which phone? Milesrone, X10

[Shah33m]

Hi all

am due a upgrade and was looking at the following two phones, Milestone or X10

now i know the X10 is better but it does not have a qwerty keypad. my father has a touchscreen nokia and i dont like having to use a stylus when texting this is why i like the milestone

i dont mind taking the X10 but dont want to struggle with texting as i text alot. i know the screen is huge and that is why i am thinking it wont affect me?

i really want the X10 as it is beautiful but i want the milestone because it has i big screen and qwerty keypad. Which to choose?? Please no XTC suggestions (i know the desire will pop out somewhere!)

edit: so i found this pic, looks like i wont have a prob but suggestions, taking into consideration my preference will be appreciated

http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/gadgets/phones/mobile-phones/Sony%20Ericsson/X10%20hands%20on/Sony_ericsson_X10_16-420-90.jpg

BUT the moto looks so nice

http://blog.phoneslimited.co.uk/files/2010/01/milestone-pl1.jpg

[Grhardt]

I don't know anything about the other option you've mentioned but I can tell you one thing: don't bother with the x10 :( especially not if you like to text a lot. Not only is a bit outdated (mind you, you might pick it up for a bargain), but its biggest problem (in my case at least) is with the dying manufacturer. I don't know what's left of SE in your country but here in Germany they have gone from hero to zero in less then 2 years :( They are now in 'survival mode', with less then 3% market share. If something breaks it will take weeks to have it fixed. The firmware updates are rather scarce too. (the X10 is still running on the old android v1.6 - there is talk about a update for some time though). For a modern Android device look at Samsung's Galaxy S (it might not be available in your country).

[SOC]

Try out the HTC Bravo ;)... seriously though, I have heard good things about the milestone, and if you do text more than the avid user its probably the phone for you.

[TJ99]

Well firstly I have the X10, it's an awesome phone. While it may only have Android 1.6, almost all of the features of Android 2.2 are included in the custom Sony Ericsson UI (except for the multi-touch which people keep on bitching about, which while being great to use, is ultimately a gimmick, it's like deciding not to buy faster, prettier car because it hasnt got heated seats.) The Milestone is also great, I was actually looking at that when I upgraded last week but, guess what, the super geniuses at Vodacom aren't going to sell it in SA so it's not an option if you're with them. And the CPU, camera etc doenst come close to the X10, although it is supposed to be quite a bit cheaper.

The X10 has 2 different keyboard layouts and if you don't like them you can always install different ones (that's one of the nice things about Android). As for the stylus comment, it's a capacitive screen so you type only with your fingers.. I won't tell you about the htc Desire except that it's also an awesome phone, and choosing between it and the Xperia is down to personal preference, there's no clear winner, each has some different strenghts and weaknesses

Hope this helps

[Maddmatt]

If you're looking at the X10 then the HTC Desire is worth a look, beats it in everything except for the camera.

Typing on a touch screen isn't so bad when you get used to it. You don't need a stylus (phones like the X10 and Desire don't even come with one). But that said it wont beat a nice slide-out qwerty.

[mayurh]

i think rathe get the htc desire.im gettin mine soon

[Rob123]

If you think the moto looks better than the X10 then you need more help than anyone on this forum can provide.......:D

[DAE_JA_VOO]

X10 is a horrible phone. My stepfather has one. That SE UI is absolutely terrible. If you're willing to root and install custom ROM, go ahead and buy the X10, otherwise, the Milestone is the phone you should be going for IMO.

If you're willing to go with something else, the Desire is the one for you.

[Rob123]

X10 is a horrible phone. My stepfather has one. That SE UI is absolutely terrible. If you're willing to root and install custom ROM, go ahead and buy the X10, otherwise, the Milestone is the phone you should be going for IMO.

If you're willing to go with something else, the Desire is the one for you.

I'm not sure that I follow you - X10 has been voted sexiest phone by far/best camera on Android/ and the fastest selling phone in Japan EVER (and they get stuff over there that we never even see here....)

I think I will rather trust someone who owns an X10 telling me that they hate it rather than a jealous HTC fan...... **runs and hides** :confused:

[DAE_JA_VOO]

I'm not sure that I follow you - X10 has been voted sexiest phone by far/best camera on Android/ and the fastest selling phone in Japan EVER (and they get stuff over there that we never even see here....)

I think I will rather trust someone who owns an X10 telling me that they hate it rather than a jealous HTC fan...... **runs and hides** :confused:

The X10 LOOKS better than the Desire, yes. It's got a better camera, yes. I agree with that. It also happens to have a slightly larger screen. Other than that, it's a horrible phone. It's got a 1Ghz Snapdragon chip in it, but it feels like it's got a 200Mhz CPU running it. You know why? That freaking disgusting SE UI they've got.

