Comments on: HTC Touch Diamond: First Impressions http://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/ Everyone can understand technology; sometimes it just takes a little translating. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:16:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Mitchell Okehttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37766 Mitchell Oke Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:30:23 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37766 Yes the battery is 900mAh, which isn't very big, especially compare to some Windows Mobile devices. It is very small though... Insp_Gadget, we have both 2100Mhz and 850Mhz 3G here (stupid carriers....). Telstra uses the 850Mhz network (which I have to admit is absolutely brilliant), and the other carriers (Vodafone, Optus and Three) use the 2100Mhz band. I'm on Three simply because their data rates are CONSIDERABLY cheaper than everyone elses. If money wasn't such an issue, I'd be very much in the Telstra camp. With regards to the signal, I don't get very good signal inside my house, but the Nokia never had any issues with it. The Diamond must have a weaker radio, which frankly is disappointing. That word contiunously rolls through my mind when using the Diamond. They should have called it the HTC Touch Disappointment. May seem harsh, but alas it's true. Yes the battery is 900mAh, which isn’t very big, especially compare to some Windows Mobile devices. It is very small though…

Insp_Gadget, we have both 2100Mhz and 850Mhz 3G here (stupid carriers….). Telstra uses the 850Mhz network (which I have to admit is absolutely brilliant), and the other carriers (Vodafone, Optus and Three) use the 2100Mhz band. I’m on Three simply because their data rates are CONSIDERABLY cheaper than everyone elses. If money wasn’t such an issue, I’d be very much in the Telstra camp.

With regards to the signal, I don’t get very good signal inside my house, but the Nokia never had any issues with it. The Diamond must have a weaker radio, which frankly is disappointing.

That word contiunously rolls through my mind when using the Diamond. They should have called it the HTC Touch Disappointment. May seem harsh, but alas it’s true.

]]> By: Insp_Gadgethttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37763 Insp_Gadget Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:26:23 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37763 Okay, I just re-read the post and see that Mitchell mentions Telstra (an Australian provider). I'm not positive, but I believe their 3G operates in the 850MHz band, which is not compatible the the European Touch Diamond. That would explain the poor signal. Okay, I just re-read the post and see that Mitchell mentions Telstra (an Australian provider). I’m not positive, but I believe their 3G operates in the 850MHz band, which is not compatible the the European Touch Diamond. That would explain the poor signal.

]]> By: Insp_Gadgethttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37762 Insp_Gadget Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:19:34 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37762 Indeed, it has a 900mAh battery, but if it was searching for signal the whole time, any size battery would die under those conditions. Indeed, it has a 900mAh battery, but if it was searching for signal the whole time, any size battery would die under those conditions.

]]> By: Insp_Gadgethttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37761 Insp_Gadget Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:16:37 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37761 Very curious. Was this first impression review from in the U.S. or Europe? Considering that the only Touch Diamond currently available is for European/Asian markets, and the 3G bands for it don't work in the U.S., that might explain the poor signal quality (assuming Mitchell is in the U.S.). If Mitchell is in the U.S., I don't think it is fair to criticize the signal quality, since the device is not meant for the U.S. market. Admittedly, I have yet to see the device first-hand, so I'll reserve judgment until I can hold and play with one myself; however, all of the video reviews I've seen suggest that the device is quite responsive. Of course, those reviews were done in Europe where the device has access to the proper signals. Very curious. Was this first impression review from in the U.S. or Europe? Considering that the only Touch Diamond currently available is for European/Asian markets, and the 3G bands for it don’t work in the U.S., that might explain the poor signal quality (assuming Mitchell is in the U.S.).

If Mitchell is in the U.S., I don’t think it is fair to criticize the signal quality, since the device is not meant for the U.S. market.

Admittedly, I have yet to see the device first-hand, so I’ll reserve judgment until I can hold and play with one myself; however, all of the video reviews I’ve seen suggest that the device is quite responsive. Of course, those reviews were done in Europe where the device has access to the proper signals.

]]> By: Christopher Gavulahttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37758 Christopher Gavula Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:38:25 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37758 The things I've seen indicate it has a 900mAh battery. The things I’ve seen indicate it has a 900mAh battery.

