EVO 4G available today; Fess up, switchers 358
Read Android Central's full EVO 4G Review
One year after Sprint launched the Palm Pre to much fanfare, they have a new device they're all excited about, the EVO 4G. Our pals at Android Central have been covering this first major WiMAX phone from all angles, including an EVO 4G vs Palm Pre breakdown.
Look, we're not going to beat around the bush here, everybody. The cold, hard truth is that Palm is still strongest on Sprint and Sprint is chasing this big black slab like a youth soccer player. A look through our forums, especially this thread, shows that a sizable number of Pre owners are going to make the switch. Obviously we here at PreCentral think that even though the Pre hardware is starting to look old hat, webOS still has plenty of key advantages over Android, but we can't be all MEOW MEOW about this big launch - either in the catty sense or the "LA LA I can't hear you!" sense (the cute and cuddly sense, of course, is still acceptable).
So fess up, switchers: why are you switching? webOS faithful: what advantages over Android keep you happy and serene in the face of the EVO onslaught? Keep it civil, everybody, there's plenty of room (even on Sprint's relatively small network) for both Android and webOS.
358 Comments
Not me.
Some people will scoff at this, but I'm serious: That screen is too big, and the phone is too thin. I want as big a screen as I can get ... as long as the phone is comfortable to hold, use, and carry. The iPhone isn't the right form-factor for me, and this is double-plus-ungood, form-factor-wise.
Please, Palm (or HPalm), give me a better phone with near-identical Pre looks.
I agree with "first guy". It's a sexy device, but I am not a holster guy. I'm a "that phone better fit in my front jean pocket, and I better be able to get it out, even when I'm driving" guy.
but there are plenty of: "I want a phone/slab/slate" guys too.
I look forward to seeing people trying to work that thing with a cracked screen because they forgot it was in their back pocket when they sat down.
It's too big. Not interested.
I agree. If I had to put this monster in my pocket (ahem, you know what I mean), I'd break it within a week. Thank God for belt-clips...
Yea, when i saw the picture i was blown away at how big it is compared to the Pre. If I wanted a tablet, I'd buy a tablet. I hope the next Palm device is a *tad* bigger and slimmer, but still smaller than the iphone.
...That EVO is bringing back memories of the brick phones. Only this generation is a thinner brick. Still awkward to carry and hold however.
I agree - I wear cargo jeans and need to put my phone in that pocket on the right side of my leg - the iPhone barely fits (or at least my iPod does, the iPhone isn't THAT much thicker). So I really want a Pre that has less border around the screen and maybe a little thinner (but not much, it just feels nice at this thickness). If you planned right you could fit an iPhone sized screen on the current Pre.
But, on topic - I'm not switching because I don't need to. The pre at 800MHz is nearly as fast as the Evo and I don't have 4G in my area right now. Probably wont within a couple years either.
I agree, I handled one while waiting for the Sprint sales system to get online. It's not that big and it won't OREO.
I'm switching cuz I'm tired of waiting for Pre to reach it's full potential. They rushed it to market and we waited for each update. 6 months later they dropped the useless button on the front and doubled the RAM/ROM.(Thanks for nothing Palm). Webos is a great UI but the hardware is CrAp.
Completely aGree when hp gets behind webos and a better hardware comes out ill buy another palm phone, i get an upgrade every year and im gonna use it dont hate on ppl buying the evo, if palm had kept up...i waited in june for the pre and the evo and nxt year if there is a good new phone nxt year imma buy it,
Day 1 with the Evo, I'm happy.
Purchased Evo on Friday @ 8am Returned today @ 1pm. Got my Pre back and thank god.
Truthfully, photos (even side-by-side comparison pics) don't really paint an honest picture, so to speak. This thing looks like a behemoth on all the photos we've seen so far, but seeing one in person it's not all that huge. I could see myself using a phone this big... Because it's not really all that big when you finally see it/handle it.
I disagree. I saw a demo version @ Best Buy yesterday and holy crap it's huge! It just is.
Some may love it, some may hate it...whatever you think of it, it is indisputably larger that any cell phone since the days of Zach Morris. Haha!
Yes I completely agree, the size of that thing is absurd(thats what she said.) Im sticking with pre because webos is the slickest OS ive ever used on a phone. However I hope that a future webos phone will be a little slimmer and have a battery that actually lasts longer than a day of use. The fact that I had to update to the best battery disallows me to use most accessories for the pre.
I agree. I had no idea the phone was that huge. Yikes! The EVO has a nice, big screen, but it seems impractical for my needs. The Pre is sized right for my needs. Fits into my holster and I'm set to go!
I switched. I'm still rocking my Pre for now. I ordered online, so hopefully I'll have my phone by Monday. I also got my phone for $140.
I agree with the fact that I am tired of waiting for webos. I am going to switch to the EVO because I love the big screen and all of the apps you can get in the android market. Google goggles is amazing, and layers is the most helpful app in the market. Plus the other 30,000 you can get. Web browser is amazing! How did you get one for $140?
I think you might stop into a sprint or radio shack. i went in yesterday & was surprised to find the evo actually fit my pocket *better* than the pre.
it's 1/2 as thick (or thereabouts) & that makes a world off difference in terms of "comfort".
i think i'll switch tomorrow (at least for a month to try). I love my pre but I do want more apps, more corporates support & a bigger screen/storage capacity.
to thin?.. really.. to thin?
