So, how do you compare the original Touch Pro and the Touch Pro 2 now that you've had some time with it?
Sadly, I only have limited time with the TP2, because it goes to work each morning and stays out until the late afternoon.
So here, what I've experienced so far:
It
feels very solid. Like a real expensive piece of tech. The keyboard and screen feel so together, that - if I didn't know it - I wouldn't even suspect it has a slide-out keyboard.
If I put the two next to each other, the TP
looks infantile, clunky and dis-proportioned. In the hand, it does fell thinner than the TP.
The
screen is large & vivid. Way better than the TP. The TF3D is fluid and responsive. There's no lag at all when opening the keyboard to switch screens or type. It's great to have the TF3D in landscape as well.
There are now
tabs for the Sprint Navigator & Stocks. There's also now a setting to get rid of tabs you don't use.
What's missing is the Programs tab. Instead, you get the new
Start Menu, which you can populate with plenty of apps.
What I miss though:
Recently apps used. They no longer show up when you hit Start.
To get to the
Settings, you now have to go to the Settings tab, then hit "All Settings" and it brings up the old fashioned settings screen.
The old Start Menu pops up occassionally, like when I'm in File explorer. It seems there's a glitch.
The
back button acts as the ok button and minimizes the open app. What I miss however: If you have been scrolling down a list, hit the back key, then come back to your list, it starts you at the top again and you have to scroll all over again.
I do
miss the d-pad. Some menus / screens are still the old WM interface. On drop-down menus I miss it the most. I either have to be very precise with my finger (thumb) or use the stylus. I would like to hit a directional button and then an enter button. I wish they would have implemented the side scroll/click wheel from the Mogul to enhance the experience.
I have managed to program the Volume keys to act as directional buttons through AEButtons. It is however not very consistent and I will have to try one of the keymapping programs from xda to make it better.
I have also installed
ManilaToday tab and it works great!
I love the way the
contacts are handling! No more need for a third-party contact manager. It feels very integrated! Each contact now has tabs on the bottom to list specific call history, text & email, as well as facebook.
The
calendar tab is also a big plus! It does however only give you the option to show month & day. I know this will be remedied with the new software upgrade.
The
software keyboard is very good! The new EZ keypad comes in two variaties: Full qerty & Phone pad. Typing is very fluid on either and I really like the tactile feel & the type writer sounds that are now present.
The
slide-out keyboard is wonderfully big! Typing is a breeze. I do miss an ok button, but again, xda has a solution for that. I just need more time with the phone to hack that.
As for
carrying it: I prefer a phone that fits easily in my jeans pocket. This is NOT it. Well, it DOES fit, but it really shows! It is very heavy and will tug on any pocket it's in.
The
speaker is very crisp, loud and clear.
The
camera does pretty well, considering how badly it did on the TP. Outside pictures come out great. Inside I use a mini LED flashlight to light up the sceene and it works great. It seems to focus just a bit faster and the pictures don't come out blurry, even if people are moving. That was the worst for me on the TP.
All in all: it was well worth the purchase!!! Now I'm waiting for an upgrade on the Diamond! And no teeny 2.8" screen either! I am finally eligable on November 1st.
