My new Orange HTC Diamond just arrived!

neilm · 11-07-2008, 03:52 PM

Orange are the first UK operator to formally release a version of the HTC Touch Diamond, and I was one of the first in the queue when they became available yesterday. The current batch are now sold out, but new supplies expected next week! I think O wanted to gets theirs in before O2 release the iPhone2 today!

Anyway, it arrived at lunchtime, and although I've not had time to 'play' it does look good. The good news is that Orange haven't applied any customisations to it, apart from a small raised 'Orange' logo on the back- no front logo, and it retains the HTC Touchflo 3D home page. The bad news for some is that, like all previous Orange offerings, it is locked to the Orange network.

Some small things are very nice! The stylus has a magnetic tip, and slides back the last few mm by itself. The front panel scroll wheel is solid state and works well; has a gently pulsating glow while charging. The mains charger uses the USB cable, and again has a small illuminated HTC logo on its glossy fascia.

So far the interface is quite fast. The light sensor works well and adjusts the screen brightness according to ambient light. The motion sensor also works well for the few times I've tried it.

More reports later when I've got it fully charged, though the battery was already 75% on arrival.

Here are some pics in the meantime- sorry about the quality- they are a bit hurried!

The Mailman · 11-07-2008, 04:03 PM

Don't you just hate these people who just have to rub it in!

Looks sweet but Will be sticking with the TyTn II for a while as I am stuck with it until EoC after a slight oops with overseas roaming which T-Mobile kindly waived.

Some of the reviews and screens look just so good though.

No doubt you will be playing for a while now?

waveydavey · 11-07-2008, 04:05 PM

Cool, nice one Neil. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts about this one!

boz · 11-07-2008, 04:12 PM

Very nice Neil I look forward to hearing further comments. as a matter of interest could you tell me which rom and radio versions it is running please.

Was picture 4 a deliberate pun on Windows, lol!

neilm · 11-07-2008, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boz

Was picture 4 a deliberate pun on Windows, lol!

Erm,,,, yes,, well,, of course

ROM is 1.37.405.1 (12/6/08 )
Radio is: 1.00.25.03

boz · 11-07-2008, 05:20 PM

Very nice, it has the latest UK rom so kudos to Orange.

windows · 11-07-2008, 06:09 PM

Congrats Neil, lucky devil, hope you have fun with it mate!

neilm · 11-07-2008, 06:32 PM

Well first impressions are absolutely positive! My eyesight doesn't like the small text, but I have my X7500 for ebooks, Sat-Nav and serious surfing.

The Touchflo 3D works a treat, and although can seem a little slow at first, is qy=uite adequate. The advantages of keeping T3D are too many to get rid of- the whole interface just works, from the great email content envelope, to the contacts rolodex. Coverflow of music is a little sluggish, but I suspect I'll be using Pocket Tunes anyway.

The HTC Audio Adapter plug fits, and works well. Phone reception is excellent.

Orange have not left anything off this, including Google Maps, Windows Live and Voice Speed Dial.

If anything, this package is more impressive than even the Touch Cruise

debonairone · 12-07-2008, 04:24 AM

Wonderful news, mate... Now I am truly anxious about taking possession of the Touch Pro in August when it becomes available... Boy o Boy o Boy....

neilm · 12-07-2008, 07:09 AM

Interestinglt, PC Pro has a review of the TD this month- scores only 2 stars with an emphatic 'Don't Buy' due to the slow interface.

I can only assume it was one of the early samples, though there have been some reports of Orange shop devices also being very slow, so there may be some problems either with some samples, or possibly with memory management?