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I am stuck between three phones that I want until I truly upgrade in August. I don't know what I want between the Tilt 2, the Pure or Motorola Backflip. I have done tons of research for all of these phones and I don't know which one I really want. What I should get?(Please don't be bias!)
Skip-Breezy said:
I am stuck between three phones that I want until I truly upgrade in August. I don't know what I want between the Tilt 2, the Pure or Motorola Backflip. I have done tons of research for all of these phones and I don't know which one I really want. What I should get?(Please don't be bias!)
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Oh that's an easy question. You just get the one that has the keyboard that feels the best when you play with it (which you have done, right?). Or, get the one that has the OS that feels the best to you. Or, find one that's both. Or.. ok, maybe it's not such an easy question (hint, hint)
My very biased opinion is that if you want a WinMo phone, you should get the Tilt 2.
If you want an Android keyboard phone...I guess the backflip but I have no knowledge of that phone good or bad.
Actually I take it back, you should get the Tilt 2 regardless (it can even run Android, just for fun)
Are you saying what phone should you get in August?
If so, there will be tons of new phones then, so do not decide now.
If you're going to upgrade all the way in August, you shouldn't really be deciding what phone you want now. By then, AT&T should have more Android phones, their own version of the Palm Pre, and hopefully a new lineup for their Windows Mobile devices, like the HTC Tera (Touch Pro3).
You might even want to wait until October, since that's typically when AT&T gets their new sliding keyboard Windows Mobile device, like the Rhodium, and the Raphael before that, and the Kaiser before that, and the Wizard before that, and so on. By the time you upgrade, it's likely that the whole playing field will have changed significantly, so don't lock yourself into a device just yet when there's still plenty that can change between now and then.
Just get the TP2... a friend of mine went from the iphone to the backflip and can't stand it.. The screens small. That said.. Pure is a good phone BUT no keyboard...
Also.. at the rate the android development is going you'll be able to run android in full by the time you're ready to upgrade *lets hope at least*
Right now theres some things missing but I'm able to run adroid 2.1 pretty smooth on my tilt2.
You can read about it here ---> Touch Pro2, Tilt 2 Android Development
All that is missing is:
•BT
•Sound (in call mic and earpiece work, no ringtones or music)
•GPS
•Camera
•Opengles: using software rendering for the time being.
•Battery Meter
Which yes those seem fairly important but keep in mind you STILL have the full fledged Winmo able to run as well... so why get the backflip when you can have android running on this phone?
Just my food for thought!
If you're in the mood for a phone that runs JUST android then you may want to look at this Dell Aero Phone (AT&T)
Built-in 5.0-megapixel camera lets users share snapshots and upload them to Facebook, Flickr, Picassa, YouTube and TwitPic
Large 3.5-inch nHD display, perfect for watching media
Stay connected with social networking apps such as Facebook with an integrated phonebook and events that sync to the calendar
PC-like Web browsing experience with Flash Lite support for streaming audio and video content
Integrated Wi-Fi technology to connect to 20,000 AT&T hotspots
Navigate using the onboard GPS system while talking handsfree
Sorry if this has been addressed but I searched and have not seen any updates in days, and those were just interested people no developers. Have all the developers given on this? Very disappointed here.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
What are you asking about it?
I have fresh rom and hdmi out works great, just wish there was a way to see the whole thing instead of just pics/movies.
last year I had the htc omnia with windowsmobile and could connect it to tv with av cables and see whole system on tv, it was only cool feature about it....lol
Sorry for not specifying, I meant full external monitor support. I bought a bluetooth keyboard and mouse specifically for this purpose and feel completely ripped off. Thought one of the devs would have a solution a week after the phone came out but no one seems to care at all
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I'm pretty excited about this too. Hopefully it will happen eventually.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Not to sound disheartening or anything, but I just don't think there is that much of a demand for this.
I am sure that one of the devs will get it going sometime though, just might be a while.
I think if the demand's not there, it's only because people haven't thought much about the possibilities. I'm thinking of a future where you don't own a desktop computer. Instead, you come home from work, drop your phone into a cradle that charges the phone and makes a video connection to a monitor. The phone then pairs with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse literally becoming a computer and when you leave for work the next morning you take your computer with you as a phone.
Granted, the Evo is a little short on specs to be a main computer for most (it's probably about equal to a '02 Compaq Presario 5400) but I expect the performance will improve dramatically in future models considering some of the tech that's rumored to be on the horizon. I'd really like to see it happen with the Evo just to show the possibilities if nothing else. Besides, with the bluetooth changes in CM6 allowing the use of input devices, we're halfway there. Just need to get that pesky video out problem solved.
tonyz2897 said:
I think if the demand's not there, it's only because people haven't thought much about the possibilities. I'm thinking of a future where you don't own a desktop computer. Instead, you come home from work, drop your phone into a cradle that charges the phone and makes a video connection to a monitor. The phone then pairs with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse literally becoming a computer and when you leave for work the next morning you take your computer with you as a phone.
Granted, the Evo is a little short on specs to be a main computer for most (it's probably about equal to a '02 Compaq Presario 5400) but I expect the performance will improve dramatically in future models considering some of the tech that's rumored to be on the horizon. I'd really like to see it happen with the Evo just to show the possibilities if nothing else. Besides, with the bluetooth changes in CM6 allowing the use of input devices, we're halfway there. Just need to get that pesky video out problem solved.
