Technology Thailand
Where Thais and technology clash
by Jesada Chandraprasert, Thailand
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HTC Touch 2 launches in Thailand
Oct 2, 2009 22:34Before swearing my allegiance to the iPhone, I was once a Windows Mobile fanatic. Starting with Pocket PC 2002 all the way up to WinMo 6, I slowly started to realize that the layered layout of the menus and folders, which took examples from the desktop counterpart, were not always the best choices when attempting to quickly navigate with one hand.
Coupled with memory-hogging applications, underpowered processors and abysmal battery life, I moved on to other devices. New WinMo devices have come and gone but none have quite tempted me to want to turn back.
HTC devices are, for the most part, slick and well-designed devices. However, for me, I've always liked phones more along the lines of the Dopod 838 Pro, but somewhat smaller. Newer candybar models from HTC never seem to feel right in my hands and the sharp edges, while attractive to some, keep reminding me of the old Motorola Micro Tac for some reason. I know, you're thinking that they're not even close to looking like each other, but it just does for me.
Then came the HTC Touch 2.
Just launched in Thailand, the HTC Touch 2 runs Windows Mobile 6.5 and is priced at a somewhat affordable 16,900 baht when compared with the likes of other market-leading smartphones such as the iPhone and BlackBerry. Though it runs WinMo, the pricing is definitely something to consider, especially when you compare it with other HTC flagship devices of the past. HTC is looking to take back market share from the iPhone and BlackBerry which has taken the country by storm (no pun intended). It's amazing to see non-business users gobble up BBs just to make use of the BB messenger and enjoy its keyboard to hack out emails and text messages.
Will HTC be able to take back some of the glory which it lost to the iPhone? Or will the Touch 2 be forgotten in the cornucopia of other models which HTC is pushing out at an alarming rate? Only time will tell.
- Talkback
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I like you last part of how HTC has pushed out so many models, I have just lost track. I think all these phones are good, but what makes the experience better are the connectivity. IMO the iphone's experience is great when you have good connectivity (3G, WiFi or what ever else) think that goes the same for BB and WinMo. Okay the rest are technical preferences like N97 not being as smooth with it's touch screen and OS. Geekiness aside, I think HTC* will find it hard to win back a lot of the market share as the leaders are running on hype and trend (this one being the main). Somehow don't see that happening just yet. But like you said, time will tell.
*WinMo devices - Android may be a different issue here.
Oct 03, 2009 22:20
Hi Khunlouis,
Thanks for stopping by. BTW, how's your 3G holding up? Have you moved onto another phone? I've send my 3G in for the second time in 2 months now, so waiting on my 3rd replacement unit. First one had badly fitted screen which caused it to wobble, the second one had the same issue but not as pronounced but had a bad connector port at the bottom which stopped connecting to USB eventually. Fingers crossed that the 3rd one will be a but more enduring.
Oct 05, 2009 14:25
Hi K Jesadac - Sorry to hear about your iphone. I am still with my iphone 3G - luckily a bit of a better experience on the hardware department. The only thing is now with the new OS and using push gmail, push mobileme, push work email then facebook and streaming (stocks) - I get just over half a day's use (no call, don't get many of those). Other than that it's been great. Hope it will be third time lucky for your iphone. Planning to switch to other brands? BB or Android?
I still think the iphone is still fun. Take care.
Oct 06, 2009 00:48
Just picked up a Curve 8900 which replaces my Nokia E71. If I remember correctly, you've had that 3G for a while now so battery deterioration could also be a factor for your battery life. Then again, mine barely lasts beyond 3/4 of a "work" day with all the stuff I do on it.
Oct 06, 2009 03:36
Wow! You have great memory. My original iPhone is now used by my wife who hardly uses it apart from surfing once in a while. I got a new one which is a bit younger. How's your Bb experience? Have you used one before? I have tried friends and found it quite difficult to get into. May be I am just not geeky enough. Have you tried Android yet?
Oct 06, 2009 13:51
Not too difficult to get used to as I've used an older one before. however, I'm still coming to terms with having to pay for a service which the iPhone does out of box, push email. Anyway, its excellent for what it does. My 3G, actually, my 2nd replacement unit from True Move is now with my wife. I can pretty much get everything done on the BB AND I get video recording as well. I still keep my old 1st generation as a media player but am thinking of selling that off for a iPod touch.
Oct 08, 2009 22:19
It's funny to think which is a better device, Bb or iPhone. Having want to use a BB way before the iPhone ever came to light but now have the iPhone I just thinks it's a great device. But now with the BB craze AND with telcos to support BB it is itchy. But for now it's the iPhone. Have fun!
Oct 11, 2009 00:21
If it comes down to cost, IMHO, I think the iPhone is a better deal. If you pay upfront for both devices, there is minimal difference in price. However, the iPhone does not require a subscription service to work with basic features like push email and IM apps, any old data plan will work.
Oct 11, 2009 23:27
AHA - good point. Now I do remember that for BB to shine, it needs to be using a Telco that supports it's features. How very true. Wow, so this can get kind of expensive if you take your BB abroad as all the features rely on the Operator so you most likely be on roaming rather than purchase a prepaid SIM where ever you are heading. If that is the case, kind of defeats the purpose or does RIM expect all BB users to be well funded by companies or individuals who can pay for expensive roaming charges.
Oct 12, 2009 00:21
About Jesada Chandraprasert
A firm believer that he/she who dies with the most toys wins.
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