I think you should consider taking my opinion as more than "hate from a jealous HTC fan", as I HAVE an X10 in my family. I've spent many hours tinkering with that phone, and I can honestly say that I much prefer my Desire. Sure, the camera is inferior, but my 1Ghz phone FEELS like it's got that speed. My opinion isn't biased, as I don't care much for DEVICES, when it comes to phones, I care for OS. Android being the common denominator here. Except in this case, it's wonderful on the Desire and terrible on the X10. There's no need for me to be jealous. I could have had absolutely any phone I wanted, including the X10, so there's no reason I'd be jealous :)

[Shah33m]

wow thanks for the replies guys, ok i knew that a fight would start between htc and x10 users.

i havent personally seen any of these phones so i really cant judge which looks better but i know that the htc doesnt look that sexy

since both the Milestone and X10 are good phones, each having there own strong points i now think it is down to speed. my n95-8gb takes about 10secs to opens the gallery and on average about 4secs opening most simple things like my messages etc so...

what is the speed like on the two phones? compared to my annoyingly slow n95

i think i would personally like the milestone as it looks good especially when the keyboard is open however the x10 is a true beauty and i think i can live with the touchscreen seeing that the screen size is big and wont bother me.

i am currently a student so i dont need a super phone but a phone that looks sexy (will make others jealous) and functions effectively (not as sluggish as my n95) AS LONG AS IT IS BETTER THAN MY N95

EDIT: as i am undecided, would mtn allow me to test a phone say for 2 days as this would help me choose the perfect phone (going to have it for 2 years so i want the phone that suits me best)

[alt146]

I'm not sure that I follow you - X10 has been voted sexiest phone by far/best camera on Android/ and the fastest selling phone in Japan EVER (and they get stuff over there that we never even see here....)

I think I will rather trust someone who owns an X10 telling me that they hate it rather than a jealous HTC fan...... **runs and hides** :confused:

Just so you know, the X10's only competition in Japan was the Magic and the BB Bold - Engadget Article on the subject (http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/sony-ericsson-xperia-x10-is-likely-ntt-docomos-best-selling-sma/)

[DAE_JA_VOO]

what is the speed like on the two phones? compared to my annoyingly slow n95

The X10 has a CPU that's almost twice the speed of the Milestone, but I'll tell you one thing - it certainly doesn't feel that way. If you're okay to deal with the slowness until later this year when Eclair or Froyo hit the X10, you should go with the X10.

Personally, I'd go with the X10, and then just flash it immediately to a ROM that doesn't have SE's horrible UI in place.

[Shah33m]

The X10 has a CPU that's almost twice the speed of the Milestone, but I'll tell you one thing - it certainly doesn't feel that way. If you're okay to deal with the slowness until later this year when Eclair or Froyo hit the X10, you should go with the X10.

Personally, I'd go with the X10, and then just flash it immediately to a ROM that doesn't have SE's horrible UI in place.


well would the new android 2.1 stil have SE's ui? i dont think i will flash it, might brick the phone?

but i think i will go for the X10, where can i get MTN's new July catalog? they still have May's catalog online and i want to see what new phones are out this month

[DAE_JA_VOO]

well would the new android 2.1 stil have SE's ui?
If you wait for the update to come by itself, it'll almost certainly have the SE UI.



i dont think i will flash it, might brick the phone?
No man, don't worry. I rooted and flashed my Desire about 2 weeks ago, and it was literally a 5 minute job. It was so so easy.



but i think i will go for the X10, where can i get MTN's new July catalog?
Errr, from MTN?

[Emp!r3]

also looking at a new phone !

i still don't "trust" motorolla, i just see it as a cheap phone.

The desire is nice though ! ya the new catalog would be good !

