Official: I just got my TP2 thread....Initial impressions

[Famous Dave]

Can anybody comment on call reception? My MDA's reception has always sucked. I just want to be certain that HTC has made the phone part of their phones better before I take the plunge. Gracias.

[terryjohnson16]

How is the 3G browsing speeds?

[Scottish Skyedance]

Can anybody comment on call reception? My MDA's reception has always sucked. I just want to be certain that HTC has made the phone part of their phones better before I take the plunge. Gracias.

I think it's not good as TM506 under 3G
tested it

[cavenger]

I agree on the touch screen and the size. A simple dpad would have helped tremendously. I really hate it but I am considering a return and a change in carriers, or going to the dash3g.

This thing is big and I'm coming from a Trinity, which is rather brick-ish. I dunno, I may just pick up an original Touch Pro and live with Edge speeds another year. What I really want is a Diamond2/Warhawk w/1700 MHz.

What I don't get is the dropping of d-pads that HTC is doing with the new crop of WM phones. WM, even 6.5, is not ready for finger usage throughout all programs. The TouchFlo modified stuff sure, but once you get into anything else, navigating with a finger is just not-fun.

HTC: there is nothing wrong with d-pads, this is not an iPhone, don't try to be like one.

[brown1984]

yea they should've made this wit a dpad but other then that I love this phone! but why in the hell they didnt make opera the default browser? Is there a way to do that?

[Scottish Skyedance]

d-pad, optical mouse, even trackball helps scroll around the screen
HTC overlooked it\
I have foldable bt keyboard, that I should go for Pharos, because I can use it on $10 data on 2nd line (probably)

[kdenninger]

Ok, I got mine.

First thoughts:

1. I miss the D-pad.

2. The PIE version in here is the "funky" one that I have seen in some custom builds. I DO NOT particularly like how it deals with PDA-aware web pages. Its not awful, but its not great. I'll live, but this is IMHO sort of a "screw you." Oprah is a sorta-workaround to that. Blah.

3. Internet Sharing IS there. Also, the WifiRouter program from HTC (find it on XDA-Developers) WORKS. Turn your Internet connection into a "hot spot" Velly nice (the latter will of course waste your battery in short order - unless you're on external power.)

4. Not much lag at all. Nice.

5. Weather has the same problem all the other weather programs have - a limited list of cities. Barf. I'm going to hack on this if possible so I can point it at my weather server, which will work with virtually any city in the world. More on this when I get it done - if I can hack it. I should be able to; I've accomplished this before with success.

6. TCPMP is worthless; it mis-judges the screen resolution and makes a hell of a mess. This is a somewhat-major problem as WMP is pretty awful for ORB and similar. Its not a deal-breaker, but its close!

7. A number of applications that I didn't expect to work due to screen res issues DO. Surprise surprise (of the pleasant sort)

8. Voice command is included. Hizzah! Its about TIME T-Mobile!

I've beat it up pretty good in terms of "what I need it to do", and so far, no complaints. It just works, which was a pleasant surprise. Not cheap, but.....

I think I'll keep it.

The actual buying process was a non-event. I told the local store that I wanted ONLY the device, and no dicking around with my current plan. He questioned me; I told him I knew it worked on the old "Total Internet" with VPN and I NEEDED my VPN. He sold me the phone without hassles on a 1yr extension, and out I went.

[phelme]

d-pad, optical mouse, even trackball helps scroll around the screen
HTC overlooked it

The little trackball on the HTC Magic/myTouch is pretty slick. Too bad T-Mobile went with the crippled 192 meg RAM with the myTouch otherwise I might try Android for a year. I might still.

The actual buying process was a non-event. I told the local store that I wanted ONLY the device, and no dicking around with my current plan. He questioned me; I told him I knew it worked on the old "Total Internet" with VPN and I NEEDED my VPN. He sold me the phone without hassles on a 1yr extension, and out I went.

It will be interesting to see if they stick with that. It seems that T-Mo is trying to move smartphones to the $25 base data plan.

[glhs509]

The little trackball on the HTC Magic/myTouch is pretty slick. Too bad T-Mobile went with the crippled 192 meg RAM with the myTouch otherwise I might try Android for a year. I might still.

It will be interesting to see if they stick with that. It seems that T-Mo is trying to move smartphones to the $25 base data plan.

If they don't, I'll get out of contract without ETF
I specifically asked that my upgrade agreement clearly state it's a term extension of my existing plans/services (including SOCs so there's no confusion) at their rates prior to upgrade, signed by both myself and the rep...

