Hi everyone,
I'm looking for a replacement for my N95 which borked and am quite intrigued by the HTC Touch HD or Blackstone so thought I would join on here.
One of the features I liked about my N95 was the ability to browse the web so that is why I am drawn to this phone. I also like the idea of having lots of features and functionality.
One thing I can't find out though is how good it is at being a normal phone (I don't know if saying 'normal phone' is sacreligious around here). I do quite like phoning people and also texting people. I have seen the keyboard being demoed and the regular T9 keypad looked quite thumbable, is it? How does it compare to that of the Samsung Omnia because I have tried texting on that and I found that quite easy and I very much liked the haptics response. Also, I have no idea what happens when you do receive a text, or a phone call. With a text does a big screen come up saying you have a text and all you need is one click to read the text and one more to reply or is it a very long winded process?
I am planning to go into town tomorrow and although I might not find a Touch HD to try I will hopefully find some other HTC like the Diamond which I believe has Touch 3D, so if I like that would the Blackstone be right for me?
To be absolutely honest: as a REAL phone (texting and calling people)...it is not as good as a real phone with a phone keyboard. For that experience, get an old candybar Nokia. But then again, iphone or any other phone (including ttyn's and others with slide-out keyboards) don't have that level of dedicated, made-for-phone-use feeling. An all touchscreen phone, and/or a WM pocketpc just lose a little in pure phone functionality.
HOWEVER, you don't loose too much, although you'll need some extra programs. Like TouchResponse (it's free and it's great ), for some haptic feedback when you press keys, and you'll need to take the time to set up WM/TouchFlo2/3d to your liking.
As for recieving txt's; you open the phone, click on the txt button (ribbon on the bottom, third onscreen button) and viola, you see the txt you just recieved...oneclick operation (maybe two if you have to power the screen on if you'r way too late in getting the phone).
All that said and done: it is a decent phone, but THE BEST pda+phone Internet rocks (try a few different browsers though ) with an awesome screen. Contacts could use some work though (or find a replacement app...I'm still looking), but sms and dialer are fine, if not very special.
Anyway, me personally, I'm quite happy with my Touch HD
PS:The camera is technically good, but in real life it sucks as it takes too long from registering the screenpress to actually taking a picture, rendering it useless unless taking a picture of a nonmoving building.
First of all - welcome to the forum!!!
mike_dangerous said:
...how good it is at being a normal phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not had any problems with it as a phone. I hear people fine, they hear me fine, and so far no calls have been cut/lost.
I have seen the keyboard being demoed and the regular T9 keypad looked quite thumbable, is it? How does it compare to that of the Samsung Omnia because I have tried texting on that and I found that quite easy and I very much liked the haptics response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have only tested the Omnia at stores, and I think the keyboard on the HD is better. The Omnia has the space bar in strange location toward the right of the keyboard. That kind of bugged me.
To read more about the HD keyboard, see this thread. There you will also find a couple of youtube videos along with lots of responses and opinions from different users.
Also, I have no idea what happens when you do receive a text, or a phone call. With a text does a big screen come up saying you have a text and all you need is one click to read the text and one more to reply or is it a very long winded process?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll post some screenshots showing:
Pic Nr. 1: Home screen - normal
Pic Nr. 2: An SMS arriving (no big screen, just a signal/vibration and a green little call box with the number of messages unread (at the bottom) as well as an envelope icon on the top bar.
Pic Nr. 3: After tapping on the green call box - opens up sms tab
Pic Nr. 4: Tapping on the message itself in Pic 3 opens up this window to respond to the sms
Pic Nr. 5: If in Pic 3 you tap on Menu instead of on the message text, you get these options (New, Answer, Forward, Delete)
Pic Nr. 6: A call arriving (I blurred the number). Use the slider to accept/reject or use the grey button below them to stop the ringer. You can also turn the phone face down on a surface (desk, table) to make the ringer stop. If you have a picture of the person calling, you will see the picture instead of the "anonymous" picture you see here.
Also, if you press on "Text" at the bottom left, the sms application opens up with a predefined text to send to that caller. In settings, you can type whatever you want that text to be. For example, "I can't answer your call right now. I will contact you as soon as possible". That's pretty handy, I think.
Pic Nr. 7: Home screen showing you missed a call. Notice the new text under the clock (picture is in German) and the red phone icon on the top bar.
KEEP IN MIND that these pictures show colored icons in the top bar. That is done with third-party software. I can attach the .cab files to this post if you want (one for the green battery with % charge on it and another for the other icons).
