Thinking of getting an iPhone 3GS, read this first!

[Brendan]

I have been itching to get my hands on a new Iphone 3GS lately, but with the release of the HTC Magic.. I thought I would hold off to see what happens with that. But it looks just after the release of the Magic, HTC has hit a home run with the HTC Hero

The HTC Hero has just been released overseas (UK, and soon US) and I rekcon it could actually be a reasonable shot at knocking the iPhone off its high horse.

It has only been over the past 12 months or that HTC made the top choice and dropped Windows Mobile for the Google Android OS, originally I was looking at the HTC Diamond HD, but after using it, it was really slow and chunky and didn't have the smooth easy to use factor that the iPhone had.. so I gave it a miss.

But the HTC looks like it might step up to the mark, some of the things HTC Hero has but the 3GS doesnt:

• 5.0 megapixel camera, with Autofocus..
• Flash enabled web browser
• Micro SD slot.. which I think goes up to 32gb..
• Wide range of audio/video file support - most likely extensible due to the android open OS

This that the HTC does just as good as the iPhone 3GS:

Bundled with a Digi Compass, same screen size and resolution, multi-touch, internal GPS antena, Bluetooth 2.0, WiFi, 3.5 MM Audio Jack,

Sure there are a few things that it doesn't match up with 3GS:

Doesnt seem to be any internal HDD, however with the external expansion slot, not sure how big of an issue this is?

Height/Width/Weight/Battery vs 3GS:

iPhone 3GS Height: 4.5 inches
HTC Hero Height: 4.41 inches

iPhone 3GS Width: 0.48 inches
HTC Hero Width: 0.57 inches

iPhone 3GS Weight: 4.8 ounces
HTC Hero Weight: 4.76 ounces

iPhone 3GS Battery Talk Time: 5 Hours on 3G
HTC Hero Battery Talk Time: 7.8 Hours on 3G

iPhone 3GS Standby Time: Up to 300 Hours
HTC Hero Standby Time: Up to 440 Hours

I really think this could be an excellent phone, now lets just hope the android apps keep traction with iphone apps.. then we really could have something special..

Check out this hands on video of the phone..

YouTube - HTC Hero with Google Android mobile phone hands-on

What you reckon.. think you might get one?

[Slade]

That phone looks great, I just wonder when we will get it in oz? I had a quick look and there are selling it for $999 at mobicity, but so far none of the major carriers have it!

Vodafone has the magic only.

[aussietimbo]

I was looking at getting the new iphone.

But now i've got no idea.

Thanks for the info Brendan

[Brendan]

I just bought one of these from the UK for under $600!

[abd]

Phones are always changing and its well worth waiting for a while. I'm not really a big fan of the iPhone. There are some nice phones coming out with the Google Android operating system in about 1-2 years.

[Brendan]

I have been using the Android HTC Hero now for a few weeks, and it is fantastic, the features on it are endless.. the Augmented reality stuff is very cool, and the integratation to social networks is a great step in bringing everything together.

The app market is getting stronger by the day as well, I think the android is something Apple needs to be scared of!