The latest on smartphones (and other gadgets)

This is what my brother-in-law had to say about his new HD2 after a few days (he changed from a Blackberry Bold):

“I have configured up the HTC and must say I am enjoying the phone. Microsoft Mobile is not better than Blackberry in all aspects and some things seem a bit clumsy to get around. Initially I missed the Blackberry but the more I get used to Microsoft, the more I like it although the Blackberry is definitely easier and more intuitive to use. The phone itself is great. In spite of the size of the screen it carry’s easily as it is thinner. It is also significantly thinner than the iPhone so it easily slips into your pocket. It is a “solid” phone with a metal case. This makes it feel heavy but is not actually a weight in the hand or pocket.

The screen is great and pretty responsive. The camera is also quite good. Typing on a touch screen is definitely more difficult than with a keypad although I find it is easier if I put the phone in landscape. The processor seems to be fast enough so I have not experienced any lag. I find with the screen and the Microsoft menu system I do sometimes dial by mistake. As with all phones there are some irritating features but the availability of aps is great, compared to the BB. There seems less flexibility around ring tones, especially on alarms etc but there may be an app to sort this out. Also, HTC have a non standard USB connection so the “normal” cables, car chargers etc don’t work. This is irritating. One problem is that access is easy and so I find myself fiddling with it while I drive-not a good thing.”

He also told me that the battery life has surprised him pleasantly, and that after a full day with the phone with wifi enabled, regular email checking and about 40 minutes of calls via bluetooth in the car, the HD2 still had around 40% of battery left. That is pretty impressive for any smartphone never mind for a Windows Mobile phone. And I had a look at the phone the other day and the battery was only 1230mAh. HTC have outdone themselves with this phone. Ironic that Microsoft kills off Windows Mobile at a time when the hardware appears to have finally caught up with the demands of its software. I was also very surprised and impressed with how light the phone felt in my hand. Felt much lighter than my Droid for instance.