Dell Venu Pro and a "Windows Explorer" - Windows Phone 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So I've got the Dell Venue Pro and almost everything about the phone is phone, I have no issues with wi-fi, i do have carrier signal issues but that's not the phones fault. (i don't think)
What i am missing is a Windows Explorer so I can access the internal files. Now i know this exists for other windows 7 phones but every time I try t find information on it, they all say "for HTC phones only".
Does anyone know of a way to get a "windows explorer" so I can access the internal files, add my own ringtones etc. I don know how to access the read only file viewer, but that is pointless.
thx

This is currently not possible. Microsoft has taken a "sandbox" approach to the file system, meaning each Windows Phone 7 program is limited to only it's "space" or "program folder". The file managers that you see use capabilities that come from dll files that the OEM put in there for its own programs (the OEMs get a little more freedom than developers do as far as what they can include in their programs) and only some OEMs have this. So for now, you are out of luck (believe me, I want this too).
Microsoft may add this in the future, but this will not be present in Mango when it comes out. If you are still intent on finding a file manager for your WP7 device, do your homework, but it is likely that you will not find one. As for custom ringtones, Microsoft is going to add this capability with Mango.

Steven855 said:
This is currently not possible. Microsoft has taken a "sandbox" approach to the file system, meaning each Windows Phone 7 program is limited to only it's "space" or "program folder". The file managers that you see use capabilities that come from dll files that the OEM put in there for its own programs (the OEMs get a little more freedom than developers do as far as what they can include in their programs) and only some OEMs have this. So for now, you are out of luck (believe me, I want this too).
Microsoft may add this in the future, but this will not be present in Mango when it comes out. If you are still intent on finding a file manager for your WP7 device, do your homework, but it is likely that you will not find one. As for custom ringtones, Microsoft is going to add this capability with Mango.
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not true!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1025341
dvp file browser for updated f/w
its slow its klunky and its retarded
but its there

So the a file explorer for Dell Venue Pro does exist. I was not aware that the DVP had the capabilities and said you MIGHT be able to find one. However, what I said is still true: any file managers use capabilities that come from dll files that the OEM puts in there for it's own programs and that not all devices have this capability

Thank you, But are the instructions you described in the link, for a read only viewer not accessible in other fashions?

Any updates on this?

So it's been a few months and mango has give us the ability to give specific ringers to friends.
Well here is the dilema. With the DVP we stall can't upload MP3 files into the neccessary directories because we still can't access the file structure, well i mean we have the idiotic "read only" version but still no way to dump files into the DVP.
Has anyone foud a way around this yet or do I buy and HD7 just so I can do this?

slight22 said:
So it's been a few months and mango has give us the ability to give specific ringers to friends.
Well here is the dilema. With the DVP we stall can't upload MP3 files into the neccessary directories because we still can't access the file structure, well i mean we have the idiotic "read only" version but still no way to dump files into the DVP.
Has anyone foud a way around this yet or do I buy and HD7 just so I can do this?
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To be quite honest, you are always better off buying HTC because there is so much more "hackable" support than on something from Dell. More people are buying HTC products, and because HTC provides nearly unparalleled support for their devices compared to other companies, you get a larger base of people hacking their HTC devices, and in a much faster time frame.
Bottom line is, if you are looking to bring out the best in your phone through a community like XDA, you should look into buying an HTC device.

prjkthack said:
To be quite honest, you are always better off buying HTC because there is so much more "hackable" support than on something from Dell. More people are buying HTC products, and because HTC provides nearly unparalleled support for their devices compared to other companies, you get a larger base of people hacking their HTC devices, and in a much faster time frame.
Bottom line is, if you are looking to bring out the best in your phone through a community like XDA, you should look into buying an HTC device.
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To be honest I normally do. I've been buying HTC products since they were still UT Starcom.(still have my 6700 reprogrammed as a remote for a pc connected to my 55" LCD) But they don't currently have a WIN7 phone that has a physical keyboard (except the CDMA one on sprint which is not transferable to different networks) so I decided to go with the DVP.
If HTC would give me a physical keyboard i'd drop the dvp like a bad habit, but as it sits it seems I'm the odd man out in disliking typing on a physical screen and they don't really make products for odd men out.
The reason I originally re-posted on this thread was i was loading up the OS on a BB the other day and even RIM has a "file explorer" now so i thought I would double check on this.

prjkthack said:
To be quite honest, you are always better off buying HTC because there is so much more "hackable" support than on something from Dell. More people are buying HTC products, and because HTC provides nearly unparalleled support for their devices compared to other companies, you get a larger base of people hacking their HTC devices, and in a much faster time frame.
Bottom line is, if you are looking to bring out the best in your phone through a community like XDA, you should look into buying an HTC device.
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Click to collapse
You're right,
100% hackable

slight22 said:
To be honest I normally do. I've been buying HTC products since they were still UT Starcom.(still have my 6700 reprogrammed as a remote for a pc connected to my 55" LCD) But they don't currently have a WIN7 phone that has a physical keyboard (except the CDMA one on sprint which is not transferable to different networks) so I decided to go with the DVP.
If HTC would give me a physical keyboard i'd drop the dvp like a bad habit, but as it sits it seems I'm the odd man out in disliking typing on a physical screen and they don't really make products for odd men out.
The reason I originally re-posted on this thread was i was loading up the OS on a BB the other day and even RIM has a "file explorer" now so i thought I would double check on this.
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Truth be told, I actually love the DVP hardware. It looks sleek, and after playing with one at a Microsoft Store, I'd love to have one in my hands. The lack of support for the device on places like XDA though (and even from Dell itself) makes me think twice though. Its not a bad phone for someone who doesn't care about hackability though, so I may end up getting it for my other half.
The issue with the file manager is not so much related to hardware as it is Windows Phone 7. Windows Phone 7 is not a BlackBerry, nor is it Windows Mobile or Android. Its design is meant to take you out of the whole "file explorer" and "task manager" thing that we're all really used to. You shouldn't need either one, and if you are looking for it, then you aren't using Windows Phone 7 as it was intended, and if you can't get past that, then you would probably be better off on Android (but not BlackBerry, lol).
That being said, have you given yourself time to adjust to the software keyboard on Windows Phone 7? I used to be in the whole "hardware keyboard or nothing" boat, but once I gave the software keyboard on Windows Phone 7 a chance, it very quickly grew on me, and it is by far the best software keyboard I've used (especially coming from Android, blegh).