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You & I buddy, we see things the same way.
Maybe we should take a poll of the community to gague interest on who might actually use this feature if the dev's got it working.
Personally I would love to see this technology paired with a USB HOST driver so that we can dock our EVO's into something and actually energize not only the monitor but also be connected to anything tethered to the dock via USB. (keyb/mouse mainly, but also storage!)
I hope you don't feel 'ripped off' by the development community who seems to give 110% almost all the time, and instead feel 'ripped off' by HTC not providing this type of functionality out of the gate, which in my mind would TOTALLY be a game changer.
Anyhow, you're not alone, it just seems we've got no developer to champion our cause just yet, or if we do, i'm not aware.
--- Now, I know it's not gonna help us with the EVO/HDMI interaction we're thinking about here but i'm personally hoping that by the time Intel's LightPeak lands in cell phones that manufacturers start to grasp this "cellphone centric" world view that we have.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/194226/intel_says_its_light_peak_optical_cables_may_succeed_usb.html
bobsbobbers said:
You & I buddy, we see things the same way.
Maybe we should take a poll of the community to gague interest on who might actually use this feature if the dev's got it working.
Personally I would love to see this technology paired with a USB HOST driver so that we can dock our EVO's into something and actually energize not only the monitor but also be connected to anything tethered to the dock via USB. (keyb/mouse mainly, but also storage!)
I hope you don't feel 'ripped off' by the development community who seems to give 110% almost all the time, and instead feel 'ripped off' by HTC not providing this type of functionality out of the gate, which in my mind would TOTALLY be a game changer.
Anyhow, you're not alone, it just seems we've got no developer to champion our cause just yet, or if we do, i'm not aware.
--- Now, I know it's not gonna help us with the EVO/HDMI interaction we're thinking about here but i'm personally hoping that by the time Intel's LightPeak lands in cell phones that manufacturers start to grasp this "cellphone centric" world view that we have.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/194226/intel_says_its_light_peak_optical_cables_may_succeed_usb.html
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USB host is a great idea. Not only for input devices and storage but also optical drives, scanners, and printers. Imagine ripping a DVD to mp4 for your phone using your phone (while docked). Of course the apps would have to be there to support those devices, but surely they would follow. Right now I'd be extremely happy just to see the basic groundwork in place (which it is excepting full UI out over hdmi). As to feeling ripped off, a few months ago I wouldn't have even thought it possible that a phone could do this. I don't feel ripped off a bit, definitely not by the development community, not even by HTC really. If anything I'm just really excited by the possibilities and willing to lend my voice to express support/interest so that hopefully the devs won't overlook this as something nobody's interested in.
metalmenance said:
What are you asking about it?
I have fresh rom and hdmi out works great, just wish there was a way to see the whole thing instead of just pics/movies.
last year I had the htc omnia with windowsmobile and could connect it to tv with av cables and see whole system on tv, it was only cool feature about it....lol
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What do you mean see the whole thing? Please elaborate for those of us who have yet to buy an hdmi cable.
I thought it would simply go into "mirror" mode, so whatever you see on your evo is mirrored on the TV, like how desktops work. Is that not the case?
Not the case.
Neo3D said:
What do you mean see the whole thing? Please elaborate for those of us who have yet to buy an hdmi cable.
I thought it would simply go into "mirror" mode, so whatever you see on your evo is mirrored on the TV, like how desktops work. Is that not the case?
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Nope, it just shows pictures, videos, youtube, etc...
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10253&cs_id=1025301
Cables are cheap though, buy one anyway. I keep one plugged into my TV and coiled up behind it. I just pull it out and plug my phone in if I want to show certain pictures/videos from my phone.
tgruendler said:
Not the case.
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So, when you're using apps/games, they DO NOT display on the TV?
Geeze, what's the point then?
timmymacnj said:
Sorry for not specifying, I meant full external monitor support. I bought a bluetooth keyboard and mouse specifically for this purpose and feel completely ripped off. Thought one of the devs would have a solution a week after the phone came out but no one seems to care at all
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
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Its not that no one cares, its that it is going to RIDICULOUSLY HARD to get full HDMI out on the EVO. I've looked into it a fair amount with the intent of coming out with an app similar to Real HDMI for the EVO. The trick for getting full HDMI out for the Droid X won't work at all for EVO due to the way HTC (and possibly Sprint) have the software stack configured for HDMI output. Long story short, it will take a dev with massive experience/knowledge to get this working since it will require a hack at the kernel/ROM level as it looks impossible to get it working at the app layer.
Sb22 said:
Nope, it just shows pictures, videos, youtube, etc...
