HTC HD2 impressions

This is my first time writing on the Mobile Word document editor for the HTC HD2, and I am thus far satisfied with the amount of screen space available for adequate typing. The capacitive feedback of the virtual qwerty is extremely responsive and sometimes boggles my mind as to how sensitive it is in sensing my fingertips. If I didn't know any better, I would say that hardly ANY kind of contact is needed
for a letter to register...it feels like my fingertips barely brush the screen! A few days ago I read a tweet from a Twitter contact that mentioned a possibility of the screen being too sensitive, and now I can completely understand why. Even though this hyper sensitive feedback takes a while to get used to, I would rather have an over-responsive qwerty instead of an unresponsive or unpredictable variant. To place blame on the touch keys may be the simplest method, when actually it could be a matter of getting accustomed to the touch screen. Anyone with a touch device may or may not have already experienced growing pains with typing on a screen, I guess now is my turn. Coming from a hardware qwerty where I could blaze through keys in composing emails and texts is proving to be a humbling lesson of patience for me on this HD2. With touch keys there is a higher chance for error, so I am learning to take my time to press each key with a confident fingertip. Eventually, I notice a natural flow beginning to emerge as my words form on the massive display before me, and the urge to type faster gets to me. As soon as I make one swift keystroke, a spelling error suddenly jumps out to my naked eye and I am compelled to correct it. In lieu of this, I'm also thankful for the XT9 feature saving me with its helpful word suggestion pop-ups and punctuation mark inserts!

All of that being said, the typing experience on the HD2 is not anything similar to the iPhone, but at the same time it is not meant to be. It is natural for an iPhone comparison to come to mind when considering the capacitive screen, and there is a definite difference between the two devices. The virtual qwerty of the HD2 doesn't offer the same freedom of swift movement while typing since there seems to be a greater chance of mistakes. When selecting a character, I find that I have to be much more deliberate, careful, and accurate with the aiming of my fingertips. Even though XT9 works wonders from time to time, it still doesn't have the same error-correction refinement as the iPhone OS. This is not to claim that it isn't useful at all, for it certainly is...it's just that the execution of its efforts appear to be more clunky at times. Haptic feedback activated on the press of each key doesn't seem to help much as long as I am maintaining eye contact with the screen, but it is not annoying by any means. When there is a tab of word suggestions expanded, the wide expanse of screen allows me to clearly see them all without feeling cramped like on the TP2. I do have moments when the hypersensitive qwerty does register multiple or adjacent character inputs while pressing keys, but I can learn to overlook it.

As I am typing in Word Mobile, I see that there seems to be no way of viewing/editing a document in landscape mode. However, using the landscape qwerty is possible with the Opera Mobile browser. There is an added amount of difficulty from the sheer width of the HD2 and the stretched shaping of the keys. While suitable is by no means impossible in horizontal orientation, I do prefer the more comfortable alternative of portrait mode.

UPDATE: I had become frustrated with the overly sensitive feedback of the HD2 and decided to download a cab file. This cab file from XDA-Developers actually lessens the sensitivity of the touchscreen for a better user experience. I do notice a difference in how I can type much faster with less worry of making errors, and it feels great! This HD2 is officially one step closer to being a reliable device for efficient text entry. Using XT9 has its benefits in automatically inserting punctuation marks and providing word suggestions, and it actually reminds me of the old Nokia E71.

I have to admit that being introduced to the Sense upgrade to TouchFLO 3D was only mildly impressive with the Touch Pro 2 and its 3.5 inch screen. However, there is a newfound vitality to this UI via the gorgeous display on the HD2! All graphical imagery seems to come alive on this grand capacitive display, and interface navigation conjures the same amazement that makes the iPhone so popular. To this day, I am still impressed by the weather animation of the homescreen as well as its smooth transition effects of navigating between the default tabs. Colors seem very rich and vivid when displayed, and I don't see any aesthetic problem with this Windows Mobile device only supporting 65K colors. The graphics of the menus and onscreen functions are usually large enough for fingertip activation, and the response is usually quick. Honestly, I don't see any life-changing or revolutionary difference in speed with the 1GHz Snapdragon processor. Instead, I notice that there is a lesser occurrence of sluggish response on this device than with my Touch Pro 2. There are still some moments when the device may dither a bit, so I wonder if the processor lends its power to generating UI imagery onto the large 4.3 inch screen while performing behind-the-scenes technical multitasking.

HTC Sense is quite dominant on this model and hardly gives the user a chance to encounter any sign of the old Windows Mobile interface. This is especially welcomed after I tried my hand at working with the default UI for WM 6.5 and soon switched back to the Sense version. Microsoft's release for the 6.5 OS is utterly confusing, unintuitive, and lacks any eye-candy appeal; a homescreen with a listing of oversized fonts as access to phone features is hardly an upgrade. It is still beyond me to understand how such reputable companies like Nokia and Microsoft cannot seem to develop a worthwhile touch interface that is functional, smooth, and aesthetically pleasing. If Apple, Palm, Google, and HTC can manage to accomplish this to an acceptable degree, then there should be no excuse. On the bright side, HTC devices may always have an upperhand in the Windows Mobile industry with its TouchFLO 3D and Sense interfaces.

One concern I have is for the copy/paste function which can be quite unpredictable when using applications. When constructing a text in the default Sense UI, copying text happens in the same manner as the iPhone with movable tabs on either side of the selected words. While this works perfectly in its own right, performing the same in either Opera Mobile or Word Mobile is a different story. A tap/hold command on the appropriate text generates a pop-up menu that doesn't match the one in the default Sense UI. While Opera Mobile may have more reliability in being able to drag and select a range of desired text, Word Mobile appears to not have this option. As I am typing this blogpost document in Word on the HD2, I see no way to drag my fingertip over anything for selectable editing. Unfortunately, I am limited to only double-tap and select one word at a time or select all words via a command from the menu. What makes this even more strange is that writing an email gives me the choice to select text by dragging, and it runs on the same pop-up menus as Word Mobile! This may not be a huge inconvenience for editing only minor portions of a document, but dealing with multiple words is another matter altogether.

UPDATE: I downloaded Office Mobile 2010 Beta from the Microsoft Marketplace, and I am pleased to see that there is a fix to the copy/paste function in the Word application!

The general layout is similar to that of the Touch Pro 2 model with a scrolling taskbar of tabbed icons to access typical smartphone features. However, the HD2 contains more tabs for additional features such as Twitter and a scrapbook-like app called Footprints. While navigation isn't much different from its resistive touchscreen relatives, there seems to be a bit of speed added from not having to apply pressure to activate a touch command. This is where the iPhone resemblance becomes apparent with the HD2 functionality. The act of pinching to zoom is another function harkening back to the iPhone, and it is prevalent in the Opera browser and photo viewer. While operating HD2 capacitive touch is amazing at times, there are indeed moments when the intricacies of Windows Mobile make it challenging. Aside from this, it is great to see such a different method of interaction with an OS associated with resistive touch navigation.

The camera is equipped with 5 megapixels, dual LED flash, and autofocus capability. Autofocusing can occur on its own or on a specific object that is tapped by the user within the frame. A flash is certainly a welcomed addition to this Windows Mobile device, and I find it to be suitable in strength for darkened settings. Still pictures look amazing and come alive with vivid color as long as there is sufficient lighting. Like the Nokia N97, the flash can even be used for constant lighting while shooting video! Unlike the Nokia, video footage is under par in comparison due to a lack of smooth playback and TV quality. Being without a tactile shutter button still remains an inconvenience with any HTC camera, but not a dealbreaker by any means.

