HTC Imagio XV6975 Windows Phone (Verizon Wireless) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I received this phone just days after Verizon released it, replacing a TouchPro as my personal phone. I also have a Blackberry Tour and was testing an iphone 3GS for our company at the same time. So I had three of the latest technologies in my hands.
The iphone was my first experience with touch-screen only, and I was really hesitant. But after using it for a couple days, I realized that it was actually very quick to learn to type with. I was sending decent sized emails quickly. But dang, the web browsing speeds were so incredibly slow compared to the other phones. The iphone interface was very easy to learn, and one strong point was moving from app to app didn't seem to slow the phone down at all. But I have multiple email accounts (work, and two personal), and to move between accounts takes several taps. Another thing that I did not like was the back cover is a shiny plastic, only way to keep it decent looking is to cover it. I don't like that.
The BB Tour had a learning curve that I was not expecting, it was not nearly as intuitive as either WM6.1 or the iphone, to move from function to function takes several clicks or motions with the trackball, move here, then there, then here, press this, then that, however, once learned, it is an incredibly quick phone. Lots of finger motion, but it is extremely fast to move from app to app. The fastest of the three, but it really feels that you have to work for it. This phone feels well made, a decent keyboard (though I preferred the keyboard on my TouchPro) so typing is decent.
Now, my newest toy, the Imagio, my first interaction with WM6.5. The phone feels really solid in the hand, much more substantial than any of the other phones. Plus the back cover has a textured surface, it is very easy to grab, and will not scratch easily, so no protector needed. The HTC navigation is very similar to my TouchPro, but it is even easier and faster. The screen is stunning, truly. I love the tactile feedback when typing (a very nice compliment to the touchscreen typing, a step up from the iphone in this way), the screen is extremely touch sensitive, slightly more so than the iphone, so it takes a while to learn just exactly how to brush the screen to initiate a scroll rather than selecting something, iphone was better at this. Rotation of the screen seems to take about the same amount of time as the iphone, no winners there, but the multitouch (expand, open, close, etc) of the iphone is nice, something that the Imagio does not do. There is a zoom slider area, but it only works in some apps, so it helps, but no match for the iphone in this way. But the killer piece, to go from email account to email account takes a single touch, I love it. This phone feels much more business oriented in the navigation than the iphone, I feel that it is a superior tool for my usage, and again, I love the screen, stunning. The kickstand feature is cool, but I really have no intention of watching stuff on it, but my 10 year old daughter thinks it is cool. One drawback, as you open lots of apps, the phone does slow down, so I often go in and actually close the apps rather than just switching apps (iphone excelled at this). Oh, and battery life is fantastic, better than the ipone, but not quite up to the BB Tour. First phone that I have had that I didn't have to recharge every single night.
Bottom line, the AT&T rep picked up the iphone, and I turned in my BB Tour, we just call forward to my personal Imagio, and for the first time in seven years, I carry a single phone (personal, it is my home phone too, and for work).
Yes, I am a very happy customer.
ken

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Featuring the Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional platform, the ultra-slim HTC Imagio for Verizon Wireless combines performance and functionality in one sleek package. This touchscreen-enabled smartphone offers a large, vibrant, 3.6-inch display with a customizable home screen to suit your needs. It also features an on-screen QWERTY keyboard for fast and easy typing. In addition to running on the fast and reliable Verizon Wireless 3G network, the HTC Imagio also offers global roaming capability when traveling overseas in supported destinations.
This mobile multimedia powerhouse is compatible with the V Cast Music with Rhapsody service. The V Cast music service enables you to purchase songs through your phone and download them via the fast Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO data network. The V CAST Video on Demand service that enables you to watch full-length TV shows plus news, sports, weather and live entertainment video clips. You'll also stay on course thanks to the VZ Navigator GPS turn-by-turn direction service. And with the optional Visual Voice Mail service, you'll be able to quickly and easily scroll through your messages and pick the ones you want to listen to. See more details on optional Verizon Wireless services below.

The updated Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system includes a revamped Internet Explorer Mobile web browser and the ability to see alerts even if you're on a call or have password-protected your phone. You'll stay easily connected to your business and personal data on the go with support for a wide variety of email accounts as well as the ability to edit Microsoft Office documents. And with the new Microsoft My Phone and Windows Marketplace for Mobile services, you can easily back up your data to the web and download great apps respectively. The HTC Imagio augments Windows Mobile 6.5 with HTC's innovative TouchFLO 3D overlay, which makes it easy to navigate with your finger.

Social networking is a breeze with easy access to your Favorite contacts, YouTube and Facebook. You'll enjoy full HTML Web browsing capabilities as well as superior on-the-go photo and video capture with the 5-megapixel camera/camcorder. Other features include Wi-Fi networking, (802.11b/g), Bluetooth connectivity for both hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, microSD memory expansion (up to 16 GB), digital audio and video playback, full range of messaging options including email and instant messaging, 3.5mm headset jack, and up to 5.3 hours of talk time.



