T Mobile Compact V

[Merlin5]

Got my upgrade coming up in november. Used to use the T-Mobile Compact III which is in the drawer, and replaced it with the T-Mobile Compact IV (HTC Diamond) about a year ago which I currently use. I like phones with a stylus hence why I'm now considering the Compact V which is the Diamond 2. Thing is, both my phones suffer from really really awful battery life. I have to keep this Compact IV on continual charge, and I don't even use the touch flo, just the standard windows mobile 6.1 interface. Even on standby without using my phone, the battery is half drained after an hour. I understand that the Diamond 2 is much improved on things like the touch screen, but I also read a couple of reviews on the T-Mobile site (via kelkoo) saying that there's still battery problems. Can anyone confirm if that's true or has anyone here found the battery life is good?

Also, do I need to stick with windows mobile, or is android just as easy for transferring pictures, movies, files, etc from and to my pc? What about syncing? When I sync, it uses outlook for my contacts and calendar appointments. And I use spb backup for full automatic nightly backups. What does android or other phone OS use?

 

[Robbo]

Does it need to have a Stylus? There are far better options for phones around at the moment.

The best phone at the minute I think, that comes with a built in Stylus (very neatly, I might add) is the Nokia N900. It's battery is decent enough to last a few days. Has a very good camera too, although its interface and operating system you might find annoying/ugly.

I would probably recommend an Android phone and then buy a stylus if you really want one, but with a capacitive touchscreen you really really don't need one.

You should be able to setup any sort of syncing you require via Android, I haven't used syncing that much myself though.

 

[Columbo]

Well firstly is there any specific reason you want WinMo?

It is now essentially a dead OS as WM7 is due anytime and there's no way I'd be buying into a smartphone with no upgrade path.

Secondly what do you need a stylus specifically for? I understand that they are more accurate and I used to love mine but since moving to Android I have'nt missed mine once.

I find capacitive screens far easier to use for everyday use and having used a resistive screen a fews weeks ago can say I will not touch one again.

All my contacts were automatically pulled in from both Gmail & Facebook the first time I sync'd so I never even had to worry about it.

For your backup needs I'm sure that something on the Android Market would be able to replace it but I could'nt state anything specific.

 

[Merlin5]

Thanks very much guys, I think I'll go take a look at some android phones then.

What's a capacitive screen then? Is that more like the iphone, more sensitive? Anything has to be better than the touch screen on my diamond which is pretty awful.

I like a stylus for typing texts and anything on the phone where my fingers and thumbs are all.. well. fingers and thumbs. But I'm happy to be talked out of them since there are limited phones with them these days.

 

[dbmzk1]

Thanks very much guys, I think I'll go take a look at some android phones then.

What's a capacitive screen then? Is that more like the iphone, more sensitive? Anything has to be better than the touch screen on my diamond which is pretty awful.

I like a stylus for typing texts and anything on the phone where my fingers and thumbs are all.. well. fingers and thumbs. But I'm happy to be talked out of them since there are limited phones with them these days.

A capacitive screen detects anything that conducts electricity, like your finger. Rather than detecting pressure like a resistive screen. A normal stylus won't work on a capacitive screen, for example, though you can get ones that work with them but there really is no need. They are much easier to use with just your finger, not requiring any pressure and are very accurate.

I'd suggest going to a phone store any trying something like a HTC Desire and see what you think of it. They are a joy to use

 

[Robbo]

Thanks very much guys, I think I'll go take a look at some android phones then.

What's a capacitive screen then? Is that more like the iphone, more sensitive? Anything has to be better than the touch screen on my diamond which is pretty awful.

Capactive means that the screen is much more responsive and will respond to a very faint touch.

Resistive means that you need to press on the screen and 'drag' your finger, ugh, they're horrible to use.

I like a stylus for typing texts and anything on the phone where my fingers and thumbs are all.. well. fingers and thumbs. But I'm happy to be talked out of them since there are limited phones with them these days.

Once you get used to the touch screen keyboard, you will love it. They work very well and are certainly a step up from a stylus/keypad, you'll get the hang of it fairly quickly, dont worry about that.

You also have the option of Swype, which (for some people) is extremely impressive.

Edit - what dbmzk1 too