Sound quality from the speaker at the back is not impressive when compared to the Touch Pro 2 let alone the Nokia N97. Audio displays horrible distortion at higher volumes, and lack of stereo seems inexcusable for this HTC model. Music playback is tinny overall and lacks sufficient bass, but this is rectified by the 3.5mm jack allowing use of standard headphones. With my personal Sony headphones, I finally have access to the Audio Booster feature which is basically a graphic equalizer. To my surprise, Audio Booster really lends some depth and sound enhancement to my music tracks...but this could also be attributed to the in-ear Sonys blocking ambient sound. As for handset voice call quality, it equals that of the Touch Pro 2 while the speakerphone of course falls short. Tone alerts for incoming calls, SMS, alarms, reminders and tweets are sufficient in volume and ringtones can even be increased automatically by a feature called "Pocket Mode": when the HD2 is out of sight inside of a pocket, bag or carrying case.

Weather forecasting is a great feature of the HD2 that takes advantage of the grand 4.3 inch display with breathtaking animation graphics. No matter what weather phenomena is occurring, there is a dedicated animation sequence that starts either on the home screen or weather screen. I have to say that this is one of my favorite aspects of the HTC Sense UI, and it still impresses me more than any other weather app from the competition. On the weather app itself, I see a GPS signal icon next to the name of the appropriate location that allows for live updating. During a road trip to Richmond from Norfolk, I could see the weather forecast updating in real time to reflect my accurate location while on the Interstate highway.

Footprints is a different kind of app that acts like a digital scrapbook. A picture can be taken in real time and given specific details in regards to GPS coordinates. Other pieces of data such as landmark name, recordable voice notation, text notation, and map location can be added by the user. Any picture from an album can also be imported to Footprints. While this seems like a novelty item at first, I actually find it quite useful to preserve memories in a most convenient manner on a smartphone.

The Twitter app in the HD2 is called HTC Peep, and it is quite proficient in granting support. However, the interface is not as user-friendly as Twikini or Gravity, and there appears to be no way to delete tweets.

Google Maps is included on this model and proves to be dependable as always with good GPS sensing.

Video playback of media files on my microSD card is flawless and quite impressive visually. I guess the size of the display and the Snapdragon processor makes it possible to even play a MP4 file directly from Handbrake with no need for any extra conversion. Navigating from one part of a movie to another is speedy and has no problem in resuming steady video footage and audio feed. Changing the aspect ratio is basic with only two settings and icon commands are self-explanatory. While the screen is undoubtedly dazzling, the audio falls short when coming from the speaker. Improvement can be found by using your own preferred headphones. In regards to playing the MP4 file that had been generated by Handbrake, I notice it is not initially available on the video file display in the Photo & Video section. I instead have to select it from the File Explorer.

Now is the time I call attention to an interesting situation dealing with music playback on Windows Mobile devices. Ever since I started using the Treo 750 years ago, I discovered that Windows Mobile isn't good at efficiently managing large-scale music libraries. I do understand that 16GB microSD card support is a lot to ask of any mobile device, and not all devices (if any) can grant such a request. However, my Nokia devices after the E90 from the E71 to the N97 have been absolutely rock solid in managing over 2000 tracks, even when E71 isn't documented to officially handle 16GB microSD. Unfortunately, all my Windows Mobile devices from past to present have been plagued with sluggish performance and freezing when commanded to play all songs in shuffle mode. I find that playing one album at time on the Touch Pro 2 and the HD2 seems to be the safest method for uninterrupted smartphone usage. As one can imagine, this is especially disconcerting for a device with a 1GHz Snapdragon processor. Using the HD2 music app is such an inconvenience that I often decide to forego music listening altogether in favor of my iPod Touch. Moving from one area to another in one song is usually no problem at all with the touch sensitive progress bar. Even when a track is in progress on an album, there is sluggishness in moving to the next track whether in random or normal mode. Waiting 3 to 8 seconds (or more) on average to switch a track is completely absurd and a definite downer in the smartphone user experience. I won't even waste time to say how lackluster the stock headphones remote happens to be...even with the tactile control buttons, so I shall digress. Another issue is that my music library on the microSD card consists mainly of MP3 and WMA formats, but MP4 (ACC) tracks tend to be unpredictable with Windows Mobile. Some ACC tracks play on the HD2 while the Touch Pro 2 insists on skipping over them. Through all of this mess, there is one true fact: I have learned to use all my ACC tracks on Nokias along with other formats while using only MP3 and WMA files on WM devices. This is truly a shame since the interface of the HTC music player has much improvement with its own coverflow navigation. When there is no sluggishness or freezing present, this coverflow's performance is similar to that of the iPhone/iPod Touch. As much as I do like using the music player with capacitive touch, its unreliable nature makes it a turn-off for my own music collection.

Since the HD2 has a large 4.3 inch screen, there is of course a matter of bulk that must be addressed. Even though its dimensions are different from the Nokia E90, it still exhibits a size and design that sometimes works against portability and one-handed use. For instance, the tactile buttons on the far left corner of the front face are too far to be pressed by my thumb. This forces the use of two hands, which is not necessarily a dealbreaker. While the HD2 is thin, its width does hamper quick removal from my pants pocket...not to mention having to pull it from its snug leather carrying pouch.

Battery life on this handset has been the worst I have seen on any phone, and I have considered carrying my charger for the first time. With heavy use, the HD2 barely made it for a full day. Aside from maintaining thinness, why HTC insisted on a battery capacity of a little over 1200 mAh for this model is beyond me.

Overall, I can say that the HD2 has potential in some ways, but there are drawbacks to consider: average speaker audio with distortion in high levels, bulky size, lack of efficient text selection for multiple words, poor battery life, and unpredictable playback of large music libraries. It has been amazing to play around with a large screened device with a fast processor, but the excitement has worn off. I am simply a smartphone user in need of a tactile qwerty, and there is no doubt about that anymore.

UPDATE as of December 3rd, 2009: After the fix for the copy/paste function was introduced in Office Mobile 2010 beta, I have been relatively satisfied with the prospect of writing and editing documents on the HD2. Another feature that has really impressed me is the media upload from the Photo album section. In one instant (with a wifi connection) after selecting Share on a drop down menu, pictures taken by the HD2 were uploaded to Facebook flawlessly! I do believe that this device does have much potential despite its horrific battery life.

UPDATE December 11, 2009: The device is being shipped back and returned. A great device with much potential for those in search of a touch-only Windows Mobile device who don't mind the bulk. From this point on, I am certain to remain devoted to models with a touchscreen UI and a tactile qwerty keypad.

Trent Smith
Sent from my HTC HD2
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TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
trentsense.com
YouTube.com/absolon3

ECPI Grad Thank You!

Just wanted to record this milestone on the blog. Thanks to all supporters!

Leaving AT&T for TMobile

After a most enlightening discovery of TMobile's new phone plans for unlimited service, I knew that my tenure with AT&T would be coming to an end. Paying $80 a month for unlimited voice, text AND data seemed too good to be true...but it really was true! After so many years of spending $85 to AT&T for 450 daytime minutes, 5000 night/weekend minutes, 1500 messages, and unlimited data, I was accustomed to it and never questioned anything. However, running out of daytime minutes and dipping into rollover started to concern me with AT&T, so I looked into increasing my minutes. Nation 900 was the next step up, but much too expensive and put me over the $100 dollar range per month. For $100, it only seemed sensible to have unlimited everything on an individual plan, but that's just my opinion. TMobile certainly got my attention with its new Even More Plus plan that also undercut the Everything Plan from Sprint! This was an opportunity for me to partake in a most amazing phone plan offering absolutely no restrictions on my usage, and I gladly took it. Even more to my benefit, after all the math had been done with factoring in taxes and waiving a $5 control fee, my monthly charge matched what I had already been paying to AT&T!! It didn't take long for me to crossover to the other side and bid farewell to a company that introduced me to the world of smartphone usage in 2006.

