Posted by Smartphone Review on August 29, 2010
T Mobile myTouch Slide Android Phone Black T Mobile
Updating the original myTouch 3G with a roomy slide-out QWERTY keyboard and the latest version of the Android operating system (version 2.1), the T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide mobile phone also offers a variety of unique new features to help you connect more easily with friends and family. Enabled for T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network, the myTouch 3G Slide offers fast data delivery and an enhanced Web-browsing experience that lets you connect quickly to social networking sites.
The sleek, lightweight T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide with 3.4-inch touchscreen display and slide-out full QWERTY keyboard. |
Similar in design to the original, the myTouch 3G Slide has a 3.4-inch touchscreen display and a five-pane home screen (with the option to increase to seven panes) that provides plenty of screen real estate for apps and widgets. In addition to the virtual keyboard, the myTouch 3G Slide also includes a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard that makes typing longer messages a breeze.
With integrated Google technology, the myTouch 3G Slide brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, Gtalk, YouTube, Picasa, and contacts/calendar synchronization. The myTouch 3G Slide also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. And through Android Market, you’ll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day.
The myTouch 3G Slide offers GPS location services for turn-by-turn directions using Google Maps and Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and business networks as well as hotspots while on the go. Other features include a fast 600 Mhz processor, 5-megapixel camera/camcorder with LED flash, included 8 GB microSD memory card (with expansion support up to 32 GB), Bluetooth for both hands-free communication and stereo music streaming, a digital audio player, and up to 4 hours of talk time.
T-Mobile WOW Family Features
With the myTouch 3G Slide, T-Mobile introduces an innovative software suite of WOW Family Features, which includes the following:
- Faves Gallery presents up to 20 of your favorite people and the different ways to communicate with them–calls, texts, e-mail, instant messaging, social networking updates–in a dedicated application accessible through a soft button and an easy-to-use widget complete with photos, contact information and one-touch ability to respond.
All of your Faves get special status on your myTouch 3G Slide; anytime they communicate with you or update their social network you get a notification in the notification pane. Even if you’re not using your phone, a custom green light lets you know you’ve got a communication waiting from one of your Faves. And you can respond directly from the Faves Gallery, without launching e-mail or other applications, so you connect more quickly and more often with the important people in your life.
Powered by Android OS 2.1, you can customize your myTouch 3G Slide with thousands of apps available via the Android Market (see larger image). |
The myTouch 3G Slide also includes a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash on the back as well as video capture capabilities. |
- myModes helps you draw the line between work and home by creating different themes with home screen apps, widgets and wallpapers to empower people in the different roles they play each day. You can set myModes to switch at a designated time, by location, or manually with the option to create and store up to 10 customized modes.
Want to forget about work on the weekend? No need to hide your work phone or switch to another device; just put away your work tools, like e-mail and your calendar by switching modes, and bring forward all the things you love to do on Saturday.
- With Genius Button voice commands (powered by Dragon Dictation from Nuance Communications), pressing the easy-to-access button on the front of the myTouch 3G Slide allows you to access a variety of voice commands. Press the button, speak the command, and control such features as making a call, composing and sending texts and e-mails, and searching the Web or your surroundings. It will even read text messages aloud, and lets you dictate responses naturally as if you were speaking directly to a person.
Key Features
- Powered by the Android operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
- Fast 3G connectivity via T-Mobile’s HSDPA/UMTS network. (1700/2100 MHz bands, UMTS/HSDPA; see more about T-Mobile’s 3G service below)
- Quad-band GSM phone for good global voice connectivity. (850/900/1800/1900 MHz bands)
- 3.2-inch touchscreen display (480 x 320 pixels, 262K colors) with customizable, intuitive home screen.
- Slide-out full QWERTY keyboard with built-in familiar layout lets you type messages easily without searching for the letter you want. Also includes virtual on-screen keyboard.
- Built-in GPS with turn-by-turn directions provided by Google Maps and other third-party apps (for real-time directions). With Google Maps, you can instantly view maps and satellite imagery, as well as find local business. And Google Maps Street View enables you to explore cities at street-level virtually while on the go.
- 5-megapixel camera with video capture capabilities and LED flash
- Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile–enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
- Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
- 8 GB pre-loaded microSD memory card with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
- Multi-format digital audio player
- YouTube app for streaming video over 3G and Wi-Fi connections.
- Rich HTML e-mail application seamlessly syncs your e-mail, calendar and contacts from Gmail as well as most other POP3 or IMAP e-mail services. The Gmail application provides features such as conversation view, spam filtering, search, and labels that Gmail users enjoy on their computer while offering new features such as integration with the phone’s contact list. And it multitasks, so you can read a Web page while also downloading your e-mail in the background.
- Full HTML Web browser enables you to view more pages and enjoy better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone.
- Instant messaging support for Google Talk, as well as AOL, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger. It also supports advanced text messaging features, enabling you to easily flag, delete or move groups of messages and keep track of group conversations through threaded text messaging.
- Text (SMS) and picture/video (MMS) messaging
- Google Calendar app syncs with the Web-based version, so any event that you add to your phone will show up on the Web-based Google Calendar (and vice versa).
- Organizer tools including calendar, calculator, and tasks.
- Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off.