prjkthack said:
Truth be told, I actually love the DVP hardware. It looks sleek, and after playing with one at a Microsoft Store, I'd love to have one in my hands. The lack of support for the device on places like XDA though (and even from Dell itself) makes me think twice though. Its not a bad phone for someone who doesn't care about hackability though, so I may end up getting it for my other half.
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That is part of why i bought it, powerful and sleek, and though i did see that there was little support I was deluding myself into thinking that wouldn't be that big of a deal because in time with how sexy this phone is, people will buy it and support will grow. 2 phones and 4 months later have proven me wrong The phone is not HTC in it's popularity. And actually thats my plan. I'm waiting on the new phones from MS to see what they will be like and upgrade to them. Just wish they would get them out quicker. If they come out any time soon i'll probably do the same and loan my phone to my other half. Better than tossing a beautiful piece of tech in a drawer.
prjkthack said:
The issue with the file manager is not so much related to hardware as it is Windows Phone 7. Windows Phone 7 is not a BlackBerry, nor is it Windows Mobile or Android. Its design is meant to take you out of the whole "file explorer" and "task manager" thing that we're all really used to. You shouldn't need either one, and if you are looking for it, then you aren't using Windows Phone 7 as it was intended, and if you can't get past that, then you would probably be better off on Android (but not BlackBerry, lol).
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It's not that it's that simple things like using custom ring tones for people and only being allowed to select from the dozen that come with the phone. If i had the file explorer i could put the ringers I personally make into the folder and just go on. I'm an IT geek by trade i've never used a phone as it was intended lol. Like i said my old UTC starcom 6700 is a remote control lol. But seriously I don't have an issue cracking into the software if it gets me what i want. I use to have to delete database files in the Moto razr vc3 before Motorola released the phone tools. I just need the functionality of the file explorer for what i want to do.
prjkthack said:
That being said, have you given yourself time to adjust to the software keyboard on Windows Phone 7? I used to be in the whole "hardware keyboard or nothing" boat, but once I gave the software keyboard on Windows Phone 7 a chance, it very quickly grew on me, and it is by far the best software keyboard I've used (especially coming from Android, blegh).
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I was figuring I was going to have to only because no one was making keyboards anymore, even to the point i was considering android...

Any rumors as to which of the new phones will be leading the pack?

do any of the HTC wp7 have amoled screens?

Related

What will Android do that the TP2 won't?

Don't slam me because I admit I'm a NOOB. I love my TP2 . . . best phone I've ever owned. Am I missing out by not waiting for an android phone?
WAR_GA said:
Don't slam me because I admit I'm a NOOB. I love my TP2 . . . best phone I've ever owned. Am I missing out by not waiting for an android phone?
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I have had these 3 phones..Iphone, G1 and HTC Touch Pro 2. The Iphone is the best phone i have owned but the AT&T service killed it! Just Bad service all the way around....Same as the G1 with T-Mobile....seemed like a good phone but NO SERVICE! I wanted to hate the TP2 because of the windows mobile part of it but I have to say I like it very much. I also like the fact im back on Verizon. I am like you and thinking I might miss out on something by not getting the new Android phone but I would stick with the TP2 for awhile.its a good phone.
Won't lie to you and tell you I know much about android. What I do know, however, is that there is a site (link below) that compares "PalmPre vs. iPhone vs. WinMo vs. Android vs. BlackBerry"
In it the writer in the article had very little love for the Android system (at this time), but eluded to the fact that it could be the next big thing, someday. Take a look for yourself and decide.
http://www.mobilitysite.com/2009/01/palmpre-vs-iphone-vs-winmo-vs-android-vs-blackberry-fight/
That article is 9 months old, I haven't even heard of the android at that time( I really wasn't into phones that much then anyways, but still ). And he was basing all his tests on the G1, I hope someone writes an updated article of that( I like his style ), and compares it to the droid that is out for verizon. I personally have 24 days until I can get a phone, it's between the TP2, and the droid, but I hear they are in the works of porting android 2 to the TP2 so...
warxhead said:
That article is 9 months old, I haven't even heard of the android at that time( I really wasn't into phones that much then anyways, but still ). And he was basing all his tests on the G1, I hope someone writes an updated article of that( I like his style ), and compares it to the droid that is out for verizon. I personally have 24 days until I can get a phone, it's between the TP2, and the droid, but I hear they are in the works of porting android 2 to the TP2 so...
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I agree, I have sent them an e-mail requesting the same article, but updated with new software/firmware/hardware.
I would recommend that you, and anyone else who wants it, do the same.
http://www.mobilitysite.com/boards/sendmessage.php
Once there, click on Request review, do their little non-bot verification thing and then be sure to include the following:
1. The Original Article Link - http://www.mobilitysite.com/2009/01/palmpre-vs-iphone-vs-winmo-vs-android-vs-blackberry-fight/
2. That you request the same article, but updated with the new software versions, Firmware, and hardware.
I've used both. After I got past the initial excitement of the newness of it, I didn't find anything that gave one phone a significant advantage over the other. At first, it seemed really cool, but it was more of a new car effect. Once I settled in the coolness faded and it was just another OS. If choosing between an Android phone and a Windows phone, I would let the hardware be your guide, not the OS. Just my $0.02.
Edit... actually, I should mention one area Android does shine, not surprisingly, it's integration with Google. If you are a heavy Google apps user then Android wins. Otherwise, my comments above apply.
Again, I don't know much about android... However, I've just gotten used to WinMo and it's seemless integration with Windows Operating systems through it's various Mobile versions of Windows Apps (Word, Excell, Outlook, etc) (FYI, I rarely, if ever, Use Active Sync, which is a piece of $#!+). I've also gotten really used to the wide range of free apps and endless stream of mods for WinMo Phones.
I believe that it really depends on 1) what you are use to, 2) what you are looking for, and 3) what, if anything, you are comfortable compromising on. Bottom line, I cannot make up someone's mind, only offer my opinion and experience and encourage someone to make up their own mind.
Edit... actually, I should mention one area Android does shine, not surprisingly, it's integration with Google. If you are a heavy Google apps user then Android wins. Otherwise, my comments above apply.
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I would be interested to see how this works. The only thing I really use from the Google apps is the Google Maps. I do have the GPS software, and Bing. However, I've found that usually (not always) when I cannot find something with one GPS/Map software, one of the other two will find it. But to say I use that heavily is not totally true. I also use the other apps very little, if any. So Overall, though I would like to see how it works, I don't believe that Android is for me.
After spending all weekend with the Droid. There are a few things it does better.
Integrated search, and voice control. Secondly it is much quicker to switch tasks. Amazon MP3 store is really great to have integrated as well
