In general, the phones I've had before had really snappy keys that had a lot of feedback when pressed. Unfortunately, I'm not getting the same thing on my myTouch's keyboard. It works in such a way that I put a little bit of force on the key, feel no feedback, and see the key appear in whichever text box I'm typing in.
Is this the way it was designed, or is it a hardware defect? I'd really like to know because I am getting ready to root it, and I'd rather not have a subpar phone. The keyboard is one of the main reasons I really wanted this phone, but I've now grown accustomed to typing on the screen because of how odd it is to type on the keyboard.
If it matters, I have the khaki color.
I don't recall ever having feedback when using the hardware keyboard, and what you described above sounds like normal operation.
How do you like the khaki one?
I've noticed this as well. I've returned several phones, not for this reason, but my current phone is the only one where I get a good click or compression on the keys. Otherwise, sometimes it feels like I didn't press the key, but the keystroke still shows up. The g2 imo gives a lot of feedback.
I would have preferred the black, but I do think that the Khaki does look very nice. It has a nice contrast to the colors, but manages to look good.
As for the keyboard, I'm disappointed to hear that. My sisters mytouch 3g slide had a keyboard that gave a lot of feedback. I see no reason why it would be gone from these models... In any case, it's a fantastic phone otherwise.
i was kind of fooled by the dummy model phones in the Tmo store- they seem to have a real nice, more-raised keyboard. then when i got the phone i was kind of dissappointed that the keys were pretty flat. i went back and a guy told me that the dummy models are not exactly the same as the real models, that they are built more durable, to withstand all the touching and handling that people will do to it in the stores. i guess that makes sense.. i should have complained more i guess.. maybe i'll go back, lol.
I played around with them too, but I didn't notice any real difference between the display unit and my own. I suppose that some people get lucky with their units.
If you want to trade your khaki for a black I'd be more than happy to but yea my phone provides a little feedback although not as much as desired. It takes some time to get used to. But overall this phone is the first one i fell in love with, and i dont want to change it until it becomes completely obsolete
Sent from my DoubleShot Lite using XDA App
Coming from a g1 this keyboard feels smoother and nicer.
Just me though.
sent from my RuBiX infused MT4G Slide using xda premium
Droidmoder said:
Coming from a g1 this keyboard feels smoother and nicer.
Just me though.
sent from my RuBiX infused MT4G Slide using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll agree with this to a point. I miss the dedicated number keys.
My MT3GS had much better tactile feedback, but I got used to this one pretty quickly and don't mind it.
blackknightavalon said:
I'll agree with this to a point. I miss the dedicated number keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup thats my only. Gripe. I got use too using alt now lol
sent from my RuBiX infused MT4G Slide using xda premium
I hate the mushiness of the keys.
Sent from my ICS Splashed MT4GS using Tapatalk
the MTS3G was much better (as others have said) the keys on that phone almost seemed to "snap" like a proper keyboard.
Although the layout of keys is better on the 4G slide (with the exception of the <back> button too close to the spacebar) , but the keys themselves really suck - feels like im typing on a some cheap calculator.
Also (being like a calculator) find it hard to type fast on the 4G slide.... with the tops of the keys flat (as opposed to the concave [dome'd] keys on 3G slide). The flat keys make you hit the wrong key sometimes, even with people with small hands.
in summary the old keyboard was much better..... but performance sucked. 4G slide much better faster, better camera, more storage... --just sad it has such a crappy keyboard...
My phone got better over time. My top row of keys did not have much of a click when I pressed em initially. Not all mt4gs are made the same. You can probably exchange it for another one if your keyboard is bad. You might have better luck
Sent from my ICS Splashed MT4GS using Tapatalk
Like I said I went through about three replacements before finding one where the keys actually felt like they were clicking
Sent from my Doubleshot using XDA App
Having used all sorts of HTC phones with keyboards since my first Blue Angel I have to say that my old TouchPro2 had the best keyboard. MT4GS keyboard feels like it was put there in haste. Awfully constructed, no tactile feedback, i keep hitting the .com key because in their infinite wisdom they put it right before the A key, the space bar key is hit or miss and it is NOT centered. I am finding i have to retrain myself with this thing to use my left thumb to hit the space bar instead of my usual right. Before I clould type long emails on the phone, with this one I find i am not typing nowhere near as much. And would it kill HTC to put the 4 directional keys????
FreeK200 said:
In general, the phones I've had before had really snappy keys that had a lot of feedback when pressed. Unfortunately, I'm not getting the same thing on my myTouch's keyboard. It works in such a way that I put a little bit of force on the key, feel no feedback, and see the key appear in whichever text box I'm typing in.
Is this the way it was designed, or is it a hardware defect? I'd really like to know because I am getting ready to root it, and I'd rather not have a subpar phone. The keyboard is one of the main reasons I really wanted this phone, but I've now grown accustomed to typing on the screen because of how odd it is to type on the keyboard.
If it matters, I have the khaki color.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have a terrible time trying to type on this thing. i, also, end up using the soft keyboard and just sorta look at the trackpad and hardware keyboard as a fail-safe in case of magnetizer failure. such was the fate of my beloved hd2 (leo) twice.
Related
First of all, yes, I am calling it the mySlide 4G. But, my question is, how good is the keyboard? And I don't mean "how good is the keyboard compared to the [Insert Phone Name Here], I mean is the keyboard usable, does it get the job done, and can it be used fast? I have never owned a keyboard before so I am not super worried about adjusting, but in the time I (im)patiently wait for my phone to arrive, I thought I would get thoughts of what real users think of the keyboard. Despite watching/reading all the reviews of the mySlide, it's refreshing to find out what people who don't compare phones for a living think.
natehoch96 said:
First of all, yes, I am calling it the mySlide 4G. But, my question is, how good is the keyboard? And I don't mean "how good is the keyboard compared to the [Insert Phone Name Here], I mean is the keyboard usable, does it get the job done, and can it be used fast? I have never owned a keyboard before so I am not super worried about adjusting, but in the time I (im)patiently wait for my phone to arrive, I thought I would get thoughts of what real users think of the keyboard. Despite watching/reading all the reviews of the mySlide, it's refreshing to find out what people who don't compare phones for a living think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the keyboard, sure I wish it had a dedicated number row but no biggie. It feels great my fingers. The only thing I'd really change at this point is moving the .com button. I'm constantly hitting that when I want an "a". But I really don't understand why there are so many reviews trashing this keyboard. I'm very particular about my hard keyboards and this one fits in with my high standards.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
I think given the amount of real estate that the keys could use on the phone. That they are too tiny and close together. I'm constantly hitting keys I didnt mean to. And to reach some of them it feels akward, I have to reach further than feels natural. Namely the space bar feels too far to the left.