Vital Statistics
The myTouch 3G Slide weighs 5.9 ounces and measures 2.3 x 4.5 x 0.6 inches. Its 1300 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4 hours of talk time, and up to 144 hours (6 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies, as well as T-Mobile’s 3G network (1700/2100 MHz).
What’s in the Box
myTouch 3G Slide handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, 8 GB microSD memory card, wired stereo headphones, quick start guide
High-Speed Data Connectivity via T-Mobile’s 3G Network
In addition to its quad-band GSM connectivity, this phone is also compatible with T-Mobile’s UMTS/HSDPA 3G network, which operates on the 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum. This phone is designed to automatically connect to the best available network (3G or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide faster data speeds when accessing the Web.
In areas where the 3G network is not available, you’ll continue to receive service on the via T-Mobile’s EDGE network (which stands for “Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution”). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and e-mail on the go.
While this phone is optimized for use with T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network, many of its functions will also work well on the moderate-speed EDGE network. If you plan to access the Internet extensively on your phone, 3G network coverage may serve you best.
Activities that work well on EDGE or 3G networks:
- E-mail, instant messaging, and texting
- Downloading ringtones, CallerTunes, wallpaper, light data files
- Sending photographs via e-mail or picture messaging
Activities that work best on a 3G network:
- Viewing content-heavy websites (lots of images or videos playing)
- Viewing YouTube and other video files (they will play on EDGE, but require loading time)
- Uploading large files (photos, videos, presentations) to sharing websites
- Downloading large files from an e-mail or a website
T-Mobile’s 3G network is currently available in more than 220 cities nationwide and covers more than 160 million people.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Killer phone, weak battery.
My first smart phone and reasonably easy to figure out, a simply amazing phone.
Battery struggles to make it through a day! Hopefully will improve after pairing back unneeded apps…
Very, very nice.
4 Stars my thoughts on this phone.
I had the Behold and I can tell you that compared to the myTouch Slide, the Behold might as well be a paperweight. RE your comment about the lack of Snapdragon, you honestly won’t even notice it. There are moments (however, VERY small) that you will wait for things to show up but this is normally due to the strength of your network or wifi….
Concerning battery life, I’ve been using it almost constantly so I can’t give you any real thoughts on this until my consumption slows down. Then, I’ll try to update you on the battery life under normal circumstances. I can already tell I’ll be using it MUCH more than the Behold.
I haven’t noticed any glitches–though I wouldn’t doubt that they exist. Speaker volume seems great, both on speakerphone and otherwise. Signal strength depends on area so that is a N/A field. It does have flash but hulu doesn’t allow videos on android–version 2.2 should fix this but it isn’t certain yet. GPS with voice navigation is by far a favorite of mine–used with the Genius button, navigating while driving is quite simple.
Now for the not so good things, in my humble opinion–the Genius button is great but sometimes isn’t exact when sending texts…Speak clearly and you’ll have a better chance. The touchscreen is way more sensitive compared to the Behold so there is a learning curve there. Also, the Genius button has a connection time out for some reason. I can’t think of any others at the moment, but I’ll be sure to update you should I come across any more.
All in all, compared to the Behold, this phone will blow your mind. Android has literally thousands of apps and, unlike the Behold, they install painlessly.
Good tips at [...]
4 Stars A solid 3rd gen choice for T-Mobile G1 veterans.
T-Mobile must have contracted a refresher for the G1 with HTC, and it’s a weird one for sure. Armed with an ARM11 600Mhz processor, it’s an upgrade over the 1st gen G1 processor in terms of speed and RAM, but the keyboard and optical trackpad are steps backwards from the G1, as is the microUSB connector away from the more-common miniUSB.
In searching for a replacement for my twice-bricked G1, I evaluated the Garminfone and MyTouch Slide. The conclusion I’m fast approaching is that the new Droid2 from Motorola looks like my long-term choice, but that means switching networks.
Within the context of T-Mobile Android phones with keyboards, this one is very good. Outside of that context, it hassome dubious design choices leaving me flat.
To begin, it has a good camera with a flash, it has Android 2.1, and an OTA update just hit it. Terrific. It has some built-in apps and makes use of HTC’s Sense UI for an improved feel over stock 2.1 and 1.6. However, you will look in vain to change the desktop wallpaper directly; you’ll either alter the “mood” as provided by T-Mobile, or you’ll pick you wallpaper with an app that supports making it your desktop (Astro File Manager being your best bet for this and all Android tasks).
The keyboard lets you avoid fat-fingered input at every turn. If Swype and Graffiti and even Dragon Dictation fail you, the keyboard surely bails you out? Well, maybe, if you can decipher the bizarre, non-standard silk-screened letters and numbers. It’s a four-row, not the five-row of a G1, but it’s spaced a little more and has shift/function keys on both sides. However, the top row has numerals the same size and color of the letters, so you aren’t reading QWERTYUIOP, you’re reading Q1W2E3R4T5Y6U7I8O9P0, which screws you up when you are looking for a zero or “O”. Like I said, bizarre. A second color for alt-keys or a smaller font would have helped immensely. You get used to it over time, but why do I need to get used to bad silkscreening? This should be fixed in later versions.