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10253&cs_id=1025301
Cables are cheap though, buy one anyway. I keep one plugged into my TV and coiled up behind it. I just pull it out and plug my phone in if I want to show certain pictures/videos from my phone.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the link, I put it on my "To Buy" queue for Monoprice
snowpunter said:
Its not that no one cares, its that it is going to RIDICULOUSLY HARD to get full HDMI out on the EVO. I've looked into it a fair amount with the intent of coming out with an app similar to Real HDMI for the EVO. The trick for getting full HDMI out for the Droid X won't work at all for EVO due to the way HTC (and possibly Sprint) have the software stack configured for HDMI output. Long story short, it will take a dev with massive experience/knowledge to get this working since it will require a hack at the kernel/ROM level as it looks impossible to get it working at the app layer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I guess it is just my ignorance showing through, or maybe I just had my hopes too high. The attitude around here seems to be that our friends here will find a solution to any problem they throw at us, and I may have taken a little too much stock in that. Its not so much that I am saddened by the lack of success, it is just that with lots of searching, I can't seem to find one prominent developer working on this (barely mentioning it). I suppose I am just being a cry baby, but it is just a bummer when I look at the changelogs on roms/kernels, and I see some of the issues they spend their time working on vice things like this. I suppose if CyanogenMod didnt have to be elbow deep in WIMAX (the only other remaining feature I am dying for) this might be a different story. /Cry over
@timmymacnj: You could also post on HTC's facebook page and write to them as well. After all, if the Droid X can do it, then that's a feature that makes the Droid X better than the Evo.
Kornsaq said:
Not to sound disheartening or anything, but I just don't think there is that much of a demand for this.
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The industry as a whole is very short sighted. I use a Clarion Mind running XP SP3 as my carpc (800Mhz Atom, 512MB Ram) with no issues. Smart phones now are not to far off in specs. I've been waiting for some time for a "workstation in my pocket" type solution.
The EVO hardware supports "USB Host", HDMI (or DVI w/ an adapter), Bluetooth, WiFi, and others. All we need is USB Host (w/ HID ,mass storage, USB hub and LAN dongle support), full UI out via HDMI and bluetooth HID support. I have drawings for a dock on my workbench that has 2 usb ports, 10/100 port, 2.5" HD and DVI out. Throw in an office suite and a couple other apps and you end up with that "workstation in your pocket". Have the phone manufacturers charge $150 for it and buyers would still save money over an EVO plus netbook combo. There are a lot of companies that would benefit by giving their employees laptops but can't afford, this is an answer to that problem.
Real innovation is generally left to devs and hardware geeks. Then a couple years later the manufacturers say "Look at our cool new thingy aren't we the smart ones!"
My $0.02
Lokifish said:
The industry as a whole is very short sighted. I use a Clarion Mind running XP SP3 as my carpc (800Mhz Atom, 512MB Ram) with no issues. Smart phones now are not to far off in specs. I've been waiting for some time for a "workstation in my pocket" type solution.
The EVO hardware supports "USB Host", HDMI (or DVI w/ an adapter), Bluetooth, WiFi, and others. All we need is USB Host (w/ HID ,mass storage, USB hub and LAN dongle support), full UI out via HDMI and bluetooth HID support. I have drawings for a dock on my workbench that has 2 usb ports, 10/100 port, 2.5" HD and DVI out. Throw in an office suite and a couple other apps and you end up with that "workstation in your pocket". Have the phone manufacturers charge $150 for it and buyers would still save money over an EVO plus netbook combo. There are a lot of companies that would benefit by giving their employees laptops but can't afford, this is an answer to that problem.
Real innovation is generally left to devs and hardware geeks. Then a couple years later the manufacturers say "Look at our cool new dock aren't we the smart!"
My $0.02
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Click to collapse
When you say that smartphones today aren't too far off in spec from your Car PC, the EVO actually bests it (unless I'm missing something)!
Seriously. Talk about Eating Microsoft's lunch!
I'm glad to hear that i'm not living on a planet all by my lonesome wanting this to come true. I know it's a mountain and a half of work but at this point, it makes me sad to think.
"It really is just software"
I feel like I missed my calling when I could have learned how to code that software but chose another path instead.
Does anyone have any connections to dev's who have thought about tackling this? Specifically might the mountain be made into a little more like a large hill if we could apply some of the HDMI code base from something like the DROID X and apply it to the EVO? Is this just too much wishful thinking?
So, the FM radio is now working in CM nightly 116. I expect that means 4G will be coming at some point in the not too distant future and hopefully with those out of the way we'll see HDMI out getting some attention. I remember reading some articles back in July saying that full HDMI out was going to be a feature in CM6. Obviously that didn't happen, but hopefully it was just postponed and not abandoned. If full HDMI does make an appearance on the Evo, I expect that a later CM rom is where we'll see it first.
I believe a lot more people would be running CM ROMs if that happens...
I’ve defected from Windows Mobile and the Rhodium over to Android and the HTC Desire Z (code name Vision). About a million years ago (late December, actually) Jackos asked that I write a review/comparison of the device, for which I am happy to oblige. Unfortunately, a newborn baby, holiday travel, and work travel have conspired to delay me from writing such a review. But I’m finally taking the time to fulfill the promise. Jackos thought such a review would be useful for those that are looking to upgrade from the Rhodium, so hopefully that is still relevant. Based on a recent thread, I would think so! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=949121
The move to a different OS was certainly something that I’ve been debating for some time. But as we all know (and possibly unwilling to admit), Windows Mobile is outdated and nearing the end of its useful life. Windows Phone 7 so far is a big disappointment to me. The OS seems very limited in many of the same ways the iPhone is, with reviews at various websites and comments by users verifying this notion. One article I read about WP7 was that the OS is not a good choice for power users. Android was looking more and more attractive to me. To me, it carries on the spirit of Windows Mobile in terms of customization. Things are not accessed quite the same way as Windows Mobile (there is no registry), but there is still tons of customizations, mods, and hacks available.