I am switching because mostly of the speed of the device. I know there is overclocking but I shouldn't have to do that. My device shouldn't lag when I have music playing in the background and I'm reading websites. :(. Oh, and another big thing for me, Audible Support. Finally I can go back to listen to audio books. This will be a 30 day trial though, if there are things I don't like about Android (like the crashes some people have said, and the battery life but really, can't be that bad as the pre) then yah, I'll be back.
Yah, you'll be back.
haha yup no doubt
I got an EVO 4G this morning, but I don't know yet if I'm switching away from webOS to Android. The next two weeks will help me decide which OS/phone combination best meets my needs and that's what I'll go with for the next year or so.
Remember, your choice of phones isn't like a marriage...it's not supposed to be a "til death do us part" kinda thing. Use what best fits your needs today and re-evaluate as the landscape changes. Seems pretty simple to me.
+1
I'm in the exact same boat.
Audible support, yeah that'd be killer. Alas I'm staying with webOS even as I pine for Audible support. speaking of which I was wondering if I could use the website's streaming features to be able to listen to audible on the Pre. For right now an old 1st gen iPod Touch is my audible player (I sold my T|X).
Why not? Lets be honest. You won't hurt HPalm. You will send a message though, "June 2011 will be a hard deadline for having a competetive device newly released."
WebOS is still better; hands down.
2011 ?!%$, seriously I could wait that long and it wouldn't bother me personally, but if there isn't a new device by the end of the year to pull back some momentum I think we could kiss webOS goodbye except for Printers/Toasters. This isn't only about existing webos owners and contract extensions which many of us now have open. This is about getting brand new customers and growning WebOS userbase. Android will always have the numbers game as far as new devices. We might have an arguable better OS, but we need phone refreshes on the order of at least once per year, a two year refresh will kill us.
just my $.02
I won
I agree..the screen size is actually a drawback for me. I'm always on the go and the pre is easy to just put in my pocket and not worry about it. The EVO is like a mini television...cool, but just not my thing.
Plus, I'm still a firm believer in WebOS...i think once hpalm brings out a new smartphone it will have a better processor and tech to handle the OS with more ease. Once that happens, I think people will see the real leader in the phone OS has been palm all along with their true multitasking card system. Plus, nobody supports their homebrew community like palm and WebOS...big props to the homebrew developers for all your hard work!!!
I'm on vzw, but I didn't move to the Incredible. webOS is just too easy to use vs. Android IMO. Size matters to me as well. No crashes, no slowdowns with 20+ apps open so far. Why would I change from a phone I can trust to work EVERYTIME? Happy EVO'ing to all you movers...
I love the specs of the EVO but its just not for me. I'm holding out for the next palm device.
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I agree..the screen size is actually a drawback for me. I'm always on the go and the pre is easy to just put in my pocket and not worry about it. The EVO is like a mini television...cool, but just not my thing.
Plus, I'm still a firm believer in WebOS...i think once hpalm brings out a new smartphone it will have a better processor and tech to handle the OS with more ease. Once that happens, I think people will see the real leader in the phone OS has been palm all along with their true multitasking card system. Plus, nobody supports their homebrew community like palm and WebOS...big props to the homebrew developers for all your hard work!!!
I'm sticking with webOS/Pre because of two reasons. 1, I'd prefer a physical keyboard and 2, I feel webOS has serious potential growth in the OS and future phones and devices
well, when pre orders started for the Evo, I decided to go to rs and put my $50 down for a shot at this new droid. In anticipation of it I got a good deal on a hero so I bought it and switched out my pre...well, after the upgrade to 2.1 and some initial excitement for something new it wore off and just became more steps for the same tasks compared to webos, so after only 4 days I couldn't take it anymore and switched back to my pre. I would love some killer specs that the evo has (not that big of a screen though..max 3.7) but if it doesn't have webos, I'm not buying it...i think several former webos owners will discover this shortly after the initial excitement wears off to.:/
ken
Please don't try to compare the EVO to a Hero ok...that's just not right...Love Webos by the way...best OS in my opinion yet still in its infancy when compared to Android...but let's be honest Palm/HP needs new hardware...and yes I switched, because I'm tired of my overclocked Pre dyin on me...and it just plain unusable to me runnin stock...
Lmao, you think webOS is in it's infancy and Android isn't? Good one man, good one.
I like the performance specs, but DAMN that thing is too f***ing big! (That's what she said). I'll stick with my Pre for now.
WebOS is still clearly better then droidOS but its being hurt by the hardware its stuck on. Also it looks like WebOS is on a 1year hiatus before the next model comes out.
I am already getting an EVO for my wife to replace her aging TouchPro but now with webOS being on hiatus for a year I may just at least try the EVO out for myself so I can do vid calls with the wife and may even try to port webos on it.
Ok, I thought I was pretty good at keeping up, but where did you read that WebOS devices were on a 1 year hiatus?
Have you played with Android 2.1? Both my wife and I switched to the EVO this morning and there is no way in hell we are going back to the Pre.
Android 2.1 has multitasking, notifications (at the top of the screen rather than at the bottom), universal search, and quite frankly astonishing apps in the market place.
