I believe it's supposed to be that way as well. You're more to welcome to go to the retail stores and check out other Heros there to confirm.
Yes mine does this and it makes the phone feel a bit cheap. But I'll live.
I have 3 hero's in my family. One of them was creaky and drove me nutz, swapped it out at BB. New one works awesome..... I could not live with the creaky buttons. felt like my refurbed touch pro.... ewwww
Swap it out. It may be true that many DO do that but they SHOULDN'T and it represents a defect. Don't be told otherwise. My didn't/doesn't do that, my gf's did and we swapped it out for a working one. Have them open the boxes to find one you like. Sprint phone boxes are not sealed or taped shut, they just open so try till you find one (will probably be the first one you try out.)
I guess what bothers me the most is that it didn't do it when I first got it, I feel like my pressing the menu key too many times is what did it! It seems like a pretty bad design flaw... hoping they don't give me a hard time when I try to return it on Wednesday.
Thanks guys!
tduck said:
I guess what bothers me the most is that it didn't do it when I first got it, I feel like my pressing the menu key too many times is what did it! It seems like a pretty bad design flaw... hoping they don't give me a hard time when I try to return it on Wednesday.
Thanks guys!
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The Hero comes with a warranty. If it's truly a design flaw, then HTC will repair/replace the phone for the length of the warranty.
Like other people here say, all our phones do that, it's not that big a deal. I'm more concerned with the trackball. I mean, there's no way to remove it (that I've seen) to clean the mechanisms underneath. And if any of you remember when your mouse used to have a ball and not a laser pointer, those little wheels get really dirty and gunked up really fast. That's just sitting on your desk, I can only imagine how messed up the track ball will get going in and out of my pocket and being touched by filthy dirty oily thumbs all the time.
I know how bad a trackball can get I just got the Hero after having a BB Pearl 8130 for 1 1/2 years, I don't use the Hero's trackball anywhere near as much but I can see it has already picked up dirt from my fingers I just hope it doesn't turn into a problem like the trackballs on the BB Tour
that is normal, every SPrint hero i have seen does that, but like they said above, you can go to the retail store, (not a privetly owned one, they will make you go to the retail store) and see if it is a 'defect'
Mine doesn't do it. If it did I would return it.
I don't have this but my green phone button seems lower than the red one, making it a bit harder to press (especially cuase I have no nails due to biting them like crazy)
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thats how mine is but in the bottom. not a big deal but i did feel it
several people reported the same thing before. screen not flush all the way around. there's no adhesive, the screen slides out of the outer sleeve if you remove the screws in back.
Oh...
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mine does it on the bottom.
it feels like there is a slight gap in between the bottom bezel and the screen.
It's not a problem at all, but it sure is annoying at times.
On the left side of my HD2 the screen is easier to push in at the top and bottom, but it takes a lot of pressure to make it "squeak".
If I had a cosmetic issue, you can bet I would be on a waiting list to get a replacement. The looks on these phones are nearly as important as the performance, IMHO.
oh i deff agree, @op, if you only just got it id be trying to take it back.
Same on mine at the bottom - just barely - if you slightly press between the usb and headphone jack you hear a slight (guess it sounds like) a click and you feel it slightly move. When the usb jack is plugged in it stops Some play and I don't think its worth returning - also don't think it will get worse. Case materials should have been a little more rigid. Think if you get a hard shell case or aluminum skin - when they become available you won't notice it. Talking to other guys with the HTC branded Euro version their build quality is a bit better. Think its pretty much the same with all HTC stuff - their branded models (TYTN TYTN II etc.) were build better than the AT&T versions - they also cost a lot more because they aren't subsidized.
