Hey everyone,
(TLDR: go to last paragraph)
I was recently on this part of XDA asking about how to root the HTC Merge. Upon realizing that Verizon is an evil company from hell and that even unlocking its SIM will only allow me to use Edge, I had to give it up to someone who could use it and take care of it.
Now I'm in a dilemma. I currently use the HTC Fuze (Raphael/Touch Pro) and I truly want to switch to android really badly. I was looking at the Desire Z, but upon playing with it (Tmo's G2), I realized that I did not like the hinge mechanism and the optical pad mechanism. I played with the G2 for a good hour (well, until the store employees started giving me the stink eye) and I thought I would get used to these quirks, but I didn't.
So finally, the question is, if you could not get the G2 or Desire Z and want to get a phone as close to it as possible to it on a GSM network, what would your choice be?
Cheers!
Wait for dual core phones.
Nothing, that's why I have it. There's not really any other decent options with a hardware keyboard. The hinge isn't bad once you realize it wasn't designed to be stiff, and I *rarely* use the optical trackpad (like, maybe once a month, other than to wake/unlock).
I knew the hinge was not designed to be stiff. I had issues with it because playing with it, i happen to flp the hinge close on my fingers a few times because of the movement of handling the z. BUT, I must stress this, this is nothing but my opinion and my quirks so I am in no way shape or form saying the desire Z sucks.
The Mytouch 4g is similar spec wise but lacks a hardware keyboard. It also runs a sense ui rom but you can change that of course if you plan on rooting the phone. Another option is the Mytouch Slide 3g. I just upgraded mine to the G2 but the slide is still a nice phone. It isn't as high end as the g2, but I found it runs well and did most of what I wanted it to. It's keyboard slides straight up and down, it doesn't pop out in anyway. It does also have an optical trackpad but I got used to it (I came from a G1 with a trackball). It can do flash lite but it needs to be on a sense rom to do so. You can probably find one for $150-$200 on craigslist or ebay. I'd recommend the G2 over the slide but if the keyboard really irks you then maybe check out the slide.
I think the best alternative to the G2 is the MyTouch 4G. It has a front-facing camera, which is a nice feature.
Also I just saw the Cliq 2. Didn't look to much into it but it looks like a high end keyboard android phone.
mputtr said:
I knew the hinge was not designed to be stiff. I had issues with it because playing with it, i happen to flp the hinge close on my fingers a few times because of the movement of handling the z. BUT, I must stress this, this is nothing but my opinion and my quirks so I am in no way shape or form saying the desire Z sucks.
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1) the ones in the store get mistreated by everyone who comes in.
2) the ones in the store are connected to a spring loaded tether.
3) the ones in the store get mistreated by everyone who comes in.
ahah yes i know dhkr, but because it gets mistreated by everyone who comes in, it gives an indication of how the phone will perform years down the line.
and yeah, that tether is a massive pain the rear.
Unfortunately, if you want a hardware keyboard, your options are extremely limited, no matter what carrier you're looking at.
If the keyboard isn't a factor, the MyTouch 4G isn't *bad* (my wife has one), but it's significantly more plasticky than the G2. Of course there's the Vibrant /4G, but I personally don't care for Samsung's smartphones. They're typically way too plasticky, and they have horrid post-sale support (witness the lack of Froyo for the Galaxy S line, for instance).
What about the Vision variant that has a slide instead of the Z hinge?
HTC Vision? I still haven't seen it. If it's the same specs, i'll take a gander at it.
EDIT: I thought the Vision is the Desire Z (hinge and all) I was never aware of a variant that is a slide out.
you could get the Cliq 2, but you probably won't get much xda support.
yeah, the cliq 2 is interesting but motoblur is the ultimate deal breaker. I think I'll just have to get the Desire Z. I heard the European version does not support 3G on american bands, so if i want full use of the desire Z in both Thailand and the US, i'll have to get the US version right? (the unbranded one I mean, not G2)
EDIT: P.S I love you avatar
mputtr said:
yeah, the cliq 2 is interesting but motoblur is the ultimate deal breaker. I think I'll just have to get the Desire Z. I heard the European version does not support 3G on american bands, so if i want full use of the desire Z in both Thailand and the US, i'll have to get the US version right? (the unbranded one I mean, not G2)
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I don't thing HTC is selling the American Desire Z unlocked. I know that Telus (a Canadian carrier) has the Desire Z and you could buy it unlocked from them. I think Telus and AT&T have the same 3G bands. Or you could get the G2, but the only other carrier with the same 3G bands as T-Mobile US is WIND mobile in Canada.
