HTC HD2.. "The real scoop"

[BuCC WeeT]

Hey what's up HOFO.. I just have a few questions regarding the new HD2 from HTC. As of right now the phone is pretty much sold-out everywhere so it's no real way to get a hands on demo unless u know somebody with one.

1. It's a Windows Mobile 6.5 device.. We all know Microsoft is notorious for locking out features within the os. Are there any restrictions we need to know about before purchasing? Because as we've seen before in the past, there are ALWAYS restrictions. Video recorder? Is tethering an option? GPS? Push notifications? Are non t-mobile signed apps loadable? Real MMS including audio and video? Microsoft Exchange like the G1 or Cliq?

2. There's an optional stylus pen for this device for apps that can utilize it. In comparrison to the iPhone or Blackberry Storm, is the touch screen accurate for finger navigation? Is it overly sensitive where u touch icons on accident?

3. In comparrison to sound quality and volume levels of an iPhone/iPod touch, how would u rate the HD2 as a personal music device? Sometimes I may want to crank it up, but distortion is NOT an option.

These are just a few questions that people want answered that don't get answered bcuz the people doing the reviews aren't usually techies.. We don't need a sales pitch, we need the scoop. It looks good, but what can it do, how well can it do it, and what are the limitations? Your input is appreciated.

[raduque]

1. It's a Windows Mobile 6.5 device.. We all know Microsoft is notorious for locking out features within the os. Are there any restrictions we need to know about before purchasing? Because as we've seen before in the past, there are ALWAYS restrictions. Video recorder? Is tethering an option? GPS? Push notifications? Are non t-mobile signed apps loadable? Real MMS including audio and video? Microsoft Exchange like the G1 or Cliq?

My Wing can do all this stuff (except he GPS, because the hardware isn't there). It's not Microsoft that "locks out" features, but the carrier. Verizon's XV6800 had GPS that was locked out by Verizon - if you flashed a different ROM the GPS would be unlocked.

I can't help with the other two points, but I do know a normal stylus won't work with capacitive touch screens.

The big thing with Windows Mobile is the lack of a unified UI. The front end is finger-friendly, and many apps are, but a bunch of apps and OS configuration apps are more stylus friendly. If you're fine with that, it's a great OS.

[BuCC WeeT]

LoL.. Trust me, I had my fair share of the 6800 headache. I had the sprint version. Took us forever to get mms working on it. But anyway, I'm no stranger to Windows Mobile and I know the potential bs. So I'm just trying to get it all out in the open so the ones who read this aren't set up for any surprises.

[BuCC WeeT]

Bump...

[Kies]

Tethering is generally hidden by T-Mobile.

GPS isn't hindered.

You can install any .cab you want

The screen was okay, Windows Phone really not being a touch screen OS is the cause of any issues. Sensitivity at the edges wasn't the best but again I don't know if it was Windows Phone or not.

The HD2 doesn't get as loud as the iPhone, and it's SQ is good but not as good as the iPhone.. but the loudness is what will be most annoying.

3G Reception with this phone is the worst I've ever seen on T-Mobile.

It has Exchange support

[BuCC WeeT]

@iFone3G... Thanks for the honesty..

[MasonDoctorJT]

Tethering is generally hidden by T-Mobile.

GPS isn't hindered.

You can install any .cab you want

The screen was okay, Windows Phone really not being a touch screen OS is the cause of any issues. Sensitivity at the edges wasn't the best but again I don't know if it was Windows Phone or not.

The HD2 doesn't get as loud as the iPhone, and it's SQ is good but not as good as the iPhone.. but the loudness is what will be most annoying.

3G Reception with this phone is the worst I've ever seen on T-Mobile.

It has Exchange support

3G reception isn't bad, It just bumps to Edge very easily. If it's locked to 3G I rarely find a place that 3G doesn't work. In my basement My SE TM506 and my Nuron would not bump to Edge as easily, but they would bump to Edge if my hand was covering the antenna area, but the reception seems the same. When I lock it to 3G and cover the back of the phone with my hand I still have 3G Reception. Does anyone know if there is a way to lock it to 3G with the Stock ROM?

[BuCC WeeT]

I like the "Sense" user interface, but I'm not a big fan of Windows Mobile. I think Verizon may have the upper hand with the HTC DROID Incredible. It's a similar phone running the same "Sense" user interface, but on top of the Android OS rather than Windows Mobile. Not to mention, the Incredible has an 8-megapixel camera. DECISSIONS DECISSIONS....

[Nas6034]

Sense interface is buggy, freezes like crazy and reception goes from 3G-E in areas were spotty....Most of the problems with the phone is sense U.I and hopefully T-mobile is working a on fix for all these stuff..

[BuCC WeeT]

Check this out... (HD2 Touchscreen)

[BuCC WeeT]

Sense interface is buggy, freezes like crazy and reception goes from 3G-E in areas were spotty....Most of the problems with the phone is sense U.I and hopefully T-mobile is working a on fix for all these stuff..

Have you tried "Sense" on both Android and Windows Mobile to form that opinion? Just curious..

[BuCC WeeT]

It's kind of ironic how HTC is playing both sides of the fence with 2 major operating systems (Windows Mobile & Android). In my personal opinion, "Sense" is just a drop in the bucket of what HTC has up their sleeves for the future. Don't think for one minute that they're not soaking up all this juicy technology from both sides. And with that said, I wouldn't be surprised one bit if they eventually launch their own proprietary Smartphone OS. Hell, the UI is already there! And if they do, don’t forget that I told you so... ha ha.

~EDIT~

HaHa,, Looks like I spoke too soon...
HTC Assessing Development of Own Smartphone OS

[BuCC WeeT]

I call myself checking craigslist (Los Angeles) for a HD2 since the stores are sold out from L.A. to San Diego. Low and behold, I instantly see listings to "trade" HD2's for mint condition unlocked iPhone 3GS's... I thought the HD2 was the "iPhone Killer". What's up with that?

[Kies]

Anyone that calls the HD2 an iPhone killer is just retarded.

[BuCC WeeT]

Anyone that calls the HD2 an iPhone killer is just retarded.

LoL.. I have a iPhone 3g on Tmobile and overall I'm content. The "ONLY" reason I'm in the market for a new phone is bcuz the edge connection where I use my phone the most is crappy. Edge works fine for me everywhere else except where I need it to work. Ironically, 3G is flawless in that area. So I'm pretty much going with the lesser of the 2 evils..