Upon my decision to go with TMobile, I was then faced with choosing a device compatible with the 3G network. While I could have used either my Nokia N97 or Euro HTC Touch Pro 2, I really didn't want to completely rely on EDGE if I didn't have to...and a new gadget was always welcomed anyway! Since the 1700 MHz 3G band is a current rarity in the unlocked device market, I was limited to what TMobile had to offer. In lieu of FINALLY getting an appropriate unlimited plan, I certainly didn't mind starting off the adventure with a network-locked phone. For the first time in years, I was in search of what a cellular carrier had to offer from its phone lineup and it felt quite good. Being able to at least consider an Android model for the first time really seemed exciting, especially since AT&T appeared to be shunning any chance of a premiering Android on its iPhone-dominated service. After reading online reviews and articles from Matthew Miller (a.k.a. palmsolo) from Nokia Experts, CNet, Pocketnow.com, and various YouTube members, my choices were narrowed to the Motorola Cliq and TMobile Touch Pro 2.

I wanted to go for the Cliq to try Android, but I did have some concerns. Firstly, I was apprehensive of not having any Missing Sync software to transfer my PIM data from my MacBook. Once one gets accustomed to avoiding the manual input of contacts, notes, and calendar events, it is difficult to go without doing so. While I wouldn't mind doing this if it was necessary, that chosen Moto would have to be well worth it! Secondly, reviews on the Cliq seemed to display mixed feelings on the included features of Moto Blur, an average hardware qwerty, and a potentially-overwhelming user interface. Thirdly, the Android OS is brand new to me and I didn't want to risk a bad first impression of TMobile while having to learn it from square one. To do this on a secondary device was acceptable, but not on a main phone. A chance happening at the TMobile store that further influenced my decision involved seeing a group of teenage girls swooning over the Cliq. At that point, the Motorola phone became nothing more than a toy-like messaging machine for the youth of America, and I wanted to maintain a sense of professionalism (or maybe adulthood) with a business-capable smartphone. Despite the 3.5mm jack, solid build quality, and improved Android interface, the Cliq was placed on the back burner and the Touch Pro 2 had won out as my main phone.

Accepting the TMobile branding on that TP2 variant was not necessarily a hard thing to do. For a locked version of that HTC model, I always believed TMobile was the one carrier that remained mostly true to the original Euro version of the hardware qwerty. The fact that it retained the number row and "ctrl" key in the final incarnation of its flagship smartphone REALLY impressed me. Noticeable differences at first glance aside from color scheme turned out to be a lack of shapely curves, an outside port for a microSD card install, a RESET button (I hadn't seen one of those in YEARS), a front face with no chrome ring on the perimeter, a clear window over the camera lens, and a Windows Mobile 6.1 interface. Even though it looked and felt heavier than the Euro model, it still retained a certain sturdiness to its build that did not give an impression of cheap construction. The qwerty key feedback worked exactly as expected after having used the Euro Touch Pro 2, and it's layout was more impressive than the mediocre Tilt 2 from AT&T. Call quality and reception all appeared to be similar to the unlocked TP2, but somewhat better due to 3G access.

After 2 days on the TMobile network, I am quite pleased with my decision to leave AT&T. 3G coverage appeared to match that of AT&T (which may not be saying much according to Verizon) and EDGE was more than sufficient for preventing dropped calls in my own home amidst dead zones. Paying $85 monthly for 450 daytime minutes, 5000 night/weekend minutes, 1500 SMS, and unlimited data was a complete rip-off in comparison to TMobile's Even More Plus plan for $80! For the first time I am getting unlimited service across the board for voice, SMS, MMS, and data at a most reasonable price!! When Sprint first introduced its Everything Plan a while back, I was tempted but still thought that even $100 a month was a bit much for an individual customer. Honestly, AT&T is due for some hard times in the coming future if it doesn't totally focus on improving the infrastructure of its 3G network. Dropped calls at home and a lack of comparable plans are what caused me to eventually choose TMobile and make the most of my money. I must also admit that having the opportunity to possibly test a Nokia N900 on TMobile's 3G data was another huge bonus as well!

Trent Smith
Sent from my TMobile Touch Pro 2
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TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
trentsense.com
youtube.com/absolon3

Opera 10 beta impressions

Problem #1: The long-press feature for secondary character input is nowhere to be found, and the function key doesn't even work!

Problem #2: When typing passwords into a secure text field, there is no way to see the characters onscreen. Only asterisks appears with each qwerty key being pressed.

UPDATE: Going into Advanced settings and turning off inline editing solves this problem. Thanks to MikeMacias and fahrertuer from Twitter! This results in being able to enter text on a pop-up field from the default S60 interface, which in turn makes the copy/paste command possible.

Problem #3: The dreaded "Memory is full" error pops up for the first time since my update to the V20 firmware, and all background apps are immediately annihilated to make way for Opera. After all background apps are shut down, things run fine until 3 tabs are opened simultaneously and then the "memory is full" error occurs repeatedly until I have to shut down Opera.

Problem #4: There is no support for flash, but this is to be expected from previous experience with another Opera version on the HTC Touch Pro 2. This is where S60 Web comes in as a champ with the ability to playback YouTube videos.

Good news #1: Opera Mobile 10 beta is absolutely SMOOTH!!! Navigating between two open tabs, viewing desktop versions of sites, and copying/pasting text is practically trouble-free.

Good news #2: Text is automatically configured to the screen for easier reading upon zooming.

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After a few days of occasionally using Opera 10 beta, I do not think it to be worthy of replacing S60 Web. Being able to copy paste data throughout the interface has been amazing, but not worth the risk of experiencing memory errors. Every time I access this Opera app, it is commonplace to have to shut down other apps in the background to avoid these dreaded pop-ups. However, I discover that this doesn't completely prevent the errors from happening either. Opening more than two tabs generates memory issues, and things can get much worse with the pop-up constantly appearing onscreen. After a while, the Opera 10 beta's ravenous appetite for RAM proves to be detrimental to an efficient user experience on my N97. In all honesty, I prefer to remain with my S60 Web app and its ability to playback flash videos.

However, this does not mean that I will delete the beta app from my N97. There may be future tips on how to better manage RAM on this NSeries device, and I would hate to miss out on seeing Opera 10 again. Since the Safari browser on the iPhone/iPod Touch, there is no other web browser that impresses me as much as this recent beta for Opera. For right now, it is much too early to expect the N97 to support such a robust application. Even after following instructions on how to maximize internal memory usage, deficient memory remains a huge problem. I believe once there is flash video support along with continued N97 RAM improvements, Opera 10 beta will certainly be a more reliable resource.

Trent Smith
Sent from my Nokia N97
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TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
trentsense.com
youtube.com/absolon3

N97 firmware update impressions

The device has restarted after the completion of the firmware update. The first thing I notice is the kinetic scrolling throughout interface menus on the device. So far this is extremely convenient and is a welcomed remedy to constantly using the scroll bar.