With the EVO I didn't have to monkey with self sign certificates for IMAP accounts either. I just entered the credentials and away the EVO went with syncing the accounts. Why the Pre has a problem with simple email certificates is utterly ridiculous.
My google calendar synced seamlessly. If I want to txt someone in my contacts I just start typing their name. Just like in WebOS. There is no difference from my perspective.
Screen size? Who cares! I now have a phone that runs blazingly FAST and has more functionality than the Pre.
For those who want to stay with a slow POS phone with limited functionality just remember one thing. Life moves fast. That's LIFE, not WEBOS!
+1
I would like to correct a big mistake in your post. You are talking about HTC's Sense UI, NOT Android 2.1
The notification curtain is great, but Android currently has no way of switching key settings from the curtain. Customization is also limited to actual ROM's others have made, making Android a dead end for me.
Universal search isn't exactly the most convenient to initiate. For starters, you have to go home first, and then to the actual home screen you stuck the widget on (unless you stuck the widget on every screen, which is kind of retarded). Secondly, the EVO doesn't have the benefit of a hard keyboard (meaning that you have to prompt the phone for the keyboard to open--a slight inconvenience in certain aspects of mobile UI's).
I've found Android multitasking to be unintuitive and quite frankly, very ugly. It just works.
I would not have posted this comment if you hadn't called the Pre a POS. It is not. You (too easily) dismiss the power of Homebrew and your flawed arguments show your bias.
I am glad you have gotten the phone you wanted. But I would prefer if you would keep illogical arguments to yourself.
Not all of us are like you.
How's the battery life on it so far?
Wow look at that big screen
I'm sticking with my Pre. Love the internals of the Evo, but it's too big, no keyboard, & still runs Android. I already swipe everything now cause of webOS, I can't go back to buttons. Also, I can't live without my touchstones. I dream of a little bigger screen & faster processor, but I'm fine till a new Palm hits. Also, don't forget that real speed improvements should come with the updates this fall.
+1
Evo is a powerhouse, no doubt. But I agree with some of the others here, it's too huge for daily use IMO. I'm also a QWERTY guy so the on-screen keyboard is a huge deterrent for me, I really really need a hardware keyboard on a mobile device. Finally, Android is great but after 1 year with webOS I don't think I want to give it up just yet. I'm definitely holding out for the next Palm device and I'm still really happy with my Pre.
awesome phone...bye bye palm!!!!!
Not the least bit interested. Compelling specs but I'm an old-school brand loyal kinda guy. #patientlywaitingfornextgenPalm
It's gonna be a hard decision for me, honestly. I love my pre, but the specs on this thing, the size (i love larger phones), and the microSD card slot (not to mention the two cameras) is so tempting. The extra $10 fee is kinda putting me off, but it's not that bad, i suppose.
On the other hand, I've been a palm guy since about 2001 or so. I've had a long string of palms devices and phones, and was stoked when webOS was announced. Unfortunately, i'm also a big google fanatic as well, so ever since android came out i've felt torn between palm and android.
In webOS' favor, though, i'm pretty invested in it right now, between apps and accessories (i have a total of 4 touchstones), so jumping ship now makes all that essentially a waste of cash.
For right now, i'm going to wait. I want to see if i can hold out until i hear palm's next move. If a new device isn't due out soon, i may have to switch. The storage capacity of the original pre just isn't enough for me, and i've been wanting to hold out for the year mark (this month, i was a day 1 adopter) and hope palm comes out with a new device, but they haven't yet.
Hang in there friend. It's going to be tough for us in the next several weeks. The Evo is out. Apple will announce their new iPhone. And Palm... probably nothing.
But I think we're in for a surprise. Since Palm has a business relationship with Texas Instrument, I believe they will continue that and utilize their new OMAP4 processor on their next phone, just as Palm used TI's OMAP3 on the Pre.
Just in case your not familiar with TI's OMAP4 check this out.
http://focus.ti.com/general/docs/wtbu/wtbuproductcontent.tsp?templateId=...
The EVO isn't the perfect phone for me but I am going to look to see if it makes me want to switch.
Never had an Android phone so I don't know what to expect... But the biggest problem with my Pre is how fragile it seems, so I have to baby it, also I know if I use it I kill the battery (EVO might have same problem).
I am really struggling with this decision for some reason. If I do jump on the EVO it will only be to give Palm some time to get the next one right.
One more thing... My last 2 Palm phones (755p & Pre) both have a super loud mic, so I have to be in a quiet place to even talk... And my job is far from quiet.
The screen is too big for me. Plus I will only buy a phone from an American company. I love the size of my Pre. I am planning to move to Verizon for the Droid 2/Shadow/Xtreme if HPalm doesn't announce any new hardware soon. I love WebOS, but it's apps and many other things are limited. I really don't want to make the move, but I may be forced to.
I really like the Evo huge screen and speed....But correct me if I'm wrong PLEASE! I've been trying to get an answer for this for the past week...Can Evo 4G allow for multiple exchange accounts??? This is one of the main reasons I love the Pre. I have two exchange accounts where I sync calendar tasks and email. I sync a 2 google emails and a google calendar as well. And I have 2 additional personal emails. Can the Evo 4G do this??? If not, I cannot move to the Evo. I us all of thay for my business and the Pre handles all this beautifully for me. I hope someone out there can answer my question...
