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I've sent off for one of those recycling envelopes

95 replies · 23,612 views · Started 30 March 2010

BanziBarn 30 Mar 2010, 18:56

Well, I saw that 02 will offer me �180.99 for my N97 so I've sent off for the free post envelope.

I was talking to someone at work about the HTC desire, and had a play with his HTC touch HD and I decided, I want someone a bit more 2010!

So, I think, when the Desire is released I'm going to order one. From the videos I've seen on Youtube, the Desire looks spot on - 1GHZ processor, OLED capacitive display, Android and the swish HTC sense front end..... and the FM radio which is one of the big reasons I don't want an Iphone!

I was quite amazed when I saw how smooth Google street view was on the desire, it was almost like being there! The phone has some serious grunt.

So, it looks like my Nokia journey is nearly over. Once the N97 goes I'll be firing up the brilliant N95 for a while until the new phone arrives, it does everything I do on the N97 so I won't miss it....

It's a bit of a shame really because I was fully on board with Nokia, partly because I had my work Outlook syncing sorted, so upgrading to a new Nokia was always easy.

This time though I'm focusing on getting the right phone, and will work out how it fits with all the other stuff when I get it.

That said, I've already worked out how to sync my work Outlook with my Google cloud calendar so I'm assuming that the phone will syc with the cloud and I will then have an indirect calendar sync. Not sure about how I'll do contacts and notes, but I expect I'll find a direct way of doing that in time.

So that's it folks! I've wasted some money but I like my gadgets and want a phone that has a bit of wow factor, as well as actually delivering to goods... lets hope that being an early adopter won't be a mistake like it was with the N97.... :tongue:

jerm 31 Mar 2010, 05:15

i found that if you're using office communicator and live meeting, your live meeting entries wont be synced with google calendar, only regular meetings will

spirit44 31 Mar 2010, 07:55

sorry to hear this but i read a review of the desire and it sounds awesome!

i've been thinking about changing the n97 in the next 6 months or so (just because i get bored easily and would like a shiny new toy) but there is one thing i'm not sure i can live without- a built in FM transmitter! i use it so much now, listening to music in whatever car i'm in, and also playing films on it (with sound through FM trans) in the car to keep the kids entertained.

decisions, decisions.........

stringent 31 Mar 2010, 09:16

One other reason for not getting an iPhone - iTunes. That prog is a pile of junk. I can list quite a few more.

I'll be interested with your HTC Desire opinions when you get it!

BanziBarn 31 Mar 2010, 10:25

jerm wrote:i found that if you're using office communicator and live meeting, your live meeting entries wont be synced with google calendar, only regular meetings will

Ah! I noticed that, good to know it's not just my setup - thanks 😊

The N97 does have some very good points, like the keyboard, the built in storage, and the FM transmitter (although only used it once)......

I'll defo write up a review of the new phone when I get it.

Thanks to all of you who have helped me out with quesitons I've had over the past months, it's been appreciated. 😃

wills54321 31 Mar 2010, 23:46

This is so tempting - I really loved Nokia phones but the N97 has just destroyed my love affair with them.

I think I might join you in ridding myself of my N97 and going back to my 9500 until I find a better replacement.

-Will

nottmbantam 01 Apr 2010, 04:28

Shame to hear it Banzi, but I fully understand your reasons, and although my N97 is working ok, I still feel a but underwhelmed by it all.

I was having a look at a work mate's HTC Touch Pro 2 and it just felt very nice, solid, well made, and of coure - multiple home screens. THe only thing that put me off was the Windoze, and this is where the Android version really appeals to me.

I think the time has also arrived for me to look around for a phone that actually makes a joy to use- most of the time when I pick the phone up, I think it's about to stop functioning - it doesn't, but it just worries me, and that is no fun at all.

Good luck with your new phone, and please let us know what's it's like from an owners persepctive

BanziBarn 01 Apr 2010, 08:55

I will defo report back.

The N97 is now hard reset and in the envelope, just need to sent it special delivery after work.....

I've done this before with a car (becuase I just wanted it), but with the N97 I focused on the good reviews before I got it, and hoped the comments about the slow processor etc would not be a problem. But, they were.