The response time seems fine. Keys work smoothly. It's just a bit off for me, and not really a comfortable keyboard to use. I'm sure I will adapt and eventually wont notice it anymore.
I really didn't think I would like the Slide's keyboard after using the Touch Pro 2 for so long, but it isn't that bad. The only thing I find myself doing is hitting the '.com' key more often than not when I want an 'a'. I've only had the phone since Tuesday, so I'm sure that with a little bit more time, it won't be an issue.
I think the keyboard is quite usable, and I can type at a relatively quick speed on it.
hah, funny how different typing styles result in different annoyances with the keyboard.
I'm quite liking it, personally. the G1 is still my favorite of the hw keyboard android phones I've had, but the slide is just fine. the only things I would change:
-the back button is pretty inconveniently placed for my typing style. it's not uncommon for me to be typing a sentence and when I end it I accidentally hit "back" and lose everything (unless it's a text or whatever that saves a draft). I also hit "menu" occasionally when typing a comma.
-tactile feedback. I like a nice "click" or at least a pronounced "smoosh" when I'm typing. with the slide, you almost can't tell you've pressed a key.
some things that I really like about it so far:
-however superfluous they may be, the leds at the top of the keyboard that tell you if you have caps or alt on. nice touch.
-spacing is nice. I look at, for comparison's sake, the D3 and can't imagine how anyone with hands bigger than a toddler can type accurately on it. the slide has good spacing and while I agree with azscrewloose on the size of the keys (they could be a smidgen larger), overall, it feels good even with huge hands like mine.
I've never used a slide-out keyboard before but all-in-all this phone feels really nice. The most awkward part for me is the spacebar but I love the www./.com button and caps lock/alt leds, it makes it easy to punch in numbers. The keys they chose to make default work very well. And I think once this phone gets root/s-off/overclock it's going to be a force to be reckoned with.
this phone qwerty and the rest of the hard buttons went kaput. broken. tried factory reset and did not help. these phones are pieces of crap. sending them back and done with android maybe. idk. htc dropped the ball on this one and tmobile lost customers. hope this helps some considering. dont do it.
fireinthesky2night said:
this phone qwerty and the rest of the hard buttons went kaput. broken. tried factory reset and did not help. these phones are pieces of crap. sending them back and done with android maybe. idk. htc dropped the ball on this one and tmobile lost customers. hope this helps some considering. dont do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol... this happens with any phone from any manufacturer on any carrier. any electronic device, for that matter. it's called a hardware defect and sometimes it happens. get a replacement and get over it.
pmcqueen said:
-tactile feedback. I like a nice "click" or at least a pronounced "smoosh" when I'm typing. with the slide, you almost can't tell you've pressed a key.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was one of my worries. Although I have never owned a QWERTY keyboard phone, I imagine some tactile feedback would be nice.
fireinthesky2night said:
this phone qwerty and the rest of the hard buttons went kaput. broken. tried factory reset and did not help. these phones are pieces of crap. sending them back and done with android maybe. idk. htc dropped the ball on this one and tmobile lost customers. hope this helps some considering. dont do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I agree with pmcqueen, just because your phone had problems doesn't mean every phone did. And I certainly wouldn't get rid of Android due to this, it is a great and probably the most powerful phone OS out there. Get a replacement, I guarantee that it won't have the same problems. And if it does, contact T-Mobile and get a free Sensation and a discount on your plan or something lol.
I like the keyboard. I find typing on it to be a much better experience then some of the other phones i've tried, I don't run into the problem of hitting other keys I didn't mean to.
Seems like they are spaced just far enough apart, and raised to just the right height.
Another thing I like is that all the keys are backlit, so I can see them even when it's dim and the light from the screen makes everything around it hard to see.
The one thing I don't like is a lack of arrow keys, but I suppose I can live with that, even though it really sucks.
I like the combination .com and www. button, and the symbol button. The symbol button pops up a choice of symbols on the screen that you can tap to insert. Very helpful.
Blue6IX said:
I like the keyboard. I find typing on it to be a much better experience then some of the other phones i've tried, I don't run into the problem of hitting other keys I didn't mean to.
Seems like they are spaced just far enough apart, and raised to just the right height.
Another thing I like is that all the keys are backlit, so I can see them even when it's dim and the light from the screen makes everything around it hard to see.
The one thing I don't like is a lack of arrow keys, but I suppose I can live with that, even though it really sucks.
I like the combination .com and www. button, and the symbol button. The symbol button pops up a choice of symbols on the screen that you can tap to insert. Very helpful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do wish that the backlighting was more generous, but hopefully there will be an app for that once the phone is rooted.
Plus, for the arrow keys, the optical scroll pad works great!
Keyboard is not to my liking
I had the "mySlide 4G" for a week. I hated the keyboard. I have used a G2 a couple times, the slide fails to match that experience. I thought after a week I would get used to the keyboard, that did not happen. I hated it and returned the phone, even though i am currently phoneless I am not going to get that phone. I hate software keyboards so much, I thought this phone was going to be amazing. The keys are spaced to wide, I thought that would accommodate my fat fingers, but it was worst than the G2. I did not get the feedback I was expecting, the keys are a bit too far in for my taste. The slide mechanism felt flimsy after a couple days use and battery life was terrible compared to my previous nexus one.
