Finally tried an Android device... windows mobile is terrrrrible

[Guest Echo30]

I was at the mall with my wife last night and for some reason I've never tried out an Android device. So we stopped by a cell phone store to see if they had a display one that people could screw around with. They did, and I used it.

It was like a chorus of angels started singing. It was bright, clear, bouncy, FAST, intuitive.

Everything windows mobile is not.

I've never really liked the iPhone, and not too long ago I didn't get what the fuss was about Android. But I get it now.

What on earth is wrong with Microsoft? How could they not see what was in store for os's?

I'm seriously annoyed now that I'm stuck with my O2 and have to wait until I can afford to blow some cash on an Android device. Going from using that thing in the mall, back to my slow, sluggish, not-as-pretty phone, I felt like a 9 year old wishing I had a better GI Joe toy. Like honestly the difference is night and day. Android was responsive, it was fun to use.

And yes I've used the different plugins and shells for wm. Spb is good, but just doesn't have it in the looks department. And I can't flash my phone, it would void the insurance and warranty.

Maybe it's the capacitative screen that makes a difference graphics-wise? Cause my wife's iPhone always looks slicker than mine, no matter what app/menu item/dialer/anything.

Why did I post this? Just to rant, you gotta let it out somewhere. Sorry if I'm being negative, but I just feel like anyone who's invested in a smartphone that isn't an Android or iPhone got ripped off. Sure the iPhone is locked down and not customizable in any way, but it moves like the freakin wind and is easy to use. Not like the bloated sluggish O2 that takes 30 seconds to open the camera.

The ONLY problem I've seen with Droid phones is that most of them... are ugly. Like butt ugly, blocky, weird looking (at least here in Canada). I'm not interested in a physical keyboard, I prefer a soft one. But the droid phones just look, really bad. With the exception of the Galaxy S Vibrant at Bell. But that of course is a Samsung one, and I've heard TouchWiz 3.0 or whatever they're calling it isn't much better than ours. At any rate I've learned my lesson about Samsung and won't be going down that path again.

I honestly just had to get all that of my chest. I'm more pissed at Microsoft (I know, join the club), for putting out such an absolute garbage product compared to its competitors. Actually wait, they're not really in the same league. Commercials on TV will always say "get the app for your iPhone, Android, or Blackberry". Funny how wm is never included.

/rant

[Guest Omega Ra]

I was at the mall with my wife last night and for some reason I've never tried out an Android device. So we stopped by a cell phone store to see if they had a display one that people could screw around with. They did, and I used it.

It was like a chorus of angels started singing. It was bright, clear, bouncy, FAST, intuitive.

Everything windows mobile is not.

I've never really liked the iPhone, and not too long ago I didn't get what the fuss was about Android. But I get it now.

What on earth is wrong with Microsoft? How could they not see what was in store for os's?

I'm seriously annoyed now that I'm stuck with my O2 and have to wait until I can afford to blow some cash on an Android device. Going from using that thing in the mall, back to my slow, sluggish, not-as-pretty phone, I felt like a 9 year old wishing I had a better GI Joe toy. Like honestly the difference is night and day. Android was responsive, it was fun to use.

And yes I've used the different plugins and shells for wm. Spb is good, but just doesn't have it in the looks department. And I can't flash my phone, it would void the insurance and warranty.

Maybe it's the capacitative screen that makes a difference graphics-wise? Cause my wife's iPhone always looks slicker than mine, no matter what app/menu item/dialer/anything.

Why did I post this? Just to rant, you gotta let it out somewhere. Sorry if I'm being negative, but I just feel like anyone who's invested in a smartphone that isn't an Android or iPhone got ripped off. Sure the iPhone is locked down and not customizable in any way, but it moves like the freakin wind and is easy to use. Not like the bloated sluggish O2 that takes 30 seconds to open the camera.