Aside from that even playing with OpenHome skins, I think the most recent version of HTC Sense 2.5 for the TP2 is a much better interface.
Android claims it is such an open platform but they dont have sites like PPC or XDA to support their phones yet.
Windows Mobiles biggest problem is its windows mobile. Its not the trend, and there is so much negative press about it that people overlook it.
I love my windows mobile device. I have the TP2. I have seen where people have flashed the TP to Andriod and it seems to work well. Im thinking of doing it to my old TP. The Driod is very cool. My store just got a shippment in. But it hasnt impressed me enought to switch. Flash my old TP maybe. Since it just sits in its box.
Tried it out, but didn't like it. Android isn't really an operating system it's more like a "skin" for a really poor operating system.
System preferences and commands aren't congregated in one place.
Apps can't be saved to an external memory card. You can't back them up, either.
Preferences and customization is limited, compared to what you can do with Windows Mobile.
As far as being an "idiot proof" OS it still has a pretty high learning curve, and compared to the iPhone, which has an elegant UI, one that I respect tremendously despite my dislike of AT&T and Apple products in general, it doesn't measure up.
Last of all, call quality sucks compared to my TP2. I've been on a train and people can still hear me clear as day.
Win Mob 6.5
Windows mobile is not at all horrible.I’ve had the best experience using winmo 6.5 on HTC HD2.The QWERTY keypad makes it soo easy to send messages, its even helpful for browsing.it Even has the in-built apps such as facebook widget,MSN widget etc.
Android has an excellent feature, where if you click on a phone number in a webpage, it will dial that number for you. TP2 can't do that. This gives Android a HUGE usability advantage over TP2 (and other WM phones).
wildcard said:
Android has an excellent feature, where if you click on a phone number in a webpage, it will dial that number for you. TP2 can't do that. This gives Android a HUGE usability advantage over TP2 (and other WM phones).
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actually... TP2 DOES do that...
I use both and they are both good phones. I would not give up my TP2 to use a Droid full time, but it does have its advantages.
The Droids screen is nice, but so is the TP2. The keyboard on the TP2 blows the Droids away.
The voice search on the DROID is awesome, much better and accurate than TellME, which I do have working on my TP2.
Droid is more responsive and the Android marketplace is great, but I have XDA for my TP2
Droid ships with a 16GB memory card, which is nice.
I like and use both the tilting screen and TV out on the TP2. Droid does neither. Just my 2 cents
wildcard said:
Android has an excellent feature, where if you click on a phone number in a webpage, it will dial that number for you. TP2 can't do that. This gives Android a HUGE usability advantage over TP2 (and other WM phones).
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Um, seriously, man... this has been a feature of WinMo Phones for quite a while. In fact, most apps that can display a phone number (GPS, Google, Windows Live, any browser that I've used, etc) do allow you to click on them and call them. Most of them require that you confirm it, making sure you pressed the right one, but, other than that the functionality is there.
The only thing that I like Google/Google Maps over the rest of them is that when you dial a number from it's search list, it will transfer the name of that listing (e.g. "Tom's Tire") to the call history and associate it with that number. This does make it a lot easier to go back and find a number that I wouldn't have normally saved. Other than that, they are all pretty even.
ThreeTima said:
Um, seriously, man... this has been a feature of WinMo Phones for quite a while. In fact, most apps that can display a phone number (GPS, Google, Windows Live, any browser that I've used, etc) do allow you to click on them and call them. Most of them require that you confirm it, making sure you pressed the right one, but, other than that the functionality is there.
The only thing that I like Google/Google Maps over the rest of them is that when you dial a number from it's search list, it will transfer the name of that listing (e.g. "Tom's Tire") to the call history and associate it with that number. This does make it a lot easier to go back and find a number that I wouldn't have normally saved. Other than that, they are all pretty even.
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Ummm, seriously, out-of-the-box TP2 (I know I just took mine out of the box) the TP2 *doesn't* do this. Is there a special setting for this or does Verizon (where I got my TP2) disable this feature? I don't think you have your facts straight... WM might be able to do this, but TP2 *does not*
wildcard said:
Ummm, seriously, out-of-the-box TP2 (I know I just took mine out of the box) the TP2 *doesn't* do this. Is there a special setting for this or does Verizon (where I got my TP2) disable this feature? I don't think you have your facts straight... WM might be able to do this, but TP2 *does not*
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Most definitely does do it. Use Bing, web, or email with phone #s displayed. I can click to dial them.
wildcard said:
Ummm, seriously, out-of-the-box TP2 (I know I just took mine out of the box) the TP2 *doesn't* do this. Is there a special setting for this or does Verizon (where I got my TP2) disable this feature? I don't think you have your facts straight... WM might be able to do this, but TP2 *does not*
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Well, I have the Sprint TP2.... I've never really had this problem. To tell the truth, I am not a big fan of Verizon after they screwed ma a few years back. It wouldn't surprise me if they did.
On a separate note, there are a few places I have seen that it doesn't come up as a clickable link, but that is usually due to poor formatting.
To tell the truth, I rarely use the function. I find TeleNav (or Sprint Navigation, as it is on the sprint phone) to be a much easier way of doing things. Google Maps, Bing, and various other apps are also excellent way of searching for phone numbers. Both Bing (Initally called Windows Live "out of the box" but prompts for update soon after) and TeleNav (I know is available on Sprint phones and most AT&T phones) are available "out of the box" and can do what you are looking for.
If I cannot find a number through them, I know of many mobile sites that offer look-up services that show the phone numbers as links, regardless of what browser you are using.
I guess I had taken it for granted that phone numbers have always been available to me and with very little work, if any.
Maybe it needs further looking into, by both us the consumers, and the makers of our software.
Good luck with Verizon.
Imaginos said:
Most definitely does do it. Use Bing, web, or email with phone #s displayed. I can click to dial them.
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What?? Are you sure? So if you go to: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/pa/recordedforecasts.php (using Opera or IE on your TP2) the phone numbers there are links that you can click on? How did you do that? Mine doesn't and right now it is bone stock (about to flash NRG LEO ROM). I have a Verizon TP2.
I'd much prefer Android over WinMo. I tried 6.5 roms on the vogue and disliked it even more than 6.1.
Granted I haven't got to look into WinMo's new market, but the Android one is nice.
Google Maps navigation in 2.0 is really nice.
Push on my Gmail.
Nice integration on my Google Voice.
Or Guava with my Gizmo5 account so I can use Google Voice over 3g data for free phone calls. I have yet to find a good sip program to integrate with gizmo5 and google voice in WinMo.
How much of Android is ported to the TP2? I'm looking at upgrading and don't like Sprint's Android options at the current moment. Wondering about picking up the TP2 and wondering if I could sale it for enough to grab the next android phone. Unless the android port is 100%.