Personally feel the HD2 of all the MS phones with the exception of the HTC TYTN I is the most solid. The Fuze which I just got rid of was probably the worst. The case was ok but the front keypad was pure junk - out of the box the thing felt like it was going to break and it never sat "square" in its opening. The USB ports on all of them were really weak and were super loose out of the box. The slide out keyboards always loosened up and had too much play.
stim141 said:
Personally feel the HD2 of all the MS phones with the exception of the HTC TYTN I is the most solid. The Fuze which I just got rid of was probably the worst. The case was ok but the front keypad was pure junk - out of the box the thing felt like it was going to break and it never sat "square" in its opening. The USB ports on all of them were really weak and were super loose out of the box. The slide out keyboards always loosened up and had too much play.
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For me, the Touch Pro 2 has top honors when it comes to "feeling" solid. My sister dropped it the other day and cracked the bevel, with a large triangle missing near the volume rocker and three other cracks on the bottom, top and opposite side.
I am encouraging her to return it and claim the insurance, but since there is no change in the quality of the phone's operation, she wants to keep it.
Again, for me, the TP2 seems more solid than the HD2, but the HD2 is very well-built compared to other phones. I am so paranoid about even putting my phone down on a hard surface, due to the sharp edges of the camera mount and the light metal case.
I will be installing my new invisibleSHEILD as soon as sirphunkee and I can make the time to meet somewhere clean (I have a 2yo at home ). I imagine my paranoia will drop a bit then...
I dropped my phone while working out at the gym.
I was on the treadmill, and dropped the phone from my hand to the treadmill belt, then it flew out (i was running pretty fast at speed 7) and ended up hitting the wall behind me. Well, I freaked out and ran over to check on the phone.
Even though I had NO protection, the phone was perfectly fine. Only a tiny scratch that's barely visible on the top left bezel, and everything was fine.
I really was surprised at the sturdiness of the phone.
Snarksneeze said:
For me, the Touch Pro 2 has top honors when it comes to "feeling" solid. My sister dropped it the other day and cracked the bevel, with a large triangle missing near the volume rocker and three other cracks on the bottom, top and opposite side.
I am encouraging her to return it and claim the insurance, but since there is no change in the quality of the phone's operation, she wants to keep it.
Again, for me, the TP2 seems more solid than the HD2, but the HD2 is very well-built compared to other phones. I am so paranoid about even putting my phone down on a hard surface, due to the sharp edges of the camera mount and the light metal case.
I will be installing my new invisibleSHEILD as soon as sirphunkee and I can make the time to meet somewhere clean (I have a 2yo at home ). I imagine my paranoia will drop a bit then...
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My TP2 fell out of my hand in a parking lot, the thing didn't hit hard, but it left a small scratch on the screen (it was visible, but wasn't too obvious) and then some nicks at the corners of the device. It did look used. I returned it to T-Mo (I was still within 14-day remorse period) and used the money I got back to get an HD2 instead (for some reason I didn't qualify for either the full or the 11 month upgrade price, only 50 bucks discount... now that I think about it, I should have gotten it at full price, also, the day after it arrived (ordered online) T-Mo came out with the 2 for 1 smartphone, but alas, a new line was needed and I had no use for it).
I've dropped my HD2 at least 4 times since and there's not a nick on it. I figure the glass screen helps (as opposed to the TP2's plastic), even if it's a finger print magnet. I also have no problems with the screen or bezel being uneven, even after dropping it, nor have I had any single of the problems people complain about, so, go figure, I got the perfect production HD2.
Whew.... OK. Soooo glad to hear this isnt only my device. Mines is on the bottom. I also dont see it getting any worst and its so minor right now its probably not worth the hassle of returning. I tend to keep the gel case on it anyway..
thrashingdeth said:
thats how mine is but in the bottom. not a big deal but i did feel it
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x2 same as mines.
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I had an issue with mine creaking, on the bottom. Mainly when I was pressing the start key, or back. Got a replacement and it seems better. For a phone seriously delayed I don't get how the quality is so terrible.
my first hd2 the camera lens started to rattle tmobile replaced it
Tm5078 said:
my first hd2 the camera lens started to rattle tmobile replaced it
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Was it the camera lens or the casing around the camera?