]]> By: dckiwihttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37757 dckiwi Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:41:46 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37757 I have re-read this about five times and still can't believe what I am reading: "I disconnected the Diamond from it’s charger at 6:30am, and by 12pm ... I had the low battery warning indicator showing in the menu bar." What's astounding is 1) You were at work so it wasn't being hammered, 2) It's a relatively new battery so should have some legs. Given this info, 5-6 hours (under minimal use) is all that we can expect from this device? Even with the 3g radio on it should stretch out.... What's the gas tank (mAh)? I have re-read this about five times and still can’t believe what I am reading: “I disconnected the Diamond from it’s charger at 6:30am, and by 12pm … I had the low battery warning indicator showing in the menu bar.”

What’s astounding is 1) You were at work so it wasn’t being hammered, 2) It’s a relatively new battery so should have some legs.

Given this info, 5-6 hours (under minimal use) is all that we can expect from this device? Even with the 3g radio on it should stretch out….

What’s the gas tank (mAh)?

]]> By: Christopher Gavulahttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37756 Christopher Gavula Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:50:45 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37756 It's interesting. Despite the higher-res VGA screen, the Diamond only has a 65K (16 bit) color depth as opposed to the iPhon'es 24bit (over 1 million colors) color depth. Why does this matter? It's part of what adds to the smooth look of the Apple screen. It makes photos and video look better on the iPhone, despite the resolution difference. The Nokia, despite a mediocre 240*320 disply boasts an even higher color depth, which again, helps make up for the resolution differences. People often downplay the importance of color depth when considering how we perceive the display. It's nearly as important (when used properly) as resolution. The other thing I find interesting is that there is a review and discussion over on another website about how, if we're being truly objective, that Opera 9.5 is a better browser than Safari and is more standards compliant (even though at least one standards organization says otherwise). That discussion mentions <i>nothing</i> of these glitches/problems. I was hoping for more from the Diamond as well. Perhaps things will improve as patches become available for it. It will be interesting to see how well it sells here in the North America, where the Blackberry is king of the Smartphones, iPhone outsells WM devices, and Nokia is a much smaller player than elsewhere. It’s interesting. Despite the higher-res VGA screen, the Diamond only has a 65K (16 bit) color depth as opposed to the iPhon’es 24bit (over 1 million colors) color depth. Why does this matter? It’s part of what adds to the smooth look of the Apple screen. It makes photos and video look better on the iPhone, despite the resolution difference. The Nokia, despite a mediocre 240*320 disply boasts an even higher color depth, which again, helps make up for the resolution differences. People often downplay the importance of color depth when considering how we perceive the display. It’s nearly as important (when used properly) as resolution.

The other thing I find interesting is that there is a review and discussion over on another website about how, if we’re being truly objective, that Opera 9.5 is a better browser than Safari and is more standards compliant (even though at least one standards organization says otherwise). That discussion mentions nothing of these glitches/problems.

I was hoping for more from the Diamond as well. Perhaps things will improve as patches become available for it. It will be interesting to see how well it sells here in the North America, where the Blackberry is king of the Smartphones, iPhone outsells WM devices, and Nokia is a much smaller player than elsewhere.

]]> By: Christopher Sperahttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37753 Christopher Spera Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:22:07 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37753 For the cost of this device, I'm very disappointed with the performance it delivers. This is meant to compete DIRECTLY with Apple/AT&T's iPhone and iPhone 3G. Its not going to do well unless there are some very serious performance increases here. I don't think this is an OS related issue. Its likely the enhancements that HTC has layered on it. They need to do some SERIOUS optimization or this thing is going to crash and burn. While the Diamond offers some really cool hardware designs, its specs aren't that stellar and seem to be stuck in the same ol'-same ol' category. This device didn't live up to the hype and I'm disappointed... For the cost of this device, I’m very disappointed with the performance it delivers. This is meant to compete DIRECTLY with Apple/AT&T’s iPhone and iPhone 3G. Its not going to do well unless there are some very serious performance increases here. I don’t think this is an OS related issue. Its likely the enhancements that HTC has layered on it. They need to do some SERIOUS optimization or this thing is going to crash and burn. While the Diamond offers some really cool hardware designs, its specs aren’t that stellar and seem to be stuck in the same ol’-same ol’ category.

