HTC Hero

The HTC Hero is a smartphone that embodies HTC Sense. The HTC Hero measures 112 mm x 56.2 mm x 14.35 mm (H x W x D) in dimension and weighs approximately 135 grams including its provided battery.
Specifications
The HTC Hero runs on a Qualcomm MSM7200A, 528 MHz processor and an Android operating system. It comes with a memory ROM of 512 MB and RAM of 288 MB. There is also a TFT LCD touch-sensitive screen with a resolution of 320 x 480 HVGA that measures 3.2 inches diagonally. Not only that, the HTC Hero is also compatible with networks including HSPA/ WCDMA 900/ 2100 MHz with up to 2 Mbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps down-link speeds, as well as Quad band GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE 850/ 900/ 1800/ 1900 MHz. Device control comes in the form of a trackball with an enter button. Not only that, the HTC Hero also has a built-in internal GPS antenna. In terms of connectivity, the HTC Hero is Bluetooth 2.0 enabled with enhanced data rate and A2DP for wireless stereo headsets. Besides that, it is also Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g enabled. There is also an HTC Ext USB (11-pin mini USB 2.0 and audio jack in one) as well as a 3.5 mm audio jack for connectivity. In addition to that, the HTC Hero also has a built-in 5.0 mega pixel colour camera with auto focus. It is also capable of audio playback and video playback. Supported audio formats include MP3, AAC (AAC, AAC+ and AAC-LC), AMR-NB, WAV, MIDI and Windows Media Audio 9 while supported video formats include MPEG 4, H.263, H.264 and Windows Media Video 9. The HTC Hero runs on a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery with a 1350 mAh capacity that can provide up to 420 minutes of talk time for WCDMA and up to 470 minutes of talk time for GSM. Alternatively, it can also last up to 750 hours on standby mode for WCDMA and up to 440 hours for GSM. There is also an expansion slot that is compatible with microSD memory cards (SD 2.0 compatible) for expansion options. The HTC Hero also comes with an AC Adapter that has a voltage range/ frequency of 100 ~ 240 V AC, 50/ 60 Hz and DC output of 5V and 1A. Additional special features include G-sensor, and digital compass. The HTC Hero is also encased in a protective coating that is treated with a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene. In addition to that, it also embodies HTC Sense which allows the user to personalize the HTC Hero by putting all important content at glance view with a selection of widgets that can be placed right on the home screen. The widgets on its own can also be personalized with a variety of designs and sizes that can be suited to one’s own personality. In addition to that, the HTC Sense also comes with the new profile feature, Scenes that makes the HTC Hero multiple phones in one by allowing you to create and switch between Scenes that reflect different moments in your life. Not only that, HTC Sense also helps you to keep in touch by managing a variety of communication channels and applications ranging from phone calls and emails to Facebook updates. The different ways to keep in touch with the people in your life can be viewed through their contact ID that displays all your interactions as well. This function also allows you to check for social network updates and event notices as well as view latest pictures of your friends which have been uploaded on to popular photo sharing sites.
Reviews

“The Hero represents a valiant effort from HTC — though unfortunately, the company appears to have bitten off more than its last-generation hardware can chew. If this build of Android were to be loaded atop the guts of a 3GS or Pre, the performance would likely be astounding, but fused with the two-year old architecture of previous devices, it’s mostly disappointing.” (Engadget, 2009)
“Best of all, HTC’s dedication to developing Sense and treating UI as a long-haul process rather than a short-term prettification exercise gives us hope that the few shortfalls and omissions we’re currently seeing in version one of the Hero will be addressed over time. It’s reassuring to know that not only is the Hero a great smartphone but that it’s only likely to get better as HTC continue their tweaks. It’s safe to say that, in the HTC Hero, Android has come of age.” (SlashGear, 2009)

“But whatever the reason HTC has decided to bring the Hero to the market in this current state, it simply isn’t enough to make it into a Palm Pre or iPhone killer.
We’re expecting a greater number of Android phones this year with more from HTC and the Sense UI, so even if this phone doesn’t get fixed it’s a pretty good effort, and the next one could just be the bullet that shatters the Apple.” (TechRadar, 2009)