The Genius button is fun. You press it, and the Dragon Dictation listens and tries to figure out what you want. Call your wife, find pizza near your location, open an app, whatever. Over time the Genius button is likely to expand functionality, but for now, it is limited by its Dragon engine and its lookup ability. The more I try it, though, the more I like it. This may be a killer feature if the API is readily accessible.
In all, this is better than the Garminfone and original G1. I would love to keep the G1 keyboard and physical trackball but that’s not going to happen; I would love to keep the thin form of the Garminfone but I need a keyboard. Compromises aside, this is a solid 3rd gen Android device and if you can get it close to zero on contract, you’re coming out way ahead. T-Mobile is very good about OTA updates, so you can plan on 2.2 very soon as well.
–#
5 Stars Best Phone Ever
I think this phone is fantastic. I think it is way better than an iphone. I owned an iphone for years, and I think it was a bit like a monopoly. This phone is so much more impressive.
Thanks Android!
5 Stars Great Phone
This is a great phone. I have had it for a couple weeks and I love it. People say the price is too high but I got it for free off Amazon. If you’re thinking about getting a phone, go with this one because the keyboard was what the deal breaker was for me because all other touchscreen android phones are exactly the same to this minus the physical keyboard!
Buy/More Info
Posted by Smartphone Review on August 19, 2010
T Mobile myTouch Slide Android Phone Black T Mobile
Updating the original myTouch 3G with a roomy slide-out QWERTY keyboard and the latest version of the Android operating system (version 2.1), the T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide mobile phone also offers a variety of unique new features to help you connect more easily with friends and family. Enabled for T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network, the myTouch 3G Slide offers fast data delivery and an enhanced Web-browsing experience that lets you connect quickly to social networking sites.
|
The sleek, lightweight T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide with 3.4-inch touchscreen display and slide-out full QWERTY keyboard. |
Similar in design to the original, the myTouch 3G Slide has a 3.4-inch touchscreen display and a five-pane home screen (with the option to increase to seven panes) that provides plenty of screen real estate for apps and widgets. In addition to the virtual keyboard, the myTouch 3G Slide also includes a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard that makes typing longer messages a breeze.
With integrated Google technology, the myTouch 3G Slide brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, Gtalk, YouTube, Picasa, and contacts/calendar synchronization. The myTouch 3G Slide also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. And through Android Market, you’ll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day.
The myTouch 3G Slide offers GPS location services for turn-by-turn directions using Google Maps and Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and business networks as well as hotspots while on the go. Other features include a fast 600 Mhz processor, 5-megapixel camera/camcorder with LED flash, included 8 GB microSD memory card (with expansion support up to 32 GB), Bluetooth for both hands-free communication and stereo music streaming, a digital audio player, and up to 4 hours of talk time.
T-Mobile WOW Family Features
With the myTouch 3G Slide, T-Mobile introduces an innovative software suite of WOW Family Features, which includes the following:
- Faves Gallery presents up to 20 of your favorite people and the different ways to communicate with them–calls, texts, e-mail, instant messaging, social networking updates–in a dedicated application accessible through a soft button and an easy-to-use widget complete with photos, contact information and one-touch ability to respond.
All of your Faves get special status on your myTouch 3G Slide; anytime they communicate with you or update their social network you get a notification in the notification pane. Even if you’re not using your phone, a custom green light lets you know you’ve got a communication waiting from one of your Faves. And you can respond directly from the Faves Gallery, without launching e-mail or other applications, so you connect more quickly and more often with the important people in your life.
|
Powered by Android OS 2.1, you can customize your myTouch 3G Slide with thousands of apps available via the Android Market (see larger image). |
|
The myTouch 3G Slide also includes a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash on the back as well as video capture capabilities. |
- myModes helps you draw the line between work and home by creating different themes with home screen apps, widgets and wallpapers to empower people in the different roles they play each day. You can set myModes to switch at a designated time, by location, or manually with the option to create and store up to 10 customized modes.
Want to forget about work on the weekend? No need to hide your work phone or switch to another device; just put away your work tools, like e-mail and your calendar by switching modes, and bring forward all the things you love to do on Saturday.
- With Genius Button voice commands (powered by Dragon Dictation from Nuance Communications), pressing the easy-to-access button on the front of the myTouch 3G Slide allows you to access a variety of voice commands. Press the button, speak the command, and control such features as making a call, composing and sending texts and e-mails, and searching the Web or your surroundings. It will even read text messages aloud, and lets you dictate responses naturally as if you were speaking directly to a person.
Key Features
- Powered by the Android operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
- Fast 3G connectivity via T-Mobile’s HSDPA/UMTS network. (1700/2100 MHz bands, UMTS/HSDPA; see more about T-Mobile’s 3G service below)
- Quad-band GSM phone for good global voice connectivity. (850/900/1800/1900 MHz bands)
- 3.2-inch touchscreen display (480 x 320 pixels, 262K colors) with customizable, intuitive home screen.
- Slide-out full QWERTY keyboard with built-in familiar layout lets you type messages easily without searching for the letter you want. Also includes virtual on-screen keyboard.
- Built-in GPS with turn-by-turn directions provided by Google Maps and other third-party apps (for real-time directions). With Google Maps, you can instantly view maps and satellite imagery, as well as find local business. And Google Maps Street View enables you to explore cities at street-level virtually while on the go.
