Guess what the Gadget Stork delivered on our doorstep today? A robot baby? No. Better. An actual, real,
in-the-Teflon HTC Hero. Let's just say this -- it's pretty much the sexiest Android device ever created. We're not going to go into too much detail right now, as we're planning on delivering a full review next week, but we do want to say that this thing has our eyes glazed over like Scrooge McDuck checking out a pile of gold... if you know what we mean. HTC has truly outdone themselves here, not only with build quality (the thing kind of feels like a luxurious rock in your hand -- it's a good thing), but so far the software seems truly outstanding as well. Of course, we haven't taken the deep dive yet, so for now, feast your eyes on these photos, and get ready for the main event.
Update: Oh why, HTC? Apparently, this thing ain't covered in Teflon at all. According to the company's PR, only the white models are getting the dirt-resistant treatment. We're guessing the unit we have is just sporting a regular, soft-touch coating. It feels good and all... but now it seems so much less special.
posted July 17th 2009 3:28PM
if its on at&t by january, i'll probably get it.
I hope hulu runs properly on it.
"luxurious rock"
Really? What is the low watermark for blog writing these days?
I want you
You lucky punks. I just lost my G1 to the water gods this past week. I went back to my old Blackberry but its not the same. Once you go Android, you can never go back. Enjoy the Hero.
Man, this phone makes me wanna dump my G1. I like the physical keyboard on my G1 but this phone is just too sexy to resist. This is probably the best looking phone ive ever seen (hardware and software).
Nice looking phone. Looking more solid than the G1. Wonder when we get it Down Under
The gallery reminded my of Jay Leno.
me*
The os looks great, but sorry, this thing is designed so poorly. Honestly it looks like a desktop clock from five years ago. Granted it has more peronality than the iphone, but still those buttons look like something on an electronic device you buy from a dollar store, or a like a prototype device. Google get with it.
I quite fancy this, but I'm in the UK and want it unlocked - and only the white is available unlocked. I won't have a white phone. Do I look like a woman?
Won't have a white phone? RACIST!!!
I'm seriously considering getting this phone even though it lacks a flash for the camera (I like to be able to take pictures in dark rooms or at night).
Also, can you please state in the upcoming review how well the processor handles the OS + skin?
And...do you have to install apps into the phone memory or can you have them loaded on an SD card? I remember you mentioning in a prior podcast how they limited users to installing apps to the phone memory on prior HTC devices.
3.5mm Headphone jack ftw?!
When you are done playing with it could I PLEASE have it? :) Pretty please?
Hope this is the first HTC phone that doesn't suck.
You've got to be kidding. HTC has a plethora of great phones.
I'm afraid not. They keep making nice hardware (well, except for the G1) but they keep installing crappy Windows Mobile on most of them, while also trying to skin it's ugly ass so the user won't notice. Well, it doesn't work and WinMo will keep showing up every now and then. Plus they are usually terribly sluggish.
I don't really know if I should trust this web site, but, its selling the HTC Hero with Vodafone and T-Mobile UK.
http://www.mobilephonesdirect.co.uk/Brands/HTC/b509/p18610.aspx
And looks to be cheap as well,
In T-Mobile you get the phone for FREE, 700 minutes, unlimited text messages, unlimited web, all for just £34.26 per month, 18 months contract.
Vodafone have the same, but with only 300 minutes.
It might be too good to be true.
Uhh, Vodafone doesn't have it, it's Orange and T-Mobile over here ...
Hmm, although your link does contradict me ... HTC have only announced Tmob and Orange, so Voda wasn't expected
It's not that Vodaphone have the phone. Some sites give you a contract with a network and a subsidized, unlocked phone. The exact same as you'd by from Expansys or whatever. That way, you get the phone you want with the network you want, cheaply.
About the teflon coating only being available for the white edition, Engadget you already knew this:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/24/htc-hero-details-begin-leaking-from-htcs-own-website/
“The White version of the device has an industry-first Teflon coating”
HTC press release of June 24th:
http://www.htc.com/www/press.aspx?id=103534&lang=1033
“The white HTC Hero includes an industry-first, Teflon coating”
Beautiful phone!!!
Very nice! I wonder... Shall I get me one of these, or an iPhone 3GS? Hmmm...
http://www.bfn.im
all I know is sony better bring their xperia android to market real fast or this is my next phone.
Sexy.
Doent that angled bit stick out of your pants when it's in your pocket, make you look like mc hammer ??
No, it's not noticeable in your pocket.
Bring enough Hero for everyone :)
or just me >:)
I recently rang T-Mobile UK (0800 956 2208) and a very helpful woman told me to expect the "G2 Touch" the week beginning 20th July, and to expect it to be on similar tariffs to that of the G1 when it was first launched
That crooked bottom section ruins the phone.
No it really doesn't. You get used to it...I actually like it on the G1...don't get people's qualms with it. It's like me complaining about the Pre's tiny buttons because I'm not used to it.
I'm so excited. I'm currently running a port of the HTC Hero's OS on my G1(JACHero 2.7.3). It's freaking great, I love it and it completely convinced me to get one when it comes it on AT&T. To think it's going to be even better on the native device. I'll miss the keyboard a little, but their on screen keyboard is top notch and rapes the iPhone's keyboard and cupcake's keyboard sideways.
Damn I want one! I hate my pre, too many things to list