One downfall is that after you miss an sms or a call, you are not continuously reminded of that. You can set it so the tiny LED light on the top of the phone (next to the power button) blinks for a given period of time (or indefinitely) until you have looked at your missed call or text message. However, other than that, you need third party software for the phone to remind you through sound or vibration every few minutes after missing a call or sms.
I am planning to go into town tomorrow and although I might not find a Touch HD to try I will hopefully find some other HTC like the Diamond which I believe has Touch 3D, so if I like that would the Blackstone be right for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HD and Diamond are very similar as far as TouchFlo 3D. There are some differences - for example the Weather tab, Stocks tab etc... But it will give you an overall idea of the HD. It would be best of course if you actually get an HD to test.
Here is a good review of the HD with lots of screenshots. Check it out.
http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=1111
Nice write up from Chris Cross. The only things I'd like to add refer to the differences between the Diamond/Pro and the HD. I saw a Diamond a few weeks before I found an HD and I thought it was nicely small and sleek. The HD by comparison feels big and heavy but it's still a lovely piece of hardware. If you try the Diamond in a shop you won't discover how much easier it is to use the on-screen keyboards on the larger HD screen. People also seem to report that the screen brightness and sensitivity are better on the HD.
I guess all I'm saying is that the Diamond won't necessarily sell you the HD experience.
Are you anywhere near Sussex?
mike_dangerous said:
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for a replacement for my N95 which borked and am quite intrigued by the HTC Touch HD or Blackstone so thought I would join on here.
One of the features I liked about my N95 was the ability to browse the web so that is why I am drawn to this phone. I also like the idea of having lots of features and functionality.
One thing I can't find out though is how good it is at being a normal phone (I don't know if saying 'normal phone' is sacreligious around here). I do quite like phoning people and also texting people. I have seen the keyboard being demoed and the regular T9 keypad looked quite thumbable, is it? How does it compare to that of the Samsung Omnia because I have tried texting on that and I found that quite easy and I very much liked the haptics response. Also, I have no idea what happens when you do receive a text, or a phone call. With a text does a big screen come up saying you have a text and all you need is one click to read the text and one more to reply or is it a very long winded process?
I am planning to go into town tomorrow and although I might not find a Touch HD to try I will hopefully find some other HTC like the Diamond which I believe has Touch 3D, so if I like that would the Blackstone be right for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Part of the answer to your question will dpend on you - on the face of it, a transition from N95 to HD is much more extreme than from a Diamond to an HD.
As many others have said on this forum, if you are well versed in 'optimising' WM6 then the HD is a great platform on which to stamp your preferences. If you want out of the box...
I wouldn't say 'no' but please do go into any decision with your eyes open - I have had many mates over the years who have loved the various XDA-type devices I have shown them but when they get their hands on one of their own it all becomes a bit too much.
SiliconS said:
Are you anywhere near Sussex?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean near as being in the UK then yes but if you mean near as in being able to travel there easily then no.
Chris Cross said:
First of all - welcome to the forum!!!
I have not had any problems with it as a phone. I hear people fine, they hear me fine, and so far no calls have been cut/lost.
I have only tested the Omnia at stores, and I think the keyboard on the HD is better. The Omnia has the space bar in strange location toward the right of the keyboard. That kind of bugged me.
To read more about the HD keyboard, see this thread. There you will also find a couple of youtube videos along with lots of responses and opinions from different users.
I'll post some screenshots showing:
Pic Nr. 1: Home screen - normal
Pic Nr. 2: An SMS arriving (no big screen, just a signal/vibration and a green little call box with the number of messages unread (at the bottom) as well as an envelope icon on the top bar.
Pic Nr. 3: After tapping on the green call box - opens up sms tab
Pic Nr. 4: Tapping on the message itself in Pic 3 opens up this window to respond to the sms
Pic Nr. 5: If in Pic 3 you tap on Menu instead of on the message text, you get these options (New, Answer, Forward, Delete)
Pic Nr. 6: A call arriving (I blurred the number). Use the slider to accept/reject or use the grey button below them to stop the ringer. You can also turn the phone face down on a surface (desk, table) to make the ringer stop. If you have a picture of the person calling, you will see the picture instead of the "anonymous" picture you see here.
Also, if you press on "Text" at the bottom left, the sms application opens up with a predefined text to send to that caller. In settings, you can type whatever you want that text to be. For example, "I can't answer your call right now. I will contact you as soon as possible". That's pretty handy, I think.
Pic Nr. 7: Home screen showing you missed a call. Notice the new text under the clock (picture is in German) and the red phone icon on the top bar.
