On the fence about an upgrade

[irishjoeyo]

I'm excited about the front facing camera; but I don't know anyone else with the same thing so it might be kind of useless.

If you ever use video chat (Skype, Google, etc.), this comes in really handy. If you want to see the other person, yes they have to have a camera as well, but it's not necessary for it to be a front-facing cell phone camera; it can be just a standard web cam.

I'm not going to be happy about the size. The Hero has been the absolute perfect size for my pocket.

You'll get used to it. Especially once you get the dashboard dock for it and you're using the free navigation feature.

 

[drew879]

I was eligible on 10/1 for an upgrade since I bought the Hero right when it came out last year. For the past couple months I've been thinking I would wait until a dual-core, Android 2.5/3.0, software keyboard HTC phone comes out on Sprint and then I'd upgrade. Figured the EVO 4G was old news by now (which it kind of is). But you guys make a good point: the EVO was hyped up for months before it was released, as was the Hero. Epic didn't have as much fanfare, but I think it was still more than a month before release. Doesn't seem like anything huge is brewing at Sprint, so we're probably months, not weeks or days, away from the next big phone release. I'd be willing to wait until Christmas or even early January, but it seems like phones with those release dates should have been announced by now, and there's not much talk about dual-core phones or new versions of Android. I feel like every day past 10/1 is a waste of a potential upgrade, and hopefully I'd be eligible for another upgrade in a year.

So bottom line, I think I may upgrade to the EVO 4G in the next few days. LOVE the display on the Epic and don't really mind TouchWiz, but I really don't want a physical keyboard. Anyone here think this is a bad play? Would love some feedback...

 

[andygu3]

I was eligible on 10/1 for an upgrade since I bought the Hero right when it came out last year. For the past couple months I've been thinking I would wait until a dual-core, Android 2.5/3.0, software keyboard HTC phone comes out on Sprint and then I'd upgrade. Figured the EVO 4G was old news by now (which it kind of is). But you guys make a good point: the EVO was hyped up for months before it was released, as was the Hero. Epic didn't have as much fanfare, but I think it was still more than a month before release. Doesn't seem like anything huge is brewing at Sprint, so we're probably months, not weeks or days, away from the next big phone release. I'd be willing to wait until Christmas or even early January, but it seems like phones with those release dates should have been announced by now, and there's not much talk about dual-core phones or new versions of Android. I feel like every day past 10/1 is a waste of a potential upgrade, and hopefully I'd be eligible for another upgrade in a year.

So bottom line, I think I may upgrade to the EVO 4G in the next few days. LOVE the display on the Epic and don't really mind TouchWiz, but I really don't want a physical keyboard. Anyone here think this is a bad play? Would love some feedback...

I'm eligible for an upgrade as of Oct 1, I went to the Sprint store and played around with the Epic/Evo for an hour. One negative for me is NO 4G coverage as of right now in Columbus, OH. Testing the towers right now though so it could be soon. I am not a fan of the $10 charge for premium data, but then again what's another $10.

Having a rooted phone and running Froyo/2.2, the Epic/Evo did not blow me away with there speed. I wouldn't use flash 10.1 and I don't tether that often, so IMO I really don't see getting either phone an upgrade for me right now.

There is a major CTIA conference today, so maybe Sprint will let us know what's coming down the line in the near future

 

[Whiskeypawz]

Sprint will be announcing a new phone soon (maybe today??) from Samsung called the Transform. Rumor had it this would be similar to the Epic (Galaxy S series) but without the physical keyboard. Bad news....I just read that the user guide is posted on Sprint's website & shows a physical keyboard. Sprint sucks!! It's too bad I'm stuck in a contract for another year. I would seriously consider changing to Verizon, even if I have to pay a little more. I want to root my phone, especially now, but I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. Yes, I know there are dummy guides out there but I'm even scared of those! GRRRRRRRRR Sprint!!!

 

[andygu3]

Sprint will be announcing a new phone soon (maybe today??) from Samsung called the Transform. Rumor had it this would be similar to the Epic (Galaxy S series) but without the physical keyboard. Bad news....I just read that the user guide is posted on Sprint's website & shows a physical keyboard. Sprint sucks!! It's too bad I'm stuck in a contract for another year. I would seriously consider changing to Verizon, even if I have to pay a little more. I want to root my phone, especially now, but I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. Yes, I know there are dummy guides out there but I'm even scared of those! GRRRRRRRRR Sprint!!!

If you want to root, there are plenty of people here to help

I would never go to Verizon, no way I could get a better deal over there

 

[Whiskeypawz]

All of the ROM, RAM, UI, etc talk confuses me!
I know Sprint has the better deal but at this point I'm stuck deciding between a good plan w/ an outdated phone or a fun, exciting, cool new phone w/ a worse & more expensive plan. Decisions, decisions!
One question about rooting (I'm sure this has been covered so I apologize if I'm duplicating a question.) My computer uses Ubuntu. IF I need a computer to do the whole root, ROM, RAM thing can I do that on an Ubuntu system or does it have to be Windows/Mac?