The ONLY problem I've seen with Droid phones is that most of them... are ugly. Like butt ugly, blocky, weird looking (at least here in Canada). I'm not interested in a physical keyboard, I prefer a soft one. But the droid phones just look, really bad. With the exception of the Galaxy S Vibrant at Bell. But that of course is a Samsung one, and I've heard TouchWiz 3.0 or whatever they're calling it isn't much better than ours. At any rate I've learned my lesson about Samsung and won't be going down that path again.

I honestly just had to get all that of my chest. I'm more pissed at Microsoft (I know, join the club), for putting out such an absolute garbage product compared to its competitors. Actually wait, they're not really in the same league. Commercials on TV will always say "get the app for your iPhone, Android, or Blackberry". Funny how wm is never included.

/rant

You have to remember. This OS is OLD. far older than either the iOS or Android. The problem is that until now microsoft hasn't bothered trying to improve it properly. They have now given up on Windows mobile and have started from scratch with Windows Phone. Come November with the release of WP7 microsoft should finally have a competitive OS. Granted not all the features we have now will be available at launch, but they will come. WP7 will have tons of integration with MS service suchs as Live, Bing, Office, Skydrive, Xbox, and of course other things such as Facebook. So I would wait a couple months and check that out before you make any decisions. You may still want to go with Android, but at least you can check out the new MS OS first.

[Guest Namar]

I was at the mall with my wife last night and for some reason I've never tried out an Android device. So we stopped by a cell phone store to see if they had a display one that people could screw around with. They did, and I used it.

It was like a chorus of angels started singing. It was bright, clear, bouncy, FAST, intuitive.

Everything windows mobile is not.

I've never really liked the iPhone, and not too long ago I didn't get what the fuss was about Android. But I get it now.

What on earth is wrong with Microsoft? How could they not see what was in store for os's?

I'm seriously annoyed now that I'm stuck with my O2 and have to wait until I can afford to blow some cash on an Android device. Going from using that thing in the mall, back to my slow, sluggish, not-as-pretty phone, I felt like a 9 year old wishing I had a better GI Joe toy. Like honestly the difference is night and day. Android was responsive, it was fun to use.

And yes I've used the different plugins and shells for wm. Spb is good, but just doesn't have it in the looks department. And I can't flash my phone, it would void the insurance and warranty.

Maybe it's the capacitative screen that makes a difference graphics-wise? Cause my wife's iPhone always looks slicker than mine, no matter what app/menu item/dialer/anything.

Why did I post this? Just to rant, you gotta let it out somewhere. Sorry if I'm being negative, but I just feel like anyone who's invested in a smartphone that isn't an Android or iPhone got ripped off. Sure the iPhone is locked down and not customizable in any way, but it moves like the freakin wind and is easy to use. Not like the bloated sluggish O2 that takes 30 seconds to open the camera.

The ONLY problem I've seen with Droid phones is that most of them... are ugly. Like butt ugly, blocky, weird looking (at least here in Canada). I'm not interested in a physical keyboard, I prefer a soft one. But the droid phones just look, really bad. With the exception of the Galaxy S Vibrant at Bell. But that of course is a Samsung one, and I've heard TouchWiz 3.0 or whatever they're calling it isn't much better than ours. At any rate I've learned my lesson about Samsung and won't be going down that path again.

I honestly just had to get all that of my chest. I'm more pissed at Microsoft (I know, join the club), for putting out such an absolute garbage product compared to its competitors. Actually wait, they're not really in the same league. Commercials on TV will always say "get the app for your iPhone, Android, or Blackberry". Funny how wm is never included.

/rant

Hmmmm!!!!!! My opinion. You made me to check how long it takes for the camera on my o2 to open when I click on it. It takes just 3 seconds. I cannot remember how many times I have flashed my O2 and I will keep flashing as long as there are new ROMS out there. I figure you are still using the ROM which came with your phone which actually is laggy. I love my O2.

[Guest bmt10]

You also need to keep in mine that if you are using a display store model then you are using the newest top of the line model they have to show off, and comparing it to a year old phone.

