Sprint's HTC Hero...with Android

One of the better SmartPhones to hit the market was released on October 11th by Sprint ( a few days earlier by agreement with Best Buy). I was fortunate to get a sneak preview of the HTC Hero and the many useful applications available to users, and can state that it is one of the most full-featured PDA/SmartPhones thusfar released.

Many reviews have been written in anticipation of its public release, but subscribers to Sprint will find that it takes advantage of their excellent 3G network, and has full integration with Google services such as GMail, documents, maps, GoogleTalk, etc. Most Sprint users will be required to have a data plan such as the Simply Everything (SM) or the Everything Data plan. The former has unlimited voice, text, data, and the latter has 450 minutes peak airtime, unlimited nights and weekends, unlimited data and text.

For users with older unlimited data plans, the verdict is still out on whether they will be 'allowed' to purchase and use the HTC Hero or other PDA/SmartPhones such as the previously released Palm Pre and upcoming Palm Pixi and Samsung Moment without purchasing a new plan. They could lose many of the benefits of their existing service plan, and that may prompt them to jump ship in favor of lower cost unlimited minutes/data/text and no-contract carriers (can you say Boost or Straight Talk?).

Personally, I already carry a Nokia Internet tablet with wifi and Skype, so unlimited cell service is only worth about $2.95 per month (Skype's fee). And wifi is widely available in my area. But it would be convenient to have an all-in-one device like the Hero, Moment, or Pre running 3G.

For those who think the Hero might be an iPhone killer, think again. The Hero is superior in many aspects, and is also must less expensive to own and operate. The Hero is memory-upgradeable, has excellent battery life (user-replaceable), and tons of applications, all running on arguably the best all digital 3G network. No start-up snafus like the initial iPhone release on AT&T's network. But the Hero is not an Apple product, and much of the iPhone's success is due in part to Apple's reputation for quality products and ease of use. The Hero is, however, a worthy competitor, and it will be interesting to see how Q4 sales affect both Sprint and AT&T.

For evaluation of new products, manufacturers and carriers should contact us directly.
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