Being the owner of the Tilt (Kaiser) and Tilt2 (Touch Pro 2, Rhodium), I’ve become a big HTC fan, and wanted something similar, with a hardware keyboard. The Desire Z has a very similar form factor to the Rhodium, with a hardware keyboard, nearly the same screen size, and similar dimensions. I found out that Bell Canada released the HTC Desire Z in November, with 3G bands compatible with ATT's network. I decided to take the plunge. Not an easy pill to swallow, as an unlocked, unsubsidized device like this goes for a premium price of around $600 (and obviously not for everyone). But what the heck, its a been a good year, and I decided to get myself a Christmas gift. Of course, if you are in Canada, Europe, or on T-Mobile, you have access to specific versions for those locations and carriers at a much better price.
Let me tell you guys, this device is amazing. The build quality is excellent, the phone feels very high end, with most of the body being a gorgeous brushed aluminum, accented with some slightly grippy/rubbery “soft touch” plastic (also nice looking, and does not cheapen the appearance). The feel of the phone is much nicer, and seems more sturdy then the Rhodium.
The camera is 5MP with a LED flash, and yields somewhat better photos than the Rhodium. The screen is gorgeous. While the iPhone “Retina” and Samsung AMOLED displays get all the hype, the super LCD screen on the Desire Z is still very nice. Direct comparisons I have read rate it only slightly below the quality of the iPhone or Galaxy S displays. Touch response is excellent, and registers multi-touch very well.
Much has been said about this phone’s unique “Z Hinge”. See the Engadget review, if you aren't familiar with the Z-hinge: http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/11/25/htc-desire-z-review/
Some have complained about the phone not staying firmly enough in the keyboard open or closed position, or have expressed concerns of the durability of the hinge. Personally, I like the hinge and how it is designed to open easily with the flick of your thumb. But if you’re in doubt, you might want to play around with it in person before committing to buying the phone.
The keyboard itself is very good. But strangely, not quite as nice as the one on the Touch Pro 2. The the keys are slightly smaller (and one less row of keys), and do not have quite as much “travel” when pressing the keys. It feels like a slight step backward from the Rhodium, but still one of the best keyboards around. Having come from the ATT version of the Rhodium (which replaced the row of numbers with random symbols and punctuations), the missing 4th row of keys is not a big deal. But owners of other Rhodium variants will no doubt miss the number-dedicated row of keys.
Another piece of hardware that is strangely not as good as the Rhodium is the speaker. The speaker on the Desire Z is not quite a loud as on the Rhodium, but the difference is fairly minor, and most people will probably overlook this. The 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome addition, and good riddance to adapters and special headphones that were needed on the Rhodium (at least the GSM version).
At the time of the phone’s release, this was one of the fastest Android phones available (although there is a new generation of dual core Snapdragons coming soon). Don’t be fooled by the fact that the CPU is clocked at 800 MHz. This is a newer generation of Snapdragon than the 1 GHz ones found on phones such as Nexus One and the EVO, with a different fab process and faster GPU also. The Desire Z benchmarks faster than those phones, as well as the Galaxy S, Droid X, and others. The CPU can also be easily overclocked to 1 GHz without over-volting and affecting battery lift; and much higher than that with over-volting.
Battery life seems somewhat shorter on the Desire Z compared to the Rhodium. I was often able to get 2-3 days on a change on my old Tilt2. On the Desire Z, I usually have to charge every night. I can maybe get through a day and a half; but at least a day with all but the heaviest usage. And to be honest, I’m using the phone much more than I did my old Rhodium, so that is a factor as well.
I've played around with Project Android on my trusty old Tilt2, so Android is not completely new to me. It took me a bit getting accustomed to where some things are located, but that is true with switching to any new phone OS. The OS is overall pretty user friendly. It just takes a little while to dedicate to memory where some settings and other things are located. And there is certainly a learning curve once you are ready for customizing/modifying. There is lots of new terminology, process, and tools to learn if you want to “root” (gain super user rights to access system files) and flash a custom ROM, or do other system modifications.
Knocks on Android for not being as "smooth" as the iPhone seem largely unfounded to me. The Desire Z is super smooth, and of course has tons of customization and functionality that the iPhone will never have. And if you coming from Windows Mobile, you are going to be blown away by the smoothness and stability of the OS. The only real performance weakness I’ve seen so far is switching from portrait to landscape on the homescreen, particularly when you have lots of widgets loaded.
Using the phone is a pleasure. Browser rendering is fast, with the stock browser working very well, and Flash enabled. I’ve been previously in denial that capacity touchscreens are a good thing, but multi-touch pinch-to-zoom really does make browsing a joy. Text selection (such as for cut/paste) is aided by a zoom feature that activates with a long touch on text, and also by the optical trackpad (which allows moving the cursor by single characters).