Brightness you have a point windows mobile severely limits our AMOLED screen in that department, setting it next to a htc incredible which has the same screen makes the omnia look as dull as comparing the O2 to the first omnia.

But I'm the "tech" guy of the family and I get to do all the work on their phones which happen to be androids, one of them is the incredible and while it's fast with it's newer processor the stock versions of it is just as frustrating at times as the stock version of the O2 which is what you're using, the other android is the not nearly as high end eris(hero) and that stock is considerably slower than my tweaked O2 and was just as bad if not worse as stock O2.

Oh and commercials...if you really want to compare the available applications for each os the only one that holds a candle to winmo is android...iphones have the marketing and blackberries the reputation but below the advertising surface they have nothing.

Edited August 25, 2010 by bmt10

[Guest chokia]

I also want to jump ship to Android, waiting for Samsung Beam, but the review says the phone is sluggish due to the CPU only 750Mhz (O2 is 800Mhz). And Singapore Starhub already removed this phone from their website even they 're the one who announced to the world as the first one to launch the phone. maybe the phones were recalled to the poor review. Plus it also still running 2.1.

I need Beam with Android 2.2 + 1Ghz CPU + >4" Super Amoled + 8MP HD video recording + Pico Projector for the holiday season

Samsung do you read this? Hello

[Guest Echo30]

Good points guys thanks for the replies. I didn't drill down into the OS at all, just saw what was on the front screen. And I keep forgetting that, while new to me, the O2 is ancient technology in the world of smartphones.

Guess what I'm saying is when it comes time for my next device I'll be doing much much more testing and shopping than I did for the O2.

[Guest bmt10]

Good points guys thanks for the replies. I didn't drill down into the OS at all, just saw what was on the front screen. And I keep forgetting that, while new to me, the O2 is ancient technology in the world of smartphones.

Guess what I'm saying is when it comes time for my next device I'll be doing much much more testing and shopping than I did for the O2.

Well by the time winmo will probably be replaced by Windows phone 7 and on their current path that looks as bad as the iphone OS, so android will probably be your only choice, it's going to be my only one since verizon will surely still be the only reliable carrier in the area.

[Guest Echo30]

Well by the time winmo will probably be replaced by Windows phone 7 and on their current path that looks as bad as the iphone OS, so android will probably be your only choice, it's going to be my only one since verizon will surely still be the only reliable carrier in the area.

That's pretty much where my thoughts are at as well. WP7 looks like it might be up to par (might), but yeah it looks like another iPhone (customizable-speaking)

[Guest Elwee1]

I was at the mall with my wife last night and for some reason I've never tried out an Android device. So we stopped by a cell phone store to see if they had a display one that people could screw around with. They did, and I used it.

It was like a chorus of angels started singing. It was bright, clear, bouncy, FAST, intuitive.

Everything windows mobile is not.

I've never really liked the iPhone, and not too long ago I didn't get what the fuss was about Android. But I get it now.

What on earth is wrong with Microsoft? How could they not see what was in store for os's?

I'm seriously annoyed now that I'm stuck with my O2 and have to wait until I can afford to blow some cash on an Android device. Going from using that thing in the mall, back to my slow, sluggish, not-as-pretty phone, I felt like a 9 year old wishing I had a better GI Joe toy. Like honestly the difference is night and day. Android was responsive, it was fun to use.

And yes I've used the different plugins and shells for wm. Spb is good, but just doesn't have it in the looks department. And I can't flash my phone, it would void the insurance and warranty.

Maybe it's the capacitative screen that makes a difference graphics-wise? Cause my wife's iPhone always looks slicker than mine, no matter what app/menu item/dialer/anything.

Why did I post this? Just to rant, you gotta let it out somewhere. Sorry if I'm being negative, but I just feel like anyone who's invested in a smartphone that isn't an Android or iPhone got ripped off. Sure the iPhone is locked down and not customizable in any way, but it moves like the freakin wind and is easy to use. Not like the bloated sluggish O2 that takes 30 seconds to open the camera.