With this Desire, I've yet to find anything negative (apart from the lack of voice google search). So, I'm hoping that this really will be a joy to use. I've looked at tons of Youtube vids and so far not seen any sign of sluggish menus or slow responses.

Plus, the Android store looks like it has all the decent apps you'd want, unlike Ovi.

As I said though, I will miss some Nokia features. Something which is never mentioned on here but is really good is the Communicatino Centre. I use this all the time to write text messages when at work, it makes them as easy to do as writing an email on the PC.

craigyb 03 Apr 2010, 08:04

I too have abandoned ship in favour of the HTC Desire, although it has no SIM access profile I decided to live without that for now. So the Nokia N97 and the ill fated SE Sh1tio are to be sent away for recycling.

The HTC is sooooooo nice to use. A little too quick if you ask me sometimes, my GF's Iphone 3G is so slow in comparison and the N97 is like owning a ZX80.

I got email working, managed to copy the messages from the N97 to the Desire using SMS Backup and Restore from the Droid Apps store. All my movies now play ok instead of 1 min of footage then blank. Music is easy to find and play. The weather apps are brill and the screen animations blow you away. I especially love the windscreen wiper that clears the rain droplets form the weather forecasts.

Just awaiting release of the 32GB Micro SD cards.

nottmbantam 03 Apr 2010, 09:18

Carphone Warehouse have them in stock, I was looking at them yesterday!! Price is around �420 for handset only.

Been asking questions on the Android Forums re the Desire, and I'm pretty tempted. It's just lacks a couple of things that I wold want to find an alternative to:

FM Transmitter. It can however connect to your car stereo via Bluetooth, but my car doesn't have that, as it's an older model.

Mass Storage. None built in, so would have to go down the SD card route.

Maps and Navigation. Google Maps anyone?

Syncing with Mac - again no iSync, but can get other programmes.

But, no negative reviews to be found anyhwere, the speed and performance seems to be so good.

BanziBarn 03 Apr 2010, 10:04

The maps is a good question. With the nokia maps you can download them and so don't have to incur charges when abroad. I wonder if there is something similar with Google?

But, I saw a vid of google maps and it does seem to have navigation as standard but just without voice guidance, which I think is USA only.... might be wrong.

CFW have them in stock?! Hmmm, might have to go down there on Tues! I didn't know they did off contract phones. Initial investigates seems to show that they'll be about �420 online too, so may as well buy at a shop.

The internal storage is an interesting one actually because the phone is a fair bit cheaper than when the N97 was launched but a 32GB SD isn't going to be cheap. I think, for the time being I'll just make do with the 8GB card I've got.

spirit44 03 Apr 2010, 10:20

Couple of questions, if i may.....

If i get a bluetooth enabled stereo in the car, will it play music over BT from the phone? As well as act as a BT handsfree kit?

How does the Desire compare with the N97 in terms of photo and video quality?

And finally (this may be a stupid question) but will opera mini work on it? i've become so used to fast internet (even in areas with no 3G/Edge etc)

Thanks

(trying very hard to resist, just tell me its crap and i can save my money 😊)

xerxes 03 Apr 2010, 10:37

BanziBarn wrote:The maps is a good question. With the nokia maps you can download them and so don't have to incur charges when abroad. I wonder if there is something similar with Google?

But, I saw a vid of google maps and it does seem to have navigation as standard but just without voice guidance, which I think is USA only.... might be wrong.

CFW have them in stock?! Hmmm, might have to go down there on Tues! I didn't know they did off contract phones. Initial investigates seems to show that they'll be about �420 online too, so may as well buy at a shop.

The internal storage is an interesting one actually because the phone is a fair bit cheaper than when the N97 was launched but a 32GB SD isn't going to be cheap. I think, for the time being I'll just make do with the 8GB card I've got.

If you buy online and then decide you don't like the phone you have a period in which you can return the device for a full refund. Carphone doesn't allow any returns for off contract phones unless you can prove the device is faulty.

Just something to think about.

BanziBarn 03 Apr 2010, 12:29

spirit44 wrote:Couple of questions, if i may.....

If i get a bluetooth enabled stereo in the car, will it play music over BT from the phone? As well as act as a BT handsfree kit?