I already keep my contacts, email, and calendar on Google. So the Google integration is awesome for me. I just entered my Google login and password, and it synched all that stuff in a couple minutes. If you are not a Google user, things might be slightly annoying, as the OS will try to steer you toward creating a Google login. Google Navigation is built-in, and will give you point-to -point directions, with audio cues, and first person perspective. It works better than the tools on Windows Mobile such as Google Maps and Bing. It works so well, in fact, that I've often been using Google Nav instead of my Garmin Nuvi GPS unit in the car.
I knew moving to Android would open up a lot of software options, and in this I was not disappointed. There are tons of useful applications and games on the Android Market, and the list is constantly growing. Software developers have embraced Android, which is a refreshing change coming from Windows Mobile. Yes, there is a ton of fluff and junk in the Android Market. But most of the major applications you can think of have a quality Android version.
I’m not a developer. So I can’t comments on the development potential of this device and Android versus Windows Mobile. But so far there is pretty good developer support on the Desire Z. And many have claimed that developers will support this phone for a long time, as they seem to favor devices with a hardware keyboard. There are several stable custom Froyo (Android 2.2) ROMs available, including Sense and non-Sense options, as well as CyanogenMod (a popular and highly customized Android ROM). Gingerbread (Android 2.3, the latest version, just released) ROMs are in the works, with alpha/beta versions already available for testing. Personally, the stock ROM has been so stable and usable for me, I haven’t really been that tempted to flash a custom ROM yet, versus a Windows Phone, where a custom ROM is virtually a necessity.
I’ve babbled on for much too long. In short, if you are looking to upgrade from the Rhodium to something with a similar form factor, the Desire Z is highly recommended. Here’s a quick summary of the Desire Z versus my old Rhodium:
Pros
OS is light years ahead of Windows Mobile (smooth, stable, fast)
Awesome build quality, with a sturdy feel
Better display
3.5 mm headphone jack
Great selection of quality applications
Slightly better camera (5MP) with LED flash
Cons
Keyboard not quite as good
Speaker not quite as good (minor)
Shorter battery life
Z Hinge durability may be an issue
P.S.: If you like the review, please click the "Thanks" button below!
I really appreciated reading this review. I'm a Tilt 2 user, that hasn't found anything new out there to make me want to give up my Rhodium and I have the same feelings regarding Windows 7, so I'm very hesitant to give it a try. Android is completely new to me, but from what I've read, it seems like the natural progression for those of us on Windows Mobile.
I'm on AT&T, so I will keep a watch on this phone if AT&T decides to release their version down the road (but I won't hold my breath ). I've never used unlocked devices either so, unless they come down in price, I won't be experimenting with this model for a while.
Thanks again for posting this. I look forward to reading more about your experiences with this device.
Have fun!
Debbie
Thanks for the review. I enjoyed reading it. Well done, sir!
For a conclusion: Was it worth the money if upgrading from Rhodium?
DebbieNY13 said:
I'm on AT&T, so I will keep a watch on this phone if AT&T decides to release their version down the road (but I won't hold my breath ). I've never used unlocked devices either so, unless they come down in price, I won't be experimenting with this model for a while.
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Click to collapse
Having finally lost iPhone exclusivity, AT&T seems to be starting to release some decent Android devices, such as the HTC Inspire (Desire HD variant). I'm skeptical they would release the Desire Z, but maybe they will release a future HTC device with a QWERTY keyboard. One can only hope.
If the keyboard is not an absolute requirement, the Inspire looks like a very nice phone. Larger display than the Desire Z, 1GHz processor (faster then the Z), and a slightly better camera. I've actually been finding myself using Swype more and more, and the keyboard less and less. So that has me rethinking the whole QWERTY keyboard thing, a little bit. Although I still use it from time to time for longer texts and emails.
BTW, if you like the review, please click the "Thank you" button!
Jackos said:
Thanks for the review. I enjoyed reading it. Well done, sir!
For a conclusion: Was it worth the money if upgrading from Rhodium?
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You're very welcome.
For me, spending the money was worth it. It was a lot of money to spend on a phone, but I absolutely love it. I tried to stick with WM as long as I could. But everything just works so much better on the Desire Z. I knew it would be a big improvement, but all my expectations were exceeded.
If you are in a market where your carrier offers this phone for a subsidized price, its a no-brainer.
Very nicely written
I have a TP2 now, also considering the Desire Z since it has a (rare these days) hardware keyboard.
Seeing how the DZ performs (especially when overclocked, wow!) does make me feel quite confident it's somewhat future-proof performance wise.
I do love the tilting screen of the TP2 very much, especially when I'm at the computer and using the TP2 for MSN or FB chat or something like that. Like having a miniature laptop
Have you ever missed the tilting screen of the TP2?
When my contract expires next month I can get a free DZ if I extend my contract.
I'll go to the T-Mobile store tomorrow and see if I can play around with one
ericino said:
Very nicely written
I do love the tilting screen of the TP2 very much, especially when I'm at the computer and using the TP2 for MSN or FB chat or something like that. Like having a miniature laptop
Have you ever missed the tilting screen of the TP2?