TL;DR The keys do not have good feedback and are too far apart. Battery life is meh.
I would say it's on par with the other physical keyboards that HTC has released. I still think the G1 was the best, because of the number row....even though it took time getting use to holding it. So far I am having issues with the MTS4g, but I think it's because I am coming from the G2. Comparing the G2 to the MTS4G, the Alt and Shift keys are literally backwards. So I am constantly hitting Shift when I want to hit Alt, just because they are backwards and I am used to the G2 button location.
I just wish I could figure out what button I am hitting that shuts down my SMS in the middle of typing....that's starting to get annoying.
All in all, I would give this a 6.5 out of 10.
cberbes said:
I would say it's on par with the other physical keyboards that HTC has released. I still think the G1 was the best, because of the number row....even though it took time getting use to holding it. So far I am having issues with the MTS4g, but I think it's because I am coming from the G2. Comparing the G2 to the MTS4G, the Alt and Shift keys are literally backwards. So I am constantly hitting Shift when I want to hit Alt, just because they are backwards and I am used to the G2 button location.
I just wish I could figure out what button I am hitting that shuts down my SMS in the middle of typing....that's starting to get annoying.
All in all, I would give this a 6.5 out of 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
almost certainly the "Back" button on the SMS shutdown. if I remember right, the G2 just had a search and menu key on the keyboard... for better or worse, the MT4GS has [rather inconveniently if you ask me] placed a "back" key right next to the period. I regularly hit the back button when trying to punctuate properly.
so I guess I either look like a halfwit when making business communication or I have to deal with losing a few messages (usually they just save as drafts when I press back, but sometimes I lose them altogether) and start from scratch.
thankfully, though, s-off and permaroot are now officially right around the corner and we can remap these buttons. yayyyy.
The 4g slide's keyboard definitely needs some getting used to.
I LOVED the 3g slides keyboard and thought it would be pretty much the same.
The buttons are MUCH more sensitive and are taking time to get used to.
I liked the g2's buttons (as far as feel) better, and I liked the original slides the best. I've been reading that people have been keyboards that have different feels so you mileage may vary. I noticed pressure differences in the two 4g slides I bought (mine is ultra sensitive).
Once we have root, one of the FIRST things I'm doing is editing the keymappings and making the retarded www.com key a tab button. WTF are people that lazy that it warrants a dedicated key? I understand TAB with linux since it autocompletes and I use a shell and ssh a lot. Oh well.
pmcqueen said:
almost certainly the "Back" button on the SMS shutdown. if I remember right, the G2 just had a search and menu key on the keyboard... for better or worse, the MT4GS has [rather inconveniently if you ask me] placed a "back" key right next to the period. I regularly hit the back button when trying to punctuate properly.
so I guess I either look like a halfwit when making business communication or I have to deal with losing a few messages (usually they just save as drafts when I press back, but sometimes I lose them altogether) and start from scratch.
thankfully, though, s-off and permaroot are now officially right around the corner and we can remap these buttons. yayyyy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, that's it. Good call. I just looked at both of my keyboards and I think you nailed it on the head. Which of course brings up another issue with the physical keyboard....more of a software issue than anything. I can NOT get the physical keyboard set to auto-punctuate and auto-cap. With my G2 running CM7.1.0, I have auto punctuate and auto cap, so I don't have to worry about apostrophes, capitalizing "I", and what not, and double space ends the sentence.
I miss those features.
I'm getting used to the keyboards lack of tactile feedback but the lack of a dedicated number row is my biggest annoyance. If u could hold the buttons down and get the alt function that would help a lot. Hopefully a new rom can give us that option. I do miss my touch pro 2 kb...
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using XDA App
I'm on the fence about what I think. On one hand, I actually prefer having such wide spacing between keys, a shallow travel, and soft response. I'm the type of person who loves the keyboards on palm phones since the centro; I like that soft touch, and I like that I can input with my nails if i need to. But the problem for me is that response among keys is uneven, on my model at least, with the keys towards the outwards edges being perfect, whereas a few keys towards the center, like the "t" and "g", barely provide me with any feedback. So little that I was actually looking around to whether I can enable virtual keyboard sounds or vibration feedback when using the hardware keyboard. I wonder whether its just a quality control issue because I haven't seen others have problems with specific buttons like that, they might just not like the keyboard at all but I haven't read about an uneven response.
Which is a shame because otherwise the phone is absolutely spectacular, and imo the best overall android offering out there. I have no issues whatsoever with using a virtual keyboard, but given the possibility, I'd rather use a physical one to save real estate and for the sake of my fingers.
However, I've only had the phone for 2 days, and I have clearly noticed that the keys are "breaking in". It was much worse the first day, but now response has improved substantially. I can tell because some of the outer keys had little response as well before but now click more satisfactorily after I spent a good amount of time pressing keys randomly in the notes app to wear the keys in.
I like this keyboard a lot. The only thing that absolutely sucks about it is that when using it your hands cover the bluetooth radio. For me since I am constantly listening to music on my phone via my bluetooth headphones... I am constantly annoyed by skipping music during texting or browsing. So I generally use the touch screen keyboard while listening to music via bluetooth.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using XDA App
On another note, does anybody know if their is a version of the stock gingerbread keyboard available with hardware spelling suggestions? The hardware keyboard is a lot more usable for me when used with suggestions. Better Keyboard has it and works well, but its prediction simply isn't as good as either gingerbread's or HTCs, mainly because it doesn't correct a lot of words where you type in an extra letter. And HTCs keyboard, though good as well, simply annoys me because it alwaayyysssss autocorrects "lol" to "LOL", which though minor, I find incredibly irksome when texting. No one uses caps for lol unless they are actually find something hilarious. Everybody knows that lol doesnt actually mean you're laughing out loud most of the time, lol. See? I didn't laugh.