I don't think so. I've got an up to date system in my car and this isn't an option

How does the Desire compare with the N97 in terms of photo and video quality?

I don't think the camera is as good, but I have seen some sample pics and they still look pretty good, certainly good enough for a phone, and better than 3GS IMO. Only one LED for the flash though.

I've heard rumours that with a future firmware update, 720p/i video capture will be possible

And finally (this may be a stupid question) but will opera mini work on it? i've become so used to fast internet (even in areas with no 3G/Edge etc)

Don't quote me but I think so, pretty sure one of the opera browsers is available for android, whether its mini or mobile I'm not sure

Thanks

(trying very hard to resist, just tell me its crap and i can save my money 😊)

So no, I'm afraid this phone isn't crap, in fact I think it could potentially be one of the best phones ever to exist!! 😃

BanziBarn 03 Apr 2010, 12:33

xerxes wrote:If you buy online and then decide you don't like the phone you have a period in which you can return the device for a full refund. Carphone doesn't allow any returns for off contract phones unless you can prove the device is faulty.

Just something to think about.

Good point, maybe I'll wait and get from Play or Expansys

craigyb 03 Apr 2010, 13:20

I got mine from the whorehouse yesterday. Seems rock steady and so quick it's untrue. I still have the N97 until Tuesday to move anything I've missed over. But it seems complete so far.

I used it in the car today and the quality is not as good as the n97 in rSAP mode, but that is the price I'm paying for a better phone and interface.

nottmbantam 03 Apr 2010, 21:25

spirit44 wrote:Couple of questions, if i may.....

If i get a bluetooth enabled stereo in the car, will it play music over BT from the phone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgtEDCWpLgY

Video shows the Desire connected to car stereo via Bluetooth.

I was playing around with an iPhone today, and have to say, the capacitive screen is so easy to use. Makes the N97 feel like a sledge hammer compared to a scalpel. Very tempted with the Desire, just need to have a good look at the Android Apps and see what they have to offer.

nottmbantam 03 Apr 2010, 21:36

BanziBarn wrote:Good point, maybe I'll wait and get from Play or Expansys

I'd rather buy from a shop personally, but call me old fashioned...It actually doesn't make that much difference to me, as whether I buy on the high street or online, I'll be taking the phone abroad to Saudi, so problems with the phone will have to be sorted out there anyway.

From a shop is better, as sometimes the promised delivery times aren't met, and I have flights booked to go back , so if my delivery isn't here by then - it's tough titty.

BanziBarn 04 Apr 2010, 09:39

nottmbantam wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgtEDCWpLgY

Video shows the Desire connected to car stereo via Bluetooth.

I was playing around with an iPhone today, and have to say, the capacitive screen is so easy to use. Makes the N97 feel like a sledge hammer compared to a scalpel. Very tempted with the Desire, just need to have a good look at the Android Apps and see what they have to offer.

Interesting, I wonder if this will work with BMW Idrive - need to investigate!

nottmbantam 04 Apr 2010, 11:23

BanziBarn wrote:Interesting, I wonder if this will work with BMW Idrive - need to investigate!

ooh, another Beamer Man. Me too, but as mine's a 2000 car, it didn't come with iDrive, so have to make do with the built in FM Transmitter. Need to solve that with the HTC Desire - revert back to an external FMT?

nottmbantam 04 Apr 2010, 11:29

BanziBarn wrote:Is it a PAYG phone with operator branding? Just looked on the CPW site and this is the only "off contract" one I can find....

I'm pretty certain the guy in CPW said they were unlocked / unbranded. From the description, they supply the handset and you then choose the PAYG network, so they must all be unbranded from there?

craigyb 04 Apr 2010, 17:12

It's fully unlocked and unbranded, It was bought as PAYG with a �10 orange top up card. So the total cost was �409.99

When I trade in my Satio and N97 I will get �320 back, so the upgrade has cost me �90 and I've not had to renew my contract with Vodafone for 24 months. As I'm currently out of contract anyways I'm waiting to see what the summer brings from Apple and what improvements are made to the N900 or the new N8(98) whatever it is.

nottmbantam 08 Apr 2010, 10:19

Anyone considering a HTC Evo? Looked at some specs on the internet last night, looks a bit higher spec than the Desire?