HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

I am debating getting the HTC TP2 or the HTC Hero. After months of thinking and doing research I am not sure the HTC TP2 web browsing will be good. I have an ipod touch 2g and I love surfing the web and having my multiple e-mails setup. I don't use exchange b/c that bogs down the battery. I don't use the calendar because I just don't. I don't text as much and even if I did again I have gotten pretty good at typing on the screen. I am windows person but I can do linux or mac. I love customizing windows and optimizing it for best performance, and think a windows phone would be just right, except for the fact that I think the web browser is pretty slow compared to the ipod touch's web browser.

The purpose of this phone, besides making phones calls, is to surf the web check my multiple e-mails every hour or so and to customize the phone. Yeah, a global phone is great but I only travel out once a year and am not talking on the phone when I travel, so having a global phone is not that much of a pro for me. I used my friend's TP2 on Sprint and I wasn't impressed by the jerkiness of surfing the web and zooming in and out. So my question to you guys is, can the TP2 web browsing experience be anywhere close to my ipod touch's web browsing experience on wifi?

I have read many reviews and it seem that the HTC Hero can do everything I want it to do and it can be just as good as my ipod touch's web browsing experience. Reading reviews and seeing videos hasn't really demonstrated that this too is possible on the HTC TP2 with stock ROM. So, after modifying your TP2 and tweaking it, will there ever be a point where your surfing experience closely meets that of an iphone/ipod touch?

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

I have a Touch Pro 2, and previous to that a Diamond, and previous to that a Mogul. They all ran Windows Mobile and they all browsed the web better than any ipod touch or iphone that I have used. Of course, the screens were smaller on the Diamond and Mogul. Unfortunately the only android phone I have used (briefly) was a G1 on Tmobile, and that thing was useless for data/web browsing next to the Mogul I had at the time, so not a good comparison to a Hero on Sprint...

I don't know anything about the Hero, though, other than it didn't interest me at all. Maybe you should try them both out at a Sprint store?

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

As a Sprint Tech Consultant and avid cell phone fanatic I've used quite a few phones' browsing features. I personally own/use a Blackberry 8350i, Touch Pro (/w Energy ROM) and Touch Pro 2 (stock ROM); yes I have three cell phones... Four if you count my I9 Nextel that is on Boost Mobile now. I've also have had a lot of personal hands-on experience with the Hero.

I hate the 8350i browser (even on wifi on my 12mbit home connection with Opera Mini) and absolutely love Opera Mobile on the Touch Pro 1/2. I have to give the TP2 the thumbs up over the TP because of the screen size and on the stock ROM it will quickly switch the display depending on the orientation of the device. The Pre browser is very good as well (too bad the phone itself is a POS). The Hero's browser is very good and I would put it on par with the TP2/Pre. It switches back and forth between orientations VERY quickly and is a breeze to operate. I would definitely rate it above the Pre. But when it comes to the TP2, I have to give the very minimal screen advantage to the TP2 because I am a screen-size *****. Plus the sliding zoom bar is nice and quick to use. One thing I like about the Hero is your push pages are displayed and updated so when you look at your bookmarks widget you see the most up-to-date snapshot of the actual page whereas on the the TP2 you just see a quick link on the browser tab in TF3D.

So in my opinion...
Curve browser > Touch Pro > Pre > Hero > Touch Pro 2

If you are in-between the TP2 and Hero you need to look at the other advantages of the phones. WinMo vs. Android... 5MP /w flash camera vs. 3.2MP w/o flash... physical keyboard vs. virtual keyboard and finally the price. Right now I have a line for both my TP and TP2. When my contract is up here in November I will for sure upgrade my TP line to the Hero since that's my employee line and get instant rebates on it. That way my TP will be a backup phone for my TP2, my I9 a backup for my 8350i and the Hero will be my work phone.

Again, this is just my opinion comparing the Hero and the software it was shipped to us with and my own personal devices with the most up to date software on the 8350i, WinMo 6.5 Energy ROM and the stock TP2 ROM. Take it or leave it, it's up to you.

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

Well write up!

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

Why would you need to surf the web to check email, when you can just set up email?

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

I hope you meant:

TP2 > Hero > Pre > TP > Curve

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

bb rim browser (stock) sucks bad
so bad opera mini is a god send for that device

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

I would suggest the Touch Pro 2. If your using it as a browsing device, Opera 9.7 will bring "TURBO" mode. From my understanding this allows Opera's servers to compress the web pages before they reach your phone...just like Opera mini. I think I have also read that you can enable/disable this mode.