Im old and lost. WM on HD2, Android??, iPhones?

Ive been using HTC phones since forever.... Ive had the Canary, Tanager, Voyager, Hurricane, Polaris (Touch Cruise) and am currently using the Touch Diamond. Ive enjoyed Windows Mobile but never really took to TouchFlo3d. I liked Windows Mobile because I have CoPilot and used to do quite a bit of geocaching.
Now im up for contract renewal and soooo much has changed in the last two years.
Im wondering what the score is with windows mobile? Has it been overtaken by Android? What about my CoPilot, geocaching programs and Bejewelled Blitz game?
Im assuming the HTC HD2 is considered the best WM phone at the moment but should I be looking at Android phones.... if so, which one?
And how does the iphone fit in. I dont like the look of all though little boxes of "apps"! Im a minimalist kinda guy! Im considering an iphone because I have been forced into using a mac cos my partner has run off to uni to do a post grad course and taken the family laptop!
Any help of choosing between the HTC HD2, the android phones and the iphone would be great.
Here you can see what is considered the best device by XDA members:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=5391877#post5391877
As for Android, I prefer to stay with WM, android is too young and immature for now, I´m sure in the future can be a good OS option, but not by now.
Just my opinion
Good luck,
p.d: Never consider yourself an old!!, as a Mexican saying says: Old? old the mountains and they are still green!
rikpotts said:
Im wondering what the score is with windows mobile? Has it been overtaken by Android?
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That depends on whether you are normal, healthy human being or an extreme technology geek. The most important thing to understand about Windows Mobile is that when you first start up a WM phone, it really doesn't work very well. It can be made to work reasonably well, but it takes a great deal of tweaking to do it. If you're the sort of person who actively enjoys tweaking, hunting down applications and .cabs to customise the phone to make it behave in exactly the way you want, then WM is a good choice. If you simply want it to work, it's a terrible choice.
Android is already well ahead of WM in terms of usablity for normal people, but hasn't yet caught up in terms of programmability or customisability.
The iPhone is effectively two completely different devices in one, depending on whether or not you go through the "jail-breaking" procedure. (This is a bit like installing a cooked ROM on a WM phone, only rather less drastic and easier to reverse; like flashing custom ROMs it does void your warranty, though). Without jail-breaking the iPhone is very much a "black box" - you only do what Apple has chosen to let you do. That said, it's the best piece of user-interface design I've ever seen, beautifully intuitive, and it has far more applications than every other smartphone platform put together (and what's more they're all in one place so you can actually find them - WM apps are scattered all over the Internet with no catalogue).
By contrast, a jail-broken iPhone is as flexible as an Android phone, and very close to Windows Mobile.
If you don't want TouchFLO (a.k.a. Sense) then investing in a high-end HTC phone is probably a waste of money. You get the support of this website, and (in the case of the HD2) a capacitive screen, but neither is worth the price premium over rival devices - Sense UI is what you're paying for if you buy an HD2. Obvious WinMo equivalents are the Toshiba TG01, or the Acer NeoTouch. On the Android side you should check out the Google Nexus One, Motorola Droid, and Acer F1.
Many Thanks for the replies. I was worried my question didnt get to the point but the answers covered my confusion.
So windows mobile still has some life left in it yet!
I had no idea about where Android was up to... now I know.
"you only do what Apple has chosen to let you do."
This is what I feared. Despite flashing phones for a large portion of my spare time I dont actually like doing it. I agree with what you said about WM phone not working well out of the box but can be good if you spend a few days googling and messing about. My diamond is a hand me down from my partner cos she hated it... but like the look of my old orbit 2. I spent many weeks tuning that one. Ive just left the diamond as is..... except disabling TF3d (I have actually started to use it for the last 2 days only!)
I find the iPhone appealing, especially after reading that it has more application around for it. Plus I only have a couple of ibooks now. Ive even done away with the pc at work! (only cos I do the bookkeeping at home on the mac, its easier to throw it in the back of the car and take it with me!)
I know the like of high street banks etc are making "apps" for it but ive also waded my through WM Smartphone, 2003SE and WM6 applications for years. It sound iike the iphone has made good ground.
I think its gonna be a HD2. Though ill have a quick look at how people have customised the iphone. Ill bend arms in the call centres to get either one for free!
Once again, thanks for spending the time in answering my questions. You have saved me a long evening in front of the laptop!
Well, make sure you demo an iPhone before buying, and do some serious reading in some of the jail-break community forums. In my experience a good rule of thumb is: if you can't think of any specific reason not to buy an iPhone 3GS, you should buy one. By contrast, anyone who is any doubt about whether they want an HD2 or not should definitely not buy one; and I say that as an HD2 owner who has no intention of selling it. It's a great device for some, but its appeal is deep rather than broad. In my case the things I use it for most are web-browsing and video playback, and a big, hi-res screen helps a lot with both of those. Even there it was a close thing - Apple's "Safari" browser is superior to the HD2's Opera in several ways.
There's a recent survey from Gartner which found that Apple currently controls 99.4% of the smartphone app market.
Demo a couple of the high-end Android phones, too - HTC Hero and Motorola Milestone are good places to start. And try an HD2 before you buy as well - see whether or not the keyboard drives you nuts!
Shasarak said:
That depends on whether you are normal, healthy human being or an extreme technology geek. The most important thing to understand about Windows Mobile is that when you first start up a WM phone, it really doesn't work very well. It can be made to work reasonably well, but it takes a great deal of tweaking to do it.
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IMO that's not exactly true. I had bought a Touch Diamond 2 in early 2009 and with the stock ROM it was awesome. I used it for couple months without facing any problems. After few months I switched to custom ROMs but only because I needed to have newer OS builds (6.5, 6.5.x) on my phone.
Android is so superior in few years? You better wait few years and see if Android is still running so smooth when supporting more than 5 different phones.... Probably you'll switch back to WM 8 then because it's supposed to run so stable.
I just went to the Apple Store in town for an iPhone demo only to be told they don't sell them, or have demo versions.
So I asked for the lead to plug my iBook into the telly. He gave me a DVI Macbook one. "no, I have an iBook"
"Sorry mate, you cant get em"
I said "yeah you can, £18.99 + del on the Apple Store website.
He clicked around on his iPhone for 5 mins until I gave up and found one myself in the shop.
I gave him my Visa card only to be told that they dont accept Visa Debit!
Im not surprised Apple stuff is so expensive.... they have to markup to cover the loss of sales for reasons similar to my first ever contact with Apple!
RAMMANN said:
Android is so superior in few years? You better wait few years and see if Android is still running so smooth when supporting more than 5 different phones.... Probably you'll switch back to WM 8 then because it's supposed to run so stable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How exactly is any of this in any way connected to a purchase decision? Are we supposed to say "well, WinMo may not be very good, but there's a good reason why it's not very good (has to support so many different phones) so we should buy it anyway out of sympathy"? Or are we supposed to buy a WM6 phone now on the grounds that in three years time the next-but-one version of WinMo will, in your opinion be superior to the next-but-six version of Android? Even if your prediction turns out to be accurate, nothing you say here can possibly be relevant.
rikpotts said:
I just went to the Apple Store in town for an iPhone demo only to be told they don't sell them, or have demo versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch. Well, try a mobile phone shop. Here in London you'll find a demoable iPhone in O2 or Carphone Warehouse stores. Probably Orange and Vodafone too these days.
I would at least consider looking at Android handsets that are currently on the market. Windows Mobile is an alright OS, but Windows Mobile 6.x is on its way out, with WM7 coming in towards the end of this year, so you might not want to buy a WM device until WM7 ships, or you may get stuck with 6.x. I've used Android extensively through ports and emulators, and I can safely say that it's a very good mobile OS. Either a Windows Mobile or Android device would work fine, but I would recommend waiting until the end of the year if you want Windows Mobile. The best Android and Windows Mobile devices on the market are probably the Nexus One and HD2, respectively.
As for the iPhone, I don't really get what's so special about them. I own a first generation iPhone and a first generation iPod Touch, and while they're both nice devices, I wouldn't say they're the Jesusphone that everyone claims them to be. Maybe it's just because I like an open OS like Android (Linux kernel, open source) or WM (proprietary yet infinitely customizable), but the iPhone doesn't seem that great to me. And while Jailbreaking makes things a little more bearable, it still doesn't make the iPhone worth using to me
Shasarak said:
How exactly is any of this in any way connected to a purchase decision? Are we supposed to say "well, WinMo may not be very good, but there's a good reason why it's not very good (has to support so many different phones) so we should buy it anyway out of sympathy"? Or are we supposed to buy a WM6 phone now on the grounds that in three years time the next-but-one version of WinMo will, in your opinion be superior to the next-but-six version of Android? Even if your prediction turns out to be accurate, nothing you say here can possibly be relevant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not saying "WM may not be very good". I think it kicks ass. Honestly! I already ran Android on the emulator to check it out but I don't see anything special that I don't have with WM. And besides that on Android you can only code applications in Java despite the Linux kernel. I stick to my C/C++ and I see no f'kn reason to downgrade to Java just because of Google.
I think the best way is to go to the store and play a bit (like 15-30min) with the competing phones. I would suggest that you pay a bit more attention to HD2, iPhone 3GS and in march the Bravo will be out, if you can wait that long. I would also suggest the Nexus one, however you can't see before you buy, and people are reporting numerous problems. You can see the nexus in action on youtube.
What works for me, won't necessarily work for you, and vice versa.
Don't let the sales rep tell you that google maps is navigation, it's not.
Have in mind that iphone and some android devices don't support BT file transfer, if you use that.
If you like multitasking don't go for the iphone.Another "glitch" is that its browser doesn't support download.
If you use exchange, it works best on winmo and blackberry
If you use the phone as usb stick go for android or winmo.
There are of course other differences. It all depends on what you use and what you need.
For satnav winmo has the widest range of apps. However there are nice apps for android and iphone.
rikpotts said:
Ive been using HTC phones since forever.... Ive had the Canary, Tanager, Voyager, Hurricane, Polaris (Touch Cruise) and am currently using the Touch Diamond. Ive enjoyed Windows Mobile but never really took to TouchFlo3d. I liked Windows Mobile because I have CoPilot and used to do quite a bit of geocaching.
Now im up for contract renewal and soooo much has changed in the last two years.
Im wondering what the score is with windows mobile? Has it been overtaken by Android? What about my CoPilot, geocaching programs and Bejewelled Blitz game?
Im assuming the HTC HD2 is considered the best WM phone at the moment but should I be looking at Android phones.... if so, which one?
And how does the iphone fit in. I dont like the look of all though little boxes of "apps"! Im a minimalist kinda guy! Im considering an iphone because I have been forced into using a mac cos my partner has run off to uni to do a post grad course and taken the family laptop!
Any help of choosing between the HTC HD2, the android phones and the iphone would be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wait for the 4th gen iphone, if you can't, i recommend you jailbroken iphone 3gs.
you'll fly, if you try iphone.
When I went to the Apple store and asked to look at the iPhone the first thing the chap said was "wait til mid 2010"
Thankyou for the great replies.
In the end....!! I got a Sony Ericsson Naite. And a laptop! Samsung N130.
I love my iBook but ive just enrolled with the OU to finish a couple of Uni quals I never actually finished and need windows. Plus I can synch my Diamond properly now. I run a shop on an ind est and have just setup a website and my orders come through to the phone. I need to synch.
Once again, many thanks for the time spent.
Rik