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Personally, I was finding myself using the tilt feature on the TP2 less and less. Lots of times, I found it easier to just slide the phone open, write a quick text, then close it quickly, without having to mess with tilting the screen up and down. But of course, this is a personal preference.
The only times I've been missing the tilt screen is while watching video. With the TP2, I could tilt the screen up, then place the phone down on a table to watch. HTC should have added a kickstand, like on the Desire HD. It would have been a very easy to add, and super useful.
Perfect review!
I'm also considdering the DZ, and the review almost answered all my question.
But I still have one question: What do you do if you want to navigate without being online?
So if you're abroad and don't want the rediculous roaming costs, how do you navigate?
I now use TomTom really a lot, and I don't know what to use when I switch to the DZ.
TomTom has all the maps on the memory card, is there a good replacement for Android? With regular updates?
ronh said:
Perfect review!
I'm also considdering the DZ, and the review almost answered all my question.
But I still have one question: What do you do if you want to navigate without being online?
So if you're abroad and don't want the rediculous roaming costs, how do you navigate?
I now use TomTom really a lot, and I don't know what to use when I switch to the DZ.
TomTom has all the maps on the memory card, is there a good replacement for Android? With regular updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a paid Android app called Copilot, which is supposed to be pretty good, and does what you want. But I haven't personally used it. There are others, as well.
Also, the Euro version of the Desire Z has a feature of the "new" Sense called HTC Locations, which has a 30-day free trial, than once you pay the monthly fee or buy a lifetime license, you can navigate using maps downloaded to the SD card. Unfortunately, Locations and the Car Panel were removed in the Bell Canada version of the DZ. Likewise, the T-Mobile G2 does not have it, as it is Sense-free. But the feature can be obtained by flashing the stock Euro ROM to either the Bell DZ or the G2. I haven't done this, and I have no idea how well Locations works in the US. But comments by DZ users in the UK and Europe indicate they seem to like it.
i too miss my tilt 2, especially the tilts sliding kb. thats why i come back to these boards every now and again.
i got an evo back in august. i never thought id get another smart phone without a keyboard since i have had the 8125 8525 8925 and tilt2. its been a much easier transition than i thought moving to a phone with a giant screen let alone switching to a different os
almost anything i could do with wm i cant do with android only better. android is way more reliable and the tilt2 was a touch underpowered.
as soon as someone comes out with a 4.3inch lcd with a sliding kb that will be my next phone
off topic, don't believe the hype about the evo battery being weak, i get 24-40 hrs per charge, average is probably around 30 hrs and that's with 2 weather apps, face book, 4 emails accounts and Google searches off and on all day with gps location and blue tooth on. i also have a stock rom, although its rooted.
btw tc excellent read.
oh and as far as gps, i too was curious about the navigation, google nav is the best gps nav app i have ever used, but it does rely on a cell phone data connection, i think it gets enough of the info cached ahead incase you loose signal but if it needs to reroute and you dont have signal you are dead in the water. so i went on to try a few stand alone gps apps and i ended up going with aura, it looks pretty and it works but i dont like it, but its a good backup to have incase i dont pay my bill, lol, or loose signal.
Redpoint i hate to rain on your parade, but i went and seen that you have quite a few threads some of which are here in the Pro Tilt 2 forums regarding this new phone you are in love with, why not go to the forum for that phone ?
here make it easier for you...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=594
Sorry the tilt is a great phone although it is getting dated, but that is no reason for what you are doing ....
F2504x4 said:
Redpoint i hate to rain on your parade, but i went and seen that you have quite a few threads some of which are here in the Pro Tilt 2 forums regarding this new phone you are in love with, why not go to the forum for that phone ?
here make it easier for you...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=594
Sorry the tilt is a great phone although it is getting dated, but that is no reason for what you are doing ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was specifically asked for a comparison between the Touch Pro 2 and the Desire Z; for TP2 owners who may be interested in upgrading. If it was a straight up review of the DZ only, and no mention of the TP2, I would agree with you. But as you can see from reading my review, I make ample comparisons and references to the TP2, so I believe its appropriate here. The DZ is also a very logical upgrade from the TP2 versus just about every other phone on the market, due to its very similar form factor and same manufacturer.
You said I "have quite a few threads" about the DZ. But this is the only thread I started. I posted a reference to this review on 2 other threads started by others. Those threads were started by users looking for an upgrade similar to the TP2, so that actually reinforces my decision that this forum is the correct location for the review/comparison.
I did debate it for a while (of where to post), and your comment is not unreasonable. But I didn't see the Desire Z the best place to post it. The huge majority of the users on the Desire Z/Vision forum already own the phone, and they don't need to see a review for it. If the moderators don't agree with my judgment call, they can move the thread.
And you linked to the forum for the Desire, not the Desire Z. They are completely different phones.
Considering what HTC 7 Pro has become, looks like the Desire Z is the only one phone coming from HTC to replace the TP2. What a pity!
I'll wait until something new comes out to replace my PPC. TP2 still does a great job for me.