KEEP IN MIND that these pictures show colored icons in the top bar. That is done with third-party software. I can attach the .cab files to this post if you want (one for the green battery with % charge on it and another for the other icons).
One downfall is that after you miss an sms or a call, you are not continuously reminded of that. You can set it so the tiny LED light on the top of the phone (next to the power button) blinks for a given period of time (or indefinitely) until you have looked at your missed call or text message. However, other than that, you need third party software for the phone to remind you through sound or vibration every few minutes after missing a call or sms.
The HD and Diamond are very similar as far as TouchFlo 3D. There are some differences - for example the Weather tab, Stocks tab etc... But it will give you an overall idea of the HD. It would be best of course if you actually get an HD to test.
Here is a good review of the HD with lots of screenshots. Check it out.
http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=1111
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, those screenshots are really useful because I don't think I have seen anything like that anywhere and it looks fairly easy to handle when receiving a call etc. On the screen where it shows the message you received, there is a button with the message sign and a pencil can you press this to reply with one click or is it for something else?
iain.fraser said:
Part of the answer to your question will dpend on you - on the face of it, a transition from N95 to HD is much more extreme than from a Diamond to an HD.
As many others have said on this forum, if you are well versed in 'optimising' WM6 then the HD is a great platform on which to stamp your preferences. If you want out of the box...
I wouldn't say 'no' but please do go into any decision with your eyes open - I have had many mates over the years who have loved the various XDA-type devices I have shown them but when they get their hands on one of their own it all becomes a bit too much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the thing that I like about the Windows Mobiles is that they can be easily customised. I know they aren't the most finger friendly phones but all I really need my fingers for is ordinary phone use, which the Touch HD looks like it has got down to a tee.
I heard that microsoft will possibly launch WM7 somewhere in the not too distant future. Is it likely that HTC will offer an upgrade (free?) to this or will it be stuck on WM6.1? I have heard they did something similar for previous windows upgrades.
mike_dangerous said:
Thanks, those screenshots are really useful because I don't think I have seen anything like that anywhere and it looks fairly easy to handle when receiving a call etc. On the screen where it shows the message you received, there is a button with the message sign and a pencil can you press this to reply with one click or is it for something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. Before I got my HD I also wanted to see screenshots of different things.
To answer your question...
The button with a message sign and a pencil is to start a brand new message where you would later have to choose a recipient.
If you want to answer to the person that sent you the message, then just tap on the message itself and it will open up a reply window where all you have to do is type the message and press send (that is what picture 4 shows. Also, notice the thin gray line across the screen with the cursor blinking below it - well, you don't see it blinking in the picture That is where your response text would show). All messages and your responses are stored in a chat style thread. The other person's messages begin with the green bold text, and your sent responses (which you don't see in my pictures) start in blue bold text. In that window (Pic 4) you can hide the keyboard if you want to see more of the screen. You can choose to delete an entire thread or just an entry in a thread.
That is the thing that I like about the Windows Mobiles is that they can be easily customised. I know they aren't the most finger friendly phones but all I really need my fingers for is ordinary phone use, which the Touch HD looks like it has got down to a tee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. And along with that, you have the typical buggy occurrences that come with Windows. So, be ready for those too. But, they're not too bad - in my opinion.
I heard that microsoft will possibly launch WM7 somewhere in the not too distant future. Is it likely that HTC will offer an upgrade (free?) to this or will it be stuck on WM6.1? I have heard they did something similar for previous windows upgrades.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last I read is that you would see new phones with it in stores at the end of 2009 or early 2010. But you know how that can change. I would assume you could upgrade, but I doubt it would be a free upgrade.
Well I managed to try the phone in an Orange Shop today and I do really like it. The biggest problem I found was the lack of haptics when typing on the keyboard (it was there on the TouchFlo3D buttons and the "hardware" buttons but no where else. Is this something that can be added?
Thing is I want to get the phone right now, but this would mean my dad getting the contract which could really cause problems in the long run. So I am comtemplating getting a cheap everyday phone for a month until I become the magic age and then getting it on a contract with no hindrance from my dad at all. This would also give me a phone to use at parties and things. Is this a wise move, the problem I forsee is that choices will be even harder in Feb.
You can add third party software to make it vibrate whenever you touch the screen. TouchResponse is one option. I don't use anything like that, so I don't know if there are some that vibrate only with the keyboard. To be honest, it would annoy me for it to vibrate every time I touch the screen even when the keyboard is not there. Also, I don't know if programs like Spb Keyboard have that option for the keyboard only.
Yeah, wait til February. That way, you'll have your own contract, no conflicts with your dad, and you will probably even get a better deal on the HD by then. Time will go by fast and before you know it, it will be HD time!