- 5-megapixel camera with video capture capabilities and LED flash
- Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile–enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
- Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
- 8 GB pre-loaded microSD memory card with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
- Multi-format digital audio player
- YouTube app for streaming video over 3G and Wi-Fi connections.
- Rich HTML e-mail application seamlessly syncs your e-mail, calendar and contacts from Gmail as well as most other POP3 or IMAP e-mail services. The Gmail application provides features such as conversation view, spam filtering, search, and labels that Gmail users enjoy on their computer while offering new features such as integration with the phone’s contact list. And it multitasks, so you can read a Web page while also downloading your e-mail in the background.
- Full HTML Web browser enables you to view more pages and enjoy better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone.
- Instant messaging support for Google Talk, as well as AOL, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger. It also supports advanced text messaging features, enabling you to easily flag, delete or move groups of messages and keep track of group conversations through threaded text messaging.
- Text (SMS) and picture/video (MMS) messaging
- Google Calendar app syncs with the Web-based version, so any event that you add to your phone will show up on the Web-based Google Calendar (and vice versa).
- Organizer tools including calendar, calculator, and tasks.
- Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off.
Vital Statistics
The myTouch 3G Slide weighs 5.9 ounces and measures 2.3 x 4.5 x 0.6 inches. Its 1300 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4 hours of talk time, and up to 144 hours (6 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies, as well as T-Mobile’s 3G network (1700/2100 MHz).
What’s in the Box
myTouch 3G Slide handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, 8 GB microSD memory card, wired stereo headphones, quick start guide
High-Speed Data Connectivity via T-Mobile’s 3G Network
In addition to its quad-band GSM connectivity, this phone is also compatible with T-Mobile’s UMTS/HSDPA 3G network, which operates on the 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum. This phone is designed to automatically connect to the best available network (3G or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide faster data speeds when accessing the Web.
In areas where the 3G network is not available, you’ll continue to receive service on the via T-Mobile’s EDGE network (which stands for “Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution”). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and e-mail on the go.
While this phone is optimized for use with T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network, many of its functions will also work well on the moderate-speed EDGE network. If you plan to access the Internet extensively on your phone, 3G network coverage may serve you best.
Activities that work well on EDGE or 3G networks:
- E-mail, instant messaging, and texting
- Downloading ringtones, CallerTunes, wallpaper, light data files
- Sending photographs via e-mail or picture messaging
Activities that work best on a 3G network:
- Viewing content-heavy websites (lots of images or videos playing)
- Viewing YouTube and other video files (they will play on EDGE, but require loading time)
- Uploading large files (photos, videos, presentations) to sharing websites
- Downloading large files from an e-mail or a website
T-Mobile’s 3G network is currently available in more than 220 cities nationwide and covers more than 160 million people.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Close Again Android, but no Cigar!
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3BWK5RRDW0MMO Close Again Android, but no Cigar!
For anyone who’s feeling the itch to jump to AT&T to get an iPhone, but cant see themselves on the nations second largest carrier - the alternative has always been an Android powered OS phone. T-Mobile started off getting all the Android exclusives, but for someone who cant seem to ditch their G1 for an all touch screen device - Your alternative has finally arrived.
Now, Android is not that prestigious anymore and the exclusivity FACTOR is completely gone at this point since some of their OS can now be found on Sprint & Verizon Wireless (Moto Droid, HTC Incredible, and HTC EVO 4G). However, for those faithful T-Mobile customers, the MyTouch 3G Slide delivers on many levels, but are unfortunately still hammered down by some minor OS issues.
The MyTouch 3G Slide is an excellent smart phone and the best part is the slide out qwerty keyboard. I am one of those people that just cant go all touch. The design of the device is great. Its sleek, sexy, and a total eye catcher. Everyone on the street keeps looking at me when I take out my phone to talk, text, or browse the web. Now I know how Paris Hilton feels. The form factor is great and despite what some haters are saying - Its actually not that bulky or big at all. I have the white model and truly believe its the best of the three colors that are currently available. The black is a bit dull and the red is the wrong red. They should have made the color merlot like the original MyTouch 3G.
This is a full featured phone and comes pack with tons of customization options from wallpapers, to different themes, apps, and tons more. The menu system is gorgeous and the colors really POP and is just visually pleasing to the eye. One of the other highlights of this device is the GENIUS button. It lets you search, text, or call someone by simply using ones voice. You get to sync your email accounts to the device as well, but I found adding email accounts to be so much simpler on a Blackberry then I did on this phone. Synchronization has to be turned on for emails to be received quicker, but it never arrives on the phone as fast as a Blackberry. With sync turned on - It only kills the battery life even quicker. The device is running the latest Android 2.1 OS with HTC’s sense UI built on top of the Android and it makes for a great combination. Plus, there isn’t much lag time when switching between screens or exiting out of certain apps, etc. Android phones are probably the closest thing to an iPhone, but it still lacks behind the competition in many areas. I find the Blackberry OS to be so much more customizable with different ringers for email or text alerts, etc. Something the Android cant do. I gave the phone four stars and its just slightly short of five stars due to the extremely poor battery life. I don’t know if its the Android OS, or Apps that still run in the background when one thinks that its OFF, but everyone that I know who has an Android phone always carries a spare UBS charger with them everywhere they go. Either the Android OS needs to be fixed or batteries need to get bigger, but if a smart phone cant last till the next morning before one arrives at work and gets a chance to start charging the device at their computer work station then its hard for me to recommend this as a full five star phone.
