Touch Cruise Review

[raskell]

Here are the review contents (posted at OnTheGoSolutions.com)
More photos and extended comments after two weeks of use are still to come. Check back later to this thread.

This phone has impressed everyone who has seen and held it.

[Abbsta]

That was a good 'teaser' review. I read it earlier on your post in the General and thought it was excellent for the size. And as always we want more so I can't wait for more :)

Couple of questions re driving:

1. How does the GPS perform at motorway speeds (if you had a chance to try it) say between 55-70MPH?

2. Does the mirror-like finish bother you, whilst driving, i.e. bright city lights or a high beam from a car behind?

Cheers.

[srmz]

And another question. Since this is also a Qualcomm same as the TyTn II what about the behaviour of the drivers and their incompatibility for video playback. Has HTC corrected the problem or issued just another half-cooked device.

[HBERBOUT123]

http://smartmobilegadgets.wordpress.com/2007/08/04/htc-pxxxx-polaris/

enjoy

[raskell]

And another question. Since this is also a Qualcomm same as the TyTn II what about the behaviour of the drivers and their incompatibility for video playback. Has HTC corrected the problem or issued just another half-cooked device.

I am not aware of the video playback problems with the TyTnII. I will try to read more about this.

I have tested video playback with the Cruise and it seems reasonable for a 400 MHz device. I also have the Qtek 9000 (HTC Universal) at 520MHz and the Dopod U1000 ( HTC Athena) at 624MHz. Both are VGA devices. I have a test video, a full length movie, which is encoded for 640x480 resolution. All 3 devices running WM6 and WMPlayer run this video reasonably well. The Cruise has at times a slightly noticable lag with lip sync. This comes and goes during the movie, but is not that distracting. There were no issues with lockup or freezing. Playback was tested in full screen. I re-encoded the video for 320x240 and the sync issue was gone. I find that encoding is a major part of perceived playback problems. Perhaps this should be the topic of a different thread.

Bottom line, it looks like the Cruise palys back video fine.

[raskell]

That was a good 'teaser' review. I read it earlier on your post in the General and thought it was excellent for the size. And as always we want more so I can't wait for more :)

Couple of questions re driving:

1. How does the GPS perform at motorway speeds (if you had a chance to try it) say between 55-70MPH?

2. Does the mirror-like finish bother you, whilst driving, i.e. bright city lights or a high beam from a car behind?

Cheers.

I ran the GPS for a full 70 mile commute, side by side with a BMW iDrive Nav. Apart from the different softwares projecting slightly different routes, the positional differences were negligible. Speed, bearing, distance and locations were spot on. By the way, I got home at the same time on both devices!!! I'm not sure what you have experienced with other devices at motorway speeds, but with the software I use and with this phone, no problems.

As for the mirror finish, I don't have a need for a car cradle since my vehicles have integrated BlueTooth and Nav already installed. I would imagine that in the right circumstances, the mount position, the direction of travel, view of the sun, etc..., could temporarily create a glare porblem. I would think this to be a random and obscure issue, no worse of a cure than slightly adjusting your review mirror up or down if the lights behind you are a problem.

By the way, since you live in the UK, why be overly concerned with the three days of the summer that have direct, bright sun??? ( I lived in Leeds for three years ;) )

[raskell]

@finesse asks these Questions:

1. Can you please take and post some pictures?

2. Have you experienced any problems with video playback & driver problems like the Kaiser?

3. Do you need to download gps info for the gps to work?

4. What is your opinion on the processor so far? battery killer? omap 200mhz on steroids?

5. Since you been using the phone for a while now, what are your pro's and con's?

Answers:

1) One new photo is attached. Is there something particular you want to see in a photo? Apart from the front face, it is pretty much what you expect to see.

2) See post above on video playback, no problems for me with this

3) Not really sure of your question on downloading GPS info, but the phone did not come with GPS software. I added Ostia by PharosGPS for my testing. This works exceptionally well with any PDA / phone I have evaluated.

