Blackberry Bold 9000 User, Considering HTC Aria (Froyo)

[larrytxeast]

I am considering the HTC Aria, I found one that has already been updated to the 2.2 Froyo operating system (yes, I am aware that this means you can't "root" the phone).

I have a Blackberry Bold 9000 attached to an AT&T Prepaid account with the $20 unlimited MEdia Net service, it runs just fine on it (other than not accessing things that require a BIS--e.g, Blackberry Messenger, Blackberry "push" email, other apps that require the BIS).

Last Friday I purchased an LG Optimus V (with 2.2 Froyo) for using on a Virgin Mobile account, I returned it today due to constant & never-ending data outage problems. I got used to the Android 2.2 Froyo OS and downloaded these apps to the device:

~AK Notepad (catch.com) for memos/notes (which I use a LOT)
~Facebook App
~Opera Mini 5.1 (now 6)
~iPhone Keyboard Emulator (Sixgreen Labs)
~Advanced Task Killer (Rechild)
~Meebo IM (free version, you can Facebook chat by using the Jabber protocol on it, something I learned via Beejive on BB)

All were "market" apps, not 3rd party, sideloaded etc.

I am considering the HTC Aria, which seems to be a similar phone to the LG Optimus V, as I could use this on my AT&T account I already have (apparently anyway).

A couple of questions:

*My LG Optimus V just had a "stock" Android interface, I've read about the "HTC Sense" interface that the HTC Aria has (with 2.1). Would it still have this with the 2.2 update? Is it a good or bad thing? (I have read it can't be removed.)

*The optical trackpad--I assume this would allow me to scroll within a webpage, maybe scroll to links & select them that way, allow me to scroll & select emails in a list etc? If so that would be a huge plus (the LG Optimus V didn't have this), as I am used to being able to "scroll & select" on my Blackberry (especially with small items, I might "mis-touch" otherwise)

*Would the sideload application still work here, allow you to "sideload" apps outside of the market? (All of the 6 I used on my LG were market apps, however.)

*What are the odds that one day AT&T might "catch up" and disable the unlimited Internet I have, which is supposed to really be for an old flip phone? (For 3 years I've ran it on a Palm Treo 650, 680, Blackberry Curve, Blackberry Bold--all with no issues.) The fact is, the AT&T representative who did the initial account activation actually set it up that way on purpose.

Any other tips?

LRH

[mmiller2002]

I have an aria, but I can only answer the trackpad question. it does a lot of the same things that you can do with a finger swipe. the only unique thing i do with it is to move the cursor within text instead of using my fat finger to place the cursor between the letters i want.

I only got it for the size. I'm not impressed with android's stability. i frequently feel the need to recycle power to clear up performance or get back my mobile data connection. i don't have a lot of apps, and they are all from the market. i try to keep it very simple.

if apple came out with an iphone "nano" i'd be tempted.

[Austin Serio]

If i were you, I would spring for something better. You'll be happier in the long run.

[AndroidFoneFan]

Not sure if this thread is still being looked at by the OP but in case.
I also have the Aria. As entry level androids are concerned it is pretty good. I only have to restart the phone once a week. I you don't it can become a bit buggy. But this is true for about any smart phone.
IPhones may be less buggy only because they have very specific drivers for very specific hardware. With android and windows phones you have a hundred makers and as many software productions trying to run on them. BB may be another exception because they control what hardware their OS goes on.
As for the Aria. I like the little phone.
Virgin Mobile has pretty much fixed the data issue. Truth be told though, all the phone companies will have data loss and some will have strings of it depending on what is going on.
Earthquake on east coast, many people on different provider are saying they are having data, text and cell problems. Probably due to congestion. Lots of people trying to get a hold of loved ones in the area