HTC Touch HD review

Average user rating

8.3

excellent

Average user rating from 18 users

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HTC Touch HD user reviews

November 5, 2009

Posted by: PSiReN

"Fundamentally flawed"

What I like:

The Screen

What I don't like:

Operating System, Reliability

Review:

I've had this PDA now for just under 12-months and in that time it has only worked fully for about 2-months. During the course of my ownership SMS-Messaging has failed; on-line video rendering has failed; it has burned out two MicroSD Cards and required 2-battery replacements.

While the device is primarily intended for a touch-screen market; the sensitivity of the resistive screen (or lack thereof) can make some interactions very difficult without having to rely on the provided stylus. But, be warned - even with the lightest of touches with the supplied stylus; the screen is prone to scratching and will require the regular replacement of screen-protectors.

I don't doubt there are many delighted owners who have thoroughly enjoyed having this bright and shiny new toy; however, it's worth bearing in mind that there remain several question marks over the performance of some elements of its Operating System and general functionality. Windows Mobile 6.1 is problematic and while HTC attempts to mask those problems with their own proprietary interface; only so much can be done to make a silk-purse out of a sow's ear.

When it does work; it can be a real asset - but its reliability falls very much short of what one would expect for device in this price-range.

Of particular note is HTC's woeful Customer Support. In each of the faults I've listed above; HTC's only recommendation is to try a Soft Reset (which failed each and every time) followed by a Hard Reset, which unless you're very careful to back-up all your data and personal settings you will lose and can take in one instance up to 5-hours to reset. HTC seem to regard the proposition of replacing a clearly defecting piece of equipment as beneath them (I've been told repeatedly that it is not "policy" to replace their devices) and have insisted that the device go in for repair. Each time it has been returned to them it has come back (between 3 to 6 weeks lead-time) with the fault unresolved. What they must imagine you're supposed to do for mobile telephony while they're supposedly fixing the problem is anyone's guess.

For a device that allegedly thrives on its adaptability, connectivity and personal customisation; it promises a great deal... However; over time I have found it singularly one of the most frustrating pieces of kit I've ever laid my hands on and that frustration has only been compounded by HTC's ambivalent, incompetant and, dare I say it, complacent approach to Customer Relations.

Buyer beware - HTC's bid for mobile supremacy with this device has its flaws and in my experience; that bid comes very much at your expense - in terms of money; time and inconvenience.