I would think this is the speed that you would be looking for, I also believe that Windows Mobile has WAY many more customizable features than Android. Just remember that the good people over at XDA-Developers will soon adopt the Android system for the TP2.

Ultimately though, your the one that has to make that decision.

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

opera 9.5 has turbo mode to and it does make it faster you have to open up the opera browser and in the web address bar like your gonna go to a website and type in opera:config just like i got here and it goes to hidden settings screen scroll down till you see user prefs click on it and in there it goes by alphabetical order first set max tabs to 5 and you can open up 5 windows in the browser instead of the stock 2 and then scroll down to the turbo mode check it on and then scroll down to the very bottom and click save and soft reset your phone,youll have more tabs and faster browser you might have to do the no push internet cab first so the changes take effect enjoy.

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

u sound so sure about the adroid on tp2... could i get a link.

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

Hi, I just wanted to say thanks ZX6RArcher for your post. After debating about which phone to get I heard about another Android phone coming out soon, the Samsung Moment. Have you heard about it? Anyways, I was doing research on the Hero/Moment and I read someone bad mouthing the HERO b/c some Nokia phone was so much better... I laughed and then researched the phone,N900, and then after seeing a video I said to my self.... that's it, that's the one.... I researched the phone and compared the flaws the phone has and well long story short I am going to GSM and I Pre-orderd the Nokia N900.

Here is the first video I saw of N900:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTHaH0wPLe4

Here are some reasons why I decided to go with the Nokia N900:
* The ability to Multitask like my laptop
* Fast Browser with FULL Flash support
* Linux OS (Maemo), which translates to super customizable and hackable
* GREAT hardware (32 GB on-board memory, 256 MB of Ram + 756 MB of Virtual RAM, 600 mhz CPU+ Graphic Processor, 3.5 mm jack with TV out, WiFi, microSD, Bluetooth, 5MP + Dual LED flash, Kick Stand)
* GREAT camera with Tagging and Sharing done easily
* Auto switch from GSM to Wifi + switch on/off each radio (GSM/Wifi/Bluetooth/) [Kinda like airplane mode but not really, you can just have wifi on, which is great when you don't want to talk to anyone and just want to surf the web]

Cons I found about the mobile computer/phone:
* Qwerty keyboard is ok, not great like the TP2
* Phone screens only work in landscape mode (This will be fixed by the end of the year)
* It's GSM so the voice quality won't be as good as with CDMA
* Resistive touch screen
* $582.99 at Amazon.com

Things I don't really care about and don't think it has:
* Compass
* Light sensor

Things that might interest someone but not me:
* The phone has backlit keyboard
* Stereo Speakers
* Uses micro USB port
* 1350 mAh

I have never been so impressed by a phone and I think this is the future of where phones are going to go. The line between mobile computers and phones are starting to blur. Really this phone is a mobile computer + Telephony and that's why it's so great. This is a Nokia phone so we know what to expect as far as good hardware and good voice quality.

If you are interested in the phone and have an hour to spend check out this preview:
http://my-symbian.com/other/preview_n900.php

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

you guys don't think opera is looking to expand to android anytime soon?

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

I think they better if they're smart, android is quickly becoming quite the contender in the smartphone world.

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

Well from what I understand, the big thing about Android and CDMA is lack of working drivers. I believe firmly that with the release of the Hero we will finally see a decent port of Android to devices running on Qualcomms 72xx series CPUs found in your TP and TP2. The innards of the Hero are almost exactly that of a TP/TP2 down to the same processor.

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

both are good

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

Both phones made my the best cell phone manufacturer, so its all up to your preference.

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

Dude...please tell me you are joking? That is really funny to make a claim like that. If you are serious, then I'd have to say that you've never surfed the web on a touch or iphone. They are superior and what everyone else strives to be like.

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

I agree 100%, if i have my itouch with me, i usually just tether so i can browse on it. Its so much more smooth and faster. Webkit browsers render faster.

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

I agree. Ever since I got my iPod Touch (3G), I enjoy just how nice mobile browsing can be. It was shocking - as I stood there in the Apple store, I realized, *I can actually use this*. Had it not been for their amazing browser, and beautiful & functional GUI (minus multitasking sadly), I would have never bought one. And what surprised me the most, I was able to type so much faster on a virtual keyboard compared to the TP's mushy slab of keys. I keep grabbing my Touch to send a text, before realizing it's not a phone. lol

It's gotten to the point where I drag my Touch with me just to tether it, and browse the web/check Twitter, etc. Windows Mobile is so far behind in terms of web browsing, it's astounding. Then again, it seems WinMo is generations behind on everything, and I'm really getting tired of that. :/

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

I Just picked up the new Hero, replacing my mogul. I was using the newest version of opera on the mogul and it was good but I have to say I the Hero web software is great. theres no way I would ever want to go back.