No multiple exchange accounts on the HTC EVO:
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2010/03/24/htc-evo-4g-first-impressions/
"The EVO is a 'with Google' phone and supports Exchange, Gmail, POP, and IMAP email accounts
Froyo is supposed to add more Exchange support. If it will allow multiple account, I'm not sure.
The Evo is the first phone that actually made me look at Android seriously. I've played with a few other Android devices, namely a Motorola Droid and a Tmobile G1. I was never impressed with the OS feel. The way that things get done doesn't flow like WebOS, and multitasking (which is big for me) is nowhere near as nicely implemented. While HTC's Touch Sense UI looks impressive, I see very little other than the Touch Sense bit that has changed in the overall operation compared to the Droid/G1. I want to get some hands-on time with one today, even though the lack of a hardware keyboard has the phone solidly in the "Do not buy" column for me. I think its a great piece of hardware, and I won't lie - that camera that has been shoehorned into the back is one hell of a perk, but the OS just feels far too much like a traditional Mobile OS. It feels like Windows Mobile without the crappy browser, in my opinion.
we need a poll to see WHO IS LOYAL TO THERE PALM PRE and who is going to get a htc evo 4g
Two words: New contract.
That is why I'm not changing. I'm not about to pay more for 4G coverage, when it's not available in my area. Right now if I use more than 5GB, there is no change. However, if I have a 4G phone and I use more than 5GB on the 3G network, there is a penalty.
Thus there is no incentive whatsoever to buy a 4G phone for the rare times I visit a city that has 4G coverage while limiting my 3G coverage at home.
Recap: Keep my Pre and be able to go over 5GB with no penalty or change phones and get charged for going over 5GB. The choice is simple.
I agree with this. While I haven't come close yet to going over 5 GBs, I don't see much use in paying extra monthly for something I won't get access to in the next several years. And I've been to New York once in my life (that doesn't include driving through it to go somewhere else, obviously, but I didn't stop in the state. It was strictly on the highway), so I don't foresee ever getting use of 4G before it becomes the standard and hits Maine. And Maine always gets everything last, so spending hundreds of dollars in anticipation of a service a few years out doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
I am not switching, not because I don
No touchstone, no keyboard, no sale!
I am capitulating back on forth on switching. I really like the specs, but I will miss my touchstone maybe more than the phone.
Evo has already had to have a fix sent out of many of there issues... Don't get me wrong it's great that they are fixing stuff but to already have to download an update when the phone just launches mins ago...
Same thing happened when Diablo II was released. My friend bought it first day, and spent the whole aftrnoon downloading updates that kept dropping.
I am a huge advocate of the Pre and webOS and have been since launch. I can't help myself, though. I am picking up my EVO today. My Pre will stay close, however, in case I choose to return the EVO within the 30 day period.
I have never had an Android device, but the continued uncertainty at HPalm and the continued development and commitment at Google and HTC make this trial an absolute necessity.
I'll let you all know...
Good advice on keeping the Pre close for a while in case the EVO has to go back. I'll still keep Precentral close too so I can keep up with the happs. Mr HP's words regarding WebOS phones made it a little easier to make the switch. Although in hind site I don't think he meant to be that harsh. Sprint not getting the Pre Plus didn't help matters either. Still by the time a Pre 2 hits the store shelves I'll probably be tired of the EVO by then anyway.
I did the same and I didn't last a week before returning it.
I have used both an HTC Hero and a Samsung Moment, and I think HTC sense is a lot better than stock android, but I still hate it. WebOS is very easy and simple and elegant. Multitasking is perfect, it's responsive with 800mhz, and the keyboard is a must. Apps are coming, and as long as a new super-pre is lurking around the corner, I don't think I will ever switch.
Yesterday I was listening to WQED-FM with RadioTime, converting a free Mobidoc eBook in pReader, running Facebook and tweeting someone all at the same time. Why in the world would I want to switch? My Pre does everything I want (except for full word processing, but I can wait for that...) :)
Just looking at the pic, it appears I'll need a satchel to carry that thing around and if I carried a satchel around, I'd get kicked out of my wolf pack.
bahaha you totally made my day with this post!
Uhh, don't you mean man-purse?
European Carry All.
And it was a GIFT!
wolf pack.... Love it. I'm with you man. I have raved about webos since day 1. Unless another mobile os comes out that can best webos... You will find no other phone in my pocket. Android is not a better os...
I am due for an upgrade on sprint..... And I am not jumping.
same problem for me. My geek friends will be impressed by the specs, but my manly friends will mock me for carrying around a small netbook as my phone
I've never used Android, so I'm mildly leery. Don't get me wrong, it looks fantastic, and people that are already familiar with Android are probably wetting themselves in line waiting to get it, and I can't really blame them.
As previously mentioned, I'm accustomed to swiping in WebOS, and other nuances that WebOS has. I played with someone's iPhone once, and I kept trying to swipe back, and got completely frustrated by it. I will try to hold out for a new WebOS device, but I agree the hardware is starting to feel aged. I love WebOS and its UI, but the hardware should be able to keep up with it.
Mobile Hotspot on Sprint looks pretty epic, I have to admit. If it lives on Evo, perchance the next WebOS phone will have some variation of it? That would be splendid.