4) I think the processor is superb. The phone is far more responsive than the original HTC Touch with the 201 MHz OMAP. I would not even think to play video on that one. In my experience, 400 MHz is near the bottom end for good video. As for the battery, I'm getting through the work day and still having 40-50% left with normal use (whatever that means). The battery is 1350mAH compared to 1100 mAH on the original Touch.

5) I will stand by my initial review for now as far as the pros and cons are concerned. No hidden downsides have imerged. I did not specifically state it but Touch Phones are fingerprint magnets (duh). So far though, not a scratch on it.

[srmz]

Hi Raskell,

You know I may be asking for too much but could you do a test for me. Can you please check what data transfer speeds can the Cruise reach with the EDGE network. Please note EDGE and not 3G. I am asking this as my TyTn II cannot get higher than 100 Kbs. When I place the sameSIM in my Touch, I can reach 200 Kbs. I have done these tests repeatedly but always the Touch is almost twice as fast compared to the TyTn II. Actually this is one of the reasons that I now want to dispose off my TyTn II and get the Cruise instead.

My only fear is that since both have Qualcomm processors and if my problem is because of the Qualcomm processor then changing to the Cruise may not be my solution.

I shall be extremely obliged and appreciate your help.

[raskell]

@srmz

Using http://bandwidthplace.com/speedtest

HSDPA - 492kBps average of 3 tests 492/507/478
Edge - 208kBps average of 3 tests 178/239/208

Both tested using Opera Browser and nothing else running in the background.

(From my location with 2 bars of signal showing)

Hope this helps.

[srmz]

Thanks for the speed tests. I am sure I will get one as soon as it is available in my country. Thanks once again

[victoradjei]

Hi Raskell,
There was the debate on the "transflectiveness" of the Kaiser screen. What is your experience with the cruise. How is the screen readability outdoors compared with proven true transflective screens? I am not an expert in these terms, but I simply want to know if you have to squint to read the screen under bright sunshine ;)

[raskell]

Hi Raskell,
There was the debate on the "transflectiveness" of the Kaiser screen. What is your experience with the cruise. How is the screen readability outdoors compared with proven true transflective screens? I am not an expert in these terms, but I simply want to know if you have to squint to read the screen under bright sunshine ;)

There is another thread over in the General area titled HTC Cruise is Here which was started before the Polaris was added. This phone is easily readable in direct sun and has also been tested beneath 250W Metal Halide bulbs at 6 inches, bot 20,000Kelvin (blue) rated and 13,000Kelvin (white) rated. The screen remains clearly viewable. I see no problem with this phone, unlike my HP digital camera which disappears under a flashlight!

[Abbsta]

Thanks for the info.


By the way, since you live in the UK, why be overly concerned with the three days of the summer that have direct, bright sun??? ( I lived in Leeds for three years ;) )

I live in London. We get few more days ;)

[wywywywy]

By the way, since you live in the UK, why be overly concerned with the three days of the summer that have direct, bright sun??? ( I lived in Leeds for three years ;) )

It is more to do with driving in dusk/dawn.
And if your car has a cream interior like mine then the problem becomes very pronouncing...

[finesse]

Thanks for taking time to do your review!!

1 more question....

Have you got used to not having a ''windows'' and ''ok'' button?

@finesse asks these Questions:

1. Can you please take and post some pictures?

2. Have you experienced any problems with video playback & driver problems like the Kaiser?

3. Do you need to download gps info for the gps to work?

4. What is your opinion on the processor so far? battery killer? omap 200mhz on steroids?

5. Since you been using the phone for a while now, what are your pro's and con's?

Answers:

1) One new photo is attached. Is there something particular you want to see in a photo? Apart from the front face, it is pretty much what you expect to see.

2) See post above on video playback, no problems for me with this

3) Not really sure of your question on downloading GPS info, but the phone did not come with GPS software. I added Ostia by PharosGPS for my testing. This works exceptionally well with any PDA / phone I have evaluated.

4) I think the processor is superb. The phone is far more responsive than the original HTC Touch with the 201 MHz OMAP. I would not even think to play video on that one. In my experience, 400 MHz is near the bottom end for good video. As for the battery, I'm getting through the work day and still having 40-50% left with normal use (whatever that means). The battery is 1350mAH compared to 1100 mAH on the original Touch.