I just hope that it remains the phone that I really want as things may change. The only disadvantage I see is that O2 might have got their grubby paws all over it by then and it will only be available with their firmware on it which would make it very uninviting.
Maybe by February HTC will have updated the firmware to include haptics on the keypads but other than that I liked the phone.
Go to pocketnow.com and read the full review and that will help make your mind & if that does not then forget it!
I don't doubt that I don't want it, and I want it right now. Its just more practical to wait, saves having to transfer a contract etc etc.
As to some previous replies... yes, with the built in TouchFlo3D and the built in keyboards it's far away from a normal Nokia or SonyEriccsson phone...
I am happier with my phone just with SPB Mobile Shell (Excellent phone like contacts searching, and faster than ANY other phone when needing to find a contact) and PCM Keyboard (best tradeoff between touch friendly keys and size on screen space). Personal preference always.
Also, there are free apps to do some stuff that normal 50euro phones take for granted (like sending group messages and setting alarms etc etc) and then you can make the phone closer to a normal Nokia one, while having all the additional features of Windows.
My 2c
MacDegger said:
PS:The camera is technically good, but in real life it sucks as it takes too long from registering the screenpress to actually taking a picture, rendering it useless unless taking a picture of a nonmoving building.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no problem taking picture of fast moving vehicle at all, and the screenpress is fast enough.
This is one of the pictures I have taken. It looks sharp and clear to me.
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"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Has anyone notice the following quirks on the Imagio? Trying to determine if I got a lemon and need to exchange:
1 -Unusually bright background with the default settings. It seems like if a picture has black image in the camera, the device is able to display the black, but just in general use, as you slide the slider to the different views, it appears that each of the pages has a very bright (almost white) background.
2 - Characters not appearing when typing on IE or Opera: It seems that when you type something into the IE or Opera, there's either a severe delay in displaying what is typed or it just won't show at all until you hide the keyboard.
3 - Screen rotation: One of the things that was nice about the touch pro 2 (yes, I traded mine in for the imagio) is that when you slid out the keyboard, the device would rotate the screen. Given that the imagio doesn't have a slide out keyboard, I would have assumed they'd have built in the screen rotation as a default for every screen. Is mine not working properly or is this something everyone is noticing.
Just some of the things I've noticed so far (only had it for 2 days). I'm sure I'll find more
Oh - has anyone found any screen protectors and a iPhone-ish case for these things yet?
I don't see the first two quirks you listed on my phone.
The third is a known problem, and can be fixed with an app called: gyrator
yatman60 said:
3 - Screen rotation: One of the things that was nice about the touch pro 2 (yes, I traded mine in for the imagio) is that when you slid out the keyboard, the device would rotate the screen. Given that the imagio doesn't have a slide out keyboard, I would have assumed they'd have built in the screen rotation as a default for every screen. Is mine not working properly or is this something everyone is noticing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not a problem. The phone is designed only to rotate in certain programs. If you want to have more control over that, there are other programs out there to make changes, like the person before me mentioned.
yatman60 said:
Has anyone notice the following quirks on the Imagio? Trying to determine if I got a lemon and need to exchange:
1 -Unusually bright background with the default settings. It seems like if a picture has black image in the camera, the device is able to display the black, but just in general use, as you slide the slider to the different views, it appears that each of the pages has a very bright (almost white) background.
2 - Characters not appearing when typing on IE or Opera: It seems that when you type something into the IE or Opera, there's either a severe delay in displaying what is typed or it just won't show at all until you hide the keyboard.
3 - Screen rotation: One of the things that was nice about the touch pro 2 (yes, I traded mine in for the imagio) is that when you slid out the keyboard, the device would rotate the screen. Given that the imagio doesn't have a slide out keyboard, I would have assumed they'd have built in the screen rotation as a default for every screen. Is mine not working properly or is this something everyone is noticing.
Just some of the things I've noticed so far (only had it for 2 days). I'm sure I'll find more
Oh - has anyone found any screen protectors and a iPhone-ish case for these things yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1- Camera sounds like a lemon
2 - keyboard driver is messed up, hard reset and you should be gtg (had same problem with that extracted diamond2 keyboard on my touch pro)
3 - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=572841
Thanks for the info Sweeny. I should clarify item 1 in that it's not isolated to the camera so much as it's isolated to the background intesity on the LCD. I took a side-by-side comparison picture against the Touch Pro 2 (which seemed to be working very well) and sent it into HTC when I filed a bug with them.
