Complete Systems Design Information Technology Solutions

September 22, 2008

After using a Sprint HTC Diamond for a few days I can give you a detailed review.

PROS:

1. The screen is VERY crisp!
 
2. It comes with plenty of internal storage (about 4 GB) although it doesn't have much for running storage (about 96MB).
 
3. MS Voice Command is included and it works well - even using confirmation!!!!   I really think most manufacturers would benefit themselves and their clients by including VC, as it is one of the most essential add on applications for Windows Mobile.
 
4. It is using the latest iteration of WM6.1 with plenty of tweaks.
 
5. The USB is facing the logical direction on the bottom.
 
6. The camera is improved (but no flash which would be very useful for those using Vjcandella and other flashlight apps used for mogul and other flash WM devices).
 
7. The accelerometer to tell when you are moving the device and using games like teeter.
 
8. You can reset the device using the power button at the top instead of using the stylus.
 
9.  The TouchFlo menu system is very nice although I still replaced it with SPB Pocket Plus and SPB Phone Suite.

CONS:

I've discovered a few issues that many could be fixed or improved in the next diamond firmware -

1. Update the Bluetooth stack - too much static - not in the Mogul or touch although the HTC Mogul had BT issues when it was first released.    It took two firmware released and 5 months for HTC to resolve the issue.   I’m stunned the Sprint “beta testing” group didn’t catch this after all the bad posts on so many forums when the mogul BT had issues upon release.
 
2. Wi-Fi turns on by itself - issue occurred in the original Mogul rom.
 
3. The standard HTC QWERTY keyboard after being engaged sometimes still leaves area unusable even after the QWERTY keyboard is no longer showing.
 
4. Opera crashes can hang your system requiring a battery removal to reset - can't just use power to turn it on and off.
 
5. Activation of data service problem resolved by Rainfreak on ppcgeeks.
 
6. Battery life always an issue with HTC WM products – the battery doesn’t seem to last any longer, if even as long as the HTC Touch. 
 

Items which can't be fixed with a firmware update:

7. The Sprint version of the HTC Diamond only comes in red - I'd be impressed if HTC offered a business phone in more colors than just black but as it is a business phone it should have been offered in black in additon to red.
 
8. No microSD expansion slot.
 
9. No side button for activating the camera or Voice Command.
 
10. The camera lip sticks out at the top and might be mistaken for the power button when not looking.