[Grhardt]

If speed is what you are after then the HTC is a obvious choice. The X10 will beat your N95 by about 3 sec. On the other hand the htc needs less then 3sec to open the gallery. The X10 will also beat the N95 when it comes to emptying the battery. The N95 is good for about 12h the X10 gets the 'job done' in 6! A second batt is a must if you are not close to a power outlet. I too use a old N95 and will upgrade shortly. (to a N8 :D) The only android which looks interesting enough, is the Galaxy S from Samsung (but then again - that is just me)

[Shah33m]

If speed is what you are after then the HTC is a obvious choice. The X10 will beat your N95 by about 3 sec. On the other hand the htc needs less then 3sec to open the gallery. The X10 will also beat the N95 when it comes to emptying the battery. The N95 is good for about 12h the X10 gets the 'job done' in 6! A second batt is a must if you are not close to a power outlet. I too use a old N95 and will upgrade shortly. (to a N8 :D) The only android which looks interesting enough, is the Galaxy S from Samsung (but then again - that is just me)

yeah the galaxy S looks to be great phone, that is why i need the catalog to see whats available but if no luck then it will be the X10

MTN has the x10 for R329 on a anytime 200 contract (no pay in)

[Rob123]

The stock standard X10 and one with the new firmware with blazing speed and double the battery life are two very different phones. Besides, this phone is only a month old here and most of the software issues have been fixed already (but the Desire is still sh_t ugly....:D)

Besides the MULTITOUCH issue which I don't get, I am confident that I can give you a simple workaround to almost any issue that anyone has with the original X10 and it's reported downsides.

[duncan1a]

I don't know why you don't want to consider HTC (perhaps because their WinMo phones were horrible?). Their later phones are excellent. My choice for an SA phone today would be the Desire, hands down, but since you don't want to consider it I would look at the Android versions running on the phones you're looking at. 1.6 would be a deal breaker for me. 2.1+ is a big step up. Also, many of the coolest apps in the market place like Navigate and others require 2.0+

(by the way, several friends have got the Desire and they are all smitten, without exception)

[DAE_JA_VOO]

(but the Desire is still sh_t ugly....:D)
Why the heck does everyone say this? I think it looks fine :(



I am confident that I can give you a simple workaround to almost any issue that anyone has with the original X10 and it's reported downsides.
Okay, then please, please help my poor freaking step-father :P

The phone is so slow it makes me sad. Switching between home screens gives an OBVIOUS lag. It's really horrible. Battery life is somewhat pathetic as well. Furthermore, I can't seem to get market apps installed. They're just constantly "downloading". Any tips?

[mith]

FWIW...I have used both the desire and the x10 for a few months .....and I chose x10 as my main phone.
The one big drawback about the desire is that its barely visible in sunlight.
To each his own....I guess.
Everyone has different needs/wants from a phone hence if you have the chance to play with both ....I would recommend that.
Both of them are good phones..

[mith]

Why the heck does everyone say this? I think it looks fine :(



Okay, then please, please help my poor freaking step-father :P

The phone is so slow it makes me sad. Switching between home screens gives an OBVIOUS lag. It's really horrible. Battery life is somewhat pathetic as well. Furthermore, I can't seem to get market apps installed. They're just constantly "downloading". Any tips?

ha ha....i have to agree with rob123, the desire isn't the best looking phone..especially when i put it next to the x10.

The new firmware has improved the battery life and has made the phone much more snappier.

Regarding the market apps, does it give you some kind of message on the notification area when it fails to download?

[mith]

Besides the MULTITOUCH issue which I don't get, I am confident that I can give you a simple workaround to almost any issue that anyone has with the original X10 and it's reported downsides.

I too don't understand all the criticism about the phone not having multi touch...I actually prefer SE one-touch zoom implementation which will be out in the next firmware update. You dont need to switch hands to zoom in.
http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/developerworld/2010/05/18/android-one-finger-zoom-tutorial-part-1/

the only drawback about not having multi touch is for some games, which i can totally understand if someone is a big gamer....which i am not, hence for me its not an issue.

[DAE_JA_VOO]

Regarding the market apps, does it give you some kind of message on the notification area when it fails to download?

Nothing at all. When I go to the Market, to "Downloads", I see the apps there with a scrolling progress bar and "Downloading" under them. But nothing is actually being downloaded. Frustrating, to say the least.

@mith: Multitouch is very useful when web browsing and for use with maps :)

[Grhardt]

I think the biggest issue with the x10 is the pathetic earpiece. If you have to take a call in somewhat noisy places or vehicle, etc. the sound is a big let down. Probably the new firmward fixed the issue but I very much doubt. What it needs is a better ear speaker. I hope I am wrong though. On the other hand the hummingbird processor in the Galaxy S plus the nice screen, is a big advantage. The old snapdragon hasn't got a chance. And the old Android 1.6 doesn't help either. For a galaxy S dead match (speed comparison) go to GSMArena.

[mith]

@mith: Multitouch is very useful when web browsing and for use with maps :)

ha ha.. I am aware of using multi touch when browsing....but to me its not a deal breaker. As said earlier the one touch zoom will be implemented on the x10 for everything...pics, google maps, browsing etc.
I used a demo of SE one touch zoom and it is quite neat...no need to adjust your hands or switch your hands.