The ONLY problem I've seen with Droid phones is that most of them... are ugly. Like butt ugly, blocky, weird looking (at least here in Canada). I'm not interested in a physical keyboard, I prefer a soft one. But the droid phones just look, really bad. With the exception of the Galaxy S Vibrant at Bell. But that of course is a Samsung one, and I've heard TouchWiz 3.0 or whatever they're calling it isn't much better than ours. At any rate I've learned my lesson about Samsung and won't be going down that path again.

I honestly just had to get all that of my chest. I'm more pissed at Microsoft (I know, join the club), for putting out such an absolute garbage product compared to its competitors. Actually wait, they're not really in the same league. Commercials on TV will always say "get the app for your iPhone, Android, or Blackberry". Funny how wm is never included.

/rant

hi,

i am agreed that the O2 are sluggish then the andriod (which phone?). But maybe you will have other opinion if you have tried the HTC HD2, which is way smooth and faster then the O2. so, its not only the OS that are matter, it was also the hardware manufacturere fault..

For now, my next phone would be the Galaxy S which is way superior then my O2..

cheers,

[Guest Albert Poon]

You have to remember. This OS is OLD. far older than either the iOS or Android. The problem is that until now microsoft hasn't bothered trying to improve it properly. They have now given up on Windows mobile and have started from scratch with Windows Phone. Come November with the release of WP7 microsoft should finally have a competitive OS. Granted not all the features we have now will be available at launch, but they will come. WP7 will have tons of integration with MS service suchs as Live, Bing, Office, Skydrive, Xbox, and of course other things such as Facebook. So I would wait a couple months and check that out before you make any decisions. You may still want to go with Android, but at least you can check out the new MS OS first.

I checked out Win31 when it was new; I checked out Win311FWG when it was new; I checked out Win95 when it was new; I checked out Win98 when it was new; I checked out WinME when it was new; I checked out Win2K when it was new; I checked out WinXP when it was new; I checked out Vista... no I didn't check it out; I checked out Win7 when it isn't new...

Up to WinXP, you get guaranteed BSOD. Hm... well it actually happens on Win7 too, with BlackSOD instead. I had my eyes on HTC HD Mini before I know it is running on WinMo, and I am very happy with my Desire. My advice? Stay away from Micro$uck.

[Guest bmt10]

I checked out Win31 when it was new; I checked out Win311FWG when it was new; I checked out Win95 when it was new; I checked out Win98 when it was new; I checked out WinME when it was new; I checked out Win2K when it was new; I checked out WinXP when it was new; I checked out Vista... no I didn't check it out; I checked out Win7 when it isn't new...

Up to WinXP, you get guaranteed BSOD. Hm... well it actually happens on Win7 too, with BlackSOD instead. I had my eyes on HTC HD Mini before I know it is running on WinMo, and I am very happy with my Desire. My advice? Stay away from Micro$uck.

What does that have to do with winmo, which is running on an entirely different type of OS then then windows nt desktop OSs? Why are you even here when you don't even own an omnia and your only intent is to flame microsoft?

[Guest GunnarKarlsson]

Don't get me wrong, I'm quite satisfied with my omnia II, I have had it since october.

What I have a hard time understanding is why anyone would purchase a new one now. Where I am it is not THAT much cheaper than a "new" device.

But I got to give it to samsung, the camera really rocks. I have not found any better on a phone.

//Gunnar

[Guest darkworldzz]

blablabla...Android is good..blablabla...iphone is great..blablabla..

i love my o2!! its not the perfect device out there.. there are better ones like HD2.. but you just gotta find the best settings and ui to use it with..

S3clock and a good ui and some useful wares Spam alert etc.. and it will still be fast!!

[Guest HAL_9000]

blablabla...Android is good..blablabla...iphone is great..blablabla..

i love my o2!! its not the perfect device out there.. there are better ones like HD2.. but you just gotta find the best settings and ui to use it with..