One of the coolest features on ICS is the lack of capacitive buttons on the phone. the nexus has done it, the tablets have done it - why do companies like HTC and Samsung insist on using capacitive buttons on their ICS ready flagship phones? Isn't it time we get rid of these buttons once and for all?
Some people like or are used to buttons...
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA Premium App
While people still buy phones with buttons... manufacturers don't have reasons to change
I guess, cause users still like them..
I for myself, would love to have a trackball and I would even pay some bugs more to have a new ICS device with a trackball.
For sure, it's cool without any buttons, but usability of a trackball is unbeatable.
Sent from my Premium Xx
I think it will happen in the next round of phone releases. You can see with the new lines coming out that they have diminished the number of buttons transitioning, if you will, to the no button design.
The only advantage to having the physical buttons it's the screen realestate is not taken up by the nav bar. For example, the 4.65 in Galaxy Nexus is much smaller than the 4.7 in of the One X. As the nav bar buttons take up the bottom at all times, though im sure they still auto hide when necessary.
You get the idea...
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
I'm one of those old fashioned people who actually likes hard buttons on my phone. As I see it, I want fast access to the actual phone. I realize I'm one of a dying breed who likes the answer and end buttons, among others, but the main function of my phone is to be a phone. I like to be able to feel for the buttons in a dark room or in my pocket. I like that if my digitizer dies, I can still make and receive calls until a replacement arrives. Yes, hard buttons are just one more thing to go wrong, but they provide me with more benefits than anything.
-- Sent from my TouchPad using Communities
cajunflavoredbob said:
I'm one of those old fashioned people who actually likes hard buttons on my phone. As I see it, I want fast access to the actual phone. I realize I'm one of a dying breed who likes the answer and end buttons, among others, but the main function of my phone is to be a phone. I like to be able to feel for the buttons in a dark room or in my pocket. I like that if my digitizer dies, I can still make and receive calls until a replacement arrives. Yes, hard buttons are just one more thing to go wrong, but they provide me with more benefits than anything.
-- Sent from my TouchPad using Communities
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Benefits of Capacitive and Hard keys out way the "cool factor" of the navigation bar.
~E.R.A.
Some people may like it. But I believe its essential. In case the screen freezes or touch stops responding theres always a hardware button to get through right?
I think sum people dont like to use touch phone..
I'm generally OK without mechanical buttons on the device. I do wish it had a dedicated camera button. Taking pictures by tapping the screen makes it much harder to get a good, quick picture.
I'd rather my row of four capacitative buttons than a few on screen icons. It bothers me when there is screen real estate not available to apps, as is the case when there are buttons there. I'm sure they can probably auto hide or whatever, but they are there at least some of the time and I'd rather just have them as buttons.
The on-screen buttons have a lot of disadvantages as well, one of them is you can't quick reset your phone. If touchscreen stops responding, you can do nothing!
A minimal button is at least needed!
Samsung does it to copy iPhone. All they care about is stealing users from Apple. Since most Apple users aren't sophisticated, they get scared when they see a phone with no buttons.
tahsin.arnob said:
The on-screen buttons have a lot of disadvantages as well, one of them is you can't quick reset your phone. If touchscreen stops responding, you can do nothing!
A minimal button is at least needed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well not necessarily true as power buttons more than likely won't go away, as well as volume buttons which can be used for a hard reset in the event the touch screen is unresponsive.
In Android devices, I want mechanical buttons. There ease the situations, like advanced user methods. However, on WP7 (f.e. Lumia 800/900) i dont want mechanical buttons, but capacitive yes. On-screen buttons? Danke, nein. Camera button wont standard at everywhere.
Sent from my Blade using XDA
Because some buttons are actually pretty necesary. Power button, for example. How else are you gonna use your phone?
Many times I do wish there were send and end buttons.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA
masondoctorjt said:
Many times I do wish there were send and end buttons.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. One of many reasons I still use my HD2.
IMHO none of the reasons listed so far makes sense. The Samsung Galaxy series has garnered enough reputation that people will buy the damn thing with or without buttons. I think it's something with their designers or someone further up in the company that got scared about lack of physical buttons (even though power and volume buttons are still there.)
It seems like the comic sans of the phone world to me. Its rounded and ugly. The power button is awkwardly placed on top. The genius button is useless. The other buttons (home/menu/back) shouldn't be tactile buttons at all, are we going backwards? (I guess some of you like it..) the only features I actually like are the front facing camera, and the Alt/Shift indicator lights on the hardware keyboard. And don't get me started on the camera LEDs. There's TWO of them, they should be ten times brighter, when I'm fumbling around at night id like a strong flash light in my pocket. Is it absolutely nessecary to have that ugly appauling "8mp camera" nonsense on the battery door? Gah. I'm literally buying a powermat and the appropriate battery door just so I don't have to look at that eyesore. The whole experience just seems cheap. I guess I'm just butt hurt that my G2 kicked the bucket and I was forced into this phone.
Anyone else? Sorry for my rant.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using XDA App
Supovitz said:
I'm just butt hurt that my G2 kicked the bucket and I was forced into this phone.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am with you 100% on this statement. I hate this phone. I fear I'm going to have to stray from HTC... and I don't like that.
Yes I hate my doubleshot with a passion.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk 2
Come on, it's not that bad. I quite like it, it's been about a year or so now, I'm getting used to it. Some of the drawbacks you mentioned can be fixed by looking around on XDA. I miss my G2 at times, but still, I'm fairly happy with the Doubleshot, apart from the fact that HTC kind of skimped on RAM, and that it'll never see stock ICS.
still best in its category
I just don't get how people complain about this phone.
Sliders are becoming obsolete (HTC has said they are not making any more).
Let's look at it objectively. If you have this phone it means you wanted a slider and are on T-Mobile (or you got it as a replacement for an older slider that broke - then you really lucked out not having to pay for an upgrade!).
I personally bought it brand new 6 months ago for $370 (no tax or shipping) and use it with Simple Mobile's $40 everything (2.5G) plan.