[Shah33m]

so if i get the X10 this month, will it be one of those with the extended battery life?

[Rob123]

so if i get the X10 this month, will it be one of those with the extended battery life?

You might need to unbrand it (or root it) to get the latest software, but read this :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=720103

[Rob123]

Why the heck does everyone say this? I think it looks fine :(

Okay, then please, please help my poor freaking step-father :P


You definitely need to flash it with the latest firmware (R2BA020 which might be available OverTheAir in ZA now - check from the phone's menu), or otherwise root it/unbrand it to R2BA023 from this link : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=711907

You can always go back to the original software if you need to (save a copy before you do the root step - the guide is now very easy to follow).

I have rooted to 020 - will be going to 023 as soon as the freaking international access is restored....

[kvi]

Just so you know, the X10's only competition in Japan was the Magic and the BB Bold - Engadget Article on the subject (http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/sony-ericsson-xperia-x10-is-likely-ntt-docomos-best-selling-sma/)


yeah i was in Tokyo and saw the x10 on the shelves... the only thing it was up against was HTC magic, BB and Honeybee phones. also remember that Sony is Japanese so there is always going to be a loyalty there... so i think it means nothing that its the best selling phone in Japan.

i was big SE fanboy, until SE went lame, had them all, did all the iphones, did a couple of android HTC's , played a lot on X10 in Japan, used to HATE HTC when they had those dodgy windows mobile phones.... gave them a second chance, and they are a new breed now with android... just sold Desire, and kept the best for myself... the Nexus One. maybe not the prettiest phone in the world but damn its the most awesome.

[francoislr]

I am a Desire user....Smitten as can get;-)

I originally considered the X10, purely because of my hate for HTC, more particularly Leaf. But I decided to take a leap and was in love from the word go. I thought multi-touch would not matter, but for me it will be a deal breaker from now on. The on-board memory sucks though....2.2 will fix it when we can move apps2sd, but till then I can barely keep enough things to show off the phones capabilities to everyone:-( But yeah, the phone is snappy. Gallery opens in 3 seconds or less. Messages almost instantly. (maybe 1/2 a second) By far this has been the most responsive phone I have ever had! It's just so fast!

About typing on the screen: you get used to it, but it is just not the same. If messaging is your life, I would suggest going with a keyboard phone. Not that typing is bad, it's just not the same.

I hope my next Android phone would be a Sony Ericsson, I really do. X10 is just their first attempt, and I hope they have many more. If they make a few more I am sure they will produce excellent devices that can compete well with HTC. The X10 was almost it for me, but I am glad I got the Desire.

Watching this video now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXz4cH4C8jY

[Shah33m]

damn you people, i am now thinking of the desire! or maybe stick it out and see what comes in August,

not knowing what to do sucks!

[francoislr]

My suggestion would be: try to find people with these phones, and let them give you a tour, and spend a few minutes working on both....You will soon and easily see which one will suit you better. It comes down to how nicely they work for you, not for others. Wish I could find out where one could test these phones. Vodaworld perhaps?

[DAE_JA_VOO]

Well, I've got both the Desire and the X10, so if you need to test them out, let me know and we can meet up :)

[duncan1a]

ust sold Desire, and kept the best for myself... the Nexus One. maybe not the prettiest phone in the world but damn its the most awesome.

+1

[duncan1a]

damn you people, i am now thinking of the desire! or maybe stick it out and see what comes in August,

not knowing what to do sucks!
The Desire is excellent. I would reconsider waiting with the Desire - the AMOLED screen is one of it's high points, it's fantastic, but HTC phones made from July on will go back to LCD (because of a spat with Samsung), including the Desire, and that's a shame IMO. You definitely want an AMOLED version

[Emp!r3]

and what about a samsung galaxy S ? seems to be on the same playing field as all these phones.

http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9000_galaxy_s-3115.php

[kingrob]

and what about a samsung galaxy S ? seems to be on the same playing field as all these phones.

http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9000_galaxy_s-3115.php

This is the one I'm also gonna wait for.

[duncan1a]

and what about a samsung galaxy S ? seems to be on the same playing field as all these phones.

http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9000_galaxy_s-3115.php
hmmm that does look very nice. I wonder how fast Samsung roll out updates?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF7Bt4hULMg&feature=channel

Edit: ... but I guess there will always be a better Android phone just over the horizon ...