5) I will stand by my initial review for now as far as the pros and cons are concerned. No hidden downsides have imerged. I did not specifically state it but Touch Phones are fingerprint magnets (duh). So far though, not a scratch on it.

[anonimo]

Thanks for taking time to do your review!!

1 more question....

Have you got used to not having a ''windows'' and ''ok'' button?

Yes that's something I am worried about... I like the Touch Cruise but not the choice of removing so many hardware buttons... I don't want to use my fingers for everything!
I have a Trinity and I use the "windows" and "ok" buttons heavily... actually the Trinity has even a second "ok" button on the left side but I don't use that very often.

Edit: oh well... I have noticed that the two soft buttons have gone too! :(

[borealcool]

There is another thread over in the General area titled HTC Cruise is Here which was started before the Polaris was added. This phone is easily readable in direct sun and has also been tested beneath 250W Metal Halide bulbs at 6 inches, bot 20,000Kelvin (blue) rated and 13,000Kelvin (white) rated. The screen remains clearly viewable. I see no problem with this phone, unlike my HP digital camera which disappears under a flashlight!
Strictly judging from your hands-on comments and I've read them all attentively, I think Polaris is THE device to put every other, including the iPhone, to shame. Congrats to you for a magnificent device and perhaps HTC if production models are anything like yours.

[victoradjei]

There is another thread over in the General area titled HTC Cruise is Here which was started before the Polaris was added. This phone is easily readable in direct sun and has also been tested beneath 250W Metal Halide bulbs at 6 inches, bot 20,000Kelvin (blue) rated and 13,000Kelvin (white) rated. The screen remains clearly viewable. I see no problem with this phone, unlike my HP digital camera which disappears under a flashlight!

Thanks Raskell for the information.

I would also like to know if the battery is the same as that of the Kaiser. I see on expansys when I looked up the touch cruise accessories that it is the same as that listed for the kaiser :confused:

[raskell]

Using http://utilities.globequest.com.ph/

Cruise (Edge & IExplorer) -> 605 Kbps (469/661/667)
Cruise (HSDPA & IExplorer) -> 746 Kbps (726/779/733)
Cruise (HSDPA & Opera) -> 145 Kbps (148/143/143)

Cruise (WiFi - phone off) -> 712 Kbps (724/680/733) **Using AT&T DSL and LinkSys WRT54G router**

This particular test site seems to be better configured for IExplorer. The prior test data from bandwidthplace would not run with IE. It is offline today so I can't retest.

Bottom line => Touch Cruise cruises the internet.

[raskell]

@finese

wrote: raskell


Thanks for taking time to do your review!! 1 more question....

Have you got used to not having a ''windows'' and ''ok'' button?

Answer: Not much to get used to, I never used them with my other devices.

If you really must have a button, the main action in the jog wheel acts as the 'OK' button. You can also configure GPS/Messaging button to be the 'Start' button. So they are there if you really want them.

[victoradjei]

Thanks Raskell for the information.

I would also like to know if the battery is the same as that of the Kaiser. I see on expansys when I looked up the touch cruise accessories that it is the same as that listed for the kaiser :confused:

Raskell any information on the battery being same as kaiser's? This would be ideal for me because i could use one spare battery for both devices :cool:

[raskell]

Raskell any information on the battery being same as kaiser's? This would be ideal for me because i could use one spare battery for both devices :cool:

Batery P/N is shown as POLA160
It is 3.7 VDC 1350mAh

Looks very similar, but I've never seen a Kaiser, so I can not be sure.

[TRJS]

What are the most important advantages of Polaris compared to Trinity? It's obviously thinner and lighter (and more beautiful IMHO), but what are other 'killer arguments' for Polaris?

[Rudegar]

better bluetooth a2dp they say
better gps
touch support
double the rom and ram
better cam
fm radio
http://www.htc.com/product/03-product_htctouch_cruise.htm
http://www.htc.com/product/03-product_p3600.htm

[s1rl4ncel0t]

@finese

wrote: raskell


Thanks for taking time to do your review!! 1 more question....