Pros
- Customizable interface to match your style and mood
- 3.4″ screen with Optical Trackpad
- Android 2.1 (Not 2.2 yet)
- 5MP camera/camcorder with flash
- A full QWERTY keyboard
- Great music and video player
- Android market (Feels a bit bootleg compared to the BB and iPhone)
- 3G and Wi-Fi
- 8GB Micro SD card included (It should have been 32GB)
- Good Call Quality
- GPS
- 5 home screens (Can be changed to 7)
- Swype Text input comes installed
- Genius FEature (Voice Commands)
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack (YAY! No more adaptors)
- Sleek, Sexy, form factor
- MyFaves (Nice feature and beautiful to look at)
- USB charger
- Awesome WEB BROWSER (Best one since the iPhone)
- Pinch to Zoom
Cons -
- Price is a bit of a turn off (Get a RadioShack Flyer cause T-Mobile matches prices)
- No phone case
- No separate wall charger (Only comes with UBS and wall connector) Cheap BASTARDS!
- Battery is far from perfect
- Bad Speaker phone
- 3G can get real spotty and switches between 3G and EDGE alot
- Landscape mood is a bit buggy at times
4 Stars A solid 3rd gen choice for T-Mobile G1 veterans.
T-Mobile must have contracted a refresher for the G1 with HTC, and it’s a weird one for sure. Armed with an ARM11 600Mhz processor, it’s an upgrade over the 1st gen G1 processor in terms of speed and RAM, but the keyboard and optical trackpad are steps backwards from the G1, as is the microUSB connector away from the more-common miniUSB.
In searching for a replacement for my twice-bricked G1, I evaluated the Garminfone and MyTouch Slide. The conclusion I’m fast approaching is that the new Droid2 from Motorola looks like my long-term choice, but that means switching networks.
Within the context of T-Mobile Android phones with keyboards, this one is very good. Outside of that context, it hassome dubious design choices leaving me flat.
To begin, it has a good camera with a flash, it has Android 2.1, and an OTA update just hit it. Terrific. It has some built-in apps and makes use of HTC’s Sense UI for an improved feel over stock 2.1 and 1.6. However, you will look in vain to change the desktop wallpaper directly; you’ll either alter the “mood” as provided by T-Mobile, or you’ll pick you wallpaper with an app that supports making it your desktop (Astro File Manager being your best bet for this and all Android tasks).
The keyboard lets you avoid fat-fingered input at every turn. If Swype and Graffiti and even Dragon Dictation fail you, the keyboard surely bails you out? Well, maybe, if you can decipher the bizarre, non-standard silk-screened letters and numbers. It’s a four-row, not the five-row of a G1, but it’s spaced a little more and has shift/function keys on both sides. However, the top row has numerals the same size and color of the letters, so you aren’t reading QWERTYUIOP, you’re reading Q1W2E3R4T5Y6U7I8O9P0, which screws you up when you are looking for a zero or “O”. Like I said, bizarre. A second color for alt-keys or a smaller font would have helped immensely. You get used to it over time, but why do I need to get used to bad silkscreening? This should be fixed in later versions.
The Genius button is fun. You press it, and the Dragon Dictation listens and tries to figure out what you want. Call your wife, find pizza near your location, open an app, whatever. Over time the Genius button is likely to expand functionality, but for now, it is limited by its Dragon engine and its lookup ability. The more I try it, though, the more I like it. This may be a killer feature if the API is readily accessible.
In all, this is better than the Garminfone and original G1. I would love to keep the G1 keyboard and physical trackball but that’s not going to happen; I would love to keep the thin form of the Garminfone but I need a keyboard. Compromises aside, this is a solid 3rd gen Android device and if you can get it close to zero on contract, you’re coming out way ahead. T-Mobile is very good about OTA updates, so you can plan on 2.2 very soon as well.
–#
5 Stars Great Phone
This is a great phone. I have had it for a couple weeks and I love it. People say the price is too high but I got it for free off Amazon. If you’re thinking about getting a phone, go with this one because the keyboard was what the deal breaker was for me because all other touchscreen android phones are exactly the same to this minus the physical keyboard!
5 Stars Killer phone, weak battery.
My first smart phone and reasonably easy to figure out, a simply amazing phone.
Battery struggles to make it through a day! Hopefully will improve after pairing back unneeded apps…
Very, very nice.
5 Stars Best Phone Ever
I think this phone is fantastic. I think it is way better than an iphone. I owned an iphone for years, and I think it was a bit like a monopoly. This phone is so much more impressive.
Thanks Android!
Buy/More Info
Posted by Smartphone Review on August 5, 2010
HTC DROID Eris Android Phone Verizon Wireless
Combining performance and functionality in one sleek package, the ultra-slim HTC DROID ERIS brings the power of the Android platform and the fast, reliable Verizon Wireless network together. Powered by the open-source Android operating system, it offers an intuitive interface with an easily customizable home screen and the ability to personalize it with a wide selection of free and paid downloadable apps via the Android Market. It also includes HTC Sense, a user interface overlay from HTC that makes it easy for you to create an individualized mobile experience tailored specifically to your needs.
