So, who else got a WP7 phone?

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TheStu

Moderator<br>Mobile Devices & Gadgets
Moderator
Sep 15, 2004
12,089
45
91
no GPS issues here. I had the Epic 4G briefly so I am definitely familiar with that issue. The phone is very light...which I actually like, compared to a phone like the hd2 that's heavier than it looks. Honestly, while I would prefer a more meetalic build, it still feels pretty good in your hand. I like it.

When I get closer to pulling the trigger, I may ask them to pull both the Surround and the Focus out of their boxes so I can handle them untethered, get a proper feel for the devices. And I know that the Focus has the (S?)AMOLED display, but I liked the colors on the Surround in the store, it might have to do with the fact that I am a little color blind, but it just felt better.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
12
76
I've had a focus for a couple weeks now. Really enjoying it. The Netflix application is amazing. And I'm a long time zune pass subscriber, so I loaded it up with about 15 gigs of music.
 

WelshBloke

Lifer
Jan 12, 2005
31,365
9,242
136
Is the only way to install apps from the marketplace? If not do any old winmo apps run?
 

SAWYER

Lifer
Apr 27, 2000
16,742
42
91
I went to the ATT store just now to see one in person and WOW. This interface is beautiful, my favorite phone os by far now. I checked out both winmo7 phones they had and they were both very snappy and extremely polished. I want one now!
 

hanoverphist

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2006
9,867
23
76
is there some sort of file explorer program? can you save attachments to memory and transfer them to your laptop/ email to resend (without forwarding) and stuff like that? i really like the interface, but i dont want to lose this basic function that ive come to really rely on with winmo 6.
 

Deeko

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
30,213
11
81
Is the only way to install apps from the marketplace? If not do any old winmo apps run?

Only from the marketplace, ano no, WM6 apps won't run.

is there some sort of file explorer program? can you save attachments to memory and transfer them to your laptop/ email to resend (without forwarding) and stuff like that? i really like the interface, but i dont want to lose this basic function that ive come to really rely on with winmo 6.

No file explorer. Connecting things to your computer launches the Zune, not a file-centric view of the OS. To the best of my knowledge you can't save an attachment directly to the phone.

If you're a fan of WM6, you probably won't like WP7. Its entirely different.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
12
76
I agree, WP7 gives up tons of functionality compared to WM6. In return, you get more pleasing aesthetics. If you use your phone for work, I wouldn't recommend it. If it's just a toy, it's pretty awesome.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
12
76
still wanting to know if anyone tried networking with their homegroup.

Why do you keep asking? This isn't possible. It's not a feature of the phone. The only "networking" it can manage is wireless syncing with your PC through the Zune software.
 

hanoverphist

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2006
9,867
23
76
No file explorer. Connecting things to your computer launches the Zune, not a file-centric view of the OS. To the best of my knowledge you can't save an attachment directly to the phone.

If you're a fan of WM6, you probably won't like WP7. Its entirely different.

I agree, WP7 gives up tons of functionality compared to WM6. In return, you get more pleasing aesthetics. If you use your phone for work, I wouldn't recommend it. If it's just a toy, it's pretty awesome.

damn, i really liked the looks of the phone, the zune and xbox integration and all that. i do use my phone for work, i dont think i could give up the features i use tho. of course if there was a tethering prog i guess i could just use my laptop for the email attachments anyway...
 

Deeko

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
30,213
11
81
damn, i really liked the looks of the phone, the zune and xbox integration and all that. i do use my phone for work, i dont think i could give up the features i use tho. of course if there was a tethering prog i guess i could just use my laptop for the email attachments anyway...

For some work-related tasks, it still does well. Exchange integration is top notch, and the included Office apps are the best around - way better than they were on WM6. The keyboard is very good if you're doing a lot of emailing or doc editing.
 

SLCentral

Diamond Member
Feb 13, 2003
3,542
0
71
Still loving the phone. No way to network with a homegroup that I could find. Some issues I'm finding:

1). Slow loading times - true for games and programs like Facebook. Not a big deal but annoying.
2). Missing multitasking more than I thought I would...it sucks having to re-open apps.
3). Wish I could use the volume rocker as music controls, like I can on a Blackberry. Instead, I need to turn on the screen and press a volume button to bring up playback controls.
4). Wish I could sync with iTunes and not Zune...all my music shows up in the Zune software, but not my iTunes playlists.
5). NO NOTIFICATION LED (Samsung Focus). This is the big one and is making me reconsider my purchase. Everything else is manageable, this drives me crazy. I can't tell if I got a new mail/message without turning on the screen. My BB was set up to flash green for text, red for e-mail, blue for BBM, and white for missed calls. Can't get more convinenent then that.
6). No control over vibrate - the text vibrate is far too short. Doesn't vibrate or give any sort of notification for a new e-mail, other than the little icon on the lockscreen.
7). No controls in the browser in landscape mode...wtf? Can't even type in a URL, press stop/refresh, etc.
8). For that matter, landscape mode is rarely available. Only programs I can think of is IE (see #7), messaging, and games. Weak.
9). Marketplace is still in its infancy, but this is to be expected.