HD2 or Nexus One?

Help me choose!
Usage:
1. Watching video, mostly movies, without the hassle of converting formats, etc.
2. Browsing with the best experience possible
3. Cool things like on the HD2, i.e. Playstation emulation, bluetooth peripherals, USB Host functionality etc.
4. An easy to understand file system. I'm uncomfortable with Linux, thus my hesitation with Android.
Time I want to keep the device:
About two years. I want something reliable and something that won't bore me after a while.
Thanks for any help you guys provide.
I hope you are aware that you've already made your own choice.
Everything you've said is hinting at the HD2 already. Do you need us to reassure you that you are doing the right thing? It's really just a phone OP. Get the one you want. Don't let anyone else tell you what is right for you or tell you what you should want.
PoisonWolf said:
I hope you are aware that you've already made your own choice.
Everything you've said is hinting at the HD2 already. Do you need us to reassure you that you are doing the right thing? It's really just a phone OP. Get the one you want. Don't let anyone else tell you what is right for you or tell you what you should want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually am completely sold on the HD2, however the fact that in those two years that I'd want to keep the deivce, Android will probably be all the rage and we'd have the HD2 completely outdated without any WP7 support. That is my only concern.
hackm0d said:
I actually am completely sold on the HD2, however the fact that in those two years that I'd want to keep the deivce, Android will probably be all the rage and we'd have the HD2 completely outdated without any WP7 support. That is my only concern.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's your point?
You already stated that you're uncomfortable with Linux. And you pretty much want the HD2.
You can't have everything in this world. Pick one, use the device, enjoy the device and get your money's worth out of it. If you want WP7 support, wait one more year for the HD3. I'm pretty certain by then you'll have a 1.2 Ghz dual-core 4.5" screen monstrosity with a 2000 mAH battery pack running Windows Phone 7.
Whatever it is, do not buy the HD2 under the assumption that XDA will definitely port WP7 to it. To be more precise, buy a device for the features it has now, and don't bank on features that may or may not come.
What does uncomfortable with linux mean?
See if you can have a play with a decent android device and see if the usability improvements over winmo is worth it?
hackm0d said:
I want something reliable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's your answer. Keep away from Windows Mobile.
hackm0d said:
I actually am completely sold on the HD2, however the fact that in those two years that I'd want to keep the deivce, Android will probably be all the rage and we'd have the HD2 completely outdated without any WP7 support. That is my only concern.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for Leo, definetly the fastest device out there.
Don´t worry about upgrading to WP7, it will be possible for sure with the great Chefs and Devs from XDA
Android is nice and some are looking for it because it´s new...on my opinion is nice but immature and limited for now.
I´ll stick to WM for a while.
orb3000 said:
Don´t worry about upgrading to WP7, it will be possible for sure with the great Chefs and Devs from XDA
I´ll stick to WM for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree that xda will port it... But I dont think it would never reach a level that you can use it on a daily basis...
See android on wm devices... They have ported on many devices ( more than an year of work) but not fully fn for use on a daily basis ... Unless i missed something
Have to disagree
I have HTC Universal who originally was designed to run WM5 and now I am using it at it´s 100% capacity with WM6.5.
I don´t see why it can´t happen the same to Leo upgrading just one generation to WP7, it has the power and as I said the great minds here @XDA will sor it out for sure
Andorid example is completely another stuff, to port one OS to a completely different build device, that is limited for now but perhaps later will be full and stable, who knows...
orb3000 said:
Have to disagree
I have HTC Universal who originally was designed to run WM5 and now I am using it at it´s 100% capacity with WM6.5.
I don´t see why it can´t happen the same to Leo upgrading just one generation to WP7, it has the power and as I said the great minds here @XDA will sor it out for sure
Andorid example is completely another stuff, to port one OS to a completely different build device, that is limited for now but perhaps later will be full and stable, who knows...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, but WM5 uses the same WinCE 5.2 kernel that 6.x and 6.5.x have, so porting WM6.x to WM5 is very easy because everything is well documented, and everyone knows WinCE 5.2 inside and out already. The drivers, the bootloader, the file system, and everything else are all compatible because it's the same exact kernel. It's a whole different ballgame when you have completely different OS kernel (WinCE 7) that nobody here knows indepth, which has specific hardware requirements and most likely needs a completely rewritten SPL, drivers, etc. and uses a completely different file system, and ROM update system. It's not going to be easy, if even possible at all, to port WM7 to the HD2 without getting the internal Microsoft builds they're testing on the HD2 (which will never be publicly released). What I'm trying to say is, don't get your hopes up on a WM7 port.
@OP: As others have said, you've basically made that decision yourself. Android is based on Linux, so if you don't like Linux, don't go with Android. If you get the HD2, get it because you like the features it currently has, since you will likely not see new ones besides a somewhat functional port of Android and some backported software from newer WM6.x phones. The HD2 will probably stay the way it is now, so only buy it if you're willing to stay with the same everything for the next few years. That being said, all the devices you listed are very popular, well made devices, and I don't think that you could really be unhappy with your device no matter what you get. I do know, if it makes any difference to you, that a PSX emulator was shown on video this week running on a Nexus One and USB host functionality was ported specifically to the Nexus One as well.
DaveTheTytnIIGuy said:
Ah, but WM5 uses the same WinCE 5.2 kernel that 6.x and 6.5.x have, so porting WM6.x to WM5 is very easy because everything is well documented, and everyone knows WinCE 5.2 inside and out already. The drivers, the bootloader, the file system, and everything else are all compatible because it's the same exact kernel. It's a whole different ballgame when you have completely different OS kernel (WinCE 7) that nobody here knows indepth, which has specific hardware requirements and most likely needs a completely rewritten SPL, drivers, etc. and uses a completely different file system, and ROM update system. It's not going to be easy, if even possible at all, to port WM7 to the HD2 without getting the internal Microsoft builds they're testing on the HD2 (which will never be publicly released). What I'm trying to say is, don't get your hopes up on a WM7 port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you are right, but still have my hopes
Something for sure can be done
The thing is though, I will not have an always-on internet connection on any of these phones. Even then, it won't be 3G, it'll be EDGE or GPRS. From that standpoint, how much functionality of each of the phones will be reduced? Android has the push e-mail, social integration and app updates that need internet to function. Do you think without internet much of the functionality of the homescreen and Android itself (over Windows Mobile) is negated?
Why not the dell streak? It just came out in the UK, it has a 5" screen, which is great for videos. Also, ZodTTD is working on a PSX emulator and the streak should be getting a 2.2 upgrade within a few months (sooner with the root progress over at modaco). Engadget review.
hackm0d said:
The thing is though, I will not have an always-on internet connection on any of these phones. Even then, it won't be 3G, it'll be EDGE or GPRS. From that standpoint, how much functionality of each of the phones will be reduced? Android has the push e-mail, social integration and app updates that need internet to function. Do you think without internet much of the functionality of the homescreen and Android itself (over Windows Mobile) is negated?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edge or GPRS works great for things like facebook updates or email. WinMo is old and will not be receiving new games or programs. Also, you dont need the facebook feeds and other crap android has. I rarely use them.
Okay I waited on buying the phone today and probably will not until I have a definite conclusion. Please, if anyone with any of these phones answers this I would mighty appreciate it. I am only doing this because WM will soon be outdated and this is my chance to jump onto the Android bandwagon. If I can be convinced that any of these phones can perform as I am used to in Windows Mobile, I'll switch with the feeling that I've bought something future proof.
Questions for Android users:
1. If you have customized Windows Mobile, how is Android in comparison? Do I need to have a comprehensive knowledge of Linux in order to customize it? In WM you usually just install a CAB file or edit a registry entry. Is it the same in Android, or easier?
2. How is movie watching on the screen? Does it look good for a two hour or so movie or would I have to squint?
3. Same question as above for web browsing. Any Flash support? Can I read an article online without any squinting?
4. Is utilitarian app availability (e.g file managers, task managers, CPU speed editors, etc.) as good as Windows Mobile? This is one of the more important ones.
5. How is the camera in either Android devices? I'm going to do a lot of video capture, and as such how are the results?
6. Is there any sync software available (such as WMDC w/ Windows Mobile) for Android that performs similar things, i.e. backing up all memory, contacts, pictures, etc.?
7. Which of these devices has had better community progress? The Nexus has been hacked to have USB host functionality and lots of custom ROMs are being developed. By a community support perspective, which one is better supported? The Desire or Nexus One?
hackm0d said:
Help me choose!
Usage:
1. Watching video, mostly movies, without the hassle of converting formats, etc.
2. Browsing with the best experience possible
3. Cool things like on the HD2, i.e. Playstation emulation, bluetooth peripherals, USB Host functionality etc.
4. An easy to understand file system. I'm uncomfortable with Linux, thus my hesitation with Android.
Time I want to keep the device:
About two years. I want something reliable and something that won't bore me after a while.
Thanks for any help you guys provide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your point 1 leads me to advise you to get the HD2, but honestly I think it is too big for a phone.
I'd go with the Nexus One anyday. Froyo just made it even better.
hackm0d said:
1. If you have customized Windows Mobile, how is Android in comparison? Do I need to have a comprehensive knowledge of Linux in order to customize it? In WM you usually just install a CAB file or edit a registry entry. Is it the same in Android, or easier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you doing the customizing yourself or installing a cab file? For android we install apk, zip files, or we apply a metamorph. That may sound hard but trust me it is very easy. If you like to make your own there are plenty of guides online.
hackm0d said:
2. How is movie watching on the screen? Does it look good for a two hour or so movie or would I have to squint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The N1 has an amazing screen and everyone I know can not believe how sharp my movies are.
hackm0d said:
3. Same question as above for web browsing. Any Flash support? Can I read an article online without any squinting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One the N1 with froyo, yes.
hackm0d said:
4. Is utilitarian app availability (e.g file managers, task managers, CPU speed editors, etc.) as good as Windows Mobile? This is one of the more important ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if not better.
hackm0d said:
5. How is the camera in either Android devices? I'm going to do a lot of video capture, and as such how are the results?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Video on any cellphone is not going to be the greatest, but I am very happy with my camera.
hackm0d said:
6. Is there any sync software available (such as WMDC w/ Windows Mobile) for Android that performs similar things, i.e. backing up all memory, contacts, pictures, etc.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a gmail account you are in the google "cloud" so all your contacts will be fine. Titanium Backup is a great app for everything else.
hackm0d said:
7. Which of these devices has had better community progress? The Nexus has been hacked to have USB host functionality and lots of custom ROMs are being developed. By a community support perspective, which one is better supported? The Desire or Nexus One?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The N1 easily. It is very easy to unlook and with no risk of bricking. The Desire on the other hand is something you have to cross your fingures and hope you get lucky even if you do everything right.
Thanks jz9833, that's the desire ruled out.
btw what WM device have you used before the Nexus that makes you say this?
hackm0d said:
Thanks jz9833, that's the desire ruled out.
btw what WM device have you used before the Nexus that makes you say this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had a Wizard, Tilt, Fuze, and Tilt 2.
It was really hard for me to leave the WM enviroment, but once I did it I never looked back. The only things I miss are native office mobile apps. The ones android comes will only support viewing and not editting. Since I rarely used this on WM it's not an issue for me but could be for some. There are some apps in the market for this though.
Also you will need to download a file manager, but there are plenty of great options.
Divx files are no supported for now. You wil need to convert all video files to an mp4 format which sucks, but you will not regret it.
hackm0d said:
Thanks jz9833, that's the desire ruled out.
btw what WM device have you used before the Nexus that makes you say this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the WM Hermes & HD. After trying the Nexus, I have never looked back. Maybe someday I'll try WM7 if it ever get's here?

Android vs Windows Mobile..which is better/differences, pros and cons?