[Shah33m]

i was considering waiting for the galaxy S but will go to mtn today and see whats avail, i now hope they have the Desire, i made up my mind!

BTW how is typing on the desire? is the touchscreen responsive?

[duncan1a]

BTW how is typing on the desire? is the touchscreen responsive?

it's very good. The first thing to do is go into settings and run the keyboard calibration tool (I can't remember where it is, but it's buried in there somewhere - just look around for it). Once you've done that it knows where your fingers fall for the various letters and typing is a breeze. The only thing to get used to is to trust the keyboard and keep on typing. It's very good at figuring out what you meant to type when you hit wrong keys

[duncan1a]

i was considering waiting for the galaxy S but will go to mtn today and see whats avail, i now hope they have the Desire, i made up my mind!

BTW how is typing on the desire? is the touchscreen responsive?
another R0.02: take the big flashy widgets off the various screens - they chew battery life and make the phone a bit jerky. It's amazing how smoothly it runs without 5+ big widgets active

[Shah33m]

another R0.02: take the big flashy widgets off the various screens - they chew battery life and make the phone a bit jerky. It's amazing how smoothly it runs without 5+ big widgets active

thanks, off to mtn now, i phoned them but they dont pick up! so now i have to drive all the way, i hope they have in stock or i will prob have to wait till next week sometime :(

[Shah33m]

another R0.02: take the big flashy widgets off the various screens - they chew battery life and make the phone a bit jerky. It's amazing how smoothly it runs without 5+ big widgets active

thanks, off to mtn now, i phoned them but they dont pick up! so now i have to drive all the way, i hope they have in stock or i will prob have to wait till next week sometime :(

[Emp!r3]

I think im more sold on the galaxy S ! wonder if they have it ?

slightly bigger screen, a few more features. And apparently twice the battery life of the desire, which is a big plus, as i know these smart phones sometimes cant last a day !

[francoislr]

Yeah, the samsung galaxy S looks awesome...I will be very willing to with my next upgrade in 2 years time try another make. Would be enough time for them to catch up and surpass HTC with Android phones. Will choose according to 2 things then: specs and support.

Shah33m, how did it go? Just a quick warning on your Desire...your first week will have terrible battery life...After about a week it sorts itself out, and actually holds out. Everyone had that experience, but it's just a week or so:-)

BTW, about the typing, I am not too fond of typing on the screen, but my biggest boost for it was installing the Droid X's keyboard. What happened, the moment the Droid's internals were leaked, they ripped it apart, and one of the things was getting the keyboard out so one can install it on your phone. I enjoy typing on it a lot more than the standard keyboard. Try it yourself.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/06/25/droid-xs-sexy-software-keyboard-ripped-out-now-available-for-all-phones/

[Emp!r3]

Im gonna need to find out if anywhere has the samsung :) its the clear winner now after watching a few vids :P

[alt146]

Yeah, the samsung galaxy S looks awesome...I will be very willing to with my next upgrade in 2 years time try another make. Would be enough time for them to catch up and surpass HTC with Android phones. Will choose according to 2 things then: specs and support.

Shah33m, how did it go? Just a quick warning on your Desire...your first week will have terrible battery life...After about a week it sorts itself out, and actually holds out. Everyone had that experience, but it's just a week or so:-)

BTW, about the typing, I am not too fond of typing on the screen, but my biggest boost for it was installing the Droid X's keyboard. What happened, the moment the Droid's internals were leaked, they ripped it apart, and one of the things was getting the keyboard out so one can install it on your phone. I enjoy typing on it a lot more than the standard keyboard. Try it yourself.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/06/25/droid-xs-sexy-software-keyboard-ripped-out-now-available-for-all-phones/

As an aside, have you tried the XDA hack of the sense keyboard? I prefer it over the default sense keyboard, would you rate the moto one better?

[Shah33m]

i went to the mtn store and was told that there were no stock and that they did not know when it was to arrive, gave them my number and they will phone me when stock arrives. you long do you people reckon it will take? they been out of stock since last week

Oh and thanks for the warning

[francoislr]

As an aside, have you tried the XDA hack of the sense keyboard? I prefer it over the default sense keyboard, would you rate the moto one better?