For that moderate cost I am getting the perfect form factor (in my opinion) just a little too heavy. A good dual core processor, above average camera, decent screen and a sliding keyboard.
While I wouldn't have minded a slightly larger screen, this is really the best of both worlds. I leave my screen locked in portrait most of the time and it is a great size for one handed use. Then I can slide out the keyboard (mine has decent feedback, the keys are very legible, and Blue made a zip to turn the menu etc keys into direction keys) and type two handed or just use it in landscape for browsing etc. It is also easy to turn the genius button into a regular search button.
I love the track pad (and track pad wake), the fact that I can go directly to camera with shutter button (which many phones lack altogether) and also unlock by sliding open the phone.
As for ROMs I just left ICS splashed to CM9 ICS Alpha 5 and am having a great time.
I have 2 Anker batteries and charger which cost about $28.
What more could you ask for? In fact - liking the slider - where could I go from here?
I biggest, and really only, qualm with the phone is the keyboard itself.
ymmp said:
I just don't get how people complain about this phone.
Sliders are becoming obsolete (HTC has said they are not making any more).
Let's look at it objectively. If you have this phone it means you wanted a slider and are on T-Mobile (or you got it as a replacement for an older slider that broke - then you really lucked out not having to pay for an upgrade!).
I personally bought it brand new 6 months ago for $370 (no tax or shipping) and use it with Simple Mobile's $40 everything (2.5G) plan.
For that moderate cost I am getting the perfect form factor (in my opinion) just a little too heavy. A good dual core processor, above average camera, decent screen and a sliding keyboard.
While I wouldn't have minded a slightly larger screen, this is really the best of both worlds. I leave my screen locked in portrait most of the time and it is a great size for one handed use. Then I can slide out the keyboard (mine has decent feedback, the keys are very legible, and Blue made a zip to turn the menu etc keys into direction keys) and type two handed or just use it in landscape for browsing etc. It is also easy to turn the genius button into a regular search button.
I love the track pad (and track pad wake), the fact that I can go directly to camera with shutter button (which many phones lack altogether) and also unlock by sliding open the phone.
As for ROMs I just left ICS splashed to CM9 ICS Alpha 5 and am having a great time.
I have 2 Anker batteries and charger which cost about $28.
What more could you ask for? In fact - liking the slider - where could I go from here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The G2/Desire Z has all those features. Slide, shutter button, ect. When mine finally died (the ribbon cable inbetween the screen and keyboard slideout worn out from sliding) I did my research and was excited that there was a dual-core out there with similar/better specs.
I went from the G1, to the G2 and now the MT4GS and there's a clear difference. I think HTC dropped the ball with overall quality with this one.
Sent from my Motorola Razr
Supovitz said:
The genius button is useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, by default it turns your device into a hands free object - paired with a bluetooth headset you can do anything with your phone while it's in your pocket.
I don't like nor use the genius function, and so in my rom changed what the key does to the default search function it usually is on a smart phone.
You could do the same with yours, and swap out the function of the button to anything else you want.
Supovitz said:
The other buttons (home/menu/back) shouldn't be tactile buttons at all, are we going backwards? (I guess some of you like it..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was a bonus for me, I don't like the flat keys on the screen, but rather prefer the tactile feel of the button press. The LG knockoff of this device has the flat buttons and i'm glad HTC went with the choice they did. Yea, count me in the 'like it' camp
Supovitz said:
And don't get me started on the camera LEDs. There's TWO of them, they should be ten times brighter, when I'm fumbling around at night id like a strong flash light in my pocket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is controlled directly from within the kernel source. Making it brighter is simply changing one variable and compiling - you can go as bright as you want.
Buddy of mine has an HTC inspire, and we noticed his flashlight was brighter by a little bit, and he was getting all "finally found something my phone does better then you" for a bit - well, I found the line in kernel source that determines that and tweaked it.
Hah, it was so funny, we were in a garage one night and needed a flashlight, so of course he pulled his out and started talking smack on mine to the other two of our friends there. He told me to pull mine out and show them, and I refused a couple of times, until he started talking smack on me for not showing them.
Fine, I said, and pulled it out. I tapped the flashlight app, and you'd think the damn sun just came up and fell on the driveway behind us. It was pretty funny and I was giggling about it for a couple of weeks. Now I just harass my friend over his flashlight
Supovitz said:
I guess I'm just butt hurt that my G2 kicked the bucket and I was forced into this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear that man - it doesn't matter what you were given, if it wasn't another G2 you'd hate it, and find reasons to hate it, because you weren't through yet with a device you had come to love.
I get it, and feel for you.
Definitely hold onto the slide, it'll grow on you and you'll find you really like it - but in the meantime, why not look into finding a cheap used G2 to help you make the transition?
I am sure you could find one that's in good shape for not too much money if you hunt around a little, craigslist and ebay and such - might even find someone floating around XDA with one to sell.
The only thing I really "hate" about this phone is the fact that it's not going to get ICS. Why is Google standing for HTC just giving up on an Android phone like that? The specs are comparable to anything released today. I just don't get it.
Keyboard is not that great, sure, but nothing that conjures hatred aside from the ICS stuff.
Blue6IX said:
Well, by default it turns your device into a hands free object - paired with a bluetooth headset you can do anything with your phone while it's in your pocket.
I don't like nor use the genius function, and so in my rom changed what the key does to the default search function it usually is on a smart phone.
You could do the same with yours, and swap out the function of the button to anything else you want.
This was a bonus for me, I don't like the flat keys on the screen, but rather prefer the tactile feel of the button press. The LG knockoff of this device has the flat buttons and i'm glad HTC went with the choice they did. Yea, count me in the 'like it' camp
This is controlled directly from within the kernel source. Making it brighter is simply changing one variable and compiling - you can go as bright as you want.
Buddy of mine has an HTC inspire, and we noticed his flashlight was brighter by a little bit, and he was getting all "finally found something my phone does better then you" for a bit - well, I found the line in kernel source that determines that and tweaked it.