My homescreen has been changed. Before the update I was using widgets for app shortcuts (messaging, web, Google Maps, Active Notes), Facebook, Gravity, music player, and email. After the update, the widget spaces for Facebook and Gravity are empty and the music player widget is replaced by the favorite contacts access. The email widget is left untouched.

Upon checking the application folder, I notice that all applications previously moved to the 32GB E drive are nowhere to be found. This at least explains the empty spaces on the homescreen, but I am concerned as to whether all data on the drive had been deleted (which shouldn't normally occur). The Guitar Rock game is also missing from the Games folder, and no sign of any music tracks can be found from the player. To my relief, all photos on the E drive are still intact, so a mass deletion may not the case. I proceed to turn off the N97 and power it back on to find that all of my apps are restored as normal. All music files are restored after I initiate a refresh of the library, and the kinetic scroll is EXTREMELY helpful in browsing its many entries.

There is a new Vlingo app and a message reader that I don't recall seeing in the previous firmware (I could be wrong on the message reader). Even though I haven't tried Vlingo before and have yet to open it, the message reader works as normal on previous ESeries devices that I had used.

The long press feature on the qwerty to input secondary characters is a much welcomed improvement. This proves to be very efficient for typing and keeps me from having to rely on the function key all the time.

Navigating the menus on the N97 seems faster, and I feel as if the noticed improvements grant more potential in making a worthwhile device. However, there are flaws from sluggish email downloads and malfunctions in certain widgets. The default S60 Messaging app is taking longer than usual to refresh my Gmail inbox and grant access to specific messages. I am also noticing moments when new emails aren't registering in the time interval I had assigned. I am hoping that deleting the inboxes and creating them again will be a useful solution. The Gravity widget still appears to work as normal, but there is seldom an error message stating that the network connection is suspended. I have no pending plans as to how to solve this, for deleting/reinstalling may require another purchase from the Ovi Store. Facebook runs just fine except for an error in displaying status updates in my Profile page. Even though generating the update in a text field occurs with regular text, it then appears onscreen as a couple unreadable characters. I have logged out of the widget and logged back in only to see a repeat of the same error. Deleting/reinstalling this widget app is probable since it is free from the Ovi Store.

Aside from those issues, there is one occurrence of the phone freezing in the middle of a voice call. Otherwise, the voice quality and volume is about the same.

Free space on the C drive is at around 25MB, and I still remain cautious of running too many apps at the same time.

This firmware update is by no means a perfect conclusion to the N97, but it is truly a great step in the right direction for added usability. Considering alternatives on the market, I remain confident that this NSeries handset offers the best convergence experience with advanced hardware and suitable software. As I continue to look for further changes on my phone, the Touch Pro 2 stays in its leather pouch in my laptop backpack.

TRENT
Sent from my Nokia N97
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TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
trentsense.com
youtube.com/absolon3

Nokia N97 Memory Management

Upon passing the first couple days of owning the N97, I had the pleasure of using the Nokia Sport Tracker on a 4 mile run. As always, my path was accurately traced via GPS and uploaded to the online service via the AT&T 3G network. It felt good to be in the presence of a well-rounded device that could meet many of my needs with ample functionality, but I experienced an unexpected fault. In the midst of obtaining GPS positioning data outside of my home, the N97 froze.
Immediately, I realized the need to remove the battery and didn't even break a sweat in frustration! Patience was the new method of dealing with minor tech gadget mishaps, and I wanted to be sure of my willingness to adhere to it.

During this time I happened to be on Gmail Chat with my Nokia brother, a great friend with whom I shared many smartphone conversations. He had witnessed my back and forth activity with the N97 since day one when he sold me his own model and eventually purchased another for himself. The chat going on at that moment began going into the subject of the phone's internal memory capacity. As far as I knew, the 32GB E drive was separate from both the C drive and any installed memory card. It was popular for people on online forum communities to complain about lack of ample space in the C drive, for it tended to slow down overall usage performance. A number of users reported on how they were able to delete unnecessary clutter on the C drive, and at least 30MB of free space was deemed to be an acceptable amount. Since I had first powered on my N97, I didn't give much thought into managing its internal memory and assumed I was fine. I was wrong. When I checked the free space of my Nokia's C drive, I was shocked to find only 7MB! I was in trouble!

At that point, my friend suggested that I do some clearing out of any apps that were pre-installed on the phone's internal memory...and there were quite a few. It was also recommended that I go into the default S60 web browser to clear all privacy data. Unfortunately, Nokia Messaging (aka Nokia Email) had to be removed since it was forced to take up considerable space on the C drive. Useless items like Hi5, Slideshow, Psiloc Traveler, and Spore quickly followed suit, but Boingo and JoikuSpot strangely didn't have a deletion option. Free apps such as Facebook, AccuWeather, and AP News could be reinstalled from the Ovi Store and saved to the 32GB mass storage E drive. This same E drive could also be selected as a default install location in Ovi Store settings for future applications. Upon removing Nokia Messaging along with those free apps, I redeemed 32MB of free space on the C drive!
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While I am happy to say that the N97 is performing just fine with absolutely no multitasking problems, I am finding it quite strange to be without Nokia Messaging for incoming email. I am instead using the default S60 messaging client and it does the job just fine without much fanfare for both Gmail inboxes. If I really want to see HTML, I can click a link in certain entries to gain access to it. There is the added benefit of the copy/paste function being available for the message body and not just the recipient line like in Nokia Email. What I will miss about the other email client is the convenience of typing a character in the recipient line to generate a drop menu of all potential contact addresses to choose from. What I will not miss from Nokia Email is the lack of integration with the rest of the N97 device. It is always a pain to attempt an email message via an app or interface command only to be confronted with a prompt to identify a new mailbox for the S60 client. The S60 version may not have the fancy graphical interface of Nokia Email, but looks are only a luxury and not a necessity. As long as incoming emails are in English, I am more than happy to accept this default client for the sake of freed space on the C drive.

It actually feels good to place my faith into the N97 as my primary device, for its hardware and software offers so many uses throughout any given day. I no longer get the impression that I am as limited in multimedia features as I used to be with the E71. Sliding open the Carl Zeiss lens to take a striking snapshot or smooth video at 30 frames per second, navigating the touch versions of Facebook and Gravity, keeping media in 32GB of storage along with an additional 16GB card, using my Sony headphones with the 3.5mm jack and a convenient call button mic with music playback controls, browsing Internet via the touch interface of either S60 Web or Opera Mini 5 beta: these things that come to mind are truly worth tolerating any quirks that may potentially plague the N97. After a fair dose of humility, it is sufficient to say that I am finally grateful for this particular device and its one-of-a-kind status amidst other Nokia devices. If I am not mistaken, there is no other S60 model that combines the prowess of Nokia NSeries hardware with a qwerty keypad. The upcoming N900 may do much to gain attention for future endeavors of Nokia, but the N97 currently bridges the gap between old-fashioned S60 functionality and modern touch interfacing...with a tactile qwerty.

TRENT
Sent from my Nokia N97
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TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
trentsense.com
youtube.com/absolon3

Doing the Unthinkable: Returning to the N97

Okay! I have come to terms with an admission of guilt over some words
that had been previously uttered by no one but me. These words were
critical of the Nokia N97...well, they were EXTREMELY critical to the
point where I even considered a hiatus of my usage of Nokia products.
At this moment, I am officially eating my words upon my return to the
N97.

