New phone checklist

[a_l_a_n]

I am terribly excited as I have just paid for my Hero and should have it within the week.

It was originally from Orange UK and is now unlocked. What do you recommend as my first actions?

Debrand it?
Upgrade the ROM?
Root it?
Apps to SD?

 

[Slug]

Congratulations, and welcome to the club!

What do you recommend as my first actions?

Stick it on charge, start it up, go through the initial setup, then read the User Guide found on the shipped microSD card. It's not great but it covers (most of) the basics.

Debrand it?

I didn't feel the urge myself. The brief Orange splash screen is only seen during boot-up, and I removed the OrangeWorld bookmarks straight away.

Upgrade the ROM?

Nah, I tried the later generic WWE_1.76.405.6 but honestly didn't notice any difference. I'll wait to see what the imminent update from HTC brings to the party.

Root it?
Apps to SD?

Been there, done that, highly recommend it IF you take time to make backups and take things slowly. It's not difficult to do but it's also not difficult to make a complete a**e of it - again, been there done that etc.

I'd suggest just using the phone for the first few days and getting to know it. After that you'll be better placed to judge exactly what more you want from it.

/Al

 

[marka87uk]

I'd suggest just using the phone for the first few days and getting to know it. After that you'll be better placed to judge exactly what more you want from it.

/Al

Exactly what I was going to suggest... I don't really see the need to debrand these as there is so little branding anyway, and I guess it's probably worthwhile using the phone for a while to see if you actually would benefit from rooting (I don't see a need yet).

I'd say after the initial setup and customising your home screens etc just get on the Market and try out some new apps!

 

[nafe]

I'd read that Orange make it very difficult to update their phones from HTC. Anyone know if this is going to be the case with their Hero's or should this new HTC update go on without a hitch?

Also, can any of you guys with an Orange branded hero confirm that the graphite one has teflon too, or is it only the white ones? Apologies if this one has been asked a dozen times already but there always seems to be conflicting answers.

 

[Slug]

I'd read that Orange make it very difficult to update their phones from HTC. Anyone know if this is going to be the case with their Hero's or should this new HTC update go on without a hitch?

I've heard that they can be a bit tardy in releasing their own versions of updates. Not sure if they'd need such a thing for the Hero though, as the only Orange-specific stuff I noticed compared to the generic ROM was the splash screen during boot. Oh, and five poxy bookmarks that only work when connected to the Orange network i.e. useless with wi-fi. I'm hoping it's just a generic OS update but that's maybe naive optimism?

Also, can any of you guys with an Orange branded hero confirm that the graphite one has teflon too, or is it only the white ones?

I've never seen a white Hero to compare, but my understanding is that only the white have the Teflon coating.

/Al

 

[nafe]

I think I'm going to hold off getting one til the update arrives and find out how Orange handle it.

Incidentally, I can't remember if I've asked you this already Slug but how are you coping with Orange's 500mb limit?

 

[mcmonkiez]

I think I'm going to hold off getting one til the update arrives and find out how Orange handle it.

what i find really good is when you root HTC hero .. I can basically over clock the HTC hero processor and runs bit faster too I did notice a difference and no lag, also download steel internet browser its good too .. on that u cant zoom in and out via pinch to the page , u have to long press on the page and then u have zoom in and out option to but i think steel is better the the default .

I have also rmove the time and weather widget from the home screen and run more smoother as well as install adv task killer that will allow u to close un wanted apps which running in the back ground.

regarding 500MB i guess u can downlaod data counter that will help u how much data u are using but make sure keep data counter app running at the back ground so it keep log of everything .


I use to have iPhone and now HTC hero and to be honest.. HTC hero with Android OS just kills the iphone.

 

[Slug]

how are you coping with Orange's 500mb limit?

Nae borra tall. My first post-Hero billing period is just up and total data usage for the month was 323.82MB, of which all but five days was using the Hero. Contrast that with my highest data usage on the N95 of 97MB/month!

I use wi-fi when at home and don't have much time at work for browsing, email etc. I am using internet radio a fair bit though, maybe a couple of hours a day of 96kbps or 128kbps streams. Plus I hammered the Market like a kiddie in an abandoned sweetie shop for the first week or so, trying literally dozens of different apps. I've certainly kept an eye on usage out of interest but haven't had to consciously restricted myself.

/Al

 

[nafe]

Still, 323 from 5 days of usage. Even if you assume 100mbs of that is your previous phone (to be safe), that's 223mbs in 5 days. I expect 6 months down the line I wouldn't even come close to 500 but I hate the idea of having to be concious of it and make sure that I'm on Wifi when possible. It also feels a mite cheeky given that T-mobile offer 3gbs and O2's unlimited is a 2gb FUP. Orange need to get with the times!

 

[Slug]

Still, 323 from 5 days of usage.

Neg. 323.82MB in the monthly billing period (30 days), of which 25 days were using the Hero and 5 days the N95.

It also feels a mite cheeky given that T-mobile offer 3gbs and O2's unlimited is a 2gb FUP. Orange need to get with the times!

The trouble with FUPs is that the majority of users see them as targets to be achieved. All sides need to start thinking fairly and sensibly about how we make use of a finite resource.

/Al

 

[nafe]

Oops, completely misread your post. I guess that's not so bad, but it's still a concern - I'm worried about remembering to go on wifi when at home.

You may have a point about the FUP being a target, but what I particularly like about it with T-Mobile (and I think it's the same with o2) is that if you go over it, they contact you and ask you not to continue. With Orange, it's not a FUP it's just a pre-paid allowance and breaching that = mucho dinero. Wednesday is the day I'm allowed to upgrade so I'll be haggling a lot, I just really don't like the idea of having a lovely fancy internet phone and being concerned where and when I can use it.

I guess I really wouldn't be so concerned if it weren't for the other two networks being so much better for data. I've seen a lovely deal for a sim-free Hero with a t-mob contract on Expansys that I might go for if Orange refuse to play ball.

 

[Slug]

I guess I really wouldn't be so concerned if it weren't for the other two networks being so much better for data.

Hmmm, have a read of this thread and compare the numbers.http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=545353 Also bear in mind that O2's data network has been down more times in the past month than a cheap hooker on pay day.

 

[nafe]

Hmm, I would prefer to stay with Orange, especially as I've been with them for about 6 or 7 years. Still, I'll need resolutions to the two issues - can I update my Hero from HTC or do I need approval from Orange and will they be awkward bastards about the data usage.

I guess I'll have to wait and see on both .