HTC Hero vs Nokia N900

[adrian4408]

I'm ready for my upgrade and after asking 3 for my MAC code they offered me a free HTC Hero and knock £5 per month off my current tariff. But I'm still loving how good the N900 looks and now I'm wondering which is best?

I'm not fussed about the slide out QWERTY on the N900 or the lack of storage on the Hero (a 16gb micro SD will solve that.) So those points aside which is best? At the moment the lack of a flash is the only thing putting me off the Hero.

I don't want to enter into another 18 month contract, only to get phone envy in the next couple of months.

Also does anyone know if 3 is getting the N900 and if so when?

[NicolasB]

Had you thought about the HTC HD2 instead?

[denver]

I really like the look of both these phones too. I'm probably more tempted by the N900, but thats because I'm a developer and I really want to play around with it, write some apps myself (Android is all Java based).

Flash is supposed to be coming to Android next year. Having said that it does remain to be seen how well it'll run on any mobile platform if it's really pushed (this applied to the N900 as well. It comes with flash 9.4 which is good for almost everything bar BBC Iplayer, which is the one thing I use! It'll be getting Flash 10 next year too).

The N900 has the advantage that you can do anything you like with it. You don't have to buy your apps from the android store, or do anything naughty to get root access. The hero is more "mainstream" -- the N900 doesn't support MMS out of the box, for example, and it'll be a few months before it gets some of the bluetooth profiles it's missing. Navigation apps for the Hero are better too (currently only Ovi Maps 1.0 on the N900, and no google maps).

Right now, the hero is more "complete" and if you don't want to wait, or mess about getting things set up, it's the device to go for. The N900 (IMO) has the potential to be better, but is still rough around the edges. Nokia consider this step 5 of a 6 step plan, so in a year to 18 months they'll probably release a more complete version (built on a lot of open source stuff from the community) which should be an absolute killer.

I don't think you can go terribly wrong with either, they're both excellent devices from what I can tell (still not actually physically played with an N900, just the dev tools and emulators) , it really comes down to whether you want that extra "do anything" flexability of the N900 or the more polish of the hero. If you want something to mainly be a phone with a bit of surfing I'd say go Hero. If you want to do more internet based stuff (VoIP, IM, Browsing) then N900.

[adrian4408]

I've now heard that the N900 won't work on three. Is this true? if so this means I now need to pick between N97 or N97 Mini or HTC Hero.

Any help on that one either?

[denver]

As I understand it (according to Nokia) there is an issue with some new 3 SIMs and the N900. They have stated it will be fixed in a firmware update before the end of the year.

I'd imagine we'll find out for sure next week when the phone is released how common the problem is (and if they managed to get a fix into the release firmware -- the issue was found on pre release units).

I suspect it might be a month til it's sorted, but they have definitely stated it's only with newer SIMs, so I'm waiting to see what the deal is next week! Even though waiting meant I missed the (brief) 300 quid pre-order price!

As for the N97/mini I've heard really good things about the new firmware. Not sure when that'll arrive on three though - should be soon. The current firmware has a few issues, but 2.0 fixes most of them, and makes it look like a credible alternative. Personally I think the hero would edge it for me though. The N97 does have the benefit of the built in storage though.

[adrian4408]

I've looked at the HD2 but the windows phones haven't received good reviews so I think I'll pass on that one.

[addyb]

Originally Posted by adrian4408

I've looked at the HD2 but the windows phones haven't received good reviews so I think I'll pass on that one.

Thats true, until the HD2!

[adrian4408]

The only thing now stopping me from getting the HTC Hero is the camera, some of the reviews have slated the camera. Not bothered about video, but I take stills a fair bit, mainly as I don't see the point in having a digital when I have my n95 8gb. I never have any room to carry a separate camera round with me, so it great for getting those drunken moments on Facebook. I also use it for photos for eBay and I've even been able to use it as a scanner.

Any chance the HTC hero's camera could be that good? Does anyone have one and if so could you upload a pic or 2.

[RobM83]

Originally Posted by adrian4408

I've looked at the HD2 but the windows phones haven't received good reviews so I think I'll pass on that one.

Don't confuse Windows Mobile 6.1 with 6.5 as they are totally different beasts. If you're reading a review of a WM mobile, make sure it's 6.5.

And don't base your judgement of one phone (HD2) on the review of another, as each manufacturer puts their own customisation onto the device.

Read the reviews and watch the videos of the HD2 and make your mind up based on that.

[adrian4408]

I've taken your advice & looked into the HD2. I have to say it looks impressive, but I've decided to upgrade now instead of waiting. Want to get my nokia n95 8gb on ebay before everyone spends their cash on presents for everyone else.

As the HD2 isn't on three yet nor is the N900, I've chosen the HTC Hero, had play with it in store and the camera isn't that bad. I guess the demo handset in store had received the ROM update has the roller ball issue (the ball been both zoom control and shutter in camera mode) isn't a problem any more.

Also, my top tip, when upgrading with three, call customer services and go through to disconnections not upgrade options. After half an hour or bartering (I've watched too much "Don't get done, get Dom") and telling them a few little lies about what other companies have offered me. I got 500 minutes, unlimited texts & unlimited internet on an 18month contract with a one off fee of £20 for the HTC Hero (which I got it down from £100) all for £23 per month!

Now what is the biggest micro SD card it'll take? Three website says 8GB but I've seen 16GB elsewhere. Anyone for definite? Any chance it'll take a 32GB?

[addyb]

My wifes got the hero and to be honest the camera is pretty crap. My wife normally cant tell but even shes disappointed with the camera.

The rest of the hero is great though and i prefer it over my iphone.

[adrian4408]

I agree with you on the camera being crap but it's not as bad as I thought it would be after reading all the reviews. Still better than the iphone's 3 mega pixel shooter and not bothered by the video recording functions.

[addyb]

Originally Posted by adrian4408

I agree with you on the camera being crap but it's not as bad as I thought it would be after reading all the reviews. Still better than the iphone's 3 mega pixel shooter and not bothered by the video recording functions.

I think the camera is better on the iphone. Its certainly produced better shots imo. Its the only thing on the iphone i thinks better than the hero.

[nickhopkins07]

Originally Posted by adrian4408

I've taken your advice & looked into the HD2. I have to say it looks impressive, but I've decided to upgrade now instead of waiting. Want to get my nokia n95 8gb on ebay before everyone spends their cash on presents for everyone else.

As the HD2 isn't on three yet nor is the N900, I've chosen the HTC Hero, had play with it in store and the camera isn't that bad. I guess the demo handset in store had received the ROM update has the roller ball issue (the ball been both zoom control and shutter in camera mode) isn't a problem any more.

Also, my top tip, when upgrading with three, call customer services and go through to disconnections not upgrade options. After half an hour or bartering (I've watched too much "Don't get done, get Dom") and telling them a few little lies about what other companies have offered me. I got 500 minutes, unlimited texts & unlimited internet on an 18month contract with a one off fee of £20 for the HTC Hero (which I got it down from £100) all for £23 per month!

Now what is the biggest micro SD card it'll take? Three website says 8GB but I've seen 16GB elsewhere. Anyone for definite? Any chance it'll take a 32GB?

Thats a cracking deal, I'm on three and the contract expires mid december. Had a bit of a nightmare with them onthis contract, have given them a quick ring about upgrading to the Hero, but the deal they offered me was pretty rubbish so had all but decided to leave them, plus the new Android phones on the horizon making me want to hold off, but I might have to give disconections a ring and see if I can get a deal like that!

[nickhopkins07]

Oh, meant to ask, what colours do three offer on the Hero?