Hah, it was so funny, we were in a garage one night and needed a flashlight, so of course he pulled his out and started talking smack on mine to the other two of our friends there. He told me to pull mine out and show them, and I refused a couple of times, until he started talking smack on me for not showing them.
Fine, I said, and pulled it out. I tapped the flashlight app, and you'd think the damn sun just came up and fell on the driveway behind us. It was pretty funny and I was giggling about it for a couple of weeks. Now I just harass my friend over his flashlight
Sorry to hear that man - it doesn't matter what you were given, if it wasn't another G2 you'd hate it, and find reasons to hate it, because you weren't through yet with a device you had come to love.
I get it, and feel for you.
Definitely hold onto the slide, it'll grow on you and you'll find you really like it - but in the meantime, why not look into finding a cheap used G2 to help you make the transition?
I am sure you could find one that's in good shape for not too much money if you hunt around a little, craigslist and ebay and such - might even find someone floating around XDA with one to sell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly how a dissagrement post should look like. Thanks for being civil and expressing your opinion in a humorous manner. :highfive:
I have my Genius button remapped to instantly power off my device. and I knew there had to be some way to increase the brightness, I'll have to do some more digging. heh. :fingers-crossed: Thanks bro!
I too am not overly happy with the mt4gs. This is the replacement i was offered for my G2. The keyboard isnt as nice or it just takes some getting used too. BUT...... Im moving on. Asurion called me about an hour ago to follow up on the replacement phone. After i politely told them i was not happy with it, i was asked what they could do to fix this. I asked them if i could swap the phone for something different. He made a few offers of phones i was not familiar with. Then I asked about the amaze or sensation, he seemed to lean away from the sensation. I settled on the amaze, but did ask about the new s one. He said that would be too much of an upgrade to try and do. So my amaze will be here tomorrow.
Supovitz said:
... and I knew there had to be some way to increase the brightness, I'll have to do some more digging. heh. :fingers-crossed: Thanks bro!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My dev computer is a couple hundred miles away in another state, but if I remember right it's in arch/arm/mach-msm/board-doubleshot.c
Somewhere there is a block of code that deals with flash leds, should be [0] and [1] to represent both led lights. You will be able to set the max brightness.
The stock battery issues with this device are the reason HTC was conservative, maybe overly so, with every line of code on this device. Everything is programmed well under spec.
Pretty sure that was the only code you have to mess with, been a while, but that should be it.
Blue6IX said:
My dev computer is a couple hundred miles away in another state, but if I remember right it's in arch/arm/mach-msm/board-doubleshot.c
Somewhere there is a block of code that deals with flash leds, should be [0] and [1] to represent both led lights. You will be able to set the max brightness.
The stock battery issues with this device are the reason HTC was conservative, maybe overly so, with every line of code on this device. Everything is programmed well under spec.
Pretty sure that was the only code you have to mess with, been a while, but that should be it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so I'm in that file and in reference to flashlight all I'm seeing is a 1. Also I see a .low_cap-limit 30 is that battery power the flash for camera cuts off at
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk 2
strapped365 said:
Ok so I'm in that file and in reference to flashlight all I'm seeing is a 1. Also I see a .low_cap-limit 30 is that battery power the flash for camera cuts off at
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got curious and pulled the original source release - in that file around line 3039 (as far as gedit says, anyways) is the block I was thinking of.
Not sure with the most current source release, I haven't caught up yet. This little netbook I picked up for small stuff on the road bigger then the phone can handle would melt if I tried to compile, so haven't pulled that from HTC yet - it may be different in the most current source release.
Here is what I was looking at:
Code:
static struct pmic8058_led pmic8058_flash_leds[] = {
[0] = {
.name = "camera:flash0",
.max_brightness = 15,
.id = PMIC8058_ID_FLASH_LED_0,
},
[1] = {
.name = "camera:flash1",
.max_brightness = 15,
.id = PMIC8058_ID_FLASH_LED_1,
},
};
Edit:
I had printed out every .c file in mach-msm to physical paper and read it like a book when kernel source was released, so I have little remnants of everything floating around in my head - i just looked back at the file and saw what you meant about the flashlight reference. In this case, though, the intensity for the light was covered around the camera stuff, guess they thought it would be easier that way.
Blue6IX said:
I got curious and pulled the original source release - in that file around line 3039 (as far as gedit says, anyways) is the block I was thinking of.
Not sure with the most current source release, I haven't caught up yet. This little netbook I picked up for small stuff on the road bigger then the phone can handle would melt if I tried to compile, so haven't pulled that from HTC yet - it may be different in the most current source release.
Here is what I was looking at:
Code:
static struct pmic8058_led pmic8058_flash_leds[] = {
[0] = {
.name= "camera:flash0",
.max_brightness = 15,
.id= PMIC8058_ID_FLASH_LED_0,
},
[1] = {
.name= "camera:flash1",
.max_brightness = 15,
.id= PMIC8058_ID_FLASH_LED_1,
},
};
Edit:
I had printed out every .c file in mach-msm to physical paper and read it like a book when kernel source was released, so I have little remnants of everything floating around in my head - i just looked back at the file and saw what you meant about the flashlight reference. In this case, though, the intensity for the light was covered around the camera stuff, guess they thought it would be easier that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so I just found them. Would 30 be an increase there
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk 2
Personally I loved my G2. Great phone, aesthetically awesome. Great quality, besides the spring slide issue. BUT. I have to say although there are some places I would prefer improvement on the MT4GS. It's not a bad phone.
It is a slide for one, maybe keyboard wise not as good as the G2 but still. A slide nonetheless which there are little Android devices that still keep the feature. Another thing? It's a dual-core, certainly not a huge deal but still it'll keep the phone in the game for quite a bit. Uses the S3 with the Adreno 220 which are more than capable CPU and "GPU" in their own regard. Both hold up to the specs of the G-Note.
IDK, maybe that's me but we have many capable devs working hard on ICS, certainly not stock ICS but still ICS nonetheless. Hopefully HTC releases a One series version that will replace the G2 or the MT4GS.