The screen I have mixed feelings about. I'm used to the size of the Pre screen, and thus I don't think it's really small. I'm sure it's great having a larger screen, and maybe it would take a little getting used to the size, but I don' think it would be a detraction over all. For some reason making calls on a giant brink seems weird to me, but I don't make calls enough for it to matter a whole lot. Plus using a headset most of the time makes it even less of an issue.
I don't know if I could get used to a software keyboard, or not. If it's as smooth as they say it, probably, but I'm so used to having a physical keyboard that I feel like it's a requirement. If it came down to specs versus physical keyboard, I would probably concede and take the soft keyboard, and make an effort to adjust to it.
Overall, it looks incredbily cool, but I'm used to my Pre and WebOS, and I'm excited about seeing what's in the pipeline for the nextgen WebOS phone. Plus, that'll give me time to save up enough money to upgrade when my year is up (August, I believe) pending something is available then. If it isn't, I'll wait till it is. I'm willing to bet HPalm has something exciting in the works.
@Lucky33cw... definitely only one exchange account on the EVO.
uh, PANCHO13 I think
Just cant do it, that is one sexy beast but I need a keyboard.
I'm currently writing this comment on my Sprint Pre...and I will continue to post comments on here w/ my Sprint Pre until H/Palm unleashes a more advanced webOS powered device. The HTC Evo is a beast on paper and just the other day I had a chance to mess w/ one @ Best Buy. It was sweet. Nice big screen and the whole thing just yelled 'quality!' What I didn't get to experience was the Android OS running the thing. I messed w/ Android on my friends G1...totally not impressed. Tried my fiance's mom's Samsung Moment...still totally wasn't digging the OS and even the UI just wasn't up to par w/ what I'm used to w/ my Palm Pre. I wanted to like the OS just in case the worst comes to be and HP decides to kill webOS on smartphones...but it wasn't clicking for me. I would say the only thing I liked on Android was the speed - but that can merely be the result of better hardware.
My fiance has an Instinct s30 but she's always on my Pre surfing the web, playing games, etc. We're up for an upgrade next month and guess what I am planning to get her? HTC Evo 4G. Me...I'm sticking w/ webOS til my phone falls apart or explodes from being used so much (ha) and hopefully within this year H/Palm will announce something that will get me...along with the many others...more excited about webOS =]
ps. HP...ummm you can do your toasters and printers, but don't forget about smartphones. This is where webOS shines!!!
"...if you build it (w/ super fast processor [omap 4440], bigger screen, 16gb+ ram, vertical keyboard [slider], and maturer webOS, the masses will come!"
If your phone starts to fall apart, you can put duct-tape just under the gesture area, and over the top of the phone. Just cut out holes for the earpiece and microphone. And you can use the virtual keyboard too, if you have to... :) (Yes, I'm kidding)
I really like the Evo huge screen and speed....But correct me if I'm wrong PLEASE! I've been trying to get an answer for this for the past week...Can Evo 4G allow for multiple exchange accounts??? This is one of the main reasons I love the Pre. I have two exchange accounts where I sync calendar tasks and email. I sync a 2 google emails and a google calendar as well. And I have 2 additional personal emails. Can the Evo 4G do this??? If not, I cannot move to the Evo. I us all of thay for my business and the Pre handles all this beautifully for me. I hope someone out there can answer my question...
Pancho13, I responded to your earlier post asking the same thing.
All I did was google "multiple exchange accounts htc evo" and got the answer in like 5 seconds.
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=does+the+htc+evo+support+multiple+exchange+accounts%3F
I am sticking with my Pre.
While I have not seen the EVO, I have seen it's sibling for T-Mobile at a Radio Shack... It is just too big. I also am hesitant to go to Android/learn a new OS. My Pre is doing everything and more that I need it to now.
I also can't see giving up my WebOS.
I am holding out for the next WebOS device (hopefully announcment sometime soon). If the Pre+ becomes available on Sprint... I may consider it... but really would like to know there is some new hardware on the horizon.
Can't wait for the next OS update also to see if it resolves some of the speed issues and contains Flash support.
To the Original Question - What is keeping me with my Pre:
- Free/Already Own
- WebOS
- Patches
- Overclocking
- Homebrew
- Form Factor/Size
- Future Hopes and Dreams!
Not switching. I love webOS way too much! Plus, I must have a physical QWERTY. I dont have time playing with a virtual keyboard although, I'd love to see Palm offer the option.
I liked my pre, but the company I work for didn't, so I had to switch back to my Touch Pro 2. The evo looks nice, it's big but for belt clip carrier folks, not bad. I'd switch since my company supports android phones as well, but the evo has that extra $10/month fee attached to it which is a "deal killer" for me.
It's a little too big for my tastes. I made a cardboard mock up based on the specs and this thing is not good for people who want to carry it in their pocket.
I've used my friend's Droid a lot and I don't like the user interface. The graphics of the UI and text is also very old looking. webOS is very slick.
I've had no problems with my Pre+ (on Verizon). It is great looking and fits in my pocket. I love the Touchstone. I couldn't fathom going back to having to plug in my phone. And, I can't believe no other company has come out with a "touchstone" for their phones. (the charging pads don't count, you still need a plug and adapter).
I barely use my laptop at home. I can multi-task better than any other phone, check email, the web, Facebook, Twitter, use Evernote for lesson plans and note taking, and access all of my Google account data and files. The one thing I'm waiting for is Docs2Go or QuickOffice to come to webOS.