 

[andygu3]

All of the ROM, RAM, UI, etc talk confuses me!
I know Sprint has the better deal but at this point I'm stuck deciding between a good plan w/ an outdated phone or a fun, exciting, cool new phone w/ a worse & more expensive plan. Decisions, decisions!
One question about rooting (I'm sure this has been covered so I apologize if I'm duplicating a question.) My computer uses Ubuntu. IF I need a computer to do the whole root, ROM, RAM thing can I do that on an Ubuntu system or does it have to be Windows/Mac?

Your still going to have a 1 or 2 year contract anywhere you go so having an outdated phone is probably likely after 2 years. Why spend more money? Just my 2 cents.

Some cases you will need a computer for rooting... But with the one-click method and unrevoked out there, rom manager from the market will do the trick without even connecting to the computer.

But before using the one-click and unrevoked methods, you may have to run the ruu back to 2.....5 or 2.....6 which would require a connection to the computer.

 

[ethos]

I already miss being able to do everything with one hand.

 

[dougleppard]

How much does it costs to upgrade hero to evo?

I got my hero when it was released Oct 2009 and went on a two year contract.

I would like to upgrade and are willing to extend contract again.

So what does it cost to make that change?

 

[andygu3]

How much does it costs to upgrade hero to evo?

I got my hero when it was released Oct 2009 and went on a two year contract.

I would like to upgrade and are willing to extend contract again.

So what does it cost to make that change?

You might be due for $75 rebate instead of the full rebate, go to your local Sprint store or log in to your Sprint account and you will know for sure

 

[uniquenameEVO]

Sprint will be announcing a new phone soon (maybe today??) from Samsung called the Transform. Rumor had it this would be similar to the Epic (Galaxy S series) but without the physical keyboard. Bad news....I just read that the user guide is posted on Sprint's website & shows a physical keyboard. Sprint sucks!! It's too bad I'm stuck in a contract for another year. I would seriously consider changing to Verizon, even if I have to pay a little more. I want to root my phone, especially now, but I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. Yes, I know there are dummy guides out there but I'm even scared of those! GRRRRRRRRR Sprint!!!

Pretty sure I am trading the GF's three week old hero on this. You don't have to slide the keyboard out. Bigger screen, better processor, hardly thicker...

 

[top magoo]

i was very intent on upgrading to the evo until about 3 weeks ago. the last maintenance release has made my hero (2.1) very liveable... i don't know if i've been luckier than anyone else, but there is hardly any lag at all and most of the time, it's lag-free.

i finally got the hero i bought... only 11 months later...

 

[cirehawk]

I am/was in the same position and had the same mixed feelings. I got my Hero last October 11th and it has served me well. I have been rooted since the start of the year and have been very pleased with my phone. I am currently running CM6, which is an Android 2.2 rom. I was always intrigued with the EVO, but my only drawback was the size of the phone. I figured I could adjust to it, but I was happy with the Hero so I had no strong urge to "adjust". My wife (who has a Hero as well) on the other hand, is sold on the big screen of the EVO and has always planned to get it when she is eligible for the upgrade.

Well I always assumed my anniversary date was October 11th, but turns out I was eligible for the upgrade on October 1st. My wife is eligible Nov. 1st. So here is what I did. I went to Best Buy this past sunday and picked up the EVO. Since they have a 30 day period to return the phone, I figured I'd try it out. If I like it, I'll keep it. If not, then I can re-activate my Hero and transfer the EVO to my wife since she will get it anyway. I've had it 4 days now and I must say, the phone is pretty awesome. I have already adjusted to the size of it. Honestly, after a day or 2 of use it doesn't seem too big at all. In fact, it makes my hero screen look rather small now. I actually don't mind surfing the net on the EVO since the screen is larger. It's very fast, and it even makes the 3G connection seem faster. The guy at Best Buy also told me they were hearing internal rumors that Sprint may be planning to do away with the $10 surcharge. If they do that, it's a no-brainer for me.

That being said, I loved my Hero so much that it almost felt as if I were "cheating" on it. However, the more I use the EVO, the less I have that feeling. Bottom line is, I have the feeling I will be keeping it. Feel free to ask me any specific questions about it.

 

[dougleppard]

Bottom line is, I have the feeling I will be keeping it. Feel free to ask me any specific questions about it.

My wife and I have heroes, she wanst to know how it does as a phone, especially the speed of responding to dialing and starting to ring once a call comes in.

 

[cirehawk]

Doug, I have made quite a few calls and so far it works just fine as a phone. The dialer responds quickly, and I have noticed absolutely no lag at all. As far as incoming, I hadn't really tested it. I get calls just fine, but I hadn't tested how fast it rings after someone initiates a call to me. I'll run a few tests and report back.

 

[cirehawk]

Okay, I did a few test calls today and the EVO was consistently ringing on the 2nd ring of the the phone I was dialing from. That seems pretty good to me.

 

[dougleppard]

Okay, I did a few test calls today and the EVO was consistently ringing on the 2nd ring of the the phone I was dialing from. That seems pretty good to me.

thanks.

Now my only problem is that my wife qualifies for a new phone but I don't so she might have an Evo and I still have my Hero .

