OK, so lets dispense the myth that all geeks are hardcore Star Wars fans. I have seen the originals, and I think they’re entertaining, but nothing more. The new ones… they’re, well, fine I suppose, but I wouldn’t watch them out of choice…. but I digress.
Android, or, to give it another moniker aOS, or the one that’s not iOS from Apple.
You will all know that I’m a massive Apple fan boy. Have been for a long time, but I feel it’s time to give something new a try, rather being locked into another iPhone purchase – and I’m sure the next iPhone will be a triumph of engineering and quality – but now that my contract is up for renewal and I’m in the bi-annual good position to rinse the phone company for a better deal, I’m going to go the way of the ‘droid and the open source alternative to iOS. I have been interested in Android for a while, but never had the opportunity other than playing with a few handsets in carphonewarehouse to use one full time. Now I have this opportunity, so I’m leaving O2, going to Orange (as they offer a little known about 25% contract discount to people that work in public services, like education, like me) and getting myself an HTC Sensation.
I don’t know what to expect, but looking at the applications I use on a regular basis on the iPhone are all either directly ported to Android or have appropriate alternatives, and there’s the world of applications that I’ve been locked out of being an iPhone user for the last two years that I can now try. I will keep the iPhone and update it to iOS5 as and when it becomes available and probably swap between the two.
I’m looking forward to getting my Sensation. I’ve read very good things about it, some bad things too, but that’s the way with all things. I don’t think there’s going to be the perfect handset that does all you want. One very good and very simple example is the iPhone doesn’t have an FM radio… why not? Practically every phone I’ve had for the last 10 years has had a radio, but not in the iPhone. Why? Perhaps it’s seen as old hat. Old technology. Sometimes, when you want entertainment though, there’s no data coverage, or WiFi to stream from iPlayer… sometimes, all you want is a radio. In a world of convergence devices, not having one is an omission that some people will miss. I know I have
All I have to do now is wait for Orange to actually get some stock. I find it crazy that I can go to carphonewarehouse and buy one today, on Orange, on the contract I want, but I can only get the discount by getting one direct from an Orange shop; which, buy the way have the surliest staff I have ever experienced in a phone shop. OK, these people are not necessarily happy in their work, but bloody hell. The two bored looking 20somethings in the Mall (Cribbs Causway, Bristol, if anyone wants to take note) really were the steriotype one word answer to everything as it was obvious I wasn’t going to buy today, so no commission for you.
When will it be available?
Don’t know.
This month perhaps?
Don’t know mate.
Can I get the discount if I take out the contract at Carphonewarehouse?
No.
Enthusiastic and helpful people…
Anyway, rant over. I’ll be posting app reviews etc. as and when I get one!