S3clock and a good ui and some useful wares Spam alert etc.. and it will still be fast!!

Yes. Many people criticizing WM, because they want only dumb and "nice" looking iOS or limitary Android.

WM don't have live wallpapers. I know, its horrible... :huh:

Problem is everybody want only simple and good looking OS, because they didn't understand WM.

WM is not for everybody, but it is a good OS. Maybe quite older, but there are many excellent programs witch making better system.

Edited August 25, 2010 by HAL_9000

[Guest tropolite]

I have to agree with Omega Ra and Gannar, both bring up valid points.

I'm currently at TechEd 2010 in Australia and yesterday we had the keynote with Windows Phone 7 featuring.

I'm quietly (well not so quiet here), confident MS have gone the right direction with WP7 as it has some outstanding features that integrates seemlessly into 'lifestyle'. I for one will be waiting till the end of the year to get Samsung's WP7 offering. There is a great deal of potential from what I can see sprouting from MS's new mobile OS.

Camera is one of the features buy a phone for as well as GPS - and Samsung make a kickass camera which outguns the competition - hands down (IMHO). Samsung have grown so much in their innovation and hardware design of components, no wonder they are the suppliers of CPU chipsets and audio chips of other companies such as Apple, and screens for other other mobile companies.

I like my O2, yes there are things that I'd like to change with it, but what handset is perfect. With forums such as this with dedicated users cooking and putting the time and energy into customising the OSs which are available, it's only just made things better all round. Thank you guys for your contributions.

Each person has their own tastes, and I'm personally looking forward to what's ahead.

Echo30, I feel your frustration. My suggestion is to wait a couple months - if possible. Scope out what WP7 has for you, and at the very least you can get the latest of what the Droids have on offer. Bide your time :huh:

Thanks for sharing...

[Guest Crispy]

I honestly just had to get all that of my chest. I'm more pissed at Microsoft (I know, join the club), for putting out such an absolute garbage product compared to its competitors. Actually wait, they're not really in the same league. Commercials on TV will always say "get the app for your iPhone, Android, or Blackberry". Funny how wm is never included.

I guess Microsoft got too comfortable with their marked share at the time that they forgot to innovate. Didn't even care much about bug reports as far as I recall. Luckily we have a little more choice these days. As people say, wait for WP7 if you wanna go the Microsoft route, otherwise Android is for you :huh:

[Guest GunnarKarlsson]

blablabla...Android is good..blablabla...iphone is great..blablabla..

i love my o2!! its not the perfect device out there.. there are better ones like HD2.. but you just gotta find the best settings and ui to use it with..

S3clock and a good ui and some useful wares Spam alert etc.. and it will still be fast!!

Haven't gotten S3clock or FPUEnabler to work, but with throttlelauncher the phone is quite fast.

[Guest GunnarKarlsson]

WM don't have live wallpapers. I know, its horrible... :huh:

It does too, check out throttlelauncher... ;)

//Gunnar

[Guest bmt10]

I have to agree with Omega Ra and Gannar, both bring up valid points.

I'm currently at TechEd 2010 in Australia and yesterday we had the keynote with Windows Phone 7 featuring.

I'm quietly (well not so quiet here), confident MS have gone the right direction with WP7 as it has some outstanding features that integrates seemlessly into 'lifestyle'. I for one will be waiting till the end of the year to get Samsung's WP7 offering. There is a great deal of potential from what I can see sprouting from MS's new mobile OS.

That may all be, but they must of failed to mention how they intend to remove all the openness that made winmo great...it will be like an iphone running on third instead of first party phones, but even then MS intends to strictly control about everything but the case it comes in.

Edited August 25, 2010 by bmt10

[Guest DLCI]

I was at the mall with my wife last night and for some reason I've never tried out an Android device. So we stopped by a cell phone store to see if they had a display one that people could screw around with. They did, and I used it.

It was like a chorus of angels started singing. It was bright, clear, bouncy, FAST, intuitive.