In your opinion (keep it short please) what is the difference between win mobile and android and pros and cons please?
Thanks
George
Android pros:
Open source
Huge market proliferation (ensuring compatability and development)
Huge app market
Stable faster linux kernel
Winmobile pro:
More compatable with windows
Wifi router (until froyo)
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
I have 2 Windows phones and 2 Android phones and I can't think of a single thing the Windows phones do better than the Android phones.
Well, when I got my phone at T mobile today (I was tired of att and verizon, long story..) I asked for an android phone and I get home and see it's a windows phone...?
Mind you, I'm not surprised considering they didn't even know what GSM is when I asked if t mobile was gsm.
I LIKE the fact that it acts as a hot spot so what is FROYO?
I also thing I'l like droid better so here's the question, do they make the HD2 for android and is it available for t mobile?
Also, the navigation on the windows hd2 I have seems totally retarded...
Yes, the droid (I had the 8183) was much better.
Does it mean I liked the 8183? Nope and whoever the idiot is that wrote the software that only lets you use a FRACTION of the big a$$ screen to display info, phone numbers, names and such should be shot, SLOWLY!
You guys have NO idea how many countless hours I've spent in frustration, trying to find a way to SEE things on the screen with my $hitty eyesight and all because some moron is too stupid to figure out that MAYBE they should start with making the BASICS work on the phone.
You know, kinda like the iPhone. It was great, EXCEPT at being a friggin' PHONE! Let's see, iPHONE, what part of phone didn't you understand?
Sadly enough, ALL these idiots make more money at what they do than I do
Thanks
George
guiri_too said:
In your opinion (keep it short please) what is the difference between win mobile and android and pros and cons please?
Thanks
George
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xda-developers > Android Development and Hacking > Android Apps and Games
FAIL.
rpimps said:
I have 2 Windows phones and 2 Android phones and I can't think of a single thing the Windows phones do better than the Android phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I loved MyPhone on Windows Mobile. And I just have my Android for 3 days, but I haven't found something as good and for free yet.
Next to that, I can't think of anything I missed yet. Even eBuddy managed to easily fulfill my needs of MSN/WLM. Even with offline messaging.
There are two things i don't like about android:
First, there isn't only one good videoplayer(ffmpeg is a must have!) EDIT: Rockplayer is a nice start, but the fps is ~100% lower than the ones i get with coreplayer
And i havent found something like Audiobooster.
Try both and take the OS which you prefer
Android Cons:
None
Windows Mobile Cons (based on my experience with 6.1 Buisness):
Too hard to install games and apps
Not enough games and apps
Not user friendly
Too slow response
Android pros:
huge application
Google serious to maintain the android development
Android Cons:
No Wifi proxy support
hard to copy paste beetwen app
Winmobile cons:
too late microsoft your windows mobile is dying. your development team is slow
Old win 6.5 kernel..
windows phone 7 is too late to release...your market app is not working...
all developer moving to another platform
No multitasking support for windows 7...thats shame
Search for rockbase player for videos. Funambol or mybackup pro for closest to myphone off the top of my head.
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
there's a lot of things to look at but the best way to choose is this.
if you are running an app and it has issues or require a bit of memory, window will lock up and then you have to reset the phone.
with android you'll get a force close notification which you just ok it and keep using it with out having to reset.
Android FTW
Android:
Fast
User friendly
great multitasking
many apps and great games
works better on slow phones
user driven market
WM:
horrible performance, only WM phone with good performance is the hd2
bad multitasking, but happily arkswitch makes it easier
almost no 3d games, marketplace is not worth a ****
OK, As a windows Fanboy turned android here is the main thing Windows does better than android: Multimedia!!
Android is still new to the game and in my opinion hasn't really got a good video and music player. There are some ones that can pass but compared to Windows and iphone they are not that great. On the flip side I plan on developing my own music player which counts for the openness of android. WinMo is arguably just as open BUT with them going a different direction with WM7 I had to jump ship. As for Androids advantages......everything else is just as good if not better than windows (except how they manage the SD card)
Well, the few minutes I've spent with the windows platform already makes me hate it. Whoever did the software for the HD2 is totally retarded. I couldn't even get myself out of whatever app happened to come on last night and I was about ready to throw this big piece of $hit out the window.
I now know what Froyo is and if I'm not mistaken, it'll have a wifi proxy which I guess it to be is that it acts like a hot spot which should put a damper on some of the greedy phone companies (IF it is released on their phones) like ATT who charges you another 30 bucks extra for connecting to your laptop.
That to me is bull**** and greed and IS costing them customers.
Verizon is better with that but I hate their support AND I think their coverage in my area is worse. The support is TOTALLY useless and I left them once because of it and I will AGAIN leave them I think and yes, mainly because of it.
I'll try the t mobile service out for a week or so and if the coverage is good, I'll return this locked piece of $hit and get me one of the unlocked phones from NEgri Electronics. If anyone hasn't heard of them yet (which kinda would surprise me) here they are...
I mean, seriously, in order NOT to pay the full price at t mobile, I have to sign up for two years AND the phone is locked which means I can't use proggies like this one which I NEED! http://www.androlib.com/android.application.org-pbxes-fontsize-BiEA.aspx
For a buck fitty (not fifty, fitty, like fitty cents) I can get this proggy which could fix my problem but I can't do it on a locked phone. Well, they can ki$$ my ass then with all the restrictions. I'll get this one for example http://negrielectronics.com/touch-smartphone-unlocked-tmobile-2747.html , get me a monthly account instead and I can put anything I want on it. Now how the hell can I go wrong with that, AND, they're easier to sell should you want to get rid of them.
Put some of this stuff on it and some silicone case on it and you can sell it years later looking brand new which is what I did with my iPhone.
I'm going to wait for a week or so and decide if I like tmobile and if I do, I'll tell verizon where they can stick their phone.
Would you believe I had to make THREE attempts to get them to port my att number over and meanwhile, I'm paying ATT for the account. I even called and talked to VERIZON people to make sure it got done right and in BOTH cases, they screwed it up. I finally got it done the right IN The store, a WEEK after!