KarlosTheJackal said:
What about the Vision variant that has a slide instead of the Z hinge?
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The HTC Merge? that apparently was canceled on Verizon and it's coming to Alltel later.
raydar670 said:
I don't thing HTC is selling the American Desire Z unlocked. I know that Telus (a Canadian carrier) has the Desire Z and you could buy it unlocked from them. I think Telus and AT&T have the same 3G bands. Or you could get the G2, but the only other carrier with the same 3G bands as T-Mobile US is WIND mobile in Canada.
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Well, apparently amazon claims that there's a NAM version that is unbranded. I don't trust it too much, but it has a model number and all that is different from the european version. I personally hate having carrier branding on my phone and especially carrier "customization" on it. I was hoping to get my hands on something that I will be able to make full use of in both countries.
besides. the cliq 2 looks like the The Thing (from Fantastic 4) would use.... hahaha
EDIT: Forgot to add. I got my hands on the Merge (the verizon one) for a few days when I tried to get it unlocked, but since I sold it to someone who uses Verizon, I can tell you that I'd take the merge over the Desire Z any day because it was physically the perfect phone for me. The slide out keyboard, the physical looks and the heft of it was perfect for me. Too bad it was for Verizon and you know what Verizon is like.....
mputtr said:
Well, apparently amazon claims that there's a NAM version that is unbranded. I don't trust it too much, but it has a model number and all that is different from the european version. I personally hate having carrier branding on my phone and especially carrier "customization" on it. I was hoping to get my hands on something that I will be able to make full use of in both countries.
besides. the cliq 2 looks like the The Thing (from Fantastic 4) would use.... hahaha
EDIT: Forgot to add. I got my hands on the Merge (the verizon one) for a few days when I tried to get it unlocked, but since I sold it to someone who uses Verizon, I can tell you that I'd take the merge over the Desire Z any day because it was physically the perfect phone for me. The slide out keyboard, the physical looks and the heft of it was perfect for me. Too bad it was for Verizon and you know what Verizon is like.....
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If the Amazon listing is straight from HTC I would trust it. And the Merge looks like a great phone. If only it was on T-Mobile
if it was on Tmobile, i'd snap it up so fast it would look like the road runner is going backwards at lightspeed.
but I still need to make sure I can get the Desire Z that can use 3G in both the US and asia..... is there a way to find that out?
mputtr said:
if it was on Tmobile, i'd snap it up so fast it would look like the road runner is going backwards at lightspeed.
but I still need to make sure I can get the Desire Z that can use 3G in both the US and asia..... is there a way to find that out?
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Which 3G bands are you referring to? If you want Tmobile 3G you have to get the G2. If you want AT&T 3G and international 3G get the AT&T Desire Z.
Related
Ok ok so I really want this phone but I don't care for the look of the Sprint version here in the states. It's fatter and bland, tacky looking... I'd like to get an imported one and use it on either T-Mobile or AT&T... I've heard some folks say that only Edge is possible on AT&T with the current model that's out but I'm wondering if you guys know any different? I'd be willing to use this on T-Mobile US or AT&T as long as I could get the 3g speeds... Are there any version of the Hero out right now or that have been confirmed coming out in the near future (within the next 30 days) that will be able to be used on AT&T or T-Mobile?
No - what you've heard is correct. At present, if you're in the US and want a Hero with 3G, it's either the Sprint Hero or nothing. However, there isn't really a whole lot of difference hardware wise between the Hero and the MyTouch 3G.
Regards,
Dave
I've read that the hardware is similar but I was kinda pining for the Sense UI which is what really got me excited about Android... before that I wasn't a huge Android fan. I'm all about the UI
I wonder if there is a way to install sense on a mytouch? Also as far as I know the US version of all other android phones only come in white and not black or dark gray which is what I would want. I could be wrong about that though.
-Michael
There are custom Hero roms for the MT3G.
Well the main reason I wanted the European version aside from the 3g instead of the CDMA was the look of the hero... the MT3G doesn't have the chin and thin/sleek design that I like.
the hero wont work at all in the US? or just no 3g?
