I’d had a Nokia 6300 for over 12 months, and I was beginning to get incredibly bored with it. It’s an incredible phone. It’s survived being dropped, soaked, washed, crushed and burnt, yet it still works like it did when I first turned it on. But as technology advances, I felt I needed a more technologically advanced phone. I needed a phone which could keep me informed about the news on the move, allow me to take photo’s and upload them to sites to share them instantly, provide me with entertainment when I am on my travels, and most of all, be reliable.

This is where the HTC HD2 stood out. I first saw it advertised on a Technology site’s advertising banner while reading some “Hater’s” article on Google. Being the inquisitive type that I am, I followed the link, which took me to the HTC website, and showed me a much larger image, in more detail, with more than one view. I was in total awe. A 4.6″ Touch Screen, 1GHz Snapdragon™ Processor, 5 Megapixel Camera, and weighs about about the same as 3 packets of peanuts.

Physical Review

The HD2 can outrun the iPhone any day. Instead of it sliding around in your hand while your trying to use it with only one hand available, it sits perfectly in the palm of your hand, waiting for you to caress its massive 4.6″ screen. I’m the type of person that hates scratches/scuffs appearing on the case of the phone, so it has to be polished constantly. the HD2 has a brushed steel battery cover, a matte plastic case on the rear, and about 3mm of glossy plastic which needs to be shined up occasionally.

The buttons at the bottom are a bit of a pain, just too small. Its handy having buttons available which you can quickly enter the home screen, or access the start menu, but they need to be slightly bigger. Also, the buttons on the side which control the volume are ever-so slightly annoying. They are just there, waiting to be pressed uncontrollably. I’m right handed, and my fingers naturally sit there, awaiting a sudden jolt of my unsteady hand to press them and change the volume to hyper-deafening.

Operating System

Well, having been a Linux user for over 2 years now, I was a bit miffed the HD2 had Windows Mobile 6.5. I would have much preferred Android’s new operating system, but I can’t have it my way every time. Despite Windows Mobile being installed on my phone, I must say the performance is fantastic. It responds when you want it to, unlike earlier versions of Windows Mobile. Compared to the iPhones 620MHz processor, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor at the HD2’s disposal gives far superior computing performance.

HTC Sense

This is an amazing piece of software. It makes using the phone so much easier, by making everything you want to use available quickly and efficiently. When HTC first put HTC Sense on the Hero, it took mobile computing to the next level. It makes all your favourite applications easily available, keeps your contacts a couple of finger-slides away, it makes your emails easy to access, and not only does it look great, it works like a dream.

Make it Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected.
These are the three fundamental concepts of HTC Sense, and they really did stick by them…

I don’t usually like using Metaphors, but using HTC Sense is like dining in your own Michelin Star Restaurant, you’re eating your own high quality food, your around your customers and staff, and you never know who’s going to turn up.