Just before I decided to grab again for iPhone (Model: 3GS, 32GB) I compared another device. Criterion was purely and simply a good battery life, and Android (or Mac) as the operating system. A keyboard as in the X1 was secondary. After brief research, the selection was made. To select stand:
1. T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream) - cheap, keyboard only unfortunately somewhat weak battery and processor
2. HTC Magic - faster processor, better battery and trackball
3. Samsung Galaxy - LED display, good workmanship but unfortunately the Samsung "typical" design
But then I read a report on the new release of the HTC Hero. The design, battery life and generally friendly appearance convinced me immediately. So I ordered it after a short time, and now you know how far my expectations have been met. So let's start.
----- Unpackaging / FIRST IMPRESSIONS / PACKAGE -----
Due to my high expectations I ordered my phone and choose one-day shipping directly to the office. There I was able to take it for the first time briefly in consideration. When I got home-it was completely unpacked and it went off. The board reminded me very much of the iPhone's. Everything was packed really exemplary and made a tremendous impression of high quality.
The package includes, among other things, the software, the phone, a 2 GB MicroSD memory card and headphones and a USB cable for charging (I would like to mention something at the end). Actually, a usual rudimentary extent - but what should also enclose HTC still great.
The first impression convinces absolutely and is commendable to mention!
---- ---- COMMISSIONING
Plain and simple. The battery pack is located by using a film separated from the contacts. Just pull the film out, insert battery back and off you go. It is astonishing that the battery is charged while about 80%. Thus, you can directly take the first steps. To me, the very first mind the Android operating system.
The startup process takes a little bit (similar to Windows Mobile) but then the phone is already fully operational.
The modified from HTC Android surface named "Sense" welcomes the new proud owners. The user can henceforth configure the number 7 different screens through which it can switch by swiping. Similar to the iPhone, only far more functional!
Here scores in the functionality significantly the Hero. Even the Hero waived online activation as the iPhone.
---- ---- ADJUSTMENTS
Using a number of Android widgets and HTC can make its 7 screen incredibly well. Launched by HTC "scenes" to invite voreinstellte screens allows. For example, 7-configured screens for Work, Home, and so on. The function to adjust the phone for work and Co. lacks the iPhone clearly.
HTC keeps his promise this is not the Hero any phone, but just "yours". Excellent, and with lots of potential.
---- SERVICE ----
No keyboard, but a good touch screen, the device made by HTC. The screen is very delicate thing brings only advantages. Furthermore, it is specially coated, this makes it difficult to bring "fat finger" on the screen and allows for easier cleaning. The latest iPhone 3GS offers a similar coating which has no differences in the direct comparison. The full keyboard provides in portrait as landscape Wore a good operation the total is strongly reminiscent of the iPhone. Entries are quickly, but if not recorded as fast as on the iPhone. This is also the Hero has a good dictionary and a good word completion.
---- ---- BATTERY LIFE
Here the Hero scores highly. Because of a reasonable use of the battery lasts loose 2-3 days. This is a very good time for a smartphone and thus holds the same conclusion, and sometimes even a little longer as the newest iPhone. If HTC but a LED display, such as the iPhone or even the Samsung Galaxy used used so would certainly have gone even more.
---- ---- CONCLUSION
After the first few days with the phone I fell in love with it. The errors mentioned by others appeared not to my set. Neither pixels or mechanical error! The only thing I want. The Android is a little bit faster still. Currently it is the 2nd fastest operating system (in my opinion). Only the iPhone is still a little liquid.
The trackball and the hardware keys are all together well embedded and the processing affects all around good to very good. Only a slight "knartsch" sound is the battery cover on its own - but that's unavoidable in plastic.
I can, in my experience with several phones absolutely recommend this phone, and I'm sure that the system is not only faster but also more extensively with later updates. Nevertheless, is de featured already larger than the competitors. The Android Market is selbstredent. THERE times mind almost daily new applications.
Lastly, a note to the USB port of your phone. I myself am a big fan of the mini-USB port, but the Hero has on the underside a differently shaped connector! Apparently so you can not use a standard cable - but wrong! Because you can connect any standard cable to this phone, the modified form of the mini-USB port is probably seem just a design element without further consequences.
