My Top 5 Mobile Devices, Revised
A couple of months have passed since I blogged about my top 5 mobile devices. Since then, I’ve seen the Blackberry OS7 devices, several devices running Windows Phone 7 Mango, and Android 2.3 devices. Has my list changed? Why of course, otherwise why call this revised? So, what’s on my top 5, and what’s actually my primary device right now? Read on…
HTC HD7S
This device is currently at the top of my list and is also my primary device. It’s running 7720 Mango and with the upgrade, it did push this device to the top of the list. The integration of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn in the device, as well as to-do over the air sync back to my calendar make this my favorite phone and well as my primary. Apps have also improved, with everything I have loaded on other platforms and actually use (# of apps available mean literally nothing if you install and never use). Add to that my previous comments on Windows Phone 7 (tight integration with Outlook/Exchange, One Note), and the pro’s on this device drastically outweigh the con’s.
Samsung Focus
This is still a strong second for me. The only real reason the HTC HD7S is first on my list is the screen size. The older I get, the more I realize how much the larger display helps. Otherwise, the devices are similar (also running 7720 Mango).
Apple iPhone 4
This is still one of my favorite phones. It’s running the new iOS 5, and the improvements Apple has made to the platform are great, including the new notification system. All of my previous comments regarding the iPhone are still valid however. The primary reason this is not higher in my list quite frankly is the integration with Outlook, particularly the Calendar application, is still a horrible experience.
Samsung Infuse
In a word, this phone is FAST. Combine the processor with HSDPA/HSUPA network and the combination makes this a great Android experience. Add to that the 8-MP camera, and the plethora of applications in the marketplace (add to that all of the security issues these pose), the great notification system,
I will add however that the significant number of application updates is getting quite tiresome. You would expect a large number of updates when something is new, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t receive 5-10 application update notifications, and heaven forbid I don’t update for a week or so. I thought Apple updated frequently, but Android blows all others out of the water. The sad part is, I update the apps and barely notice any of the “updates”. If the updates aren’t significant, why not wait to notify users?
Why isn’t the device higher on the list? Again, Outlook/Exchange integration primarily. Add to that there is a lot of basic functionality that is either lacking or that I just don’t care for (who decided black background and white text was the way to go on these???), plus the poor sync capabilities to the laptop (getting data on and off the phone), and this doesn’t go any higher on my list.
Blackberry Bold 9900/9930
Yes, last but not least, the Blackberry is still on the list. Why? The Bold 9900/9930 is the best device RIM has ever produced. The display is incredible, battery life is still what you expect from RIM, fully integrated inbox with all notifications in one place, very tight, full, secure integration with Exchange, and overall functionality. Apps are probably my biggest disappointment, but you can read all my other comments here.
Conclusion
There you have it. My top 5. Yes, I know. What an idiot right? Putting Windows Phone at the top of the list? Are you kidding me? It has what, like 5% of the market? No way it will ever beat Apple or Google. Different strokes for different folks I guess. Everyone has the primary reasons they choose the phones they carry. For me, I need Exchange/Outlook to work on my phone, and work well. Windows Phone isn’t popular. Will it ever be? Who knows. Once Mango is out, and new phones are available, time will tell. I’m really hoping the Microsoft chooses to continue to develop and invest in the platform. I think they are definitely headed in the right direction. Give them a year and we’ll see what happens.