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

I agree with you and I also take my ipod touch everywhere just to surf the web. I want to multitask, surf the web and not have many devices with me so that's why I think the N900 will satisfied my needs. In addition the camera is great so I will be replacing my phone/laptop/camera for daily on the go use. I think the successor of the N900 will be great for the mass consumers of smart phones but for now this is as good as it gets. Hopefuly the web browser will be just as good as my touch otherwise it's going back.

F.Y.I. (Web Browsing on N900)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnfeT...layer_embedded

HTC Hero or HTC Touch Pro 2?
 

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

played with a hero today at the store and i do have to say the web browsing was better than what i have on my diamond. went to a few websites i normally travel to and it was quicker loading than i have ever done with the diamond. Now compared to the TP2 i wasn't able to play with that so i can't compare to that. But needless to say the tp2 isn't internally much different than that of the diamond so i would go with the hero.

Re: HTC Hero or HTC Touch Pro 2?
 

if price is the only thing, and your keyboard on the touch pro is giving out, and if the sprint upgrading touch pros to touch pro 2 is true,

you might just want to go with the TP2

http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=89583

would be cheaper that way.

Re: HTC Hero or HTC Touch Pro 2?
 

Re: HTC Hero or HTC Touch Pro 2?
 

Keep trying for the TP2..... if you don't like it, then go the Hero route.

Re: HTC Hero or HTC Touch Pro 2?
 

Re: HTC Hero or HTC Touch Pro 2?
 

Try the 3rd party ASC's. I am on the Ill side of STL.... I have been going to the Marshall Wireless repair centers.

Re: HTC Hero or HTC Touch Pro 2?
 

Hero or TP2? Quick replies please!
 

I am about to get one or the other.

I just used the Hero and it seemed a little sluggish :/

But WM is always sluggish, so I am wondering what to do.

I need to know asap!

Re: Hero or TP2? Quick replies please!
 

tp2 of course. tp2 will be unlocked pretty soon and you will be able to have al the latest stuff on there like the leo's rom =). the tp2 is just a better value over the hero..... a perfect keyboard, huge screen. the screen is awsome and accurate.

i used the hero, i didnt like it.

Re: Hero or TP2? Quick replies please!
 

Thats kind of a personal preference thing, but I say TP2 if it were my choice. 3.6" WVGA > 3.2" HVGA

Re: HTC Hero or HTC Touch Pro 2?
 

I'm in a similar boat as you. Fortunately I needed an extra line for a family member who couldn't care less about fancy phones, so I got a Hero to play with. If I like it, I'll swap it with my TP and gave that to them, if not I'll let them have the Hero. Plus when my 30-days are up, Best Buy might be selling the TP2 in which case I can return the Hero and get that if I don't like it. I plan on making a little review tonight/tomorrow for those like myself who are nervous about going to Android. Granted it'll be the blind leading the blind, but at least it might help some people to know my first impressions as a former TP user.

Re: Hero or TP2? Quick replies please!
 

TP2 gets my vote

Re: Hero or TP2? Quick replies please!
 

Thanks guys, you just reassured me.

I personally didn't like the hero at all!

But i wouldn't mind seen a trackball on the TP2!

Lastly I'll be soo happy when the "TP3" comes out with a capacitive screen!

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

Threads merged.

late,
Coz

Re: HTC TP2 or HTC Hero for web browsing?
 

I tried the Hero and the web browser just isn't as good as Opera Mobile. If you can find an Opera for the Hero then go for it, otherwise WM it is!

Need your opinion, TP2 or Hero?
 

I know this sub-forum may not be the best place for an *unbiased* opinion, but I have faith in people here, so here it goes...

Have been anxiously awaiting VZW to get more TP2 stock, but in light of their stocking difficulties I have been considering the Hero. One one hand, is the bulk of the TP2 and WinMo vs the smaller form factor of the Hero and Android.

The draw to the TP2 for me is the hardware keyboard... but I am wondering if a touch keyboard on the Hero would be as effective. These are the complex needs I have in a phone:

- using SSH to take care of minor server maintenance
- OpenVPN if possible
- VoIP softphone using SIP
- taking care of a few business e-mails per day

I know on screen keyboards can be almost as fast as hardware, but I figure I will lose alot of real estate which might be a PITA when using SSH sessions.

So, what does the jury have to say?

Re: Need your opinion, TP2 or Hero?
 

Touch pro 2