My Mini Review

[dampchimp]

Ok, had the phone a couple of days and had a fair old play, so thought I would share my first impressions.
I have had various smartphones over the years, but my last was an iPhone 3G, so some of the comments may make comparison to that. This isn't intended as a direct comparison or comment on the respective platforms, but simply early observations.



Hardware
In the box
Quite a small box, contains the phone, some documentation, Mini-USB cable, plug adapter, headphones (haven

 

[hot-fuzz]

I love the title "mini" review.
This is really useful, ta for that, which made me write my first post on this forum.

I signed up due to pre-ordering an unlocked SIM free Desire, which i am hoping to get next week, but being late in ordering doubt i'll get it then.

I have come from an iPhone 3G too and being bored of it, the Desire seems to tick all the right boxes, but nowhere has given me info on how good the GOS is (the primary use of my iPhone).

 

[Ambictus]

Excellent review! I'd love to see a few more of these! I'm hoping they don't change too much when they bring it to the States!

 

[Kronite]

Good review

 

[w00yee]

Bravo! Nice review!

 

[dampchimp]

Thanks all for the kind comments.

It would be interesting to hear what others think either coming from another Droid phone or from the other side like me.

Will try and update it with my impressions as I get a chance to explore some of the other features.

 

[hot-fuzz]

Thanks all for the kind comments.

It would be interesting to hear what others think either coming from another Droid phone or from the other side like me.

Will try and update it with my impressions as I get a chance to explore some of the other features.

Please try out the GPS (or GOS as i called it )
Would love to know how good that is.

 

[dampchimp]

Please try out the GPS (or GOS as i called it )
Would love to know how good that is.

Hi hot-fuzz, I have tried out the GPS, I made a seperate post for other apps as I thought I had rambled enough.

See here under Nav Launcher:
http://androidforums.com/htc-desire/57468-apps-so-far.html

 

[hot-fuzz]

Hi hot-fuzz, I have tried out the GPS, I made a seperate post for other apps as I thought I had rambled enough.

See here under Nav Launcher:
http://androidforums.com/htc-desire/57468-apps-so-far.html

AHAAA, sorry about that, i did read it, but must have missed that bit.
Im thinking of getting Copilot when mine turns up, but its not on their list of supported phones, but i woudl assume it does work if it does on the N1.

Cheers

 

[dampchimp]

No probs...

I may also try Co-Pilot, as unless they officially release Google Nav in the UK, I don't think it will be perfect.

 

[Jack10]

Nice review

 

[Lukehluke]

Good review

 

[dampchimp]

Ok, had the Desire for nearly 2 weeks and thought I would update my thoughts.

I will start out with what I think are the major criticisms for this device.

Battery Life
Probably my main gripe right now. Battery life is ok, but certainly not great. My typical day starts at 6.45am, phone comes off the charger where I have charged overnight, Wi-Fi on, check for podcasts. Wi-Fi off, half an hour to 45 minutes of listening to music or podcasts, with maybe a bit of light browsing or reading news over data or Wi-Fi. Phone on standby with screen and all data/GPS/Bluetooth off till about 5-ish. A repeat of the mornings activities and then maybe an hour or so of tinkering at night with Wi-Fi on. All synchronisations are set to manual during the day, I have a blackish screen and minimal widgets. With a bit of ad-hoc tinkering at other periods, I am lucky to see the charge last till much beyond 9-10 at night. This obviously goes up or down a bit, but generally I am lucky to get much more than 12-14 hours from a charge. I have heard that the non-branded ROM with OTA updates seems to improve battery life, so hopeful that things will improve over time. Only worry is if I am down in London for business, checking email, maybe using maps to find my way etc. I will be very lucky to get through a day...
Screen Visibility
Not a huge issue. Only once have I really struggled to see the screen. Bizarrely this was an overcast day at the shore where I tried to take a few pics, but the screen was just legible. Most of the rest of the time, the visibility has been great, even on brighter days. I have auto-brightness on and the screen is vibrant and bright, so the trade-off seems worth it for me.
Pinkish Hue/Inaccurate Colours
I haven