Even after my most recent return to the E71, I am still left somewhat
unsatisfied from its functionality. True, there are many benefits that
make the qwerty bar model a convenient workhorse companion in daily
messaging, but a problem still persists: it is an ESeries device. From
a different perspective, being an ESeries model is certainly not a
problem...but being an E71 is. Even with all of the business-centric
features and professional grade build quality, I am simply bored with
its limited potential. The small screen without a touch interface
sometimes downgrades the user experience for certain applications, and
a lack of worthwhile multimedia support with an acceptable camera is a
turn-off as well. At the end of the day, I want a touch-enabled
multi-tasker that can truly be the jack of all trades for all that I
can possibly do with a Nokia.

My reason at this point for going with a black N97 is simply
familiarity and potential. Symbian S60 has been with me for years in
the 3rd edition variant and continues to remain steadfast in its 5th
edition. I can also declare that the upcoming N900 actually causes me
concern when I consider its Maemo newness. I don't necessarily want to
be on the cutting edge with a device that still doesn't offer support
for AT&T 3G. While other potential problems such as landscape-only use
and lack of MMS can eventually be fixed with updates, not having 3G
data access is detrimental to mobile efficiency. I have experienced
enough quirks with the EURO 3G HTC Touch Pro 2 to know the downfalls
of using EDGE only for data speed, and I refuse to go through that
again. I am hopeful that the N900 may emerge as a near-perfect device
for me, but it looks like only TMobile users will be able to unlock
its full potential when it is eventually released. Another thing to
consider is that the market for Maemo and its developer support may be
left to the hands of fate in regards to its success or failure. From
this view, the N97 seems like a wise decision.

Yes, I am aware that the N97 does possess problems that users such as
myself have pointed out before on blogposts and netcasts. Ultimately,
no device is perfect all the time, for there will always be a little
compromising to adhere to as an end user. I am more than willing to
right now adopt the NSeries line with a new sense of expectation and
not demand too much from it. I will only seek to effectively replace
the E71 with my continued use of Nokia Sport Tracker, Missing Sync for
Symbian, bluetooth tethering with Mac, Gravity, Nokia Messaging, and
Quickoffice.

The N97 still offers a number of multimedia and interface features
that make leaving the E71 worth it:being able to efficiently surf the
web with a large touchscreen, take and edit amazing pictures, shoot
great video footage, stay connected to my Facebook and Twitter
accounts via widgets, listen to music and voice calls with a 3.5mm
jack, remain in touch with Messaging, watch online flash videos,
experience stereo sound from suitable speakers, use Quickoffice,
tether my Mac via bluetooth, use GPS tracking on my runs, have access
to an acceptable qwerty and have US 3G support with reliable signal
reception. When it comes to a mobile device, this is all I really want
to get by in my daily routine as a smartphone patron. Anything else is
not as crucial as what I have already listed, and I am perfectly fine
to be without those extra features...if there are any left to even
consider. It is quite clear that I have calmed down on my smartphone
requirements since my failed use of a number of different models in
addition to the recent E71.

What makes the N97 so great is that it basically allows me to have my
cake and eat it, too! I can move to a different interface of a most
familiar OS that still retains much from its predecessor and continue
using Nokia apps I've grown accustomed to using over the years. Even
with all its potential hangups I had already written about, it is a
most useful tool for me...socially and professionally. Unlike the E71,
I can take advantage of OS navigation that at least feels modern to a
point and not feel trapped in a box of limitation with a small screen
and qwerty bar form factor. It is certainly my duty to understand that
no one model is flawless, but also my responsibility to recognize when
a model isn't completely hopeless. The N97 takes the role of a
promising phone since it essentially bridges the gap between old world
S60 and new world Maemo.

With that said, I am sure to await the arrival of the N900 and look
forward to any blogposts and further video reviews. I did have a
pre-order activated for a unit, but I canceled it after giving some
rational thought on the risks of adopting a new version of Maemo.
Jumping into a newly released mobile phone without research was my
immediate downfall with the N97, and I will never wish to do that
again. All we Nokia fans can do at this point is take any current
pre-release reviews with a grain of salt and wait.

In the meantime, I have decided to return the Nokia E71 back to Amazon
and remain exclusive to the N97 with the Euro Touch Pro 2 as a backup.
After getting over the initial shock myself, I am glad that I have
finally come to my senses. As this blogpost writing comes to a close
on this N97 qwerty as I listen to music via my headphones, I feel
relieved...finally.

--
TRENT
Sent from my Nokia N97
TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
trentsense.com
youtube.com/absolon3

Windows Mobile 6.5 impressions on the Touch Pro 2

The official update for Windows Mobile 6.5 on the HTC site really caught me off guard, for I didn't expect it to be available soon after my failed attempt from the day before. I had previously downloaded an unofficial 6.5 update from HTCPedia.com and transferred it to my Touch Pro 2, but received an error message whenever I tried to install it from the File Explorer.

 

Now that I finally have the new OS on my HTC, I am impressed with the overall cosmetic changes and added features. The homescreen upon first reboot introduces me to the HTC Sense interface for the first time, and I definitely like what I see. At first glance, the weather data for the current location is located just below the Rolodex display of the clock. The icons on the horizontal scrolling taskbar have been infused with new graphics and vibrant color, and a Programs tab has been added after the Settings tab. With the Programs listed as the last tab, the Start Menu button revealed an entirely new layout with a plethora of icons in a honeycomb-like arrangement. If I am not mistaken, I think these icons certainly appear to have a revamped look while new ones have been included as well. One pleasant surprise has been the visual weather effects on the homescreen during standby. Whatever the current weather phenomena happens to be at any given time, the TP2 will suddenly use animation to make the weather come to life onscreen for a number of seconds and then fade it away. For example, a sunny forecast would call for rays of light to emanate from the sun and rotate slowly before fading away into faint clouds; a rainy forecast would cause raindrops to suddenly overtake the homescreen only to be wiped away by a swooping wiper blade; a cloudy forecast brings about a number of clouds that arrive from both sides of the screen and engulf the entire background before going away. This kind of attention to detail is what wins me over to the HTC TouchFLO 3D!

 

There is one aspect of Windows Mobile 6.5 that turns me off from first sight: the original default Windows layout for the homescreen. Whether I am biased to the HTC TouchFLO 3D or not, I simply do not find the default screen to be efficient at all for daily use. Having a listing of features with a magnifying strip is simple and clean, but not as useful or eye-catching as the HTC version. Another terrible feature of 6.5 is the available lineup of selectable themes that may be a sad attempt by Microsoft to be modern and hip with catchy name descriptions: Isaac Mizrahi Purple, DVF (Diane Von Furstenberg) Green, and Vera Wang Red. Really? Seriously? While I understand the attempt to cater to the younger and fashionable generation, I don't see any artistic quality at all in either of the themes aside from the default Windows setting. The fashion designer-inspired themes feel gaudy, over-the-top, and excessive for a Windows Mobile smartphone in my opinion.

 

There is a new version of Internet Explorer that FINALLY supports flash videos, basically spitting in the face of the default Opera Mobile browser that STILL doesn't support them.

 

FM Radio is available from the Start Menu, but only turns on when the wired headset is connected to operate as an antenna.

 

YouTube videos on the pre-installed HTC player are opened and playback with no trouble via my wifi connection.