After watching the tear-down video I could see how the camera casing could be improperly installed and loosen after a bit of handling, but I thought the lens was pretty solid...
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JWang158 said:
Seriously, this phone is turning out to be pretty half baked.
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I disagree. Not sure if I got lucky or not, but my phone is in perfect condition despite being a month old and spending most of that time in my back pocket.
I've sat on it countless times, dropped it from my hand to the floor twice and dropped it from the car holder to the console in my vehicle so many times I can't count.
The only problem I have is with the SMS freeze, and I've solved 90% of that by keeping my inbox clean. If I have the money for a class 6 microSD card, I'd bet on having solved the other 10% of my problems.
Since upgrading my radio, I don't have any problems with dropped calls, missing texts, loss of 3G or any of the other popular issues that seem to be plaguing the new owners.
Since bad news always travels faster and wider than good news, one simply can't infer from the issues being discussed here that they are the norm. I would suspect a very small percentage of the HD2 owners frequent the forums here, and of those another small percentage are having hardware issues.
I've been through a few of these new phone releases here in the past and from my experience I would say that this is pretty normal for the first few months of a phone's release. In another month or so there will be a firmware upgrade to fix the freezing and icon switching, then a lot of the issues will switch from hardware to software. Soon after that, I expect everyone will be clamoring for the release of a Windows Phone 7 ROM, followed a few months later by a newer, faster phone that everyone will be switching to. A cycle, vicious but almost predictable.
I know there are plenty of threads about G2 hinge issues, but I'd like to know about your Desire-Z keyboard hinges now that it has shipped.
I've just received my second Desire-Z this morning and it's probably worse than the first one. If pick up the phone, absolutely horizontal, from a table just by holding the upper section, the keyboard just falls half-open. Surely it shouldn't be like this? Here's a quick youtube video I took of my first phone:
Just wondering if I've been really unlucky, or are they basically all like this? I really hope not...
Andre
Mine does exactly the same. I'm not sure if this is normal or not, but I'm not very happy with it.
My other concern is that the screen wobbles back and forth when I have the phone closed if I tap on the left and right edges.
I think this is probably a design flaw rather than a specific device problem. You'll probably find they're all the same
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Cant quite tell what the angle is in the video.
If I pick up mine by just the top piece then it droops, but doesn't slide out.
If I hold it upside-down by the base it droops, but can't slide.
Whenever I pick up the phone though I hold it by the base, so in normal use it's perfectly fine.
I'm basically assuming that the spring should be just strong enough for the phone to hold itself together (i.e. without the keyboard dropping away at all) when it is gently lifted up from a flat surface. That's the benchmark I would want to see anyway, and neither of mine will do that.
I might take this up with HTC and see what their view on it is - I just hope they don't do an Apple and patronisingly say "you're holding it the wrong way".
Andre
I've just sent off an email to superEtrader asking for a refund as I'm not happy.
I hope they take it back without any hassle since their website says I can't return it if its been opened. Someone on here kindly pointed out the Distance Selling Regulations say I can open it and play with it (I have the PDF stored on my PC!), but I don't want to have that sort of hassle.
my phone has the same problem as the video.
Also, the screen slides down when im lying down, holding the phone by the keyboard.
My phone isnt quite a loose as in the video, but it does droop if I pick it up by the top section rather than the base & also if I am lying down and hold by keyboard it will start to shut... I kinda expected to have a loose hinge based on reviews that I had seen for G2 & at this point its only a very minor niggle, so I wont do any return until I find out there are Desire Zs out there that actually have a firm hinge.
On another note, I noticed yesterday that the black backing of the keyboard is a bit bubbly.. Im hoping that the backing wont start coming away down the road... but I guess only time will tell.