No, not at all...any links, as I am researching rooting atm, so got no time to search xda for that as well...already got 8 XDA windows open, and am as confuzzled and torn between everything as can be...Also looking for an Android buld for my Tytn2, one that will be fast...for my gf to play text-twist turbo on:-)

Shah33m, another few things I want to bring to your attention, if you want the Desire as is, with the awesome AMOLED screen and all, I suggest you phone every MTN store you can get to and get it sorted out by tomorrow. The thing is, if they are waiting for new stock, it might be with LED screens, since there is a shortage of AMOLED's or something. Now while on the subject of AMOLED, for me personally it is one of the most incredible screens ever! The blacks is black, and the whites is...um...purplish pink? Yep, sort of;-) I never noticed it, till someone said that the HTC website looks pink on the screen of the phone. Went to look on my pc(Samsung T220 screen) and it was grey/white...on the phone it had a pink tint to it! Weird, but I have never noticed it on anything else or anywhere else even after that. If you have stunning pictures, they look brilliant on this screen! My Samsung's contrast is 20 000:1, but the phone makes it look 50-100 times better, any picture!

Okay, also keep in mind, AMOLED screens have awesome advantages such as that they use less power, and make things look better. There are problems people have mentioned. One is Burn-in. If you plan to mod your phone and put on a ROM with a white interface, it might burn into the screen. If you plan to have your phone plugged in and screen on as a calendar or something, it will burn in. So basically what I am saying is, do not leave your phone's screen on on the same thing for hours and hours..not gonna be good for it. I have played various rpg games and 3d games, buttons and status bars in the same spots for hours, not seen anything of the sort yet. But I guess I use the phone randomly enough to not cause such problems. Also, AMOLED has a much shorter life span than LED...but even with the shorter life span it will only lose it's brightness after like 1.5 years of always being on 24/7....they say it's usually 5 years, if you have it on 8 hours a day. By that time I am sure you will be 2 phones beyond the Desire though;-)

[Shah33m]

im not really picky when it comes to LED or AMOLED. its not like im going to watch movies on it or something like that, i will most definitely take pics but im not to fussy about the quality as long as it is acceptable which i think it will be. im not a "phone fanatic" as long as it outperforms my n95! which it will 10 fold. i also want a phone that will be keep with times for at least another 18 months (till the next upgrade)... so i think considering the changes to the newer Desire, i dont mind

EDIT: i will be away (on a short holiday) for the weekend so i can only phone around on Monday, unless i take out a contract near Houdini

[Shah33m]

Does anyone know if the Galaxy S will be available this month? maybe the new catalog will include this?

[francoislr]

Goodness, I wish I knew! You never know, but I don't trust our service providers...but they might just surprise...but I doubt.

Oh, another thing with AMOLED, not cool in daylight. It works, but not as good as LCD. But it has perfect viewing angle, where LCD's looked washed out at sharp angles.

Okay, have a good time away...let us know what you get up to, what you get, and what your impressions are.

[Shah33m]

Okay, have a good time away...let us know what you get up to, what you get, and what your impressions are.

yeah will do, will prob get the phone next week but this depends on the SP

[Emp!r3]

Goodness, I wish I knew! You never know, but I don't trust our service providers...but they might just surprise...but I doubt.

Oh, another thing with AMOLED, not cool in daylight. It works, but not as good as LCD. But it has perfect viewing angle, where LCD's looked washed out at sharp angles.

Okay, have a good time away...let us know what you get up to, what you get, and what your impressions are.

thats why the samsung brought out the "super AMOLED" supposed top be more legible in the sun :)

[duncan1a]

BTW, about the typing, I am not too fond of typing on the screen, but my biggest boost for it was installing the Droid X's keyboard. What happened, the moment the Droid's internals were leaked, they ripped it apart, and one of the things was getting the keyboard out so one can install it on your phone. I enjoy typing on it a lot more than the standard keyboard. Try it yourself.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/06/25/droid-xs-sexy-software-keyboard-ripped-out-now-available-for-all-phones/

ah, the joys of openness...

[duncan1a]

im not really picky when it comes to LED or AMOLED. its not like im going to watch movies on it or something like that

Movies are fantastic on it. I use mine for watching movies and series quite extensively.

[alt146]

No, not at all...any links, as I am researching rooting atm, so got no time to search xda for that as well...already got 8 XDA windows open, and am as confuzzled and torn between everything as can be...Also looking for an Android buld for my Tytn2, one that will be fast...for my gf to play text-twist turbo on:-)

Shah33m, another few things I want to bring to your attention, if you want the Desire as is, with the awesome AMOLED screen and all, I suggest you phone every MTN store you can get to and get it sorted out by tomorrow. The thing is, if they are waiting for new stock, it might be with LED screens, since there is a shortage of AMOLED's or something. Now while on the subject of AMOLED, for me personally it is one of the most incredible screens ever! The blacks is black, and the whites is...um...purplish pink? Yep, sort of;-) I never noticed it, till someone said that the HTC website looks pink on the screen of the phone. Went to look on my pc(Samsung T220 screen) and it was grey/white...on the phone it had a pink tint to it! Weird, but I have never noticed it on anything else or anywhere else even after that. If you have stunning pictures, they look brilliant on this screen! My Samsung's contrast is 20 000:1, but the phone makes it look 50-100 times better, any picture!