This device didn’t live up to the hype and I’m disappointed…

]]> By: The Roller Coaster Tails About The Diamond Continues… | SolSie.comhttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37752 The Roller Coaster Tails About The Diamond Continues… | SolSie.com Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:00:33 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37752 [...] Oke form GearDiary (US based) posted his latest first hands-on experience on the HTC Touch Diamond loaded with the latest ROM (according to Mitchell without showing actually [...] [...] Oke form GearDiary (US based) posted his latest first hands-on experience on the HTC Touch Diamond loaded with the latest ROM (according to Mitchell without showing actually [...]

]]> By: Mickeyhttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-69536 Mickey Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:52:42 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-69536 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">Glad to see another HTC Diamond review that is honest about issues http://tinyurl.com/6ywmq5</span></span> Glad to see another HTC Diamond review that is honest about issues http://tinyurl.com/6ywmq5

]]> By: Mitchell Okehttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37748 Mitchell Oke Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:18:13 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37748 My Diamond is loaded with the latest ROM, which apparently improved performance, in which case I'm very glad never to have used the previous version. The touch wheel functionality seems to be very limited. The only place I have found it to do anything is in Opera. It zooms the pages in and out. Yes Telstra are bring it out, I would have been at the launch but I had to work. Mid-August for $999 outright or on an $80 plan for 24mths. Nokia are simply the best, no doubt about it. No other manufacturer can touch them (no pun intended) in that area at the moment. My Diamond is loaded with the latest ROM, which apparently improved performance, in which case I’m very glad never to have used the previous version.

The touch wheel functionality seems to be very limited. The only place I have found it to do anything is in Opera. It zooms the pages in and out.

Yes Telstra are bring it out, I would have been at the launch but I had to work. Mid-August for $999 outright or on an $80 plan for 24mths.

Nokia are simply the best, no doubt about it. No other manufacturer can touch them (no pun intended) in that area at the moment.

]]> By: TrvlngDrewhttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37747 TrvlngDrew Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:11:53 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37747 Hi Mitchell, Have you had a chance yet to install the performance upgrade,curious to see your impressions after that.. I had a chance to play with one a couple of weeks ago and try to see if they have fixed the iPod like function with the touch wheel. It didn't work in all apps on a pre-rpoduction model.. I understand that Telstra is picking up the Diamond on an exclusive starting in August, but can't confirm.. Hope things improve... :-P Seems no one can keep with Nokia and Motorola when it comes to radio strength and call quality.. Really too bad.. :-( Hi Mitchell, Have you had a chance yet to install the performance upgrade,curious to see your impressions after that..

I had a chance to play with one a couple of weeks ago and try to see if they have fixed the iPod like function with the touch wheel. It didn’t work in all apps on a pre-rpoduction model..

I understand that Telstra is picking up the Diamond on an exclusive starting in August, but can’t confirm.. Hope things improve… :-P

Seems no one can keep with Nokia and Motorola when it comes to radio strength and call quality.. Really too bad.. :-(

]]> By: kevinnugenthttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37746 kevinnugent Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:59:47 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37746 Mitchell, I had the same impressions and results as you. eBay was my friend. :) Hurry up with my iPhone 3G, Steve! Mitchell, I had the same impressions and results as you. eBay was my friend. :)

Hurry up with my iPhone 3G, Steve!

]]> By: Doug Goldringhttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37743 Doug Goldring Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:56:06 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37743 Nice job, Mitchell. I have been fantasizing about this one for a while. Sorry to hear that it is (once again for HTC) not up to snuff in certain areas. :( Doug Nice job, Mitchell. I have been fantasizing about this one for a while. Sorry to hear that it is (once again for HTC) not up to snuff in certain areas. :(

Doug

]]> By: Wayne Schulzhttp://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/26/htc-touch-diamond-first-impressions/#comment-37741 Wayne Schulz Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:41:18 +0000 http://www.geardiary.com/?p=9668#comment-37741 Thanks for the first impressions. I like the looks of this but your comments are pretty much what I was expecting. Thanks for the first impressions. I like the looks of this but your comments are pretty much what I was expecting.

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