 

[Lozer_Kid]

I've decided that unless Sprint gets another HTC non-tablet-sized keyboardless phone, I will be keeping my Hero. If they end up not getting anymore HTC phones, then I guess I will end up waiting until my contract ends and maybe I might be getting an iPhone, which means that I might be changing carriers and paying some more. I know, I might be going to hell for saying this, but I want a iPhone so bad. Don't even get me started telling you why I want one... xD

 

[jen8112]

I've decided that unless Sprint gets another HTC non-tablet-sized keyboardless phone, I will be keeping my Hero. If they end up not getting anymore HTC phones, then I guess I will end up waiting until my contract ends and maybe I might be getting an iPhone, which means that I might be changing carriers and paying some more. I know, I might be going to hell for saying this, but I want a iPhone so bad. Don't even get me started telling you why I want one... xD

Haha, I've actually been thinking the same thing. My Hero started f-ing up today and I'm just sick of phones that don't work. Ya the iPhone isn't as "pretty" or customizable (my favorite part) as an Android but from what I've heard they're very reliable and at this point that's all I want.

 

[ToxicToastKatz]

Haha, I've actually been thinking the same thing. My Hero started f-ing up today and I'm just sick of phones that don't work. Ya the iPhone isn't as "pretty" or customizable (my favorite part) as an Android but from what I've heard they're very reliable and at this point that's all I want.

You and Lozer sound exactly like I do. I believe I posted in my OP in this thread (and if not here, certainly other places on the forum) that I'd LOVE for Sprint to get the iPhone, because I'd own it in a heartbeat. The reason? IT JUST WORKS!!

I have a Mac at home, and it's unbelievable how well it works. I know people knock Apple because of the fanboys and Steve Jobs is a bit of a loon, but they make good products.

That being said, I thought it through and took the plunge to upgrade to the Evo as soon as I was eligible, and so far, I couldn't be happier. With regards to the size of the phone, it doesn't bother me in the least. The phone actually JUST WORKS! Knock on wood, I haven't had 1 issue with it thus far. Granted, it's only been 2 weeks, but it's working silky smooth and everything is going as advertised. Of course things can change, but I don't even anticipate rooting the phone unless I need to wirelessly tether.

Anyway, just wanted to throw my 2 cents in

 

[Kelmar]

I know I'm about a month late into this conversation... but if anyone needs more info about the Evo/Epic from a former Hero owner, feel free to ask!

As far as the iPhone; it's important to get the phone that works best for YOU! For some people it's a flip phone, for others it's an iphone, for others it's the newest gadget, for others it's a Vertu.... Get the phone that makes YOU happy!!!

 

[cirehawk]

You and Lozer sound exactly like I do. I believe I posted in my OP in this thread (and if not here, certainly other places on the forum) that I'd LOVE for Sprint to get the iPhone, because I'd own it in a heartbeat. The reason? IT JUST WORKS!!

I have a Mac at home, and it's unbelievable how well it works. I know people knock Apple because of the fanboys and Steve Jobs is a bit of a loon, but they make good products.

That being said, I thought it through and took the plunge to upgrade to the Evo as soon as I was eligible, and so far, I couldn't be happier. With regards to the size of the phone, it doesn't bother me in the least. The phone actually JUST WORKS! Knock on wood, I haven't had 1 issue with it thus far. Granted, it's only been 2 weeks, but it's working silky smooth and everything is going as advertised. Of course things can change, but I don't even anticipate rooting the phone unless I need to wirelessly tether.

Anyway, just wanted to throw my 2 cents in

lol Toxic, it's so funny you say this. I got mine a week ago and my wife is anxiously awaiting upgrading in 2 weeks. She asked me yesterday how I was liking it and if I was still excited about it. I told her it was kinda strange. I loved tinkering with my Hero and it was so much fun doing it. I told her that the phone was so fast and it "just works" so well that I haven't had to tinker with it, so even though I love it I don't have the excitement of tweaking it.

 

[ToxicToastKatz]

lol Toxic, it's so funny you say this. I got mine a week ago and my wife is anxiously awaiting upgrading in 2 weeks. She asked me yesterday how I was liking it and if I was still excited about it. I told her it was kinda strange. I loved tinkering with my Hero and it was so much fun doing it. I told her that the phone was so fast and it "just works" so well that I haven't had to tinker with it, so even though I love it I don't have the excitement of tweaking it.

While tinkering is fun, I'd much rather tinker because I WANT to, not because I HAVE to in order for the phone to actually function as it should, which was the case with the Hero.

 

[jen8112]

I have an upgrade in 2 weeks as well and as awesome as the EVO sounds I just don't know if I can get passed the size. I have small girly hands.

 

[wallyy]

I'm eligible for an upgrade in January. Here's the thing, I know for a fact I'll be getting the Evo, and that is simply because it's the only phone running 2.2 on Sprint. The only thing that's getting me worried is the battery life. My friend has the Evo and never stops complaining about it. Sooo I might need to buy a 2nd battery as backup or something. Unless Sprint comes up with a better phone than the Evo, I think I'm definitely going for it.

Sorry this doesn't help you, BUT I JUST WANT TO GET IT OFF MY CHEST