The 3G-enabled HTC DROID ERIS runs on the fast, reliable Verizon Wireless network and is powered by the customizable Android platform, with 1000s of apps available to on the Android Market. |
Customizable apps. |
The 3.2-inch touchscreen interface features zoom capability and a virtual QWERTY keyboard, and it’s paired with a trackball for easy navigation. In addition to 3G connectivity, the HTC DROID ERIS offers Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and business networks as well as hotspots while on the go and Bluetooth connectivity for both hands-free devices and stereo music streaming. It also offers integrated GPS for navigation using Google Maps and other location services, as well as a digital compass with a sensor that enables the phone to know what direction it is facing.
With integrated Google technology, the HTC DROID ERIS brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by Voice, YouTube and Picasa. The DROID ERIS also provides easy access to both personal and corporate email, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. Other features include a 5-megapixel auto focus camera with video capture capabilities, memory expansion via microSD memory cards (an 8 GB card is included with the device), threaded text and picture messaging for seamless on-the-go conversations, Visual Voicemail capabilities, 3.5mm headset jack, and up to 3.5 hours of talk time.
The HTC DROID ERIS comes pre-loaded with a variety of Google and Verizon Wireless mobile services, including:
- Google Maps: Get turn-by-turn directions and instantly view maps and satellite imagery, as well as find local business. And Google Maps Street View enables you to explore cities at street-level virtually while on the go.
- Gmail: Multiple accounts support and undo for common operations.
- YouTube: One-touch recording and playback from home screen widget or app, one-touch sharing with friends, and the ability to view your own uploaded videos and high-resolution videos.
- Google Talk: Easily switch between chats, search your chat history, and preview pictures and videos sent by links.
- Android Market: Browse and download applications created by third-party developers.
- Calendar: Ability to see who has R.S.V.P.’d to your meeting invitations.
- Amazon MP3 Store: Download the latest tracks over the air.
- Verizon Wireless Visual Voice Mail: Delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions.
Key Features
- Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV–DO, Rev A network
- Powered by the Android 1.5 operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
- HTC Scene overlay: Create and switch between Scenes that reflect different moments in your life, helping you design your perfect weekend, travel or pure play phone.
- 3.2-inch touchscreen with virtual QWERTY keyboard (320 x 480 HVGA resolution; 262K color depth)
- 5-megapixel camera with auto–focus and video capture
- Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
- Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile–enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
- Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 16 GB (8 GB card included).
- Multi-format digital audio player with dedicated Amazon MP3 Store app for over-the-air downloads. Includes compatibility with MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, and WMA formats and the capability to create and manage playlists on the phone.
- Real HTML Web browsing provides more pages and better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone; supports Flash Lite 3.7.1.
- Standard voice mail and compatibility with Verizon Visual Voice Mail (subscription required), which enables you to delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.
- Text, Picture and Video messaging with threaded messaging feature
- Organizer tools including calendar, tasks, alarm, notes, stopwatch
- Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
- Integrated Google, Exchange and Facebook contacts
- Speakerphone
- 3.5mm headset jack
- TTY compatible
- Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3/T3
- Memory: ROM: 512 MB; RAM: 256 MB
Vital Statistics
The HTC DROID ERIS weighs 4.23 ounces and measures 4.45 x 2.19 x 0.51 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.5 hours (214 minutes) of talk time, and up to 373 hours (15.5 days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV–DO, Rev A 3G frequencies.