I love this device . I always liked the mytouch line my favorite was the MT4G but this phone is excellent . Ive dropped it soooo many times and it keeps on going . The wider focal length of the camera makes for great pictures . the only thing I dont like is the keyboard and the lack of feedback when a button is pushed.
other than that? Doubleshot is great . Im not going to buy another phone till this one dies
I got the phone as a replacement for my G2 after I went through 4 or 5 of them in a month. The MT4GS isn't a bad phone, but I liked the G2 more. I'm actually thinking about selling this phone and just buying a Galaxy Nexus from Google.
I came from a G1, so this phone is epic. But after working for a connection center, I was spoiled. I've used almost every phone that's came out within the last 18 Months. WinPhone, BlackBerry, iOS, etc.... So I grew to dislike this phone, but not hate it. But it's the only good QWERTY. So I stay with it, I need a QWERTY. Sure the G2 has a nice KB, but why do I want do have a slower phone?
Also a side note. After working as assistant manager, and looking at the sales reports. We never sold any Doubleshots in the 18 months I worked there.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk 2
AgentCherryColla said:
I came from a G1, so this phone is epic. But after working for a connection center, I was spoiled. I've used almost every phone that's came out within the last 18 Months. WinPhone, BlackBerry, iOS, etc.... So I grew to dislike this phone, but not hate it. But it's the only good QWERTY. So I stay with it, I need a QWERTY. Sure the G2 has a nice KB, but why do I want do have a slower phone?
Also a side note. After working as assistant manager, and looking at the sales reports. We never sold any Doubleshots in the 18 months I worked there.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, there are no other phones I would rather want than this, even if it doesn't have the best keyboard...
When the first came out I was disappointed that it was going to have a physical home button. Have had phone now since it was released (Verizon) and I gotta say it doesnt bother at all. In fact it feels like it should be there. Not sure how it would feel without it actually.
You wish it wasn't there? Used to it now? Love it...hate it?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
I've grown to like it. At first I thought I would hate it but after using it some I like that it's a physical key (and that I have the option to turn off the LED backlights on the menu and back keys)
I like it, plus it doesn't really hurt to have the option.
I like it for waking the device. Reminds me of my Nexus One. Like the other poster I also love that Samsung made it so we can disable the backlight for the softkeys. On my Thunderbolt it took a separate app for that. I vote yes for the home button .
After spending 2 years with 4 capacitive buttons on the Vibrant, I find the physical button to be preferable. I love being able to find the home button by feel.
On the Vibrant I would frequently manage to hit the menu or back buttons by mistake, especially in low light conditions.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Stresa said:
I love being able to find the home button by feel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this. I was accidentally hitting the back and menu buttons on this sgs3 until I put a case on it. Now all is well.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
I wish it was capacitive like the back and menu keys. The one thing I do like it for is the ability to wake up the phone. A lot less cumbersome than having to reach for the side of the phone.
Still hate it. Soft keys on CM10 are the way to go. Makes multitasking so much better.
I would like it more if it were sensitive, it almost had to be pressed just right and with a bit of force, makes me wonder how long it will last....
That being said I still would prefer it to not be there.
I actually really don't mind it. it comes in handy
I'm still not a fan. I feel like a physical button is more old fashioned. I have to physically move something when there's a perfectly good alternative that's both standard and more responsive. I also find a uniform row of capacitive buttons more elegant than a mix 'n' match arrangement of capacitive and physical.
It doesn't really bother me, but I definitely prefer all soft keys like the Galaxy Nexus. In fact, I still have my GNex and whenever I go back to it for a spell, I remember how much I miss the soft home button. On the other hand, the GS3 has more screen real-estate than the GNex, so that makes me feel better. But ultimately, we could have both: larger screen like the GS3 but with all soft keys across the bottom. I just feel like it takes too much time to press the home button all the way down when I could just lightly touch the soft key...
My wife has the Galaxy Nexus and I think I prefer the touch buttons. I'm use to the home button but think the phone would have been slightly better without it. Although I do like that it wakes up the phone.
I agree you don't have to worry when your physical button is going to go.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
coming from an iPhone to the SG3... i have to say i have grown accustom to having the physical button over the past four to five years and i cannot say that i would enjoy the phone as much as i do had it not had the physical button. i tend to find myself holding the phone with three fingers behind and my thumb resting gently over it as leverage, makes the phone feel more secure in my hand (i don't have a case yet).
the only problem i have found with the physical button is that it actually managed to get the top right corner "Stuck" under the phone bezel somehow and the button was constantly being pressed. all i had to do to "un-stick" it was gently push the button towards the bottom of the phone.
other than that... no problems.
Sorry double post...
I like it, but the side buttons are a pain in the butt. I always, always hit the enter key when I hit back after typing and sending a message.
Rarely use it. I prefer to use the back button to clear out of tasks when possible. OCD
I prefer a capacitive button instead.
I really like it but I think mine is already wearing down as it feels like there's something inside of it
Sent from my Rooted, Synergized (1.7) and now unlocked bootloader VZW S3!
Does anyone LIKE the size of the chin? I found myself instantly pleased with the added area to handle my phone. I actually left the sim in my 5x for a while to be sure. But I've never noticed how much I use the top and bottom bezels in portrait view. Especially when. Showing someone pictures or portrait videos. I dunno... I'm loving it. Perfect size where my thumbs never bumps the touchscreen.
Am I the only one?
I have no problem with it either. Take a look at the iPhone 6, which I have, and the bezel is about the same size as the Pixel. Actually the whole phone looks similar with a very similar feel. The Pixel is a little larger screen dimension wise but both are beautiful devices. And let's be honest here, if you can compare to an iPhone you're saying something. This device is a jewel if the battery can hold up.
I just got my Pixel today, and I wish the chin was a bit smaller to be honest. The onscreen buttons take up a good chunk of space that I feel makes it look a bit...iPodish? That's for sure not an accurate assessment, but it is what I think when I look at the chin of the phone especially. Like I said, first day and all. I love everything else about this phone though. I even think the price is justifiable.
