[zoltan666]

Hi guys,

I've been due an upgrade for just over 3 months now and really don't know what to get. I was all set on the N97 but have really gone off that now and think I want to give android a try. I'm really unsure about the new HTC Hero, it looks really good but the lack of flash on camera and lack of file transfer over bluetooth bother me. Plus is the android market really that good? I've had a look and it doesn't knock my socks off. I've got loads of games and applications on my Nokia 5800 which I got for free.

So my question is, those who have the Hero is it any good? Are the apps/games any good?

Also what other android handsets are coming soon? I know Samsung/Motorola/Sony Ericsson are all developing but any ideas when?

Cheers in advance

[NicolasB]

The Sony Xperia X3 is supposed to be Android based, and looks like a very serious piece of kit: 4" OLED screen, twice the screen resolution and twice the processor GHz of the Hero, plus an 8MP camera with a flash. Quite when it'll be out is anyone's guess - some time between now and Christmas seems like safe bet.

The Samsung Galaxy (i7500) is more similar to the Hero, and should be out very soon, I believe.

Link: Samsung I7500 preview: First look - GSMArena.com

I haven't had much of a chance to play with the Hero, and I'm new to the smartphone game but it seemed pretty slick - about as close as you can get to an iPhone without actually being an iPhone (although if that's what you're looking for then maybe you should actually get an iPhone! ). The screen supports multi-touch, and it's all very nicely intergrated and designed to be operated with a finger rather than a stylus.