After all this crap AND a busted phone that was only two weeks old, I tried to get a free charging cable from one of the store manager, NOT a charger or the ac adapter thingie, just the stinkin' cable and he wouldn't even give me that. Now that is tacky and petty. Oh, the reason I wanted another cable was so I could keep one in the car cause that piece of $hit pre wouldn't hold a charge over 5-6 hours and let's not talk about TALKING time. This was a LITTLE talking and lots of stand by.
What a damn joke.
I like the pre platform and concept in general and I have several PDA's that are PALM but the PRE phone, they kinda dropped the ball on a little.
No on screen keyboard (now how hard is that to figure out), the actual keyboard should have been horizontal for size and the damn thing is a gas guzzler, AND, I don't see an option to keep the damn notifications from coming up and crowding your screen when you turn it on. Also, it's slow as $hit from when you click that you want the keypad till it finally opens up.
NO Predictive dialing and you can't get the beautiful HUGE clock to stay on top that I know of. Again, how hard is that to figure out? Does this take so long to program into the software? I mean, they almost went belly up. You'd think they had the TIME and STAFF to do things right. Sheesh!
Anyway, enough bitc*in'
George
guiri_too said:
Again, how hard is that to figure out? Does this take so long to program into the software? I mean, they almost went belly up. You'd think they had the TIME and STAFF to do things right. Sheesh!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not how business works. Any phone advertised on TV (like the Pre) is designed for general consumers (people who don't care about the things you're talking about). It would be a terrible business decision to spend more time and money incorporating things that 99% of their target market don't care about or don't even know they're missing. If you're posting on XDA you're probably a lot more tech savvy than the average consumer, thus phones marketed towards the average consumer won't have 100% of the features you request. I always like to buy phones that are rarer and not advertised, mainly because I like having stuff that other people don't have, but also because they usually end up being a cut above the rest of the phones on the market.
Thread moved to General.
If I were you guiri_too, and can afford it, I'd order the Nexus One unlocked and as soon as it arrives, root the thing, put Froyo on it (if I could find it) and take that winblows phone back to T-Mobile. I can't believe they gave you that after asking for an Android phone. That has to be one of the dumbest salesmen ever! Or if you want to stay with T-Mobile and happen to like Sense (Espresso Sense), pick up the the MyTouch Slide. It has a keyboard, MS Exchange support and is pretty snappy to boot (speaking of boot, it only takes about a minute from hitting the power button to making a call). If you need a more business-like phone, I would suggest the Sprint Evo 4G. It's the same size as the HD2, 4.3", but it's Android. The UI looks like the HD2 as well (Sense), but it's a lot quicker and more stable. A friend of mine picked this up after having the Sprint Hero, which he got after the TouchPro (winmo) and couldn't be happier.
As far as the original question, I can only give you an anecdote; when I got my G1, my wife had a Wing which she hated. After a few months of watching me play with my phone all the time, and her Wing being replaced twice, she bought hers and was instantly hooked. We have been android fans ever since. So the advantages of Android for me are awesome stability, openness and apps, of which you don't have to use the market for (unless you get an ATT android).
Let me try to address the replies in one window.
First as for being tech savvy, yeah, I guess I am and I've been around long enough to be picky, HOWEVER, my BASIC needs are a phone I can HEAR and SEE. How come Nextel have speakers that you can hear clear across the next state and this thing I got, the HD2 I can barely hear with the fans in the car running despite them telling me it was really loud...?
Sure, I want a lot of stuff but if you read through all my info, you'll see that some of the things i don't really care about like social networking, streaming video, mp3 player and much more. LARGE FONT! How the hell hard is that to figure out? I mean, for those here who program and considering it's even in very simple programs. IS IT THAT hard to have an option of making the font bigger?
To Heybob. Bob, the problem is that I can't try and see these phones live so to speak. ALL the phones at tmobile are dummies or at least the ones I'm interested in.
Second, to be quite honest and when I think about it, I am not sure if she did mention this one was windows but I DID tell her I prefered android. In any case, NOT knowing what GSM is or if tmobile was GSM is not something I can let slide, ESPECIALLY considering she was the manager...
Now, so far, my tmobile coverage has seemed good. Yes, the phone as in the UI is still totally retarded so the windows OS has got to go. More than likely when I return this, if I still like tmobile then, I'll get a phone from Negri that's unlocked and if I'm not mistaken, he HAS Froyo phones in stock. Hold, gonna call and check..yep, he's got Nexus One with Froyo ready to ship.
Tell'em George with the long wish list sent ya if you buy one. Not that I think I'll get any referrals but hey, it never hurts when it comes time to bug them about finding me the right phone.
Anyway, back to the phones. I do NOT like this windows UI so that one is out. I like that I have found a site with something like 80,000+ apps all in one place and although I'm not stingy, when you're TRYING apps and don't know if you'll like them or not, it helps if they're cheap or free. I got something on hte Pre I didn't like but hell ,I wasn't about to ask for a $1.50 refund.
Many of the windows apps were $15 or around there. I'm not paying it if I can't get a refund if I don't like the software and I AM picky with software too.
By the way, is there someone here that has a rooted android phone that wouldn't mind putting this font proggy on there (hell, I'll be happy to pay for it at only 2 bucks or something) and show me the different font size options? http://www.androlib.com/android.application.org-pbxes-fontsize-BiEA.aspx
I WAS going to do that but as you know, I didn't get a droid phone
I showed this dude on the androlib forum this proggy. He gets it, his wife likes it (he got it for her) and now he's too busy to show me some screen captures. Thanks a lot
George
I've owned 4 different winmo phones and I can say that android leaves those respond FOOLS in the dust.
Android is more compatible with exchange server than windows mobile solution or blackberry.
Work gets done faster and I smile a lot more now.
Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk
Well, I just took a few pictures of the HD2 to show people what I'm facing to illustrate it a little better.
Coming right up...