I actually like the chin too. I find it helps my thumb reach the home button much more comfortably when using it one handed, rather than over extending my thumb to reach the bottom of my phone.
Plus it gives the phone a very minimal/elegant look. So no complaints from me!
No complaints here! Keeps the phone looking balanced
Sent from my Pixel using XDA Labs
I like the large chin. Im with you, I think its nice for handling the phone.
Zer0_ said:
I actually like the chin too. I find it helps my thumb reach the home button much more comfortably when using it one handed, rather than over extending my thumb to reach the bottom of my phone.
Plus it gives the phone a very minimal/elegant look. So no complaints from me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes same here... While at first I thought it was huge and unsightly, when I think about it, I wouldn't want my thumb to have to reach any further down to get to the nav bar. It keeps the nav bar at a perfect height. Still seems kind of boring though. But I'm also glad they didn't put any branding there so kind of a conundrum for me.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
I dont mind the bottom too. It's not super noticeable and I agree that it makes the nav bar easier to reach.
I just wish people would stop calling it a "chin" - it's a bezel, not a chin. Look at the original G1 for a "chin".
bobby janow said:
I have no problem with it either. Take a look at the iPhone 6, which I have, and the bezel is about the same size as the Pixel. Actually the whole phone looks similar with a very similar feel. The Pixel is a little larger screen dimension wise but both are beautiful devices. And let's be honest here, if you can compare to an iPhone you're saying something. This device is a jewel if the battery can hold up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally... A lot of people seem to want this phone to be the opposite of iPhone. But we already had that... The Nexus lineup. Sure some were better than others but they were never trying to compete with anyone directly. Just good enough with a great price.
mmaaddict78 said:
I just got my Pixel today, and I wish the chin was a bit smaller to be honest. The onscreen buttons take up a good chunk of space that I feel makes it look a bit...iPodish? That's for sure not an accurate assessment, but it is what I think when I look at the chin of the phone especially. Like I said, first day and all. I love everything else about this phone though. I even think the price is justifiable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just got mine last night. And I honestly looked at it and said 'why is everyone complaining about the chin?' to my girlfriend.
I agree, I am totally satisfied with the price now that the phone is in hand. Speed/Feel is amazing.
Zer0_ said:
I actually like the chin too. I find it helps my thumb reach the home button much more comfortably when using it one handed, rather than over extending my thumb to reach the bottom of my phone.
Plus it gives the phone a very minimal/elegant look. So no complaints from me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never noticed that the home button was more comfortable on the Pixel until I used my 5X and Pixel side by side.. thanks for pointing that out! Of course I can't say much about the XL cause I didn't get that one.
brangalm said:
I dont mind the bottom too. It's not super noticeable and I agree that it makes the nav bar easier to reach.
I just wish people would stop calling it a "chin" - it's a bezel, not a chin. Look at the original G1 for a "chin".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAH. I've been Androiding since the G1... and yea, that thing had a Joe Swanson Chin for real.
I just joined the chin lingo cause everyone else seemed to be doing it... Peer pressure!
this is #13 of a long list of reasons i'm returning the Pixel. this phone makes so little sense to me i cannot even wrap my head around it, probably because i don't talk TO my damn phone. leave the AI for the kiddos. going back to my ****ing galaxy S3. maybe HTC 10 after that. dunno.
Now that I have my phone, in person, I don't mind it. I prefer balance/symmetry and the chin provides that. I would prefer a speaker there instead, but oh well …
The chin I actually don't notice. Maybe it's because I have the 5' black version. To me, the chin makes it better for one handed use. The galaxy s7 was hard for one handed use for me anyway. I think the chin thing is really blown out of proportion. Just my two cents.
In theory I'd like to see a smaller chin/ bezel and increase the screen size while keeping the overall size the same.
In practice, I don't mind the chin. I don't notice it at all.
I hear y'all but that Jay Leno chin and fivhead are fails to me. I do appreciate all the reasons why you like them but the could have put like 8 speakers in that space. Subs, tweeters and all that! Still love the phone though.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app
Looks weird I'd rather have it to help with holding the phone and keeping the navbar at a decent height
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app
The bottom bezel adds balance, symmetry and consistency to the device.
I am still upset it gave up the speaker grill. But sure look uber minimalistic.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app
troy` said:
Does anyone LIKE the size of the chin? I found myself instantly pleased with the added area to handle my phone. I actually left the sim in my 5x for a while to be sure. But I've never noticed how much I use the top and bottom bezels in portrait view. Especially when. Showing someone pictures or portrait videos. I dunno... I'm loving it. Perfect size where my thumbs never bumps the touchscreen.
Am I the only one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jay approves..
daewond3r said:
Now that I have my phone, in person, I don't mind it. I prefer balance/symmetry and the chin provides that. I would prefer a speaker there instead, but oh well …
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
subhani said:
The bottom bezel adds balance, symmetry and consistency to the device.
I am still upset it gave up the speaker grill. But sure look uber minimalistic.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree with both of you. I think it really adds the balance. When I saw it at first I wondered, but once I used it I don't mind a bit. I use headphones so I dont care about huge speakers.
Coming from the BB Z30 I am use to the chin and prefer it becuase of the way I hold the phone and navigate with my thumb. Now if only google would pick up a bb 10 device and take down some notes. Like moving things down low so I dont have to stretch my hand to the top.
twilk73 said:
Coming from the BB Z30 I am use to the chin and prefer it becuase of the way I hold the phone and navigate with my thumb. Now if only google would pick up a bb 10 device and take down some notes. Like moving things down low so I dont have to stretch my hand to the top.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, I only use my phones one-handed, whether it's the Pixel, Notes, iPhone 7+, etc. The extra space is where my palm digs into. The BlackBerry Classic is the only device I have to use two hands, but da*n, that physical keyboard is sooo worth it.