I found it hard to do what was shown on video, I never grabbed phone like this before. It never opened on its own even slightly. Also owned TP2 and never held it by the screen. I dont think people would actually ever hold it like that.
No offense to anyone, I just dont see any issues with my hinge. I know it opens when I hold it like on video or upside down, but If I havent read some posts, I would never try it.
This is just my personal opinion on the "hinges"
The design is for the way we hold and use our phones.. I feel for you bro, but noone holds their phone at the angle your showing this at..
I have had no problem at all yet with the everyday use of this beast)
JD
Honestly, at first it bothered, but really, it really starts to make sense for me now how it acts. If our hinge would be stronger, it'd be more difficult to open it and might have us actually break it.
Also, when I hold it while typing, I instinctively put my index fingers along the side of the keyboard/screen (once it is opened) and type with my thumbs. That way, it's impossible for the screen to fold back in closed position.
When I pick up my phone, I really don't pick it up by only one of the parts (screen/base). It's actually quite heavy at 180g and if I don't want to drop it, I rather pick up nicely and firmly.
So, really, after 4 days with my phone, the thing that bothers me more now isn't the screen, but the weight difference between my old Samsung Galaxy S (with gel back) and the Z.
Actually, funny anecdote, while playing Angry Birds, I actually opened the keyboard so I had a better grip on the phone.
daft.71 said:
Honestly, at first it bothered, but really, it really starts to make sense for me now how it acts. If our hinge would be stronger, it'd be more difficult to open it and might have us actually break it.
Also, when I hold it while typing, I instinctively put my index fingers along the side of the keyboard/screen (once it is opened) and type with my thumbs. That way, it's impossible for the screen to fold back in closed position.
When I pick up my phone, I really don't pick it up by only one of the parts (screen/base). It's actually quite heavy at 180g and if I don't want to drop it, I rather pick up nicely and firmly.
So, really, after 4 days with my phone, the thing that bothers me more now isn't the screen, but the weight difference between my old Samsung Galaxy S (with gel back) and the Z.
Actually, funny anecdote, while playing Angry Birds, I actually opened the keyboard so I had a better grip on the phone.
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+1000000
QUOTE:Also, when I hold it while typing, I instinctively put my index fingers along the side of the keyboard/screen (once it is opened) and type with my thumbs. That way, it's impossible for the screen to fold back in closed position:END QUOTE
I could not have put it better myself....
JD
I think I'll just keep mine until we get confirmation that better-designed Desire Zs have been produced. The replacement is from HTC and not my supplier, so I should be able to do it at any time during the next 2 years... right?
Mine is pretty solid - I even text in bed and it doesn't fall. I have opened the keyboard once or twice by accident, which is quite funny..
Desire Z on Bell Canada Hinge problem
I have already gone through two DZ's and both have the "weak" hinge. Thankfully mine does not do what is shown in the Video in post #1, thats definitely a defect in my opinion. Just to compare notes on a relative basis here is what mine does.
When the phone is closed I turn it sideways (landscape) lift it from the bottom and then press on the left and right edges with my thumbs. The screen snaps nicely into place. If I then grap the device by the top two corners of the screen and lift it straight up and hold it perfectly horizontally the keyboard drops down. However, if I lift it up at a slight angle the keyboard remains "attached" to the screen. It seems as though there is a magnet of some kind holding it in place.
I instinctively hold it with forefingers and thumb to type much as I do on my Motorola Milestone which slides straight up and down and has no "hinge".
As for lying on my back and typing in Bed if I just hold the bottom portion keyboard along then the screen drops down. HOWEVER that is an extremely awkward way to type for anyone I would imagine.
The question is, did HTC design it to work in this way knowing that people "instinctively" do these types of actions in this way?? I am not sure they conduct such a detailed ergonomic study. There are people that have no hinge issues at all, but unless they apply specific tests as I did here it would be difficult to know if they are experiencing similar problems. If they are doing what comes naturally and holding it as nature intended then they would not deem that there are any problems.