Those are my biggest gripes so far. I realize the bigger ones like multitasking are obvious, and will likely get fixed soon. I do love the phone and the new platform overall, and can't wait for my little gripes to get fixed.

I've used every platform from iOS to BB6 to Android 2.2 to WM6.5, and this is by far the most refreshing. A year from now, this is going to be a killer system.
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,078
136
OK, played with the HD7 at the T-mobile store. Its neat but I see no reason to get into it yet.
Homescreen is cute but not terribly functional. Not like Android where I can customize it with apps and widgets to see everything important at once. Too much digging around for the stuff I need.

Also noticed all the issues that SLCentral did. Too slow to load up programs and cant switch between them easily. It really doest matter that the screen swiping is fluid if the phone itself is clunky. I really missed the Menu button. Back, Home, and Search are not enough. And its clear they are trying to rip off Apple instead of make something special all their own. No reason to go to this yet.

However, Netflix streaming was pretty good. Of course I'm sure it sucks up batteries ridiculously fast, so this thing we never be a true portable media player.

Its OK, now I can stick with Android for another year and not feel like I've missed anything.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
12
76
SLCentral: You can set a notification for email alerts in the ringtones & sounds menu under settings.
 

SLCentral

Diamond Member
Feb 13, 2003
3,542
0
71
SLCentral: You can set a notification for email alerts in the ringtones & sounds menu under settings.

Thanks for the headsup. I'm assuming it'll also vibrate too. Still wish I could further control the vibrate...short vib for email, long for text, etc.

Posting from my phone...the browser really is good.
 

TheStu

Moderator<br>Mobile Devices & Gadgets
Moderator
Sep 15, 2004
12,089
45
91
Still loving the phone. No way to network with a homegroup that I could find. Some issues I'm finding:

1). Slow loading times - true for games and programs like Facebook. Not a big deal but annoying.
2). Missing multitasking more than I thought I would...it sucks having to re-open apps.
3). Wish I could use the volume rocker as music controls, like I can on a Blackberry. Instead, I need to turn on the screen and press a volume button to bring up playback controls.
4). Wish I could sync with iTunes and not Zune...all my music shows up in the Zune software, but not my iTunes playlists.
5). NO NOTIFICATION LED (Samsung Focus). This is the big one and is making me reconsider my purchase. Everything else is manageable, this drives me crazy. I can't tell if I got a new mail/message without turning on the screen. My BB was set up to flash green for text, red for e-mail, blue for BBM, and white for missed calls. Can't get more convinenent then that.
6). No control over vibrate - the text vibrate is far too short. Doesn't vibrate or give any sort of notification for a new e-mail, other than the little icon on the lockscreen.
7). No controls in the browser in landscape mode...wtf? Can't even type in a URL, press stop/refresh, etc.
8). For that matter, landscape mode is rarely available. Only programs I can think of is IE (see #7), messaging, and games. Weak.
9). Marketplace is still in its infancy, but this is to be expected.

Those are my biggest gripes so far. I realize the bigger ones like multitasking are obvious, and will likely get fixed soon. I do love the phone and the new platform overall, and can't wait for my little gripes to get fixed.

I've used every platform from iOS to BB6 to Android 2.2 to WM6.5, and this is by far the most refreshing. A year from now, this is going to be a killer system.

These are my personal takes on your list.

1: I am coming from an iPhone 1, so we will see if it is any worse than that
2: See above
3: If you hit the volume rocker, does it first adjust the volume and then bring up the controls??
4: I feel you a little bit there, mostly I just want Zune for OS X.
5: Meh, I have never had a notification LED
6: Potentially Meh
7: WTF indeed! I tried it at the store, and thought it was just a Surround thing, but apparently no WP7P has landscape browser keyboard... big mark against it there
8: Again, WTF mate.
9: It will grow, and besides I will be keeping my iPhone for use as a Touch.
 

SLCentral

Diamond Member
Feb 13, 2003
3,542
0
71
These are my personal takes on your list.

