Now that we've got the
DROID ERIS in the mix, we're up to our ears in
HTC Hero-derivative devices. We decided to sit the whole crew (GSM, Sprint and Verizon editions) down for a little modeling session, and we're finding ourselves reticent to pick a favorite. There are really plusses and minuses to each of them, but any way you lean it's a pretty good handset with some perhaps overly bulky software, a wonderful pricepoint (on Verizon, anyway) and probably a limited time in the sun with upcoming Android 2.0 devices, faster processors and wild new screens rolling on in. Check the video out after the break and you can make up your own mind.
Tags: android, droid eris, DroidEris, eris, features, hands-on, hero, htc, htc hero, HtcHero, sprint, verizon, verizon wireless, verizonwireless
I love how the Droid (and the iPhone, briefly) hijacked this video haha.
I don't understand why they put videos that require a flash player on the mobile site.
Engadgetmobile is NOT the mobile version of Engadget.com.
In other words, this is not Engadget fit to be seen on mobile phones, this is Engadget, with only articles ABOUT mobile phones.
I have the european GSM version of the Hero (the one that looks cool) and although I know that I will upgrade to a Moto Milestone or an X10 , as soon as I can grab one, I am convinced that the Hero is nearly TEH perfect phone.
To be perfect it miss only voice dialing (wich will get with the 2.0 rom) and a screen big enough to be easily seen while using one of the excellent sat nav programs while driving.
I also have a Nokia N97 and I just sold an HTC TouchHD (I'm waiting for an HD2 in few days) that I used for over 12 months, but the Hero beats them all.
What, no mention of the MyTouch? I know it has no Sense, so it's like the Cinderella step-sibling, but I think it should've been mentioned.
This was clearly a look at only the variations of the HTC HERO...no reason the mytouch should have been included, no offense against the mytouch.
I agree, they should've included it. They included the Droid and iPhone, why not MyTouch? At least it's actually HTC...
Guys. Really.
You usually have such high standards on your site. And I thank you for it.
This video, however, seems like it was made very quickly at the end of an evening out on the town involving binge-drinking.
I'm expecting someone to say: "DUDE where's my DROID" and giggle.
The idea behind the video I understand and applaud. But the execution...
Seriously, were you guys sober?
Also, HTC has already confirmed that the Hero will get a 2.0 update. Yes, it remains to be seen at this time, but it's still strange that you would call it into question in this video.
SPRINT HANDS DOWN! Although I do wish it had the HTC HD2 Processor!
Which is why I really want the Dragon/Passion/whatever. It has the styling of the Sprint Hero and the screen/processor of the HD2. Pretty much the perfect device in my opinion.
"a wonderful pricepoint (on Verizon, anyway)"
Who knew paying over $1000 more over the duration of the equivalent 2-year contract constitutes a better pricepoint than the Hero on Sprint.
Just because it's $80 cheaper up front doesn't mean it's a better deal unless you're really fucking short-sighted.
Most Americans can't come up with $80 upfront. They rather pay installments of upto $50 a month to take home the phone today. This is why Verizon and AT&T are doing so well during the recession.
Is this the answer for everything when it comes to Sprint? Well, their phones cost more because you pay less. Well, their network sucks because you pay less. Well, their customer service sucks because you pay less. Sure Sprint offers "any mobile" for their service, Sprint-to-Sprint service for free would mean very little to most.
For me, short sighted is staying with a sinking ship, and paying less for a service that gives you... less.
So, calling it a wash... being willing to settle for less by paying less... yes, the phone is still cheaper on Verizon.
Yeah, what they said.
Sprint has the most horrible network and customer service I have ever experienced. If the monthly plan is too expensive for you, maybe a pre-paid phone is best for you?
I'm posting this FROM a DROID.
What is the crackberry.com of Android?? By that I mean what is the most comprehensive forums/inside info site for Android? I'm checking out androidforums.com but are there better sites??
Check out phandroid.com and androidandme.com
hey on top of phandroid.com and androidandme.com there is also Droiddog.com and Androidcentral.com these four are my top android focused sites.
I really love what you guys are doing these days! More video reviews. More revisiting of topics! Different perspectives! Love it!
I love the eris I got it yesterday. and I'm posting this from it. It's so beautiful.
I'm not sure why people hate on the chin...I agree with you (Paul M) I am fairly partial to it as well. I've had the G1 for over a year and love it.
HTC HD2 has a 1ghz processor is it a good phone ? how ever we have to wait for some time
http://www.gizmoji.com/2009/11/htc-hd2-will-be-available-in-us-in.html
I was so close to picking up a droid. But did not realize that the Verizon 69.99 plan is not available for its smartphones. That makes Verizon just as expensive as ATT. I decided to go with Sprint's HTC Hero. For someone who never has had a smart phone before there is no reason to complain about faster processors, 2.0 etc.
Snapdragon + Android 2.0 + Larger Screen + T-Mobile (plan price point) = what I am waiting for....
VZ is just too spendy plan wise and GSM is the way to go unless you never leave the US.
On HTC with Sense UI......
rlaracue, I'm currently a T-Mobile customer and thinking of switching to Verizon myself. I'm very surprised they have yet to come out with followup to the myTouch. I was going to wait until January when my contract expires to upgrade to a myTouch but all of these nicer phones are coming out. I keep saying that I give T-Mobile until January to come up with something I like. As far as pricing, Verizon still has T-Mobile beat. The new "everything plans" suck. The commercial just pisses me off also. "We asked what people wanted"...yeah yeah..bull. You obviously didn't ask me or I would have told you what people want. The family plan with two smart phones, unlimited internet, unlimited text and 750 voice minutes is $139.99. The same plan with Verizon (granted it's only 700 minutes but who cares) is only $119.99. I also hate having to pay that extra $30 to $40 per phone through any carrier for internet access. Using that same model, that would never fly in a home for their internet...pay per machine accessing..yeah right. That's like saying my PS3, PSP, Wii, and every computer that access the internet would incur a $40 per month fee.
This is the best phone i've ever had. Droid Eris! for 100$ you just cant beat it.
Everything is so fast. No Lag. Great browser, Google maps, multi touch on webapges, Battery Lasts ALLLLLLLL day (:
Jaymonster! That was the most stupid comment I have seen on all these websites. Maybe you should get a calculater. And everyone has bad customer service. Lol! You people bad mouth Sprint because you know you pay to much for your phone bill. I'm not mad at you Jaymonster, you must have been smoking a monster jay when you wrote your comment. Blunts are better!
Thanks for the idiot review... can we have a review now by someone with a grasp of the English language and point of view of a business man not a stoner who tweets about killer buds.
Maybe this is what the new generation cares about.... chins & balls.... what about the programs, battery life etc.....
Engadget reviews have gotten so bad I no longer come here to learn about phones, only to see pictures stolen from other sites. Hire someone that can speak in sentences not Ums, like, and thingys.