I believe in webOS and I think some great things are coming from HPalm.
Wow that screen is Huge when set next to a Pre.
Thanks for the perspective, but I'm like most who have posted and am not goin anywhere till something new webOS comes out.
Now that I've scene the EVO and Pre sidebyside I'll keep my smaller phone and wait for a webOS Slate for something bigger and more useful.
Sorli...
Wow that screen is Huge when set next to a Pre.
Thanks for the perspective, but I'm like most who have posted and are not goin anywhere till something new webOS comes out.
Now that I've scene the EVO and Pre sidebyside I'll keep my smaller phone and wait for a webOS Slate for something bigger and more useful.
Sorli...
I haven't switched but the larger App Store, larger screen, more stable OS, and fantastic camera would be a few bullet reasons as to why I would switch.
Also, I'm sure Google's CEO would never slip up and say they 'didn't make Android to be in the smartphone business'
My sprint contract is not up until dec, so no EVO for now. I am hoping by the time Dec roles around there is a new version of the PRE. I think the EVO may be too big and WebOS is definitely better. I think the PRE 2 can squeeze a slightly larger screen into the same form factor. Along with a faster processor it would be the perfect phone. Also I don't want to give up Synergy and the Touchstone.
PS. If I hadn't dropped my original PRE and had to buy a cheap used one that is a piece of sh*t I would probably hold onto the original for at least 2 years.
Even if the Evo was on Verizon's network (which it kinda is with the Incredible) I still don't think I would make the switch. I mean I had the option before to pick Android and I passed it up for the Pre. I chose it for a reason, the outstanding operating system that is only getting better. In my book the only thing that Android has over the Pre is the app market.
I'm leaving for the EVO camp on a rocketship.
I love webOS but the Pre hardware simply sucksBallz. I'm on my fifth phone now and this one has huge cracks on the side of it and the slider mechanism is starting to fail.
Even my old BlackBerry 8830 had better build quality and I hated my BlackBerry.
It was a hard decision for me to switch. My Pre's screen started to develop cracks about a month ago, now I have half-dead screen. Thought about getting another Pre vs. Evo, and decided to switch despite the superiority of Webos over Android. I will miss my Pre and Webos, but they are not going away. I believe in huge potential in Webos, and will definitely come back in the future. Until then...
I'm switching. After my 9th Pre and waiting for some sort of better hardware announcement. I love webOS but I can't live at the sprint store.
9 Pre's? Receipts, or it didn't happen...
9 Pre's? Maybe it isn't a phone issue. ;)
I'm not surprised. My fiancee went through at least 4; the original one that broke (screen got a permanent ding near the slider on the bottom), the replacement that wouldn't keep time, the replacement to that which drained battery extremely quickly, and the replacement to that one which she still has.
I also switched but am not certain if I'll keep it. Let me put it this way: palm needed to have a new phone by now, and they didn't. I have little faith left in the company creating new hardware (which we can all agree is very much needed).
If I had never picked up a Pre and become such a fan of WebOS then I would have gone Evo and Android. That being said, nothing compares to webOS, it's ease of use, tweakability, and ability to withstand even my wicked ADHD tendencies. The Pre hardware quality is admittedly terrible but the form factor and OS trump that easily.
What, no poll? :)
Exactly what I was thinking!
And don't forget the "I don't have a Pre or Evo but I like to vote" option. ;)
I am sticking with my Pre. I was excited about the Evo's screen and speed. My main issues is with the "Swipe", yes , each time I play with someone's iPhone or Android phone, I accidentally swipe on the APPs, only to realize that these are not WebOS devices. What an elegant OS !!!! I am staying with Pre.
Having said that I might buy the EVO, not as a phone but as an alternative to iPod Touch. Been planning on a iTouch for sometime. Evo is better than iTouch, its got a bigger screen and faster processor.Doesn't hurt to buy it for music alone and when the 4G finally arrives in my area, I will be ready. For $ 199.00, the EVO is a cheap deal. I will use it for a month, then reactivate my Pre.
I would switch this phone like a fat lady switchin a salad for a hamburger but my year isn't up til October. Damn Damn Damn
Abso-freaking-lutely I'm switching as soon as my primer contract comes around (another couple weeks).
It's been over a year now. A YEAR! And the Pre still can't do some of the most simple tasks like recording audio. There's no developer access to the mic, no access to the camera, and they stuck a fraking centro battery into the thing so you can barely even get through a day (with zero use) without the damn thing dying.
The core of WebOS is very nice, but we were all promised these features would be available 3 months after release. It's been a year and the Pre is still a beta phone (no, it doesn't even qualify as first gen).
Hopefully HP will put some money into it and finally release a finished product. But with HP falling all over themselves in their statements about WebOS recently I'm not holding my breath that it'll be anytime soon.
If they can really get their act together in another year, I might come back. Until then I'll go with the Evo, and enjoy having a smartphone that actually qualifies to be called a smartphone.
you can find an homebrew app for audio recording (zcorder). If you are expecting palm to provide all the apps for basic stuff, then good luck with your new phone(EVO). (I know I know I know palm even do not have some common basic apps, that is why we have an awesome lot of webos-internal and many other open source community developers to fill the gap).
zcorder does as well as it can for not having official access, but if I allow the screen to turn off while recording I get skips that sound like I've turned into Max Headroom. It's simply not usable to me.