[kdenninger]

I have successfully hacked my way around the Weather problem and fixed a few other annoyances.... The weather hack was easier than I expected as the current code is not brain-dead as was Manila 2D, it just needed to have the data file edited.

[NeophyteDMD]

[QUOTE=cavenger]I have had it all of 5 hours. I come from an original Tmobile Dash. I wish I could say I LOVE the TP2, but I just can't. This device is bulky. Of course it is when you compare it to the dash, but for me, it is just too bulky. I do not feel very comfortable with it in my pocket. It is heavy. Probably twice as heavy as my Dash.

The slide out keyboard is just a nuisance for me. Of course, I was afraid that would happen after also test driving the G1 when it was first released. I like a real keyboard, but typing on this thing just seems clunky and out of balance. You would think that a big device would at least feel good when you were messaging on it, but no such luck for me. I wouldn't even think about one handing to type on this device.

This paragraph is a bit confusing. The Touch Pro 2 has an onscreen keyboard as well as a physical keyboard. The Touch Pro 2 onscreen keyboard is simply amazing by comparison to any other onscreen keyboard out there. VERY accurate. I haven't gotten a wrong letter yet. Capacitive screens would choose a letter 4 buttons to the right when my finger is clearly placed on the key that I want.

I think it DOES feel good while messaging. This is a personal opinion, doesn't work for everyone, but by comparison to EVERYTHING that is out there with a keyboard, HANDS DOWN, this is the best. I have 0 complaints about the keyboard.

Bulk these days is a huge misconception. The Watch Cellphone is the least bulky device ever....does that mean everyone now uses it and expects all other cellphones to follow suit? No, because it's "too small". I don't have a pair of super tight club hopping pants to put my cellphone in, so this is a non-issue. It's small enough to fit in the regular khaki pants pocket.

There are some cool things about the touchflow stuff. It seems to make doing things easier, like setting up email or connecting a bt device. Underneath the sheets we have WM 6.1, but the Touchflow 3d cover makes it feel more smooth.

Agreed.

With that said, touch in general can be a real pain. I find the screen very imperfect at times and it can be VERY frustrating.

Confusing couple of sentences as well. Touch works really well. Quite perfect, until you start thinking it's a capacitive screen and try to swipe several different directions at near the same time. Then it becomes an issue.

I find the screen responds extremely well and quite perfectly for a resistive screen. A great majority of my input on screen is interpreted correctly. No frustrations here.

Maybe you need to calibrate the screen.

The screen itself is beautiful. Youtube videos are like a little Tv. 3g was impressive for me. I was able to setup corporate email with no problem. I did bluetooth to my headphones with no problem except it said it couldn't turn up the volume from the device.

Anyway, that's it. I am not a hater, its just not for me. Hope this helps someone.

Sounds like there might be some defects on your phone if it is not picking up input. Maybe a screen calibration is needed. At the same time, it seems as you made an unorthodox phone choice since (it sounds like) you mostly used touch screen ONLY phones and expected the Touch Pro 2 to be lighter weight and just as thin.

More internal parts than before = Heavier phone than if it didn't have the extra parts.

Yes, I am very happy with my Touch Pro 2 and it's $400 less than a Euro Touch Pro 2 PRICE.

[jjag69]

Ok, I got mine.

First thoughts:

1. I miss the D-pad.

2. The PIE version in here is the "funky" one that I have seen in some custom builds. I DO NOT particularly like how it deals with PDA-aware web pages. Its not awful, but its not great. I'll live, but this is IMHO sort of a "screw you." Oprah is a sorta-workaround to that. Blah.

3. Internet Sharing IS there. Also, the WifiRouter program from HTC (find it on XDA-Developers) WORKS. Turn your Internet connection into a "hot spot" Velly nice (the latter will of course waste your battery in short order - unless you're on external power.)

4. Not much lag at all. Nice.

5. Weather has the same problem all the other weather programs have - a limited list of cities. Barf. I'm going to hack on this if possible so I can point it at my weather server, which will work with virtually any city in the world. More on this when I get it done - if I can hack it. I should be able to; I've accomplished this before with success.

6. TCPMP is worthless; it mis-judges the screen resolution and makes a hell of a mess. This is a somewhat-major problem as WMP is pretty awful for ORB and similar. Its not a deal-breaker, but its close!

7. A number of applications that I didn't expect to work due to screen res issues DO. Surprise surprise (of the pleasant sort)

8. Voice command is included. Hizzah! Its about TIME T-Mobile!

I've beat it up pretty good in terms of "what I need it to do", and so far, no complaints. It just works, which was a pleasant surprise. Not cheap, but.....