Okay, also keep in mind, AMOLED screens have awesome advantages such as that they use less power, and make things look better. There are problems people have mentioned. One is Burn-in. If you plan to mod your phone and put on a ROM with a white interface, it might burn into the screen. If you plan to have your phone plugged in and screen on as a calendar or something, it will burn in. So basically what I am saying is, do not leave your phone's screen on on the same thing for hours and hours..not gonna be good for it. I have played various rpg games and 3d games, buttons and status bars in the same spots for hours, not seen anything of the sort yet. But I guess I use the phone randomly enough to not cause such problems. Also, AMOLED has a much shorter life span than LED...but even with the shorter life span it will only lose it's brightness after like 1.5 years of always being on 24/7....they say it's usually 5 years, if you have it on 8 hours a day. By that time I am sure you will be 2 phones beyond the Desire though;-)

The pinkish colour is because the Amoled screen uses a pentile pixel matrix - one red pixel, half a green pixel, a blue pixel, half a green pixel. Or something along those lines. Not sure why they choose to do things that way, but it means the screen has difficulty displaying non-websafe colours. I read an interesting article about it, but I can't remember where.

The other thing you have to remember is that the different coloured LEDs have different life expectancies - the blue pixels in the phone will only last about half as long as the red ones do. Not something you should worry about too much, the blue ones still have an reasonably long life expectancy, but if you plan on keeping the phone for three or four years you will probably start to notice colour-balance issues.

[dakota]

The pinkish colour is because the Amoled screen uses a pentile pixel matrix - one red pixel, half a green pixel, a blue pixel, half a green pixel. Or something along those lines. Not sure why they choose to do things that way, but it means the screen has difficulty displaying non-websafe colours. I read an interesting article about it, but I can't remember where.

The other thing you have to remember is that the different coloured LEDs have different life expectancies - the blue pixels in the phone will only last about half as long as the red ones do. Not something you should worry about too much, the blue ones still have an reasonably long life expectancy, but if you plan on keeping the phone for three or four years you will probably start to notice colour-balance issues.

Link from XDA: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=656128

[francoislr]

The pinkish colour is because the Amoled screen uses a pentile pixel matrix - one red pixel, half a green pixel, a blue pixel, half a green pixel. Or something along those lines. Not sure why they choose to do things that way, but it means the screen has difficulty displaying non-websafe colours. I read an interesting article about it, but I can't remember where.

The other thing you have to remember is that the different coloured LEDs have different life expectancies - the blue pixels in the phone will only last about half as long as the red ones do. Not something you should worry about too much, the blue ones still have an reasonably long life expectancy, but if you plan on keeping the phone for three or four years you will probably start to notice colour-balance issues.

Yeah, read a lot of that a few weeks ago and last night again. But blue's life expectancy has been improved, so let's hope for the best and hope for a good 4 year run...but at that point I want a 2+ GHz phone anyways:-)

[duncan1a]

This must be a very slight, technical pinkishness. I have a Nexus One and I can't see any pinkishness. Even if I hold it up against my laptop screen or a white piece of paper

[alt146]

This must be a very slight, technical pinkishness. I have a Nexus One and I can't see any pinkishness. Even if I hold it up against my laptop screen or a white piece of paper

The pinkishness only appears when displaying certain colours. Pure white looks white, but some light greys tend to gain a pinkish hue. The article that was linked on the previous page has a pretty good explanation of how exactly it happens.

[francoislr]

I Go to www.htc.com on your phone to check on both your pc and the phone. That is the only site I have noticed it, just checked.

[duncan1a]

I Go to www.htc.com on your phone to check on both your pc and the phone. That is the only site I have noticed it, just checked.
... my eyes must be aging. The grey looks grey to me

[francoislr]

... my eyes must be aging. The grey looks grey to me

You mean your AMOLED's are nearing the end of their life expectancy:-P

[duncan1a]

You mean your AMOLED's are nearing the end of their life expectancy:-P

ha!