I am currently using the Hero on AT&T, you will not get the 3G band. The phone works great on Edge and I dont seem to see any speed difference from my 3GS Iphone.
mtwilford said:
I am currently using the Hero on AT&T, you will not get the 3G band. The phone works great on Edge and I dont seem to see any speed difference from my 3GS Iphone.
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how's it working out for you? i recently bought a Hero and i was deciding between that and the iPhone 3GS (coming from a HTC Touch Pro / Windows Mobile user). i'm also on AT&T so i' going to be going from 3G to Edge.
I would wait...
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/07/02/htc-hero-hits-fcc-with-us-3g/
Note that this is a different model than the CDMA version that Sprint has. I think there are 3 possible things that will happen:
The Hero will be sold in an unlocked North American version.
The Hero will go to AT&T.
The Hero will go to Rogers, the Canadian mobile company that currently sells the Dream and Magic/Sapphire.
i have a problem. my hero arrived yesterday and i have at&t (us) and under phone status it works just fine. it shows i'm running edge, phone calls work. but when i try to go online and use any kind of data connection it doesn't work, anyone know what's going on? everything works on wifi but it doesn't pick up a data connection on edge when it says edge on phone status.
FIXED: nvm, i figured out i had to input the APN settings manually since the phone came unlocked from China.
Just buy a rogers HTC Magic and put one of the many hero roms on it. The rogers one has the same 3g bands as at&t. The only difference is the 3.5 not there and only a 3MP camera but I really don't see a difference in the 3MP and the 5MP. Atleast not from the magin & hero compared.
hey guys.
lets start with some background for a second...
i havent been here in over like 9 months, i used to own an htc touch pro (at&t fuze) but shortly moved on to a blackberry, then an iphone...... and now ffffiiinally, i am sooooo ready for a fresh start with a new device and a new OS and feel. Thus, i chose android, because i think it is gonna be the future of phones. and i like the customization ability and the openness..
now. i live in the US. i have at&t.
i want a magic and a hero, but cannot have both.
i know they are virtually the same, hardware wise, but the hero's 5MP cam over the magic's 3.2, and the hero's 3.5mm headphone jack have me at a loss, because that makes me want the hero bad. but i cannot seem to get my hands on a hero with at&t 3G, which is 850/1900.
the magic on the other hand, i have found a version that possess american 3G.
so i'd either have to choose the hero, with a couple better specs and NO at&t 3G, or the magic, with the camera that gets the job done and no HS jack, BUT has at&t 3G. (Sense UI isnt something im worried about because i can get that on a magic easy peasy)
so im torn.
help me decide. and i'll love you.
The cameras in use are meant to be much of a muchness and an adaptor to 3.5 is not the end of the world either. I went the magic cause here the hero(with chin) is plain ugly
Have you looked into unlocked TELUS HTC Hero? Those versions have the AT&T bands. It also has the European version's chassis so it has the Jay Leno chin.
be sure if you get magic to get the 32A version with 3G
yea. thanks guys. i went with an unlocked magic from rogers. so, when it gets here i'll be back!
thanks!
Ok so at first I had the Sprint Hero. HATED IT WITH A PASSION. I disliked the look (looked cheap and tacky) as well as the button placement was very annoying. I love the way the original Hero looks with the chin and slick colors... Now that Telus has the Hero with the original look I have a chance to get it and unlock it to use on At&T's fast 3G network and still keep the look I like. The only issue is it costs $400 for an unlocked Hero. My only other option is the Eris the buttons are placed fine and it looks 'OK' but the thing is does this limit my options on what I can do with it? I'm talking about as far as testing different ROMS and flashing etc... I know when the Sprint came out, things had to be made compatible with the Sprint version before you could use them etc... But I'm guessing since the Telus version is pretty much the European version with the added US radio, it can accept any mode pretty much made for the Hero... Is this true for the Eris as well or do I have to get Eris specific mods and wait for ROMS to be compatible etc...? Any guidance would be helpful.
I would go with the Telus Hero on AT&T.
Why waste time with an old CDMA network
Well, it has CDMA only and it probably has a few hardware differences - that means you couldn't use the standard MoDaCo ROMs (he has a CDMA variant) and expect everything to work. Most of the customization work so far has been with the GSM Hero so the Telus Hero would be your best bet, with the number of people playing around with it. Also, you have the old problem of talk or data with the Verizon CDMA network - not both.