Thanks again for the review.
potna said:
i got an evo back in august. i never thought id get another smart phone without a keyboard since i have had the 8125 8525 8925 and tilt2. its been a much easier transition than i thought moving to a phone with a giant screen let alone switching to a different os
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It true, with Swype, I actually find myself using the screen keyboard much more than I would have thought. In fact, for my next phone I may seriously consider one without a hardware keyboard . . . maybe. But I personally can't stand typing on-screen without Swype.
potna said:
oh and as far as gps, i too was curious about the navigation, google nav is the best gps nav app i have ever used, but it does rely on a cell phone data connection, i think it gets enough of the info cached ahead incase you loose signal but if it needs to reroute and you dont have signal you are dead in the water. so i went on to try a few stand alone gps apps and i ended up going with aura, it looks pretty and it works but i dont like it, but its a good backup to have incase i dont pay my bill, lol, or loose signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had that same thought about having a nav program that doesn't need a data connection, so I have a backup in case I am in an area with dodgy coverage, or for foreign use. I might check out something like Copilot, which is only $5 for the US maps (and interestingly $80 for Europe!).
I would like to thank you also for the comparison and ask you about what I haven't read elsewhere.
Is there ability for teleconferencing inDesire Z?
Besides the mentioned problem with the DZ's speaker there were a few times that the feature was (even more than welcome) life-saving while using my rhodium. That, and the Excel files editing.
Also, (a "pro-" feature, not mentioned elsewhere) what about video out?
Am I asking for too much?
Redpoint:
I too have made the upgrade, from TP2 to G2 (Desire Z). Your findings mirror mine almost exactly.
Just in case any one is curious, I'll add my 2 pence.
I still kind of miss the resistive touch screen (think gloves or stylus for precision), but the cap screen is über responsive, and as you said, multi touch is pretty sweet.
I do not miss the complete lack of development of applications for WM. At least at any corporate or popular apps level.
I do miss the great MS Office and Outlook integration. Android does play nice with Exchange, though.
FWIW: Tmo G2's do have a Office compatible suite that should work for docs and xls, but I didn't get a chance to use it. I flashed to a new ROM too fast
I still have the TP2, and will likely futz with it some more, but the G2/DZ is a worthy successor.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
calrification on pro2 vs DZ
Sir/s,
i would like to know if DZ has the following functionalities:
1. exchange sync of email, calendar and contacts.
2. when you download exchange email, is it in html format?
3. can DZ record 2 way voice call? (not via speakerphone)
Above are the features that im frequently using on pro2.
I was reading through lifehacker.com the other day (my SECOND favorite website ) when I came across a link to an instructables guide on turning a netbook into a tablet and it got me thinking. Why should I have to buy a $500+ tablet every year or two, or settle for a crappy $200 one when I can buy a used netbook and make it new again for half the price of the high end ones and probably better performing than the low end? Plus I'd have upgradability when it starts being sluggish in the future.
Here's the thing: I'm not content with essentially making a netbook into a slate that runs WinXP and calling it a day. I want it to run Android and have (most of) the bells and whistles. All on a budget of $250. What I'm thinking of so far is this:
10.1" Intel-Atom tablet, ebay ~$70
CAPACITIVE touchscreen overlay ~$110
SSD ~$60
Which leaves me with about 10 bucks for stuff to make it look good.
There is an x86 android port floating around on the internet that I plan on using and I've seen netbooks with built in GPS/gyro/accelerometer/etc. Although, I'm not so sure if just booting Android will get all of that to work of if I'll have to somehow write my own drivers... Honestly, I would have no idea where to start on that. Does anyone have any insight into how that might/might not work?
I don't have any of the parts yet, but have begun bidding on some stuff on ebay. If anyone would like to sell me something that might help, PM me. If you all are interested, I'll post updates and pictures as I'm working on it, however if not, then I'll probably just post something of the finished product. Functioning hardware or not.
Whether or not any of you take an interest in this project, I would appreciate any comments or advice that you can offer. I'm sure that as I go along I'll have questions to ask and hopefully one of you will be able to help.
I read the same thing and I would interested in how you go about it. I was not impressed with the lifehacker.com instructions or any of the other ones I found on line.
Thanks for the interest, glsooter. I still plan on completing this project sometime this summer probably and will update with pictures and what I am doing, but unfortunately I've had to make a few changes. It won't primarily run Android, although I could dual boot. My main reasoning behind this is that it would be impossible for me with my skill set to add the required hardware and then get it to work (such as accelerometer and gyroscope). Also, the capacitive touch screen I want to get is apparently Windows only. I'm thinking of using the Windows 8 preview or alternatively loading Win7 and using Rainmeter or something similar to give it a touchscreen functional layout. I also want to take a Bluetooth keyboard and make some sort of dock, like the Transformer Prime. My newest goals for the project is to have a portable tablet-esque gadget that I will use for retro gaming with a BT controller or mobile (android) gaming and productivity using BlueStacks. If I need laptop functionality I can use the BT keyboard/mouse combo for word processing or note taking. There are obviously some details to be hammered out, but I'm now thinking it will be closer to $350, which I feel is reasonable for something like this.
I was thinking about installing android on my 12.1" asus eepc with intel atom but i cant do it now (i get it in next month). I want to try how it works with android (maybe there are no need for drivers or only some of them?). If i get it earlier i try it and i can write here results how it works for me.
PS.
