The smart phone industry is currently in a situation where any smart phone that is launched, is compared almost immediately to the Apple iPhone. The iPhone’s applications have many unique features and usage which have given the loyal Apple users even more to talk about. The applications have unfortunately become nothing short of a Public Relations nightmare for Apple. However the iPhone in my view has started something of a revolution as every manufacturer is playing catch up to it.
BlackBerry, HTC, Palm and even Google are trying to get a percentage of smart phone users to use their smart phone. I however think that currently there is only one real challenger to the iPhone, the HTC Hero. The Hero has many advantages for users that are looking for something that is not Apple manufactured. The one problem is that Apple have made relationships with certain operators(in most countries where the iPhone is available)and customers that are subscribers to the rival operators have shrugged when hearing all about the iPhone and all the wonders that are associated with it. However the frustration might be at an end.
The HTC Hero has a unique build; almost looking like it has a chin at the bottom of it but when put in your hands it is quite functional. The most important fact for me about it is that it is has the Android platform on it. The Hero provides the user with the ability to use multiple applications at once something that the iPhone cannot provide. The touch screen on the Hero is not as good as the iPhone according to iPhone owners but the Hero is the first step to proper competitor for the iPhone.
The Android platform also has a market for applications as well.
HTC provides the following specifications for the Hero:
Processor: Qualcomm MSM7200A, 528 MHz
Operating System: Android
Memory
ROM: 512 MB
RAM: 288 MB
Dimensions: (LxWxT) 112 x 56.2 x 14.35 mm ( 4.41 x 2.21 x 0.57 inches)
Weight: 135 grams ( 4.76 ounces) with battery
Display: 3.2″ TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with 320×480 HVGA resolution
Network HSPA/WCDMA:
- 900/2100 MHz
- Up to 2 Mbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps down-link speeds
Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE:
- 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
(Band frequency and data speed are operator dependent.)
Device Control Trackball with Enter button
GPS: Internal GPS antenna
Connectivity Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate and A2DP for wireless stereo headsets
Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g
HTC ExtUSB (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)
3.5 mm audio jack Camera 5.0 megapixel color camera with auto focus
Audio supported formats: MP3, AAC(AAC, AAC+, AAC-LC), AMR-NB, WAV, MIDI and Windows Media Audio 9
Video supported formats: MPEG-4, H.263, H.264 and Windows Media Video 9
Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
Capacity: 1350 mAh
Talk time:
- Up to 420 minutes for WCDMA
- Up to 470 minutes for GSM
Standby time:
- Up to 750 hours for WCDMA
- Up to 440 hours for GSM
Expansion Slot: microSD memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
AC Adapter Voltage range/frequency: 100 ~ 240V AC, 50/60 Hz
DC output: 5V and 1A
Special Features
- G-sensor
- Digital Compass
From a user’s point of view, the benefits are:
Threaded SMS’s, Google Apps integration, Social Media Integration (Facebook, Twitter) and good battery life are all plus factors for the HTC Hero.
I think it ultimately boils down to an individual choice which is becoming even more challenging as these mobile phones arrive on the scene and in your possession ultimately.
