[www.geardiary.com] A quick check of CompUSA shows the HTC Advantage in limited quantities at my local store. I find myself wanting this device and I'm not sure why. Here's the rundown:Phone:
I'm very happy in the phone department. I bought the 8GB iPhone and I love it. I have no plans to abandon the iPhone as my phone. I also enjoy using it for Google Reader and iTweet and light browsing. I don't like wearing one of those blue blinking headsets with my phone. My car has built-in bluetooth with speaker phone and voice dial so I don't really need that functionality.
UMPC:
I have had the Samsung Q1 for more than 1 year. It was my first Tablet PC and I love using ink on the device. Battery life is the big humbug. I have the 9 cell extended battery but I find I'm hauling around too much stuff with me when I use this device - computer, bluetooth mouse, stowaway keyboard, Powerbank. I wasn't happy with Vista on the device (though I upgraded from 1GB to 2GB RAM after I went back to XP).
Notebook:
I have a MacBook (the black one) that I absolutely love. I've gone to using this computer more than the Q1 because I can run Windows in Parallels or use OS X. It is hard to make decision to leave the MacBook behind so I either bring both or leave the Q1. I recently purchased the Sierra Wireless 875U card so I can connect to the Internet using AT&T 3G. I am crazy about always on connectivity now.
The HTC Advantage?
1. Instant on and all-day battery is big advantage over MacBook and Q1.
2. Access more websites than with iPhone in more usable way. Is this true? Still no flash. This is source of confusion.
3. Always connected. I can put the SIM from Sierra Wireless card in the Advantage.
4. Word/Excel/Powerpoint - these are my main apps anyway. I can't use these on the iPhone.
5. Yahoo! Music - I want device I can transfer my Yahoo! music subscription stuff to play on the go.
Are these reasonable expectations for this device? I am confused and could really use your help. Thanks!
1 comment:
Bill,
You can always use TextMaker and PlanMaker for a SUPER powerful office experience on the Advantage too (I am working on a review for my blog).
Opera is better than IE, but the iPhone browser is a bit better IMHO. I am able to browse almost every site and update my ZDNet blog with the Advantage though so that is saying something over IE.
The battery does last a long time and the 3.5G (HSDPA) is sure nice and fast.
Yahoo! Music is also nice to have on the 8GB drive and even plays well through the stereo speakers.
It does work well as a phone, but it is very big and not really something you can carry around.
I'm still debating on whether or not to pay the $850-$900 for one, but I personally would buy this over a UMPC due to the battery life and portability. I prefer my MBP for real computing power over Windows too.
The HTC Shift looks nice, but double the cost and probably a lot less battery life.
Integrated GPS on this device is also VERY nice.
Yeah, it is a tough choice. Maybe you could play with one at CompUSA for a bit to get a feel for it.
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