Have you got used to not having a ''windows'' and ''ok'' button?

Answer: Not much to get used to, I never used them with my other devices.

If you really must have a button, the main action in the jog wheel acts as the 'OK' button. You can also configure GPS/Messaging button to be the 'Start' button. So they are there if you really want them.


Also, if you want to have your buttons 10000% configurable, you can always install SPB Plus. It allows, among many other things, to configure your the buttons to do exactly what you want them to...



Bye

[anonimo]

better bluetooth a2dp they say
better gps
touch support
double the rom and ram
better cam
fm radio
http://www.htc.com/product/03-product_htctouch_cruise.htm
http://www.htc.com/product/03-product_p3600.htm

I would also add MicroSD HC instead of MiniSD. 8GB MicroSD cards are already available.

[c4b3l3r4]

http://br.youtube.com/watch?v=lKnEumre068
one more video released!

bye

[Menneisyys]

Do you know if it supports seamless (!!!!) call recording - that is, can the other party be (also) clrarly heard when operated in a noisy environment / with a wired or BT headset?

[landwomble]

however the excellent HButton might come to the rescue: my artemis uses this so long presses on buttons trigger different apps: e.g. press and hold voice dial to get comm manager, press and hold start button to get mouse mode etc. Really neat and free.
Personally I'd struggle with the reduced button count but it looks like a lovely device otherwise.

[athanaso77]

Do you know if it supports seamless (!!!!) call recording - that is, can the other party be (also) clrarly heard when operated in a noisy environment / with a wired or BT headset?

I don't think so... as Kaiser doesn't either!

[kkhalil76]

Is it easy to type? I currenty have the Hermes and love the keybaord, but tempted to swtich to the polaris soon...

[athanaso77]

Is it easy to type? I currenty have the Hermes and love the keybaord, but tempted to swtich to the polaris soon...

Ιt's not that easy as with a hardware keyboard. Why don't you get yourself a Kaiser?

[raskell]

Personally, I have two HTC Wizards, the HTC Universal and the Athena, all with hard keyboards. I hardly ever use the keyboard, Is is much more expedient for me to use the virtual KB. My preference is the TekSoft Finger Touch.

[aerokid240]

hey raskell, dunno if u tried this already, but have u any idea how many hours u may get from your polaris device for music play back and video playback. It concerns me cause i was hoping to make this my goto mp3 playback device and was hoping it doesnt completly drain your battery after like 5 hrs or so. thx

[evert]

I am not aware of the video playback problems with the TyTnII. I will try to read more about this.

Well, you have probably found it by now, but for those who are interested: It is mentioned in the Wikipedia entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTC_TyTN_II#Video_Driver_Issues). And also in this forum entry (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=351986).

[morbidangel]

The Touch Cruise is really great but after using it for some days with tweaking and modding etc.

I must say that multimedia, taking photos and games are definately a no go on that device as long as there are no real video drivers and a fast video/photo function and a fix for the touchscreen-performance eater . I paid nearly 500,- for a device with great hardware nice TouchFlo and very bad drivers that make me feel like having a slow cheap phone.

[reyjabs]

The Touch Cruise is really great but after using it for some days with tweaking and modding etc.

I must say that multimedia, taking photos and games are definately a no go on that device as long as there are no real video drivers and a fast video/photo function and a fix for the touchscreen-performance eater . I paid nearly 500,- for a device with great hardware nice TouchFlo and very bad drivers that make me feel like having a slow cheap phone.

Now you know why the release dates has been delayed and altered a number of times? Blessed are those who were unlucky enough to be left out in the cold on the first wave of "Test Market" release.
Best Multimedia Experience of the decade? yes it is, and one that wil give you nightmare.:D

[evert]

[quote=reyjabs;1816933]Now you know why the release dates has been delayed and altered a number of times? Blessed are those who were unlucky enough to be left out in the cold on the first wave of "Test Market" release.
/quote]


Are you suggesting there's something wrong with the first batch of HTC Polaris? Or am I interpreting your posting incorrectly? :cool: