As part of my getting connected project (Could We Ever Be Too Connected?), my HTC Hero (T-Mobile G2 Touch) has arrived – this phone runs Android, from Google, and is currently running Firmware version 1.5, and the device includes a touch screen interface.

Inside the very nice box was the phone itself (containing battery and 2GB Micro SD card), the SIM, the AC Adaptor with USB cable, a set of earphones, a handy envelope for recycling an old phone, and various documents. Interestingly, the phone is smaller than I imagined from pictures I had seen, although it is larger (though slimmer) and feels slightly heavier than my Nokia N95 8GB.

Unlike the Nokia, the device is pleasantly bereft of buttons on the side with only a volume control button. Across the front the buttons are Call, Home (home screen), Menu (context like menu), End Call (and Power), the Trackball (press to click), Search and Back.The headphone jack (3.5mm) is on the top of the device making it sit better when in the pocket. The 5 MP camera takes some pleasant shots and the auto focus seems to do the job well.

Before I can play with it too much I need to add the memory card. The back cover of the device was simple enough to remove, place the phone face down and use a fingernail under the groove at the top to clip it off. You need to do this to remove the plastic protecting the battery and to install the memory card. After all this was done it was time to give the phone a good long initial charge.

Once the phone was charged it was time to setup the email accounts (Google, Exchange ActiveSync, and customisable POP3/IMAP), at this point I also setup my Twitter (HTC include a handy Twitter App), Facebook and Flickr accounts – however Flickr required me to get the Content Lock removed (from the My T-Mobile site). The Content Lock also needs to be removed to access the Market (application store). Picasa, Google Maps and YouTube connections are also apparently available, though I have not yet set them up. I also need to remember to leave the Wireless switched on so it uses that instead of trying to use my providers data connection.

The touch screen feels quite responsive allowing you to touch an application icon to start it, navigate to multiple home screens by swiping a finger across the screen and using the onscreen keyboard seemed to work well, even with my big fingers. That said, I think I am going to have to invest in a big box of screen wipes as the screen does smudge quite a bit. The trackball, which feels a bit like the one on the Blackberry 8820, was also quite responsive.

I have installed a number of the free applications from the Market and whilst there a large number of applications they are a bit of a mixed bag as some are really pretty handy whilst others seem to crash the phone. Some of the more pleasant applications include Teeter, Trap!, RssReader, Tilt Lander, and Splat!: Bugs. Having used it for a few days the battery life could be better – I am needing to charge it every date. Perhaps an extended battery may be an options. Beyond that my Initial thoughts are – I quite like the HTC Hero – it will be interesting to see how it compares to the Palm Pre.

Related

• Considering The Best Smart Phone
• Phone
• What If Your Phone Refuses To Switch Off Wireless?
• Google Chrome Early Impressions
• Can A Netbook Really Replace A Laptop?