Could u give me link to android x86 and installing market on it (i heard that it must be installed other way). thanks
PS2.
I will be using it without touchscreen
that sound like a really good idea, but maybe not as a tablet alone but as a laptop+tablet, like the Thinkpad X Tablet series.
So i tried and installed android-x86 on my eeepc 1201nl and only froyo is working I wanted ics but i take what i can.
Working on it is very easy (even without touchscreen). I have problems only with wifi (cant connect to router). I found that some other people have similar problems.
However i will be trying it again and again. I want ics
Sent using r800i with DoomKernel v11 (1.21ghz)
I've just received my new N1 (with Play Store pre-installed!) and have also pre-bought a couple of cases from ebay which both state they are smart cases which have sleep/wake functionality. The problem is that neither cases works having no effect on the tablet at all.
So I'm wondering if the tablet itself actually has this functionality. If it doesn't it will be a real deal breaker for me. I am not going back to endlessly clicking to sleep a tablet, especially the amount of times I use it every day.
I can, in fact, answer my own question here and for anyone else wondering as I've sent out a few emails and have now got the responses.
I can confirm that the N1 DOES NOT have sleep/wake functionality! Astonishing that such a basic rudimentary feature wasn't installed on this tablet. I can also conform that it will not make an audible sound when plugged in to charge to confirm charging is activated/on, you know, like every other contemporary phone or tablet!
If you couple this with the lack SD Card expandability and their idiotic marketing/sales program for this tablet you can only say that Nokia have scored one massive own-goal.
It's so disappointing for a tablet which showed plenty of promise. The only option now looks to wait for Asus Zenpad 8 S with 4gb storage. Now THIS is what Nokia should have been making.
Double tap screen can wakeup.
I believe that it should came native with Android M. So hopefully it will get it.
If you don't mind me asking, where did you buy the n1 that it came with the play store?
Looking for one...
Sent from my z3 compact.
buy from china, it's china version so I do root and install gapps with temporary recovey mode.
Have you rooted your N1?
rubi76 said:
I believe that it should came native with Android M. So hopefully it will get it.
If you don't mind me asking, where did you buy the n1 that it came with the play store?
Looking for one...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bought one of these.... http://www.eglobalcentral.co.uk/nokia-n1-32gb-wifi-silver-en-2.html It comes pre-installed with all standard Google apps inc. Play Store. No need to root etc.
The feature may come native within Android M but if the device doesn't have the requisite hardware (magnet) then surely it just won't work. Such a massive oversight by Nokia.
I must pick up my tablet twenty times a day for both work and social and tbh I'm not going to start endlessly doubling tapping, it's so 2010. I've got used to the 'instant on' experience having owned numerous Samsung phones and tabs and also the MiPad so I'm not going back. I'll wager the Asus ZePad will come with it installed.
GrandMasterPlank said:
Bought one of these.... http://www.eglobalcentral.co.uk/nokia-n1-32gb-wifi-silver-en-2.html It comes pre-installed with all standard Google apps inc. Play Store. No need to root etc.
The feature may come native within Android M but if the device doesn't have the requisite hardware (magnet) then surely it just won't work. Such a massive oversight by Nokia.
I must pick up my tablet twenty times a day for both work and social and tbh I'm not going to start endlessly doubling tapping, it's so 2010. I've got used to the 'instant on' experience having owned numerous Samsung phones and tabs and also the MiPad so I'm not going back. I'll wager the Asus ZePad will come with it installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This review shows that it has double tap:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTEh-mxOr68
go to about 7:00...
GrandMasterPlank said:
I can, in fact, answer my own question here and for anyone else wondering as I've sent out a few emails and have now got the responses.
I can confirm that the N1 DOES NOT have sleep/wake functionality! Astonishing that such a basic rudimentary feature wasn't installed on this tablet. I can also conform that it will not make an audible sound when plugged in to charge to confirm charging is activated/on, you know, like every other contemporary phone or tablet!
If you couple this with the lack SD Card expandability and their idiotic marketing/sales program for this tablet you can only say that Nokia have scored one massive own-goal.
It's so disappointing for a tablet which showed plenty of promise. The only option now looks to wait for Asus Zenpad 8 S with 4gb storage. Now THIS is what Nokia should have been making.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you need is a magnet, spare yourself the emails... on the bright side we got a kernel with tap to wake, so im kind of ok with that...
GrandMasterPlank said:
I can, in fact, answer my own question here and for anyone else wondering as I've sent out a few emails and have now got the responses.
I can confirm that the N1 DOES NOT have sleep/wake functionality! Astonishing that such a basic rudimentary feature wasn't installed on this tablet. I can also conform that it will not make an audible sound when plugged in to charge to confirm charging is activated/on, you know, like every other contemporary phone or tablet!
If you couple this with the lack SD Card expandability and their idiotic marketing/sales program for this tablet you can only say that Nokia have scored one massive own-goal.
It's so disappointing for a tablet which showed plenty of promise. The only option now looks to wait for Asus Zenpad 8 S with 4gb storage. Now THIS is what Nokia should have been making.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased the tablet and I confirm it has the double tap functionality.
Amazing tablet by the way!
Sent from my N1 using XDA Free mobile app