I think I'll keep it.

The actual buying process was a non-event. I told the local store that I wanted ONLY the device, and no dicking around with my current plan. He questioned me; I told him I knew it worked on the old "Total Internet" with VPN and I NEEDED my VPN. He sold me the phone without hassles on a 1yr extension, and out I went.

I think video is the best feature of the phone. Movies look incredible on TCPMP on the large screen. I just had to change the settings on TCPMP from video>direct draw to video>GDI and then settings>orientation>follow GUI and now everything plays perfectly.

[kdenninger]

GDI works but is somewhat jumpy. Nowhere near as clean as DirectDraw, which is totally screwed.

[cavenger]

You made a lot of assumptions with your responses. (There is nothing wrong with my phone, the screen is calibrated, blah, blah, blah.) Everyone is different. I am used to the dash which is non touch. I am looking for functionality and ease of use. I would not even consider the G1 or My touch (or whatever). This phone, like all windows mobile phones is great for functionality. It can do anything.

However, IN MY OPINION, ease of use is not on par with phones that are non touch, have a jog dial and are non sliders. FOR ME, I find it difficult to use this phone with one hand. Others may feel differently.

The virtual keyboard is good when using two hands. As good as a virtual keyboard can be. As is the regular keyboard. However, using either with one hand is more difficult FOR ME. The lack of a jog dial makes web browsing difficult to do without using the two hands or having the keyboard extending which really requires two hands. (Are we seeing a pattern here?)

The touch screen sometimes will not register. Touch link. Touch link again. Touch link the third time. Get out stylus, tap link. FINALLY. This happens. I am not making it up. I am sure other touch phones do this. (Again, screen was calibrated).

This phone is bulky and heavy. If you don't believe me, read all of the reviews and look at the weight compared to other phones. Some may be ok with it. Again FOR ME, I consider it bulky.

Again, this is a form issue. Plenty of people will love this phone. And make no mistake, there is plenty to love. Its just somethings do not work FOR ME.

To each his own, good luck to all. Luckily we are all free to try and return if not satisfied.


[QUOTE=NeophyteDMD]

I have had it all of 5 hours. I come from an original Tmobile Dash. I wish I could say I LOVE the TP2, but I just can't. This device is bulky. Of course it is when you compare it to the dash, but for me, it is just too bulky. I do not feel very comfortable with it in my pocket. It is heavy. Probably twice as heavy as my Dash.



This paragraph is a bit confusing. The Touch Pro 2 has an onscreen keyboard as well as a physical keyboard. The Touch Pro 2 onscreen keyboard is simply amazing by comparison to any other onscreen keyboard out there. VERY accurate. I haven't gotten a wrong letter yet. Capacitive screens would choose a letter 4 buttons to the right when my finger is clearly placed on the key that I want.

I think it DOES feel good while messaging. This is a personal opinion, doesn't work for everyone, but by comparison to EVERYTHING that is out there with a keyboard, HANDS DOWN, this is the best. I have 0 complaints about the keyboard.

Bulk these days is a huge misconception. The Watch Cellphone is the least bulky device ever....does that mean everyone now uses it and expects all other cellphones to follow suit? No, because it's "too small". I don't have a pair of super tight club hopping pants to put my cellphone in, so this is a non-issue. It's small enough to fit in the regular khaki pants pocket.



Agreed.




Confusing couple of sentences as well. Touch works really well. Quite perfect, until you start thinking it's a capacitive screen and try to swipe several different directions at near the same time. Then it becomes an issue.

I find the screen responds extremely well and quite perfectly for a resistive screen. A great majority of my input on screen is interpreted correctly. No frustrations here.

Maybe you need to calibrate the screen.



Sounds like there might be some defects on your phone if it is not picking up input. Maybe a screen calibration is needed. At the same time, it seems as you made an unorthodox phone choice since (it sounds like) you mostly used touch screen ONLY phones and expected the Touch Pro 2 to be lighter weight and just as thin.

More internal parts than before = Heavier phone than if it didn't have the extra parts.

Yes, I am very happy with my Touch Pro 2 and it's $400 less than a Euro Touch Pro 2 PRICE.

[kdenninger]

It is less bulky than the AT&T Tilt, which is what I was using (on T-Mo, with a custom firmware load and of course unlocked) before I got the TP2.

It is also a hell of a lot easier to deal with sans keyboard. In fact, the onscreen KB is good enough that I find myself often using it, which I didn't expect.