I'm not expecting palm to provide any of the apps. I'm expecting them to provide the APIs so that developers can provide the apps. Again, something that was supposed to happen by September but never came about. We even lost the google voice app.
The only really killer app on the Pre that I will severely miss is DrPodder. But there are dozens of apps that can't be made for WebOS yet for lack of API. Palm failed. They're not dead, but they need to regroup and get their act together, and so far HP isn't looking very promising on that front.
I use Mediafly AND DrPodder (just to download) with the Pre. But you can download with Mediafly on Android (not on WebOS), so Mediafly will be all I need on the EVO.
Good to know. I was wondering if there was an equiv app for Android. Will check out Mediafly on the Evo. Thanks.
@gamble6x Yeah the iPhone was so much farther in its FIRST YEAR!
Who brought up the iPhone? I have never owned, nor will I ever own an iPhone. (actually nobody owns an iPhone but simply leases limited use of it from Apple, but I wouldn't do that either).
However. True as it is that it took Apple 2.5 years to do many things Palm did in 6 months. Those 2.5 years *preceded* Palm's 6 months. When you have no competition you can take as long as you want offering features (or not offer them at all), and people will still buy your product because it's the only option out there.
Believe me I said the same things about the iPhone for those years as I'm saying about the Pre. That it doesn't qualify as a smartphone without video recording and MMS.
But *NONE* of that excuses Palm for falling down on the job with getting us the features they promised, and then delayed, and delayed, and delayed.
Put shorter: "The iPhone is worse" (true as it might be) isn't a valid argument.
My argument really is that it is not rational to expect every feature to be baked in on the first day, 6 months or year for any 1.0 OS. I simply pointed to the iPhone as an example. If you thought it threw I'm sure you couldn't come up with an example of an OS that was fully baked in it's first year.
Update: and my guess is that Palm never purposely delayed anything. I doubt they were sitting around sipping Mocha Frappicnio watching youtube videos. The development of an OS is difficult and complex especially with limited resources.
Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r1CZTLk-Gk
I wasn't basing it on my expectation, but on what Palm told me. Told all of us. And I wasn't expecting every feature, but I was expecting access to all the basic hardware for developers (which *is* something both iPhoneOS and Android had in their first year).
I don't think expecting a modern day "smartphone" to launch and have a video recorder and voice recorder on day 1 is unreasonable. I wouldn't have purchased the Pre without those things except that Palm said they'd be available within 3 months.
I've seen the video before. The guy has some points but as with most things it's exceptionally more complex than that.
This is probably my memory but I don't actually recall the promise of video/voice recording on the first day. Video was promised later and it came (though it was late). The first year for all mobileOS is a bit rocky (even if they have developer access to APIs right away). I just think people may have a tad higher expectation than reality dictates.
I don't think idea of "technical privilege" talked about in the video is exceptionally more complex. I think the video gets right to the heart of the matter. The things that we have in technology today are amazing and we have come to take them for granted. While I will say that video recording and voice recording are essential aspects of a smart phone I wouldn't say the Pre was sorely lacking because they missed some features on day one. Nor was Palm negligent in providing features as quickly as they could.
Truthfully that is just how I perceive the first year, and I don't knock you for how you feel. I just don't agree.
The promise wasn't that the APIs/features would be there first day, it was that they would be available by September (October by the latest). That promise was made in late June.
What becomes complicated is the interaction between born and learned bias, human nature, technical privilege, and expectation. We all grew up expecting that if we picked up a phone (regardless of if electricity was available) that we would hear a dial tone. It would be a massive shock to our system if this expectation was ever not met. But we also all excepted that cell phones would frequently drop calls.
More present day we expect a cell phone to drop a call once in a while, but Apple and AT&T are having such backlash presently about the amount of dropped calls with the iPhone because we expect better. We've learned better is possible.
But then you get into product/service bias (apple fanbois) and how that factors into it. And Palm has certainly had their own set of fanbois (though certainly not nearly as forgiving).
Launching a smartphone in 2007 (original iPhone) that couldn't record video was unexceptionable. Most cell phone had this feature since 2005. It was expected. But product bias pushed people to purchase it anyway and ignore that bias.
It was even less acceptable in 2009 when the Pre launched. And Palm had the issue of not having the product bias AND having to overcome their own previous products which *did* have this feature.
You seem to have been spoiled by Android's extremely rapid development cycles. Might I remind you that OS's take YEARS to evolve and mature into their final rendition? Android has progressed so fast because Google has almost unlimited resources at their disposal. Expecting Palm, a near bankrupt company to produce at the same level is like expecting your Ford Focus to match a Ferrari's 0 to 60 time.
I will admit that several key API's have yet to be released, but calling the Pre a 'beta' phone simply because you didn't see the API's released when you expected them to release is just foolish.
But its in the name. From MW Dictionary:
Main Entry: pre-
Function: prefix
Etymology: Latin prae-, from prae in front of, before
If you bought the Pre in late June, you should be eligible for an upgrade on June 1.
Thanks. I hadn't checked and was assuming it wouldn't be until after my purchase date passed. Will check with a store when I have a little free time.