What’s in the Box
HTC DROID ERIS handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 8 GB microSD memory card, quick start guide, user manual
User Ratings and Reviews
2 Stars Decent but multiple issues…
Firstly, I would like to say that Droid is up and coming and getting better all the time. With that said, you can tell this phone is a prototype, used as a template to test out the Droid capabilities, but leaves you wanting more. There are several issues with this phone that have not only been verified in multiple forums, but even I have encountered these same issues. Before I get to the issues, I will rant a bit on what the phone is lacking. First, it is lacking camera flash. The 5 MP camera is nice, but HTC should have included flash because the camera is useless in darker areas. You also have to hold the phone extremely still to take photo’s as any slight movement will end up causing blurry photo’s. The camera has multiple features, but image stabilization is not one of them, which I thought was strange as even the cheapest digital camera’s these days have this as a main feature. Another feature not included is within the software and that is flash. The Motorola Droid and Droid Incredible both have this feature so that you can view flash images and even Live Wallpaper, but the Droid Eris does not. Granted, I have been told that it is possible that the new 2.2 Android update that is supposed to come out by the end of July 2010 should have that capability, but I am not holding my breath. The apps, though great and mostly free for the most part, tend to run by themselves, slowing down the phone in which you have to constantly run a task killer in order to shut them all off to speed up the phone again. There are no options to cause these apps to stop running. The preloaded software, like MP3 Store, Messages, Internet, Voice Dialer, and a few others are constantly starting by themselves and there is no way to uninstall them or turn them off which I find very nerve racking. Another thing I have noticed with HTC is the lack of signal strength. I constantly have only a few bars and sometimes one or no bars in an area in which my Blackberry Storm got full signal strength at all times. I have swapped out my Droid for another Eris and am still getting terrible signals everywhere I go. The reason I swapped out my phone for another one is due to the fact that the home screen automatically, by itself, moves to the left, on its own. This is a major problem with this phone and I am not the only one having this issue. While Verizon is good in swapping out a replacement, they are still feigning oblivious to hearing about such problems. Looking this issue up online I have seen a host of forums and boards where people are having the same problems with this phone and where Verizon is reported as not having a clue as to this issue. My phone got so bad I could barely make phone calls or respond to text messages, which the screen automatically moving to the left constantly affects greatly as the cursor moves all the way to the beginning of whatever you are typing causing you to always having to touch the text box to advance the cursor back to the end of the message to continue texting. The screen also became unresponsive to where I had to pull the battery and replace to reload the software. Another issue is the fact that it takes forever to make a call. You tap the green button or the middle on screen button and while it takes you to the contact list the software takes forever to make the call. So far my “refurbished” phone I just got seems to be working just fine, but still with laggy screen response time (which I hope will be fixed in the 2.2 software update) and the screen has not moved to the left on its own yet, but according to multiple forums, swapping out the phone for another one doesn’t remedy the issue. And mind you, my Eris I had before I swapped for another one, was brand new. If a brand new phone can still have those same issues that everyone seems to be having, then the phone is being sold defective by Verizon and I find that disconcerting. I just recently looked on the Verizon website and they no longer carry the Eris, which I am not surprised to see. This phone has so many issues, that it is only by Verizon’s promise to alleviate any issue you come across with your phone that I am still a loyal customer. Verizon is getting the iPhone in January so I might be upgrading to that, but I still love Droid.
2 Stars Laggy and irritating
Would have been a very nice phone…however slow and laggy leads to irritating - will be returning after about 2 weeks of use.
2 Stars Annoying Phone
After having this phone for several months I was ready to throw it out in the street. Even after upgrading to 2.1 it was still laggy. I was constantly sending cryptic emails to friends because of the auto correct. Perhaps the most annoying thing about the phone was its behavior whenever I attempted to call someone back immediately after missing a phone call from them. I found that the phone would refuse to make or receive phone calls for several minutes. I also found that it I just couldn’t answer phone calls.
The integration with facebook and gmail contacts was nice, especially since it would match a picture with people, but it was annoying that it imported all of my friends from facebook into my contacts list, especially seeing as how 95 percent of my “friends” are people I have no intention of ever calling.
On top of all that, Android boasts having lots of applications, but I found that most of these were of extremely low quality.
I switched to a palm pre that I picked up on craigslist (a phone I would recommend) and thought about keeping the eris as a backup phone, but I think I’ll get rid of it. I’d rather go back to my motorola q than the eris.
5 Stars Love it!
I have had my Eris about 6 weeks. I have just fallen in love with my phone. It has taken me a while to get to know it but as I discover another capability, I just get amazed. I love how it is so integrated with google. I just spent 4 days out in the country w/no access to the internet except through my Eris and I was able to make reservations for another trip, do my research, check emails, facebook, etc. Just so handy!! I can’t complain about the battery. I listen to my podcasts, NPR radio and music which is a drain but nothing serious. If I don’t listen to podcasts, just surf the internet and talk on the phone, the battery easily last all day. I recharge each night regardless. I am very happy with it and don’t have anything to complain about!
2 Stars Battery doesn’t hold out
First of all, I’d like to say that I love the Android software. I loved most of this phone immediately after getting it. I would replace this phone with the incredible in a heart beat if I could afford to.
The short battery life is what frustrates me the most. I attend school in an extended service area and my battery goes dead within two hours if I forget to put my phone in airplane mode. Even when I’m within my immediate coverage area, with several minutes of surfing the web, my batteries are almost sapped.
I paid more money for a stronger battery that I ordered online. This one helped, but it still ran out faster than what I really need.
I love everything else about this phone, but unfortunately, if I can’t keep juice in the phone, it’s worthless. I’m going to try to see if I can get an HTC Incredible without paying full retail price.
Buy/More Info
Posted by Smartphone Review on
LG Ally Android Phone Verizon Wireless
Whether talking or texting, touching or typing, uploading or downloading, the Android-powered LG Ally for Verizon Wireless is a great blend of functional yet stylish design and powerful mobile connectivity features–from easy access to all your social networks and viewing of full Web sites to spoken turn-by-turn directions thanks to the new Google Maps with Navigation Beta app.
The LG Ally offer 5 customizable home screens and easy integration with your favorite social networks (see larger image for more details). |
With integrated Google technology, the LG Ally brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by Voice, YouTube and Picasa. The Ally also provides easy access to both personal and corporate email, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail.
The front of the Ally features an ergonomic silver–and–black case and tempered glass 3.2-inch touchscreen display. When you want to update your social networking status or send a text or e-mail, just slide out the full QWERTY keyboard from the left side of the device. And with the optional Visual Voice Mail service, you’ll be able to quickly and easily scroll through your messages and pick the ones you want to listen to.