Key Features
Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV–DO, Rev A network
Global roaming capabilities with data access in more than 185 destinations
GPS navigation capabilities via VZ Navigator service as well as Chaperone service for keeping track of your kids
3.6-inch touch–sensitive display with 480 x 800 WVGA resolution and 65K color support
On-screen QWERTY keyboard for fast and easy typing
Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system provides enhancements such as a touch-friendly user interface and improved browser with Flash support. Content and applications are just a fingertip away on the redesigned Start Menu and Internet Explorer Mobile supports the rich experiences you find on Web pages viewed on your PC. (Learn more)
Intuitive HTC TouchFLO 3D interface allows for easy navigation between menus (Learn more)
Fully-customizable home screen with ability to add applications of interest
5-megapixel camera with auto focus, panoramic mode, video capture capabilities and wide range of camera settings and tools
Digital audio player enables you to create and manage playlists right on the phone; compatible with MP3, WMA and unprotected AAC/AAC+ formats.
Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go
Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity with stereo music streaming (A2DP) capabilities as well as hands-free headsets and car kits and tethering with your PC (with optional tethering plan). (Learn more)
Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 16 GB
Full messaging capabilities including SMS text, MMS picture and IM instant messaging (via popular services including AOL, Yahoo!, and MSN)
Personal and corporate email includes up to five consumer email accounts and one corporate Microsoft Exchange email account
Download and editWord, Excel, and OneNote files as well as download and viewPPT, PDF and ZIP files
PC-like, full HTML web browsing with Internet Explorer Mobile and Opera Mobile web browsers
Voice command capabilities
Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
Speakerphone

Vital Statistics The HTC Imagio weighs 5.2 ounces and measures 4.65 x 2.43 x 0.55 inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5.3 hours of talk time, and up to 324 hours (13.5 days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV–DO, Rev A 3G frequencies. Additionally, this handset offers GSM global roaming capabilities with data access in more than 185 destinations (quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 plus 2100 3G HSPA).

What's in the Box Handset, standard capacity battery, AC adapter, mini USB cable, SIM card, global support kit, international adaptor clips, spare stylus, quick start guide, user guide



Verizon Wireless Services
Global Roaming Capabilities: With this mobile phone, you can connect to wireless networks from Europe to South America to Asia thanks to its quad-band GSM/EDGE/GPRS connectivity as well as high-speed 3G HSPA compatibility (2100 MHz networks). It comes pre-installed with a SIM card, so customers who plan to travel abroad can activate global service at the time of purchase or by calling Verizon Wireless prior to leaving the U.S. For those who travel abroad frequently, the Verizon Wireless Global Value Plan offers discounted roaming capabilities with data access in more than 185 destinations.


VZ Navigator Capable: With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access the Verizon Wireless VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps.


V CAST Music with Rhapsody: Access this exclusive digital music service for RealNetworks and for MTV Networks, which delivers unlimited monthly access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers. For a monthly fee (billed on your Verizon Wireless bill), you can load and reload your subscription songs from your PC to your V CAST Music with Rhapsody phone as often as you want, and take your music on the go.
On PCs running the Windows XP or higher operating system, you can also browse, preview and purchase music using the V CAST Music with Rhapsody software, which is available as a free download from the V CAST Music with Rhapsody download website. Additional subscription charges applicable.



V CAST Video on Demand: This optional service enables you to watch full-length TV shows plus news, sports, weather and live entertainment video clips. It features more than 100 full-length programs from leading broadcast and cable networks, ranging from highly-rated drama and comedy series to reality programs and children's programming. V CAST Video on Demand also delivers live sporting events, including NHL hockey games and an upcoming slate of college football games
The service offers unlimited viewing of Basic Videos and the ESPN MVP channel. You can choose from 14 categories, including Entertainment, Kids, Music, Sports, Comedy, News, Pop Culture, Information, Women, Latino, Home & Leisure, Multicultural, Cutting Edge, and Hollywood. Additional subscription charges applicable.



Visual Voice Mail: This innovative service enables you to delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Visual Voice Mail is the ideal tool for the busy mobile professional who may need to prioritize which messages he or she listens to first. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.


Mobile Broadband Connect: Use your smartphone as a modem for your notebook when you connect the two using a USB cable--or open a Bluetooth connection--enabling you to access the Internet or your company intranet. The Mobile Broadband Connect tethered modem capability is ideal when you're traveling and need to use your notebook to check email, access corporate networks, or download large files like presentations and reports. And with Mobile Broadband Connect, you won't have to buy an extra PC Card or other devices.





Learn More
HTC Imagio Controls and Ports


Top Features in Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional


HTC TouchFlo 3D Interface The HTC Imagio gives you the choice between two powerful touch screen interfaces--Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional or HTC TouchFLO 3D. The device uses the default Touch FLO 3D user interface out of the box. Touch FLO 3D provides a Home screen that allows finger-touch access to the most widely-used functions, such as My Favorites, Messaging, Email, Music, and the Internet Browser. Simply tap Start to run programs or use other features.


Wireless Freedom with Bluetooth This phone also provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.0), and includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and file transfer. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server (additional charges or subscription applicable).

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