Hopefully they'll tell me the phone is defective and I can request a replacement from Verizon. Otherwise, something needs to be fixed on HTC's side.
The better description is that it's like someone took an LCD TV and just cranked up the brightness on it. So instead of having a black background, you have a high intensity gray background.
One more quirk...
Here is a different quirk: On the device lock page (the slider), it has a "1" next to the lock picture. This is supposed to be for new emails/texts/messages/calls, but I don't have any. When I do get a new call (etc.), it shows as '2'. Why does it think I have a new message (or whatever)? Is there a way to reset it?
sdph said:
Here is a different quirk: On the device lock page (the slider), it has a "1" next to the lock picture. This is supposed to be for new emails/texts/messages/calls, but I don't have any. When I do get a new call (etc.), it shows as '2'. Why does it think I have a new message (or whatever)? Is there a way to reset it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use TouchFLO, do you show a 1 on any of the tabs like messaging? Or if you go to Start, All Applications, and launch Messaging, do you see a 1 next to any of the accounts?
I have the same issue, I have 1 new email showing on the email screen. I have no email accounts setup on the phone, I use a seperate app for my work email. I'd love to know how to reset the counter.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?u...ield-keywords=imagio+screen+protector&x=0&y=0
hold out for the mirror screen protector. i had one for my omnia and they are amazing. easy to install and virtually scratch proof.
dot45 said:
I have the same issue, I have 1 new email showing on the email screen. I have no email accounts setup on the phone, I use a seperate app for my work email. I'd love to know how to reset the counter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this little file. It worked when I had an unread SMS I couldn't get rid of.
http://www.freewareppc.com/download/communication/fixunreadcount.shtml
Use link 2.
I have noticed the same thing too. It seems like the SMS messenger via Touch Flo is totally updated from from the Touch Pro 2 and I'd have to say I think it's been "down"-dated.
fwaits said:
If you use TouchFLO, do you show a 1 on any of the tabs like messaging? Or if you go to Start, All Applications, and launch Messaging, do you see a 1 next to any of the accounts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same SMS showing 1 issue and was able to resolve it. I posted what worked for me here:
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?p=1233990#post1233990
jeff_roey said:
I had the same SMS showing 1 issue and was able to resolve it. I posted what worked for me here:
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?p=1233990#post1233990
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep I've posted that little tool as well, and it has worked for me in the past as well.
Hello, I'm new in this forum but I don't own an htc hd2 yet, but i have a question about the keyboard, you know the keyboard and your typing a text message and the keyboard has the arrows that you can tap on it and fix the text if your missing something, well besides using the arrows I'm wondering if you can tap on the text message and fix it like the iphone keyboard does you would know what I mean when you see this video please look for it on youtube "iPhone Keyboard Video" (1:25 to 1:40) it is the first video the guy in black.
any ideas please let me know because I'm buying the hd2 next month
thank you
No, there is no magnifying glass. you can tap roughly in the area you want to correct and then use the arrows.
But its nothing like the iphone keyboard.
MidnightDraven said:
No, there is no magnifying glass. you can tap roughly in the area you want to correct and then use the arrows.
But its nothing like the iphone keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually, there is (something similar at least)
http://www.cabcache.com/view_reg.asp?reg=16
check this link, there's also a short video:
http://images.google.ro/imgres?imgu...l=ro&sa=G&rlz=1C1GGLS_roRO358RO358&tbs=isch:1
thank u guyz u rockk
I use Chrome Remote Desktop to log into my computer at home and I've noticed that controlling the mouse arrow has been pretty difficult. When I move the mouse (by swiping around the screen on the phone) and then lift up, the arrow would jump slightly off center. This makes it hard to precisely select text or even clicking links.
I tried TeamViewer and it seems to work better but it's not as precise as my OnePlus One ironically (notorious for touch screen issues).
Give it a try, I'm curious if anyone else notices somethign similar.
tracerit said:
I use Chrome Remote Desktop to log into my computer at home and I've noticed that controlling the mouse arrow has been pretty difficult. When I move the mouse (by swiping around the screen on the phone) and then lift up, the arrow would jump slightly off center. This makes it hard to precisely select text or even clicking links.
I tried TeamViewer and it seems to work better but it's not as precise as my OnePlus One ironically (notorious for touch screen issues).
Give it a try, I'm curious if anyone else notices somethign similar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same issue here, and I also came from a OnePlus One. I have to tell you it is really annoying.
I find that using the tip of the finger (pointed straight down instead of at at angle) will have better results but it's still not precise. No touch screen issues with using the phone otherwise for other stuff.
Glad to know I'm not the only one who noticed this problem.