 

Windows Marketplace is available and looks like a good competitor to the Ovi Store on Nokia devices as well as the Android and WebOS marketplace variants. The most impressive aspect of this feature is its ability to grant you a choice of payment for purchasing apps. I was pleasantly surprised to be asked whether I wanted to make the transaction with my AT&T account or a personal card! I am able to sign in with a Windows Live ID to browse any potential app choices, and I have so far installed the free Associated Press app. This news media application reflects the same usability I experienced on the Nokia N97, and the interface is comprehensive and clean. I am currently thinking of a Twitter app called Twikini that's available, but wonder if it is a good move from PockeTwit.

 

Update: Twikini is just as reliable as TwitPic if not more. The interface is clean and navigation is smooth with kinetic scrolling. I have no trouble uploading pictures from the TP2 library into a tweet, and other people's pictures show up clearly when included in a message. It is still a bit eerie to hear the bird chirp audible alert for a new incoming tweet. Personally, I still prefer the Gravity app on my Nokia E71 in regards to fast usability and a better camera.

 

Microsoft MyPhone appears to be a syncing service that basically stores phone information into the cloud via a special access site. I am thinking that this is similar to Apple's Mobile Me or Google's GooSync. Since I already updated my TP2 with one sync via Missing Sync to my Mac, I proceeded with downloading the PIM data to this service. In order to use this, one must also sign in with a Windows Live ID. Upon signing in I see that there are premium services available from MyPhone that of course may cost extra after a free trial: lost phone locator with a map, remote locking/erasing of a lost phone, and a remote phone ringer.

 

So far, these are the only noticeable changes on the TP2 to my knowledge, and I may play with the phone for only a little while before returning to my Nokia E71. Aside from the visual transformations and a few additional features, the TP2 with its Windows Mobile OS is still the same as before. In the midst of making a tweet via Twikini, a low battery alert appeared onscreen and caused the app to freeze. It is this kind of random instability that sometimes irritates me, but there are other aspects of the qwerty slider that make it worthwhile. Nonetheless, I have been reunited with my E71 and see no future plans of going back to the Touch Pro 2 any time soon…even with 6.5. The changes may been nice to look at, but the operation of the OS itself hasn't changed at all. At this point, I doubt that I will even look forward to what the AT&T Tilt 2 has to offer, especially since it is locked.

--
Trent Smith
Sent from my MacBook Aluminum
TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
trentsense.com
youtube.com/absolon3

Inevitable Return to the Nokia E71

From my previous blog posting, readers may have noticed it was written from a Nokia E71 and they would certainly be correct. I have returned to the qwerty bar factor of this device and its Symbian S60 3rd edition OS, and I honestly feel relieved from the boredom of the Touch Pro 2.

It is not that the HTC is a mediocre smartphone, for it still remains to be an impressive model in some ways...especially with its qwerty. However, amongst a few slight drawbacks there is one that bothered me a bit...and surprisingly it was not lack of US 3G on the unlocked version. It is sometimes difficult to find a sense of efficient usability with daily tasks on the feature set of the TP2. This was particularly true when I was in the midst of working at ECPI for my internship. I used the qwerty slider to record a log of daily responsibilities onto the Notes section as the workday went on, and I found it to be too bulky and clunky at certain moments. Having the touchscreen, stylus, and sliding qwerty seemed to be overkill and took away from productivity whenever I had to maneuver moving parts to use the qwerty. While this is to be expected when I bought the Windows Mobile phone, I still enjoy its big screen, speakers, and full keypad for casual use outside of the workplace.

With the addition of SportyPal, PockeTwit, Missing Sync, and media content on a 16GB microSD card, the Touch Pro 2 easily takes the place of the E71 for the most part. However, there are some benefits of the Nokia that I found myself missing while using the HTC.

Speed and portability: whether this is due to my familiarity with Symbian or the operating system itself, there seems to be faster navigation through onboard features and apps. The touchscreen with its sporadic instances of unresponsiveness can feel like a hindrance on Windows Mobile at times, even with the inclusion of TouchFLO 3D. While non-touch devices can experience the same problems of lag and response time, it appears to be more of an inconvenience for me on touch models. Being able to pull the E71 from my pocket and quickly activate a one-handed command feels better than having to operate a slider and then use touch (or even use touch alone). While I do appreciate the variety of inputs available on the Touch Pro 2, the E71 does have an unassuming, uncluttered charm. The slim profile of the Nokia is a welcomed feature to avoid the use of a clunky beltclip holster and engage in more comfortable typing. There were times on-the-go when I fumbled with the TP2 in a fast attempt to either retrieve or return it to the holster, and this certainly increased the risk of dropping. Despite the awe-inspiring layout of the HTC qwerty, I do prefer the vertical orientation of the E71 qwerty for lengthy writing. It feels more natural to my hands and also much simpler with only tactile buttons being the primary input source.

Durability: I was a little turned off by the slight damage of my TP2 after I had dropped it onto concrete in the rain. There was a clear understanding of the plastic composition of its physical build, but something still bothered me. For practically half of HTC's retail price, my past E71 offered superior build quality with its blend of plastic and metallic parts. This same Nokia had been dropped twice and received slight blemishes to its finish that were barely noticeable at first glance. However, after the HTC was dropped one time, it looked as if it was done multiple times with extent of the damage. Such a risk could have been placed on the Touch Pro 2 due to its bulky size, but my past Nokia E90 models quickly prove this idea wrong. They were much larger, still maintained a higher build quality from the Nokia ESeries line, and survived moments of being dropped. True, I could purchase a case unit for the Touch Pro 2, but this only adds to its bulk.

3G data access: Being able to use 3G to tether a smartphone to my Mac for portable Internet browsing without wifi is a HUGE convenience that not many people utilize. Even though it may not be as speedy as wifi, it still gets the job done in the right amount of time. Leisure activities such as watching YouTube videos can be an absolute pain without fast 3G or wifi. I've tried YouTube downloads over EDGE speeds, but that endeavor required endless patience. Using EDGE also seems to bring about weak signal reception, at least in my own home.

Efficient typing experience: Even though the Touch Pro 2 happens to possess a most advanced qwerty for any mobile device, there are some drawbacks. The overall width of the keypad can seem cumbersome after a while, and there is a lack of punctuation shortcuts. Something as simple as placing an apostrophe into words such as "didn't" or "can't" may not appear to be crucial, but that's the kind of detail that the E71 handles with no trouble at all. As for the HTC, there is always the XT9 variant which only clutters the screen with a horizontal stripe of unnecessary words. Even though the TP2 managed to get the automatic placement of the period correct with a simple double space after the ending word, the E71 just feels better to use for fast typing.

All of these reasons can basically sum up why I've returned to the Nokia E71 as my main device. It is the most suitable workforce smartphone and exercises the fullest potential in multitasking. The Touch Pro 2 has its benefits, but they weren't enough to keep me from missing the broad functionality of the E71. It feels great to be back with Symbian S60 on a NON-touchscreen Nokia model, and I will be sure to never take it for granted again.

Trent Smith
Sent from my Nokia E71
*************************************
TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
trentsense.com
YouTube.com/absolon3

N900 Anticipation

After reading the extensive preview article from Michael Jerz on My-Symbian.com, I can honestly say that I am really looking forward to the N900 release! Unlike any other smartphone platform currently available, the Maemo OS overlaid with Nokia's Hildon interface seems to reflect the same potential as a desktop computer...more so than Windows Mobile. What won me over initially were the specs for the processor being similar to the iPhone 3GS, the support of separate COLOR-CODED calendar categories, the presence of a Sync/Transfer icon in OS pictures, a somewhat improved qwerty, an included Documents-To-Go office suite, and multimedia features similar to those of the N97.

I clearly understand that there is one potential caveat to adopting Maemo: the possible abandonment of all things S60 in regards to apps I had become accustomed to using. This is absolutely frightening after having experienced the benefits of previous S60-compatible apps such as Nokia Sport Tracker, Gravity, Facebook widget, Nokia Messaging and the crucial Missing Sync for Symbian. Of these few listed, Missing Sync may be the hardest one to let go since it has been present throughout my years as a smartphone user of multiple OS platforms. Syncing with a Mac is not necessarily a popular endeavor amidst non-Apple devices, yet Missing Sync has made that possible for every smartphone OS I have encountered (including the Windows Mobile of my current Touch Pro 2). However, I am wondering if taking advantage of this new Maemo smartphone OS platform combined with Nokia's typical multimedia feature set would make it worthwhile to bid farewell to S60. Now that I'm thinking of it, another potential problem could be the screen orientation of the interface being primarily horizontal. Some people may find themselves missing the vertical access to interface navigation that has been such a mainstay in smartphones and feature phones alike. While this may not seem to be of much importance amidst the excitement of the N900's arrival, this could potentially take away from an efficient user experience...thus, taking away from the overall impression of the device itself.

While the Touch Pro 2 is definitely worth every penny I spent for it, there is a slight boredom in regards to my daily use of its features. The TouchFLO 3D interface remains to be one of the most innovative implementations of the Windows Mobile OS, but I sometimes find myself wanting a refreshed sense of the typical smartphone experience. Using the touchscreen for quick navigation along with a great qwerty for text input has been reliable for the most part, but the multimedia still seems to be lacking. An average-grade camera that has no flash only becomes an object of little interest to me. This proved to be true during my nights in school when I needed to take pictures of circuit board components for lab report assignments, and I never had this problem with my E71.

The N97 was not meant to meet my needs in the same manner as an ESeries device, but the N900 does seem to be a perfect combination of qualities from both the ESeries and NSeries product lines. A touchscreen of ample size with a suitable camera and tactile qwerty keypad all seem to complement the 600MHz processor on the inside. I have read on the My-Symbian preview article about a chance of the internal storage RAM not being enough for downloaded apps, but I hold firm to most of my faith in the N900. With all of that said, I am still a bit worried that I may end up realizing the documented N900 specs were nothing short of duplicitous. I wholeheartedly wish that this will not be the case, but I can only wait and see in the meantime.

Adopting Maemo as a new smartphone OS on a Nokia device is truly worth all of the suspense. Since I had last used the N810 tablet and wished for inclusion of GSM services, I never thought the opportunity would actually arrive. Now that it is here, I cannot help but find myself eager to take part in becoming a Maemo end-user. In the heyday of the N810, there seemed to be VERY little attention given to Maemo and its potential and I was soon bored of the tablet. I believe that the N900 may be able to turn that around for a positive outcome. It is unfortunate that Nokia appears to be stuck in using the same interface implementation with typical fonts and graphics, but this could be overlooked with much improved performance that is expected. Despite the pitfalls looming over every early adopter, there is still an excitement that comes from being one of the first in public domain to partake in the N900. Perhaps this manner of notoriety is completely conjured in my own mind, but I cannot help being a fan of mobile gadgets! As each day goes by with my taking advantage of what mobile gadgetry has to offer, I feel privileged to be a part of this modern culture.

Trent Smith
Sent from my Nokia E71
*************************************
TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
trentsense.com
YouTube.com/absolon3

Thinking Aloud: Nokia E72, N900, and AT&T Tilt 2

Even with the recent news of newer firmware being released later this year, it is wise that I not consider a third N97. After some thought, I actually decided to go for the E72 when that supposedly arrives in the late third quarter. A part of me is attracted to having all of that internal storage for media content, but I honestly don't really use it for more than just playing back music. Watching videos is rare for me and handling documents and occasional pictures is nothing that a few GBs on one card can't handle. Once I stop justifying the need 32GB, the N97 still remains a most challenging model for me in regards to its qwerty and touch interface.

Truthfully, I am turned off by the fact that the interface does not replicate the iPhone or HTC TouchFLO 3D. I find those two versions to be the absolute best for me in regards to quick and easy navigation through icons and menus. The touch S60 5th edition feels too basic and clunky, and I don't think that any sort of kinetic scrolling or other upgrade would appease me. I believe that S60 is made perfectly for non-touchscreen, and I am more than willing to revisit the ESeries line on those terms. The E71 still remains to be my most favored device from Nokia even after the announcement of the N900 and XSeries models, and the E72 may be in the cards for me...but I shall speak more on this later.

Samsung's TouchWiz UI and S60 5th edition with capacitive screen is not really much better than N97's resistive input since I had a chance to play with a friend's Omnia HD. Even with capacitive touch, I still found S60 5th edition to be cumbersome to work with. The lack of a hardware qwerty really turned me off as well and in one case made the situation much worse: the ENTIRE screen being dominated by the virtual qwerty and its touch commands, leaving only a small rectangular (CLAUSTROPHOBIC) space for entering text. The Samsung widget features only made the phone confusing and took away from the any kind of professional, business-like feel for the OS appearance. Granted, the Omnia HD is not marketed as a business device, but it would have been nice to not have to deal with a UI that seemed to be made for grade school kids with its hyper-bright widget coloring and youthful graphics. In a matter of minutes, I was so turned off by the touchscreen only variant of S60 5th edition that I immediately gave back the Omnia HD to my friend and gladly returned to using my TP2. The upcoming Samsung Omnia Pro seems to be a good candidate to complement my HTC, but its lack of 3G, TouchWiz UI, and potentially-subpar qwerty offer no reassurance to switch. Much like the old HTC Touch Pro, opening the device to landscape only reveals a set of icons instead of the normal interface desktop. Once again, HTC has done a stellar job at masking Windows Mobile and making it more user-friendly, but Samsung may have much to learn with the Omnia Pro if it still plans to use TouchWiz on it.

The Touch Pro 2 is a marvel in its own right, but it is mainly due to the ingenuity of HTC's TouchFLO 3D. The other night I decided to turn off TouchFLO 3D and try out the default Windows Mobile OS. OH MY GOD! I would almost prefer the N97 interface over using Windows Mobile in default mode again! HTC did an amazing job in covering up the complexities of Windows Mobile with TouchFLO 3D, and it looks/feels professional, vibrant and beautiful at the same time (without trying too hard). HTC single-handedly made Windows Mobile accessible to me in a way that rivaled the iPhone and NON-touchscreen S60 OS, and I will always remain a big fan. One caveat of my TP2 is the lack of AT&T 3G, and I certainly feel the pain in using data services over EDGE and not having Mac tethering capabilities. The dropping of calls in my house is still a nuisance, but one that is easily overcome by the benefits of TouchFLO 3D, a spacious touchscreen, adequate stereo speakers, and a PERFECT hardware qwerty! After finding the SportyPal application to take the place of Nokia Sports Tracker, I have finally come to a point where I can truly live without Nokia ESeries...if I wanted to.

Android, Maemo and WebOS all seem to have much potential, but I doubt they can meet the challenge of becoming integrated into my daily routine without too many compromises. I love to use my mobile device as an office processor/multimedia viewer/PDA/GPS tracker/suitable camera/Mac tether/Mac syncer, and Nokia S60 and Windows Mobile have been the ONLY versions so far that have been able to step up the plate and hit homeruns! Windows Mobile only recently joined the ranks of Nokia S60 due to the SportyPal application being so comparable to the Nokia Sports Tracker. Whether these new OS models have what it takes remains to be seen, but there is also a necessary balance that must be obtained between the hardware and software. In regards to hardware, none of the devices for either Android, Maemo, or WebOS grabbed my attention in even the slightest bit. Well, I was mildly intrigued by the N900, but was all! Even if the hardware of an OS other than S60 or Windows Mobile catches my interest, the software would have to meet my demanding routine. So far, I haven't seen anything succeed at doing just that.

Speaking of the N900, there was one aspect mentioned by a colleague that I didn't realize: the screen orientation being practically locked in landscape mode when the phone app is not in use. This could really place a damper on versatility for daily use if one must require the use of both hands for most tasks. Now that I think of it, that could have been an unbeknownst factor in why I had sold my N810 tablet years ago. Yes, the lack of support for AT&T 3G is yet another concern to consider. Anssi's mentioning of that device eventually being upstaged by a more robust Nokia OS version in the coming future does potentially add some complication. Some customers may go for the N900 while others choose to wait until the next OS announcement. Other than that, I really can't think of any other potential caveats besides the usual concern for app compatibility. Understandably, if this is meant to primarily be a tablet that just happens to have phone capability, there is definitely a chance of the smartphone side of the N900 feeling like a second thought. As much as I would like to try out a new OS, I refuse to become a Maemo guinea pig and be left hanging without app support for functions such as Mac syncing, word processing and GPS tracking. I hate to say this, but Maemo really doesn't seem to look that much different from S60 5th edition. Further opinions shall be reserved until the reviews start coming in, and I may most likely request a review unit from WomWorld Nokia.

With all of that said, the E72 seems to be the next natural move for me. I certainly favor the form factor and talents of my TP2, but every now and then I also crave the ease-of-use of the qwerty bar form factor. While I may despise Nokia S60 for touch, it is still quite handy in non-touch environments. Not to mention that ESeries devices always happen to display amazing craftsmanship with metallic housings and solid mechanisms; a contrast to the plastics of the NSeries devices. Certain newer features of the E72 also peak my interest as well, and I am glad to at least see support for the 1900 3G band. It may not officially handle the AT&T 3G bands of both 850 and 1900 at the same time, but having at least 1900 in my area still grants me access to 3G! This kind of access to faster data services could possibly place the E72 in a preferred placement over my current Touch Pro 2, but I will have to wait and see. I really have no initial worries about the E72 since I have already grown familiar with the E71, and returning to non-touch may have its initial benefits for my daily use.

Another alternative could be the Tilt 2, AT&T's version of the Touch Pro 2. That would solve the 3G access issue, but could involve more issues in regards to installed carrier ROMs packed with unnecessary games and apps. Being subjected to such bloatware and a possible chance of losing smartphone flexibility in installing apps is not acceptable. While a minor inconvenience at the most, the rearranging of the qwerty keys takes away from a layout that had absolutely nothing wrong with it! I could live with the Tilt 2 if I had to, but fortunately I can exercise my freedom of choice and go with the E72 as a backup to the Touch Pro 2.

TRENT
Sent from my HTC Touch Pro 2
TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
trentsense.com
youtube.com/absolon3

Nokia World webcast impressions

I just finished watching a live online presentation from Nokia World in Stuttgart, Germany, and it is half past 4 in the morning right now. As tempting as it is to fall asleep, I feel the need to say a few things about what I had witnessed. Despite my initial feelings of the event, I was at least glad to have a great time chatting with my fellow gadget brother from the West coast of the US as the "excitement" unfolded.

Honestly, I left the online event feeling validated in my preconceived notion of Nokia's lack of potential in keeping my interest as a customer. I found a link to the live webcast from an Italian blogsite and arrived in the midst of a lengthy introduction from the President and CEO, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo. By no means did he garner any kind of intrigue or captivation from me as an audience member, for it seemed like he was only biding his time with useless rhetoric. As Mr. Kallasvuo continued to speak, the only things that entered my mind were a constant need to fight nodding, the words "blah, blah, blah," and the man's slight resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger (which somehow spawned a plethora of action film flashbacks). There was no excitement in the air and the audience silence possibly resulted more from boredom than anticipation. I could have been doing something else (like sleeping), but I fought the urge to log off my Mac and really wanted to believe that something worth waiting for was yet to come. After he was finally finished, Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia's Executive Vice President of Markets, took to the stage.

He was no better than his predecessor as he attempted to appease the crowd with empty jokes that lacked any real sense of humor. What registered to me as being off-base was how he firmly pointed his index finger in response to music piracy and said, "Don't do that!" Wow! There's nothing like a slight dose of an authoritative father figure to have an illegal media downloader shaking in his boots! Yes, the action was certainly in jest, but nonetheless utterly corny and unnecessary. When he announced the N97 Mini with such excitement, one would think Mr. Vanjoki had been the one to actually create the device from scratch from his own inventive mind. It was as if he expected the audience to somehow react with a sort of fanfare that could only be matched by an Apple Keynote with Steve Jobs. I could not help but laugh aloud when his N97 Mini unveiling was met with a brief silence from what seemed to be applause hesitation. Spy shots of this device had already been circulating online articles and blogs, so it was definitely nothing new...NEXT!! I distinctly remember him making the statement of how Nokia was going on the attack and taking the offensive position. I chuckled.

If anything, Nokia could be making a sad attempt at spreading itself across too many platforms in the mobile industry and the writing may be on the wall. It's one thing to complete a few duties in an average manner, but something else to focus on one or two things and be the master. The company may have its hands in too many cookie jars in regards to software services and hardware solutions. Either way, I only know that the newly unveiled devices of the X6, X3, Booklet 3G, and N900 don't do much to impress me. The XSeries models seem like a wannabe iPhone/iPod Touch paired with a music service that cannot compete with iTunes and the Booklet seems a waste amidst computer manufacturers saturating the netbook market. However, the N900 is another story all in its own right.

When it was announced that a Maemo OS qwerty slider could possibly take the place of the lackluster N97, there seemed to be much promise. Unfortunately, all of that went out the window with a few words from the same man who announced the N97 Mini. According to Anssi Vanjoki's statement, Nokia was undergoing a major overhaul to its OS for upcoming devices that was occurring in five gradual steps. The N900 with Maemo was the fourth step in this process. I don't know about anybody else's reaction, but my online chat friend immediately had the same as my own: utter shock. While it may be exciting to know of an upcoming OS platform, he basically said that the N900 was just another rebound device before the next big thing. While this is true of ANY device that is created due to inevitable upgrading, it is not normal for a company to polarize its customer base in such a manner. Immediately, there could be those who want the N900 while others have justification to wait for the next OS transition of Symbian or Maemo or whatever else Nokia has up its sleeve. I seriously wonder if he had meant to mention this fifth step during his presentation. Even if the N900 has a chance, there is still the issue of Maemo compatibility with the extensive S60 3rd party app library. Things could be relatively painless if Maemo becomes more popular amongst end users.

Anyway, I am still not entirely convinced that Nokia can fully come back from the travesty that was the N97. Since then it has turned me off to S60 5th edition OS and rendered S60 3rd edition obsolete in my mind. As time continues on, we shall see if there can be successful avoidance of the troubles that eventually hit Palm. In the meantime, I will be moving on with my HTC Touch Pro 2.

TRENT
Sent from my HTC Touch Pro 2
TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
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