1: I am coming from an iPhone 1, so we will see if it is any worse than that
2: See above
3: If you hit the volume rocker, does it first adjust the volume and then bring up the controls??
4: I feel you a little bit there, mostly I just want Zune for OS X.
5: Meh, I have never had a notification LED
6: Potentially Meh
7: WTF indeed! I tried it at the store, and thought it was just a Surround thing, but apparently no WP7P has landscape browser keyboard... big mark against it there
8: Again, WTF mate.
9: It will grow, and besides I will be keeping my iPhone for use as a Touch.

I haven't used an iPhone since the 3G, so I'm not sure how the 3GS/4G compare in terms of loading times with WP7, but I'm interested to hear your thoughts.

One little clarification for everyone else reading - there is a landscape keyboard in the browser. Just no controls or way to enter a URL without going back into portrait. Ridiculous.
 

arod

Diamond Member
Sep 26, 2000
4,236
0
76
Coming from the palm pre and got the samsung focus and it does have alot of little quirks (agree with half of your list). As many little flaws as it has there are as many things it does far better than any other phone. Those easily outweigh the flaws to me but I do expect the issues to be resolved over time.


Still loving the phone. No way to network with a homegroup that I could find. Some issues I'm finding:

1). Slow loading times - true for games and programs like Facebook. Not a big deal but annoying.
2). Missing multitasking more than I thought I would...it sucks having to re-open apps.
3). Wish I could use the volume rocker as music controls, like I can on a Blackberry. Instead, I need to turn on the screen and press a volume button to bring up playback controls.
4). Wish I could sync with iTunes and not Zune...all my music shows up in the Zune software, but not my iTunes playlists.
5). NO NOTIFICATION LED (Samsung Focus). This is the big one and is making me reconsider my purchase. Everything else is manageable, this drives me crazy. I can't tell if I got a new mail/message without turning on the screen. My BB was set up to flash green for text, red for e-mail, blue for BBM, and white for missed calls. Can't get more convinenent then that.
6). No control over vibrate - the text vibrate is far too short. Doesn't vibrate or give any sort of notification for a new e-mail, other than the little icon on the lockscreen.
7). No controls in the browser in landscape mode...wtf? Can't even type in a URL, press stop/refresh, etc.
8). For that matter, landscape mode is rarely available. Only programs I can think of is IE (see #7), messaging, and games. Weak.
9). Marketplace is still in its infancy, but this is to be expected.

Those are my biggest gripes so far. I realize the bigger ones like multitasking are obvious, and will likely get fixed soon. I do love the phone and the new platform overall, and can't wait for my little gripes to get fixed.

I've used every platform from iOS to BB6 to Android 2.2 to WM6.5, and this is by far the most refreshing. A year from now, this is going to be a killer system.

1. Haven't had an issue with load times on anything other than the initial load.
2. Agreed.... not having multitasking is a pretty big deal but I expect this to be at the top of the list for updates.
3. Not sure what you are describing but the volume rocker works w/o screen input on the focus. Now if you want it to put up the bar when you press the volume rocker so you can go to the next track then I agree that would be nice (and I expect that to happen)
4. Never going back to itunes..... itunes on windows makes real player back in the day look good. They do need to make a real zune client for osx and linux though.
5. I do miss this from my pre.... will take some getting used to.
6. This doesn't bother me too much. It vibrates so it works well enough for me (don't need or want more control over it than that)
7. Doesn't bother me. Its not a huge chore to switch back to landscape. I only read webpages in landscape mode then swap back to portrait. (and the back button does work which is all I really need)
8. It is an issue but I would rather they make portrait really good and smooth and add landscape with updates (which I expect them to do).
9. I actually think the marketplace is pretty good already even if it is young.... wp7 generally has some of the best versions for the "basics".



some of my annoyances:
1. The keyboard is different depending on which section you are in (the auto suggest does not work in some places).
2. No smart DJ in the zune app
3. The app listing (when you swipe right) should have the easy alphabet sorting thing elsewhere in the phone.
4. The marketplace UI on the phone is not very good at helping you find what you are looking for. I usually have to search to find what app I am looking for. Also not real easy to find the most popular/downloaded apps like it is in the software.
5. Office should have skydrive integration (like a sharepoint server)
 
Last edited:

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
14
61
Why do you keep asking? This isn't possible. It's not a feature of the phone. The only "networking" it can manage is wireless syncing with your PC through the Zune software.

because no one had directly answered it yet. Thanks for doing so!
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
12
76
The lack of Zune functionality compared to a Zune HD is disturbing. Why can I share my current song to facebook on my Zune HD, but not on my Facebook integrated phone? I don't understand why they could take all the Zune HD functionality and put it in this phone. Also, offering to sell me music for cash as the default, when I have a Zune pass, is really annoying. I have to long press and select "download."
 
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