Just my two cents.
This is worse than the "Is my trackpad wobbling?!" threads on CrackBerry. It's supposed to be loose so you can open it with one finger, according to HTC. If you don't like it, take it back (you can definitely get a refund, since it's only been out like 4 days or whatever) and get a new phone. Seriously. You want a stiff slide, get a Milestone, then you have nothing to complain about.
Bought 2 today, they're (identically!) quite loose. I was really worried before buying that I'm gonna get the 'loose one' but to be honest it's not an issue as it's a very weird way to hold your phone and like others said you instinctively hold the device with your thumb and index fingers as that's where they end up when you open the phone. Furthermore, if opened and held vertically just by the bottom, the top part stays in place and only drops down at ~40 deg angle, so unless you text a lot in bed while holding the phone upside down and holding it just by the bottom bit, you won't have a problem. If I lift it up like in the video (it's actually quite an effort) the parts will separate.
Yeah, mine is the same, but dont know why people are making such a big fuss on it, why not for example make a big fuss on the speaker quality instead?
Yeah the speaker is ****, its the one thing that is crap with this phone...
Sent from my Desire Z Beast
Did you ever think choosing a phone would be like choosing a girlfriend. At least with the Desire Z you can test it out in the shop to see if its loose before getting it home and having a nasty surprise lol XD
I never knew I had a hinge problem until I watched the videos. Some people have way to much time on their hands.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
I'm about 2 weeks in with my Epic. I love the phone, so I'm not going to get rid of it. I am having some issues and I wanted to ask you guys before I go back and get a replacement.
My top complaints:
1. Slider wobble. I'm pretty good about opening and closing the keyboard with two hands, so I'm not sure why it's wobbling. The left side is ok, but the right side (if help in portrait with the keyboard closed) wobbles a bit.
2. Dust in crevices. Not under the screen (yet?) But in the entire border of the screen, between it and the bevel. Not terrible but will it get worse?
3. Tinny earpiece. It rattles a bit on the high volumes. The speakerphone actually sounds better.
4. Charge time. If I'm using the phone and I'm connected to USB, I don't think it charges at all.
Most epics will have slight wobble. If it is severe wobble then get it replaced.
The phone wont charge on usb bc when we use it it uses more power than it takes in so that's why.
Dust in crevices can be easly cleaned can't it? idk why it ned to be replaced for that problem
Sent from my Epic 4G
I exchanged my first Epic because of a buzzing/rattling speaker at high volumes. Maybe test out another one before knowing for sure it is a defect (not just preference).
You have 30 days to get a perfect phone, so use that. The speaker alone would justify the return.
It took me a few returns before a got a perfect one. I wouldn't keep a phone with flaws. Return it and get one thats perfect.
Just a note, funny thing is, my perfect phone came in a form of a remanufactured phone from sprint using TEP
I replaced it this morning. Both the wobble and the earpiece are better!
Return it for a new 1. I went through about 5 Epics before coming across 1 with the best build quality. Keep in mind that I babied my first phones and they all eventually started to have a severe wobble when opened, and a vertical wobble (up down) when closed. These phones will wobble slightly when closed (screen will be a little loose from the keyboard) by design. With that said I've had this phone for about 3 months, don't baby it at all (but I do take care of it) and it's just as sturdy like the day I got it, no wobble at all. I wouldn't recommend a case since those might actually lend a hand in creating a noticeable wobble. If you're still under the 30 return policy... use it, it's your phone, your money, get the most out of your purchase
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Yes you should, with an EVO
There is already an active thread discussing the hinge issue. Please direct further discussion here. PS, you are lucky I did not just delete this entirely! ~TheRomMistress
Hey guys,
For those who own htc desire z, hows the hinge for you already? How long have you owned the device already?
Other than that, hows the speed performance for you guys? In terms of web browsing and opening applications?
Thanks for your time.