[Tsepz_011]

I've never in my life read so muxh ***. I have an X10 and its DEFINETLY not slow, its actually faster than my moms 3GS which hardly has anything installed on it and is on iOS4. Switching homescreens is fast and smooth, going back to Home from apps is fast, I haven't had a single issue downloading from Android Market and best of all The X10 has EXCELLENT reception even compared to Nokias which usually own this area. Battery life is decent, got a good 11hours of hard useage, that's 7hours web browsing,an hour of music, facebook, and 3hours twitter as we'll as a bunch of sms and calls lasting 5-10mins, and I'm not even on latest fw. One problem I do have is the earpiece volume which is a bit low, I'm sure it will be fixed by fw update soon. Lack of multi touch ain't even an issue as SE's work around means you do everything one handed meaning its consistent flow of useage no need to switch hands or change how I'm holding the phone.

[Tsepz_011]

Here's an interesting article comparing Galaxy S, Desire and X10 displays under sunlight: i.engadget.com/2010/06/21/super-amoled-vs-amoled-vs-lcd-in-direct-sunlight-fight/

[Shah33m]

finally, getting my desire friday, that is when mtn will receive stock (according to consultant). Does the desire come with IN-Ear earphones? and how is the bass quality??

[francoislr]

Here's an interesting article comparing Galaxy S, Desire and X10 displays under sunlight: i.engadget.com/2010/06/21/super-amoled-vs-amoled-vs-lcd-in-direct-sunlight-fight/

Yeah, I think I mentioned the sunlight thing earlier in this thread. The Desire is NOT the phone for the game rangers out there;-) Performs perfectly in any covered area. In my car I have no issues, and not in lit rooms. Outside is not great, but I am a city dweller....love the outdoors, don't get out nearly enough, but when I do, I get out, I don't walk around on my phone.

One thing I must mention about the X10, probably the nr.1 thing that put me off: the buttons at the bottom. They felt flimsy, and they made the phone feel flimsy. Quite fond of the Desire design, although it is not the nr.1 in the beauty contest...she has the right shape just to be held:-)

Shah33m, be excited! Unfortunately with the earphones it's a no...You get ear-buds that are made for big people. I am big people...but I hate them! They don't work for me. The crappy thing is you need your headphones for the cool next back and pause button, and it's a big one-piece. But you can just get yourself any pair of earphones and use them instead. That is my current mission. Bass quality I cannot say, as I have just listened to Enya and our band's recordings on them, and my bass playing was the bad part of our recordings, so won't know. But I quickly checked. I have big over ear headphones for my pc...they sounded overly bassy on the phone, but nice and warm. The stock headphones are just not nice regarding fit. They have a cleaner sound, okay bass, but I would say that if sound quality matters, get a decent pair of Senneizers or something. I am gonna get myself some nice in ears tomorrow or so, cheap ones, as I fly through earphones...don't look after them. I won't pay more than R120 for the ones I plan to use....they usually good enough for what little listening I do do.

[Tsepz_011]

I also don't spend much time outdoors but there's been /are many occasions where i need to quickly write an sms, look through my phonebook to make a call, scroll through the pic gallery to show a friend something etc... so i find good under sunlight legibility to be a big plus, but hey each to their own :)
The bottom buttons on my X10 are pretty firm and steady, i do have beef with it's camera key though.

[Shah33m]

I won't pay more than R120 for the ones I plan to use....they usually good enough for what little listening I do do.

how about these? looks like a good performer and will come to R100 inc shipping. thing is my card expired and need a new one :(

http://www.take2.co.za/electronics-canyon-cnr-ep8bl-earphones-blue-5166875.html

[francoislr]

I also don't spend much time outdoors but there's been /are many occasions where i need to quickly write an sms, look through my phonebook to make a call, scroll through the pic gallery to show a friend something etc... so i find good under sunlight legibility to be a big plus, but hey each to their own :)
The bottom buttons on my X10 are pretty firm and steady, i do have beef with it's camera key though.

You have a camera key?! Just appreciate that fact...we don't! But we will always say this: it's a phone...makes us feel better;-) Must say I did not use my camera so much on my previous phone, so screen tapping or odd camera buttons don't bother me, but I would not have minded one!

Shah33m, those look awesome! Maybe I should get them....me wonders...

[Shah33m]

Reporting in :)

so i just got my Desire!! its been a long wait. i only managed to switch it on (have to go to mosque) so i will be playing with it when i get back, cant wait. the phone looks and feels great and the touch screen is super smooth. damn off i go

[francoislr]

Awesome! Tell us what you think, but yeah, it's a smooth phone! My mission this weekend: partition my SD card so I can use old Apps2SD...Need space!

[Tsepz_011]

Congratulations! Welcome to the world of Google Android. :)