Everything windows mobile is not.

The main problem is that nowadays you can't simply walk into a shop and try a phone. The only things you see is the GUI. Functionality is well hidden and require settings up accounts and a lot of personal testing...

At least I need min 6-7 days of usage in order to say what the are the +/- of the HW & SW chosen and if I can live with them. All phones have issues and looks like the producers are really putting an effort to hide them well :huh:

If I'm to go for a 500+ euro/$ phone, I'd only buy it with a min of 2 weeks try&return option. Else it's simply matter of luck-as it was with my omnia.

P.S If you compare OSes it's much more difficult as you'd have to compare also the specific versions of the SW you're using, not only the OS&HW. For instance Sportypal is a great SW under WM, but don't ask me how it's working on iphone. Or DME3...

[Guest Albert Poon]

What does that have to do with winmo, which is running on an entirely different type of OS then then windows nt desktop OSs? Why are you even here when you don't even own an omnia and your only intent is to flame microsoft?

Because Micro$uck just sux. Grab an Android and feel it.

Do I really need to own an Omnia? Here in Hong Kong, phone shops are even more than 7-11. We can always go in and play the demos everyday. We always have the latest models and widest range of products here.

I've heard too many people hurray after switching over to Android from WM, but never heard one from Android to WM. Face it.

Edited August 25, 2010 by Albert Poon

[Guest dawo5010]

I just blew SGD$248 on a HTC Desire, bye bye WinMo@MoDaCo, hello Android@MoDaCo!

Seriously, Android is AWESOME and fast and something anyone would LOVE to use!

My Omnia 2 couldn't even send an sms without lagging, let alone call.

[Guest johnchua55]

you just need to flash your phone to at least the latest Official ROM of your country . That would at least give you an improvement in speed. The stock ROM that comes with our phones are definitely horrible. As for warranty as long as you know how to flash your phone properly .... you can always flash back to your Official ROM for warranty purposes.

I've had the "missing my storage" problem 3 times !!!! and i've been able to flash back to official ROM and have samsung service center fix the problem.

[Guest johnchua55]

up until JF5 ROMS came about ..... i was almost ready to give up on my O2 and maybe just sell it quickly ..... but the newer ROMs have definitely breathed new life into our O2.

Faster and more stable ..... memory leak seems to be very minimal.

[Guest silviaccio1]

The main problem is that nowadays you can't simply walk into a shop and try a phone. The only things you see is the GUI. Functionality is well hidden and require settings up accounts and a lot of personal testing...

At least I need min 6-7 days of usage in order to say what the are the +/- of the HW & SW chosen and if I can live with them. All phones have issues and looks like the producers are really putting an effort to hide them well :huh:

If I'm to go for a 500+ euro/$ phone, I'd only buy it with a min of 2 weeks try&return option. Else it's simply matter of luck-as it was with my omnia.

P.S If you compare OSes it's much more difficult as you'd have to compare also the specific versions of the SW you're using, not only the OS&HW. For instance Sportypal is a great SW under WM, but don't ask me how it's working on iphone. Or DME3...

This is the point.

I'm not 100% satisfied by my O2 but the choice of the phone to buy was very well pondered. (MS OS and size mainly in my case)

After long use I discovered that MS no more support WM6 and , consequently, the SW developer prefers new OS like BADA, ANDROID and iOS.

Now we have to rely to amateur developers and samsung concentrated on Galaxy and Wave, this disappoint me because my phone will never exploit its potential.

This make my choice wrong or, at least , unlucky. But O2 does its work with dignity.

Thanks to Samsung updates the phone has improved its performances. (but samsung now is concetrated on other OS)

When the warranty will be over I will flash cooked ROMs and I'm sure I will improve further the O2 performances.

I can say that WM7 is not for me, I don't want a close system, so in the future I will change OS.

Maybe ANDROID, maybe WebOS (PalmPre was never commercialized in Italy!!!) maybe BADA...I don't know.