Sent from my HTC Desire
Speed for me is awesome, and I'm still at stock speed, not tried overclocking yet.
My hinge is fine, just the same as when I initially got the phone (about two and a half weeks ago).
Unless your phone is faulty, I think the only people who have a problem are some who want to use their phone while lying in bed and holding the phone right above them. I never use my phone like that.
steviewevie said:
I think the only people who have a problem are some who want to use their phone while lying in bed and holding the phone right above them. I never use my phone like that.
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I do use it like this, every night, and no problem at all. The design is not faulty. When you hold it like that above your face whilst in bed the way the hand and fingers hold the device the screen stays open and does not fall down at all.
Every night I use it like this!
ayewhy said:
I do use it like this, every night, and no problem at all. The design is not faulty. When you hold it like that above your face whilst in bed the way the hand and fingers hold the device the screen stays open and does not fall down at all.
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I know what you mean. I did actually try and the way I would hold the phone in that position it won't open for me either. Seems there are a few who hold their phone differently when laying down though, and then perhaps gravity means it does open.
steviewevie said:
...I think the only people who have a problem are some who want to use their phone while lying in bed and holding the phone right above them. I never use my phone like that.
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Not strictly true. My hinge is fine - had the phone 9 days now and it's still as tight as it started out. My only problem is that the top half of the phone is not tight against the bottom half when it's closed - causing a tapping when using the touchscreen. I'm ok when I have a gel case on it which keeps the two halves separate and cushioned. Only problem is that this case makes it difficult to type on the top row of keys. I have another hard case which is thinner, but does not eliminate the tapping problem. I'm waiting for another case to arrive from the US which is rubber - hopefully will cushion like the gel, but be thin like the hard case.
I opted not change the phone since I have been told others have the same problem, and I didn't want to risk getting a loose hinge AS WELL AS the tapping...
At the end of the day this phone is pretty effing awesome otherwise (aside from a few little software issues - which will be fixed by devs on XDA no doubt), and I'm sure I will solve this problem one way or another, whether it's with a particular case, or worst comes to worst, sticking some of sort of thin cushioning material to the bottom of the top half of the phone - any suggestions, please feel free to let me know!!
I do wish HTC had just gone with a normal slider though, and this phone would be perfect.
My DZ is exactly as setspeed described..
I would add that while holding the DZ without the case mentioned by setspeed, it feels a bit like holding two thin phones combined together rather than one phone.
its really not as bad as it sounds but i would have liked it if there was some sort of latch or something to hold the screen tight to the keyboard while the device is closed.
I have the phone for two weeks now.. for the first couple of days I put a rubber case on it (the black case that T-Mobile sell for the G2) but i removed it very quickly as i felt it gave the phone a very bulky feeling to it.. the case is not very thin and the DZ is not the lightest of phones.
Im on the lookout for a thinner case too.. it would be great if there was a clear one as-well..
setspeed, please post your thoughts on the new case after you try it out
I also thought of adding some cushioning material to the bottom of the screen, I'm on the lookout for that as-well..
other than that, my hinge holds the screen tight in place while the device is open.. the screen opening while the phone is upside down is really not an issue.
I haven't rooted my phone yet, i don't really feel the need to.. I compared it to the old desire i bought for my girlfriend.
I think that the new Sense UI is a bit heavier on the system and so there are some places i feel the old desire is faster.
for example, when dragging down the notification view from the top of the screen, the new Sense gives you a list of recent apps used. sometimes it needs to populate that list and so dragging down the notification view is not as fluent as on the old desire. its not an issue because once it populates the list, it runs smooth very smooth as-well.
I think there is also a bit of lag while scrolling through menus. the lag clears after first scroll and then it runs smoothly again.
I'm sure that there are some optimized roms out there that take care of those small issues.
I had a hard time deciding which phone to buy - the old desire or the Z..
I'm actually really happy with my decision..
Its a very very good phone
Hope you found my thoughts useful