Not only am I not switching to the EVO but I'm buying my girlfriend an AT&T Pixi Plus this weekend. webOS for life
I love my pre (webOS) and I am not going to switch to any other at least for a year or until palm/hp comes up with a new phone with webOS. As some one said above, after couple of weeks of excitement with this new phone(Evo), they will surely miss the elegant multitask/multiapp feature of the webOS.
Anyway, to all people who has touchstone with backcover: If you are switching then I can buy your touchstone(working cond.) for around $10-$15.
Won't do it. First off, I played around with the Droid when it came out and I wasn't a fan of the usability. I understand HTC's Sense makes it better but still no WebOS. Also it doesn't have a keyboard, which is a deal breaker. And I agree with the first guy, the screen's too large. If a smartphone's not comfortable in my hand, then I'm not going to get. Also, all the reviews of this device have stated that the battery life's worse than any other device on the market.
We'll see how long some of you can hold out with the Pre...
I have a solid unit (Pre Plus) from Verizon, and I'm on the $2/month warranty plan. As long as it holds up, I'm a hold out. I love my phone (if I didn't, do you think I'd be taking the time to write this comment?) As someone else said, WebOS for life...
Great point, it is hard holding out. EVO is like new tech crack right now. Will power is a b!tch, but I am holding out for now.
However, I am also expecting at least an announcement of a new device soon since WWDC will be here shortly. Come on Rubes
Until in about five months, when we're laughing our heads off at you guys for buying a phone that would immediately be outclassed by both Scorpion and Tegra 2.
Quite frankly, I think the EVO is simply going to be the 'Phone of the Month.'
I'm going to 'hold out' (more like celebrate) for the full two years with my Pre Plus. I have no regrets.
Made the switch, but I still have my Pre and I still love WebOS. Let's see what HP and Palm and do and I may be back next year.
No way can't stand android and I love webOS (although I just got my 4th replacement for my pre yesterday =( )
I'm just going to say that I'm not going anywhere! Since I love my palm pre on sprint, I have mobile hotspot that works great why would I pay 30.00 dollars extra. Another thing I live in an area that does not have 4g again I'm not paying a extra 10 dollars a month for that! I mean I have six lines all with pre's no one has called me and asked me to switch them!
I was playing with my friends droid eris and I did not like it. I really hate android... I think that htc does a good job at covering it like they cover up winmo devices! Just like it sounds a cover up, cause when you really get down to android really feels like windows in a way!
when it comes to it webos is the best ui out there for phones! That's what the evo is missing webos! If they had that I would be switching every line of service to one! I'm with webos till the end!
I will be getting the Evo today. I am a person that likes new technology. I'm up for the full-upgrade, so I'm getting the best available. I have never tried Android, so it should be interesting. I like WebOS a lot...best OS I have worked with on a phone by far, but the hardware is not there yet. Also, some basic features of a phone are still missing. I think the homebrew people here are awesome and made the pre way better than it was. My phone feels naked now that I've stripped it down...getting it ready to sell. If Palm gets new hardware by next year, I'll probably upgrade again to that...nothing personal. I just like the latest and greatest...
I am done with the pre, can't stand the crap hardware any more. have a lot of respect for the OS but i am moving on to Evo.
Being brand new, the Evo is bound to run into some problems right away. I am going to stick with my Palm Pre until the Evo has been out for a while. If no new webOS devices look are on the horizon, then I'll consider jumping to the Evo.
No contest for me. Not only is the EVO way to big (no holsters for me), but, I really find my Pre+ / WebOS combo too hard to beat.
-I like that WebOS has stayed consistent across the 2 devices. I assume HP/Palm will keep that. --> I don't like that Android is the Linux of Smartphones: a new flavour every month.
-I like that Synergy allows me to maintain multiple Calendars from multiple sources at the same time. I can't speak to Android, but, I know that BB's aren't good with multiple calendars & believe iPhones are worse.
In short. I love WebOS & my Pre+. For general use (Phone, Calendar, Tasks(Pocketsync), Memo(Pocketsync), Web + apps), it runs great: I don't find the lag/load time to be bad (except for Google Maps). I've 'moved-in' to the WebOS world and have no intention of leaving anytime soon.
Love the specs on the EVO (including the screen size), but it's not a WebOS phone so what's the point. If it had WebOS on it, I would have been in line bright and early this morning! And so would several of you. Be honest with yourself. WebOS is the best that ever did it. I just hope HP doesn't mess it up?
I'm on board with Pre and enjoying it for everything it is. That being said, I'm with this phone until I get my alert that I'm up for the next subsidy deal on Sprint, and unless there's an attractive new webos smartphone out or on the way, I'll be looking to move onto something bigger faster stronger. I haven't played much with Android, but I'm not a huge fan of an OS from a company that makes its dollars from mining data, my opinion. And with WP7 on the way, I might be taken with their ecosystem. WebOS is up against some stiff competition and I'm rooting for them.
Concerning size and such, I'll take the additional screen real estate. Crashes and glitches don't bother me, nor does battery life in any real pinch - I'm pretty tethered to a desk and a plug-in is never out of reach.
Good times to be had by all!
this phone is only those guy who have a man-purse cause 1 it wouldn't fit in their pocket (jeans are skin tight) 2 they just want a big phone ( i'll keep it clean, use your creative mind) 3 Pre is the perfect size 4 hardware keyboard 5 and most important your not falling into Google plans for world domination.