Got the green light to get a hermes!

[jdc]

So, after discussing the options to repair my old blue angel (cracked digitizer ), the accountant (AKA The Wife(tm)) gave me the green light to get a hermes.

My question: Which one to get? I know of the first generation having the touchscreen problems and loose keyboards, but I can't seem to find anything that identifies the models that have these problems.

I see on ebay and various places the occasional Softbank. I am aware of the "dangers" of getting a softbank that is not unlockable/flashable, but with a price usually considerably lower than the other versions of the phone (HTC, Vodaphone, etc), they are tempting, but if they are already unlocked, I question the ability of the unit to accept different ROM's.

Anyone have any advice on what to look for/versions to avoid? Thanks!

 

[JR_de]

Why don't you get the HTC TyTN II aka HTC Kaiser?

 

[PPCNUT]

I would wait until the Kaiser is out and get that. It will be the latest and no need to upgrade for a while.

 

[Toleraen]

If you're sure you want to go with a Hermes (nothing wrong with that) instead of waiting on the Kaiser, take a look at this wiki page for problems with different models. At this point I don't think there are really any major problems on the newest models.

Also, when I shopped around for mine the 8525 was generally the cheapest available here in the states. If you go with an 8525, maybe look for an AT&T branded phone, as that should be one of the newest production models (won't get stuck with an old one with alignment issues).

 

[jdc]

Well, as much as I would love to get a Kaiser, the cost is high enough that it is not really an option. I'm seeing the Hermes going for around $400 to $500 used, with pre-orders for the Kaiser for almost $800. I may try to go that route still.

I've looked at the wiki, however, as is the case, sometimes people don't have the time to update it, so I thought I'd check with those who are currently using them now.

And the 8525... I've avoid that one. Something about AT&T/Cingular removing features from the phone and the fact that I'm seeing a more of those for sale over any other model kind of worries me.

I really like the look of the softbank, I'm just worried that if I get one unlocked, that it was done in a way that would prevent me from flashing a custom ROM on it.

 

[Ragart]

Well, I recently bought a Softbank X01 for myself. The stock I got seems to have been made in July and so far it's performing nicely. The ebay seller said it was unlocked for use on the networks in my area (Rogers Canada) and sure enough it is. It also came flashed with a Dopod ROM of WM6 which was a bonus for me, as I 've never flashed ROMs onto things before.

The only problem was the keyboard layout didn't match what the software thought it was -- that is to say, I just had to tweak which keyboard version I had installed and then all symbols on hardware keyboard were in correct position.

If it helps, here's the seller I got it from. I did the local pickup, but they apparently have shipping too.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/New-SoftBank-X01...ryZ64355QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Toleraen]

For the record, the only thing different about the 8525 is the lack of the front facing VGA 3G video camera. Since there is no 3G video call capabilities in the US, there's no need to have it. The 8525 is a HERM100 device. See here for an explanation.

The likely reason that they are available all over is the fact that AT&T subsidizes the cost of the phone. For instance, I can buy the phone through my business account for $300 with free activation, free shipping, etc. If I wasn't lazy, I'd pay the $300 and sell it on ebay. Also, the 8525 is the only one available from a carrier in the US. So if you're looking on ebay.com, that's just what you're going to see. Just like you'd probably see a lot of Dopods in south east Asia.

There's nothing wrong with the 8525. Other than the front camera, the only differences between the 8525 and any other Hermes is purely cosmetic. I've had mine for 6 months, and it's been rock solid.

 

[jdc]

For the record, the only thing different about the 8525 is the lack of the front facing VGA 3G video camera. Since there is no 3G video call capabilities in the US, there's no need to have it. The 8525 is a HERM100 device.

*snip*

There's nothing wrong with the 8525. Other than the front camera, the only differences between the 8525 and any other Hermes is purely cosmetic. I've had mine for 6 months, and it's been rock solid.

Thank you, that's good to know. I do have to admit that the price difference is considerable enough that it is tempting.

I would just hate to get one then tomorrow T-Mo/AT&T/some new carrier named grasshopper announces that they are rolling it out in my area.

I'm sure the chances of that happening are about as much as a little man dressed in red starting a brisk trade in ice skates, but one never knows.

Is there any software that makes use of the front camera if one is not using it for video calls?

Oh, I can't seem to find an answer on this one either: Can the hermes make/take a voice call while the data (GPRS/EDGE/whatever) is active?

 

[Doom Tints]

The 8925/"Tilt" is coming out on Monday. The price difference will likely only be $100 to $150. I'd probably go with the Tilt instead if it is within your budget.

It can take voice calls when the data is active. Most of us probably keep the data connections active all the time.

 

[Toleraen]

You can take a call while using data, but if you're on GPRS/EDGE the data will disconnect while you're on the call, but automatically reconnect. If you're in 3G coverage you can use both at the same time. I'm pretty sure that's true for any phone though. I don't believe T-Mobile in the US has rolled out any 3G coverage either.

 

[jdc]

OK, thanks for all the info. It's given me some things to consider and think about.