HTC HD2 First Impressions x3

HTC HD2 reviews are everywhere at the moment so here are some first impressions after 1 day’s use. It’s fair to say there are a range of opinions on this device which is usually the best way to guage how good it really is.

Shaun

SIZE

The HD2 is a big phone of course, but HTC has managed to make it feel a lot smaller than it is. The depth, at 11mm, makes it pocketable and the slightly curved edges lend themselves to making it feel more natural in the hand. I was concerned that it would look daft when on a call, but it seems to look OK. We are in a world where larger devices are now more usual than ever before and the HD2 is on the verge of what is acceptable as a phone in terms of size.

In my view the size of the HD2 is a positive and the clever design makes the screen seem even bigger than it is.

SCREEN

The screen is simply wonderful in terms of its dimensions and it works extremely well in all weather conditions. The capacitive technology and Sense UI mean that you will experience a touch interface which works as well as any other. It is so close to the iPhone level of touch that the differences are marginal, but some time with the device will be needed for it to feel as natural.

The screen is, however, a fingerprint magnet and I soon found it covered with grease and prints. It would have been useful if HTC had included a screen protector, but we can only hope that the likes of Brando and Expert Shield will release some soon. This has been the main issue for me so far, but the good news is that it is easily solvable.

BATTERY

This is a difficult one to judge at such an early stage, but I feel confident in saying that you should easily get a day’s use before needing to recharge. I am going to hold off from concluding this are until I have had a few more days to play with it.

GENERAL PERFORMANCE

Superb! It is very quick indeed and I have not experienced any slowdowns yet. The fast processor and copious memory make for a device which is able to cope with the rigours of life and a number of applications running at the same time. I had 12 apps open and they all performed perfectly.

CAMERA

This is a real surprise. Even in low light the pictures are coming out well. My camera knowledge is poor, but video and photo capture are way ahead what I have seen before from HTC. More on this part later.

DATA ENTRY

Another area where I need time to get used to it. You may be aware of my problems with touch screen data entry and it has followed me to the HD2. I am finding it more accurate than many other touch screen devices I have tried, but I need to work out the spelling correction methods before I can comment further. Not a bad start though.

AFTER ONE DAY

The reaction from people I know to the HD2 has been incredibly positive. The screen blows people away and a couple of people put it next to their iPhones and almost had a look of envy on their faces. The video experience is incredible for a smartphone and kicks the iPhone for six, the music playback is similar in quality and of course the multi-tasking and range of good quality apps available is an advantage.

The HD2 could generate renewed interest in the Windows Mobile third party market and this will open people up to what is available. There is a good body of apps out there for people to experience and the screen here will make the titles seem even better than before. My first day has been positive indeed and that fingerprint issue is my main annoyance at the moment.

Gavin

I received the HD2 yesterday afternoon and I must thank Clove Technology for their great friendly service.

The box was identical in size to my HTC Hero which surprised me, but opening the box and taking the HD2 out felt really good.  I left it to charge for all of 10 minutes and then had to switch it on. One word.  The screen is fabulous.

Setting up. HTC have tried to make setup simple, with initial logins of facebook, twitter, youtube, email and a few other items. I struggled to get my gmail to work. I could only get my gmail using the activesync settings. Anyway, problem appeared to be related to some email settings in Google itself, so finally today I have Gmail working as it should. I am using the activesync app to sync my google calendars and contacts, and microsoft my phone to sync photos, text messages, tasks, browser fav etc.  I have copied some videos and photos across (1000’s) and music. Music sync’s perfectly via Windows Media player. It is quicker to put the HD2 into disk drive.

The HD2 comes with a lot of great software, so I have only added Resco File Explorer, and Ereader. Reading books on the HD2 is miles better IMO than any book reader. I was able to transfer my Copilot 8 license across from my Hero to HD2. I did this by deactivating my license on the Hero and reactivating it on the HD2. Copilot 8 on the Hero is stunning. Crystal clear quality maps.  HTC has designed a bespoke gps mount system, that also enables a new homescreen called Navipanel. I have for the time being copied the shortcut so I can launch this.  Games. The HD2 only comes with Teeter, but I did notice in the file directory that the games for Solitaire and Bubble do exist.  I have installed successfully the following games:-

Astraware Sudoku, Astraware Casino, Astraware Solitaire, Astraware Boardgames, Bejeweled 2, Asphalt 4, Bookworm, Brain Challenge 3, Resco Bubbles, Prince of Persia, Jewel Quest II and Text Twist.

I have played a number of videos, and the all look great. Scrolling through my endless photos is a joy. Music quality is brilliant, web browsing in landscape superb. In fact the screen just makes everything look amazing. And then there is the speed. It’s fast, it’s snappy and I couldn’t believe how many apps I had open and still no slow downs.

HTC Sense – what I have found is that HTC have taken away the need to leave the today screen. Nearly everything can be done from the home screen tabs and I am finding this a joy.

Is there a negative. Yes. A lot of older apps using the Owner Information applet in settings to look for your name when registering software. It doesn’t exist on the HD2. However, a few registry tweaks (or if you search on XDA Dev there is a cab file that does it for you) it can be brought back.

Is there millions of positives. Yes. Loads. But mainly I love it and now have to say goodbye to my lovely Hero.

Jah

First impressions after 1/2 day of use:

Bad

- had a few instances where the HD2 did not respond.  So firmware probably needs some tweaks still.
- underlying WM6.5 still not really “finger friendly”.  HTC have done a good job to overcome some of the limit (you can zoom in on some screens to make selections etc.
- navigation in the non-HTC Sense UI still not as easy as it should be
- Sense UI gestures not used in underlying WM6.5 so can be confusing
- WM App Store, does not seem to offer trial apps
- Sense UI does not have as many parameters to adjust the look & feel as I would like, e.g. you can’t change the size of icons for Contacts & Home Screen shortcuts
- HTC pouch for the HD2 is useless as it is too small

Good

- lovely screen and no raised bezel makes its easier to use the screen touch features
- quick and responsive most of the time, joy to use
- GPS lock very quick
- Opera browser re-flow quick. Also scrolling very quick compared to Opera on HTC Touch Pro2
- virtual keyboard can be used with two fingers because of width of the HD2, so can be very quick
- heptic feedback helpful (like Nokia 5800)
- battery life good on first charge (suggests you should get 1 full days of use)

No bugs or faults found yet. Not tested YouTube yet but expect good video. Also large screen will probably benefit from a screen protector.