Upcoming Windows 8 Tablet/Laptops (What about Android?)

As many of you probably know from the coverage at CES, a slew of manufacturers are coming out with Windows 8 laptops that will double as tablets too. For instance, Sony has a model in the making where the screen slides down to become essentially a tablet. Another one is Lenovo, with a laptop where the screen turns all the way around to become a tablet. The one and only problem with these offerings is Windows 8. Sure, I welcome Windows 8 as a laptop OS, I've always used Windows. But when it comes to a phone/tablet OS, I don't really find any Windows offering that intriguing. I dread the thought of leaving Android and ending up with two seperate OS's and sets of apps and such on my phone and tablet. I'm sure as heck not moving to a windows phone anytime soon either.
http://www.theverge.com/2012/1/9/26...o-tablet-prototypes-future-windows-8-hardware
http://www.theverge.com/2012/1/9/26...-windows-8-laptop-that-bends-backwards-into-a
So my questions are, do you guys think some devs will find a way to dual boot Android onto some of these devices? What will you buy for your phone, laptop, and tablet? I've read a few articles where some manufacturers are going to ship out their devices with BOTH Android and Windows 8, but I can't seem to find where I read that, and I don't believe any of the big name manufacturers were the ones doing it.
Android will at least be able to run in a virtual box, likely more. However, android's presence in the tablet market is... Underwhelming at best.
z33dev33l said:
Android will at least be able to run in a virtual box, likely more. However, android's presence in the tablet market is... Underwhelming at best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But right now, Windows 8 looks like a bastard child as a tablet OS. Maybe I'm wrong, we'll have to wait and see until it can be auditioned in person. The fact of the matter is that Android has most the market share for phones. People are going to want the same OS on their tablet for the sake of simplicity and not having to learn a whole new OS and buy a whole new set of apps. I'm hoping some of the big names catch on and send the devices with both Android and Win8. That would be a win-win for both the manufacturer and consumer IMO.
I'm looking forward to seeing what android can do once there's more ICS tablets as far as an ecosystem goes, I still think there's a lot of games and programs that they'll lack opposed to the 15+ years of PC games. I'm shocked that there's not a WoW client for android. Despite disliking WoW, it's not very resource heavy and it is massively popular.
I'm still convinced in the end, Win8 will be a hit.
I Am Marino said:
I'm still convinced in the end, Win8 will be a hit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm excited to have it on my laptop, but I'm not so sure about on a tablet. I hate the thought of having two seperate OS's on my phone and tablet. Viewsonic made a tablet about a year ago that shipped with the ability to dualboot into win7 and android. I hope Sony and others go for that idea...
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda premium
tested win8 in a vm from my point of view is the worst windows os yet...
2020legig said:
tested win8 in a vm from my point of view is the worst windows os yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think they can do worst than Vista
The introduction of the Tablet and the continued development of the phone has given consumers more choice, but has also led to more name confusion.
The Tablet is like a Net-book without a keyboard and is a good name because it doesn't include the name of any particular device or application. For example, you can use a Tablet for making phone calls or taking pictures without having to call it a phone or a camera. A Tablet can be any size, for the name just describes the shape and not it's use, though it is generally accepted as being a multi-function device. So keyboard less smart phones can be called Tablets.
Adding a detachable keyboard to a Tablet makes it better for those applications where a keyboard and extra battery and Ports are useful .
So given these extra choices the consumer has to decide which suits them best.
2020legig said:
tested win8 in a vm from my point of view is the worst windows os yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can anything be worse than Windows ME? My machine I got when ME came out blue screened right out of the box and needed to be restored. ^_^
I think it really depends on the productivity software available for Android and iOS when Windows 8 tablets/laptops start rolling out. I'm running into a lot of people who want to use tablets instead of laptops for their on-the-go work/computing needs.
Really not feeling Windows 8 at all, I think it'll struggle to outdo 7.
However, there will always be people who jump to get the "latest and greatest" software/hardware so I'm sure it'll do fine
Somewhere I read you could turn off the metro style (tiles) of windows 8. But let's face it, touch integration is the way for the future and I read laptops are moving towards both touch screen with the keyboard and trackpad with optional mouse. But to the user referring to tablets attached to keyboard docks. I think these will be much more than that. I think they will have more power than let's say an Asus transformer with a keyboard dock (glorified netbook). Thus I think these will lean more toward the laptop end, just thinner. At least that's what I hope.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda premium

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