- Design and processing: Here you have to really congratulate HTC. Of course, everyone has a different taste, but the device really works very chic. It is rounded, is modern, and above all: no cheap shiny plastic paint, in which you can see every fingerprint. Instead, you get a kind of rubber paint. In Germany the unit in shades of brown and gold is available. The brown is modern and relatively unobtrusive. The unit is comfortable to hold and can still disappear due to the size and weight in your pocket. For larger devices (Touch HD, iPhone, ...) it would be there already close.
The device has a total of well finished. Only the back is situated on one side to not quite as good as on the other. Otherwise, rattles and creaks nothing. The pen (stylus) is always there and can be removed relatively quickly with a little practice.
- Hardware: The device has a 2.8 inch screen with 320x240 resolution. Of course, this screen is not the greatest, especially compared to other phones as just IPhone, Touch HD, etc. For this, the device is also small enough and offers even hardware buttons below the display (pad with Enter key). The resolution, also known as QVGA, is also more likely in the lower field. In normal use, that does nothing but, because of pleasant font size sufficient resolution. Just look at some appliactions as surfing the Web a higher resolution would be helpful, because you so do not always have as much zoom with good eyes. Good is that the device just offers QVGA resolution, since many programs and games, just a little older, are geared towards this resolution. A Samsung Omnia or with his WQVGA resolution or a HD Touch get there problems because some applications and games do not run. Overall, the display is therefore a good compromise, even if a higher resolution is of course always nice;)
The built-in GPS works well. In programs and 4800bps COM4 must be selected. However, it may take some time until all satellites are found. This is normal and the time is reduced when other GPS uses. There is no navigation software here - only Google Maps. The device runs but eg with Navigon without problems.
The sound on the phone is absolutely fine. The device has a front and a rear speaker. Also music you can listen to it, but of course one should not expect too much of it. As a very cheap metal box it does not sound as well. The sound via the included headphones, however, is surprisingly good, if you use the included "Audio Amplifiers" or equalizer and the sound optimized (increase bass, etc). Then you get a relatively full sound without distortion. The volume should be sufficient in all cases. Own headphones can be incidentally not use - not without an additional adapter.
One thing annoys me, however: The speakers are always turned on during playback of sound and shortly thereafter turned back. This one perceives through a relatively loud crack - at least on my machine. A Kurer system beep is therefore accompanied by cracking at the beginning and end. For longer sound and music do not mind. And through headphones can not hear it.
The built-in camera is a nice feature, but top quality you should expect them not. It offers neither focus settings, still flash, etc. okay for snapshots. Which should be said here that the device has no additional camera key, so you have to start them only via the menu. But there is a remedy, more on this below.
The wireless reception is very good, if you put to full power under Power Options. But then a lot of electricity is consumed. With battery Optimized power of the reception at my house is partially "fragile".
The built-in light sensor adjusts the display brightness to dark rooms not verbrauen too much power, and dim the screen accordingly.
A G-sensor (movement) sensor is not installed.
- OPERATION: The Touch 3G has Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system. With the known strengths and weaknesses. Weaknesses: The operating system is relatively old and not really designed for finger operation. The look is rather stale (usually only black and white settings, pop-up menus are more reminiscent of Windows 3.11 or 95). Therefore, new programs often use their own graphics to create a modern image. So the Touchflo 2D surface of HTC. This is modern and the navigation with fingers goes well. Even looking at pictures I find succeeded (for zooming encircles one example the image area with the finger). Only if you need some further features in Windows dives (eg for advanced settings, system functions, ...) or older programs is installed (compared to iPhone or Google Android) relatively ugly Windows interface reappear. However, an advantage of Windows Mobile is openness: You can adjust / adjust much. Programs are free to get and can not by a company (such as Apple in Opera) will be banned. Even the registry or the Windows directory can be changed. Definitely positive for those who like to tune their device). The synchronization with Office and Outlook on the PC works just fine.
Although many functions can be operated by finger, so I reach but mostly for Stylus. He is always at hand and can work a lot more precise. Just for example, in file managers such as the Explorer or typing messages to get almost not around it. However, one can also set a keyboard with larger keys, but the full QWERTY keyboard like better.
The hardware buttons are well used. Only the volume keys on the side like me not so. They lie close together and do not have a good tactile feedback.
On the enclosed CD you will find a decent manual that describes all the essential functions.
- Battery life: It's hard to make a statement here. On one hand, the battery lasts a long time if one operates in standby or even with an open GPRS connection, for example, ICQ running. But using CPU intensive applications such as games, then the term fades pretty quickly. The biggest energy guzzlers are: Display (the lighter), WiFi and CPU (intensive use).
In order not to be too long to make the report ...
Here are some tips:
- Must also order an SDHC memory card. The built-in memory is only enough for the essentials.
- An important point of contact for all owners of the Touch 3G is the forum XDA Developers the Internet (English). There is for example a tool and many skins to adapt the surface. I think the original blue surface does not fit soooo good for Brown of the device.
- You should also install the VAlert Tool, because otherwise the device vibrates continuously without a break, if you select a song as a ringtone and vibration activated.
- Is a modern replacement for the calendar, for example, the program ThumbCal (costs)
- A good modern substitute clock is Prgramm G-Alarm (free). A patch can be integrated directly into the surface Touchflo it even.
- Recommended is definitely the program AE Button Plus (cost, little). With this program you can show the hardware buttons several times and assign functions. So I have eg the Enter key (long press) with the camera is, so I can take snapshots fast despite the lack of camera button. Or double-click on the volume button produces the Task Manager.
- Also an explorer replacement can not hurt
- Where should you be more likely to use his fingernail instead of fingers. This results in a more precise navigation
- There are various registry settings, which improve the device somewhat. For example: rotate screen Enable change (for Opera) or the default web address that is always invoked in Touchflo under Browser (htc.com). See various forums.
Overall, the device is a charming, small device (a touch phone) which, although the display (in terms of resolution, brightness, etc, are okay!) Not in the league playing, but to convince at the Price by its amount of Möglihchkeiten White.
I think for the price you get at the moment no more beautiful and better Touchphone.