Another key thing is you have the price wrong. A telus hero is gonna cost easily 550 or more. Plus the unlock fee unless you buy one preunlocked.
edit: lied you can get for 540 at puremobile, which im excited for now since i dont have to do an ebay crap shoot, or pay way more 630 plus shipping from importgsm
Hi all
I love my UK HD2 especially since i've put it on Android but unfortunately i have to get rid of it as the limitation on cellular bands is a problem....
Recently moved to Canada where the provider i use (fido/rogers) operates 3G on 850/1900Mhz. The UK HD2 unfortunately does it on 900/2100Mhz so it falls back to the 2G network (GSM) when in Canada which is terrible for speed.
I need a phone which can do 850/1900/2100Mhz which i believe the Samsung Galaxy S Captivate and the Dell Streak can do.
Wondered if anyone had any opinions on these android phones or other phones which might suit? I need something as close as poss to the HD2 with the large screen, slim design but something that runs android only. I dont like the Desire Z.
Appreciate any advice
Latz
As far as size goes you can't go wrong with the Dell Streak. Haven't read the reviews on that one yet but I have heard its a good phone. Myself, I would go with the Captivate if thats an option on Fido. Or see what other good Android phones they have. Really though, no matter the choice you'll find support on these boards. Hope your search goes well.
Cheers
Dell streak is big , but too big if you really want to use it as a phone, having personally used it, its way big when using it daily, plus you have to carry it in your hand, Captivate, Bell Vibrant or Desire(screen is small)
id say if u really love yer HD2 then get the telstra T9193 version. thats the same bands as AT&T, rogers, the telstra one works here for me just fine. i just bought mine off ebay thursday and picked it yesterday. guy was locally in chicago couldnt belive it!!
EDIT: i just sent u a link to one being sold in canada right now
Desire HD?
azlan96 said:
Desire HD?
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When I was in Canada, March 2010, they were having a launch party for the HTC Hero. It had been out in the UK for months, after looking at the selection of phones in Fido, Rogers and Bell, I decided that Canada was at least three months behind the curve. Although, that's just my opinion.
In light of that, I'm unsure if the Desire HD is out in Canada, I'll ask the missus to have a look.
Thanks for all your suggestions, I need something that can do all 3 bands else it won't work when I go back to the UK :-( I think the Telstra version of the HD2 is band limited too so whilst it will work in Canada I'll have the same problem in reverse when I go back to the UK :-(
Why oh why did they limit these phones :-( :-(
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look at all that you guys have suggested so far... I'll be really upset to leave HTC though.... I'll have a 'normal' phone :-(
Nokia N8 Pentaband, thats the phone you want
My Hero worked in the UK and Canada, but it's not a replacement for the HD2 by any means. I don't know what to suggest, except looking for the bands and typing them into Google, with your other specs. I know my friends Desire worked there too (I say Canada, I mean Vancouver specifically).
I'd say go for the Samsung Galaxy S. It's an awesome device and it doesn't seem to be riddled with hardware issues like every HTC phone seems to be lately. I think I'm switching my HD2 to one once I get it back from warranty repairs (third time this year, mind you). The only major thing with the Galaxy S is that the 3rd party software modifications can be a little retarded and the phone doesn't feel as solid physically as a HD2 for example.
Yes I must admit I'm growing more and more partial to the Samsung Galaxy range.... They have a 4" screen so I'm losing a little bit off our HD2 but not too much.
One thing I was concerened about was the benchmarking..... whilst I know this is not something of a real-world concern, it amazed me that the HD2 running Droid from the SD Card could manage no less than 35 MFLOPS compared to the Galaxy's Hummingbird... still spec'd as a 1ghz processor..... managed only 8 MFLOPS?
See article here:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/...ew-shootout-captivate-for-atandt-and-vibrant/
I've just switched carriers from AT&T to tmobile and I really like the htc Vision. The aluminum trim has plenty of scuffs, but the screen is in perfect condition and I have replaced the spring so the device feels tight, and the earpiece so the sound is excellent. Phone is rooted and unlocked. Would anybody be interested in trading even?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
damn i really wish you wouldve posted this a few weeks earlier, im not in the states anymore and no carriers have tmobile bands here in central america i wanted to get a 850 mhz DZ
how much are you willing to sell i might have a friend that wants one