In addition to 3G connectivity, the Ally offers Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and business networks as well as hotspots while on the go and Bluetooth connectivity for both hands-free devices and stereo music streaming. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, microSD memory expansion (up to 16 GB), digital audio player with access to the Amazon MP3 Store, and up to 7.5 hours of talk time.
The LG Ally comes pre-loaded with a variety of Google mobile services, including:
- Google Maps Navigation (BETA): Get turn-by-turn directions provided by Google Maps and voice prompts using the Google Maps Navigation (BETA) app. Use voice shortcuts and simply say “Navigate to [your destination],” and you’ll be on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device. And with layers in Google Maps, you can view geographic information, such as My Maps, Wikipedia, and transit lines, right on the map.
- Gmail: Multiple accounts support and undo for common operations.
- YouTube: One-touch recording and playback from home screen widget or app, one-touch sharing with friends, and the ability to view your own uploaded videos and high-resolution videos.
- Google Talk: Easily switch between chats, search your chat history, and preview pictures and videos sent by links.
- Android Market: Browse and download applications created by third-party developers.
- Calendar: Ability to see who has R.S.V.P.’d to your meeting invitations.
- Amazon MP3 Store: Download the latest tracks over the air.
Key Features
- Powered by the Android 2.1 operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
- Five customizable home screens with shortcuts to text messages, e-mail, apps, favorite social networking sites and widgets
- Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV-DO, Rev A network
- Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
The ergonomic slide-out QWERTY keyboard that makes for great tactile typing (see larger schematic image). |
- S-GPS and aGPS support for enhanced location accuracy in addition to turn-by-turn directions from Google Maps.
- 3.2-inch tempered glass touchscreen display (800 x 480 pixels, 262K color depth) featuring touch vibration for tactile feedback. A luminous sensor is designed to adjust LCD backlight brightness depending on light conditions, and a proximity sensor instantly locks touch screen buttons while talking on the phone.
- Slide-out QWERTY keyboard with familiar layout lets you type messages easily without scrolling for the letter you want.
- 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera and camcorder with flash featuring 5 camera resolution and 3 video resolutions, up to 4x digital zoom, macro mode for up-close photos, Panorama mode for three guided sequential shots, image editor, and customizable brightness and white balance settings.
- Multi-format digital audio player with dedicated Amazon MP3 Store app for over-the-air downloads. Includes compatibility with MP3, AAC, AAC+, and WMA formats and the capability to create and manage playlists on the phone.
- Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
- Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile–enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
- Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 16 GB (4 GB card included).
- Access to personal and corporate e-mail with Push Gmail and Exchange support.
- Real HTML Web browsing provides more pages and better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone (Android Webkit HTML5-based browser).
- Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
- Speakerphone
- TTY compatible
- Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4/T3
Vital Statistics
The LG Ally weighs 5.57 ounces and measures 4.56 x 2.22 x 0.62 inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7.5 hours (450 minutes) of talk time, and up to 500 hours (20.8 days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV–DO, Rev A 3G frequencies.
What’s in the Box
LG Ally handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 4 GB microSD memory card, quick start guide
- Reliable 3G Network: With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you’ll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.)
- Visual Voice Mail: This innovative service enables you to delete, reply, and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Visual Voice Mail is the ideal tool for the busy mobile professional who may need to prioritize which messages he or she listens to first. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Turning off and openning dial pad,
I really like the ALLY; I’m having problems tuning it off, when I called about this they had me remove the battery to reboot it, but I’m still learning all the tricks about this phone.
P.S. pick up the accessories on amazon or ebay
5 Stars Simplistic Android Phone Yet!
This is kind of your basic Android phone, but that’s not a bad thing by any means. It’s awesome, because it’s sooo much easier to use than the rest of the Android phones, because this phone doesn’t have all the unnecessary apps, buttons, colors the rest of the phones have. Nuff said!
5 Stars Best form/function in an Android
I’ve been an active user, including many apps, since purchasing this phone 3 weeks ago and had a Blackberry for 2 years prior.
This phone is a bit thicker but lighter than Moto Droid which my wife owns. The LG Ally screen is a bit shorter and narrower than the Motorola but I find that a positive, giving the whole phone a smaller footprint and requiring a smaller belt pouch. Small but thicker size means less flex and less torque on the screen in response to external forces. I also prefer the LG Ally’s smoother exterior contours over the sharp edges of the Motorola or the HTC. I’ve always found LG build quality to be superb.
LG showed true genius in choosing physical (rather than virtual) buttons for Send, End, Homepage, Menu, Back & Search which are available 100% of the time regardless of screen content. As with all Droids, get a good Task-killer app (I use Advanced Task Killer) to shut down unnecessary running apps when turning off the phone; it saves a lot of battery power.
4 Stars Android phone that delivers at an unbeatable price
The Ally is a great Android phone at an affordable price. The screen is a little small and the processor lags at times, but it doesn’t take away from the overall incredible value this phone offers. I highly recommend it. One note: stay away from the “Youmail” app, great concept but it was causing random reboots. I almost returned my Ally before realizing it was a software issue.
5 Stars audiobooks?
I love this phone! I upgaded from the LG touch. Please tell me how to download audio books! Thank you
Buy/More Info
Posted by Digg RSS Search for smartphone on August 4, 2010
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