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TheRich

34 posts

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#64792 22-Jul-2010 22:08
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I've been looking to buy an Android phone for a bit now. I'm a fan of HTC so want to stick with them. So far I have found the HTC Legend seems to be the best price/spec for what I want.
What I really wanted was the HTC HD Mini but running Android, it had good specs/price/size.
And I just found the HTC Aria is the same spec as the HD Mini (and Legend) but running Android so I think it's perfect, only problem is I can't find anyone selling it in NZ.
I had a look on Ebay and it seems to sell for about $400US+$50 shipping (plus GST) makes it about $680NZ, which is about the same as the Legend. 
I'd prefer to buy in NZ though, anyone know anyone that might be importing them soon? 

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tanivula
991 posts

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#355148 22-Jul-2010 22:26
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The aria looks the business! Gonna keep an eye on this thread.

[Edit]
Bugger! Not a 2degrees/voda candidate but perfect for XT with 850 /1900 3G bands.

Back to the drawing board...



TheRich

34 posts

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  #356013 25-Jul-2010 11:05
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I guess no-one knows?
One thing I have found is the Aria doesn't look like it will to Vodafone 3G, unless there is a radio update.
Should I just go for the Legend? I would get a desire but its too big, I carry 2 phones in my pocket.
Anything else thats small, android and powerful?

kyhwana2
2566 posts

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  #356042 25-Jul-2010 12:33
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TheRich: I guess no-one knows?
One thing I have found is the Aria doesn't look like it will to Vodafone 3G, unless there is a radio update.
Should I just go for the Legend? I would get a desire but its too big, I carry 2 phones in my pocket.
Anything else thats small, android and powerful?


Not sure you'll even be able to buy the Aria. I think it's an AT&T exclusive at the moment.
And yeah, it'd work best on AT&T.

I have a desire and don't think it's too big. I used to have a HTC Touch Pro, which was a brick compared to the desire!

There is the x10 mini/pro, which I think is a bit smaller.

The only android phones that VF sells are the desire/nexus one/some LG phone and the X10 mini..
You can get them cheaper from places like clove, but then warrentys etc become and issue if they ever break.



kyhwana2
2566 posts

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  #356044 25-Jul-2010 12:35
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You could have a look at the HTC tattoo. I think that only has a 2.8" screen.

TheRich

34 posts

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  #356090 25-Jul-2010 15:42
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I have a HTC Diamond at the moment and wanting to get something with a bit of future proof power, which the Diamond didn't.
The problem with the X10 mini is the screen resolution, I've heard it can't run some market apps, and its kind of fat.

tanivula
991 posts

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  #373178 26-Aug-2010 16:01
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Still on the hunt for a smaller full featured Android device...

On my travels have now discovered that HTC has released the 'asia/pacific' aria which supports the following

  • HSPA/WCDMA: 900/2100 MHz

  • GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz


Time to look into this device some more!!!

Looks very similar to the HTC Legend, perhaps with slightly less features.

Linuxluver
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  #373591 27-Aug-2010 14:06
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TheRich: I've been looking to buy an Android phone for a bit now. I'm a fan of HTC so want to stick with them. So far I have found the HTC Legend seems to be the best price/spec for what I want.
What I really wanted was the HTC HD Mini but running Android, it had good specs/price/size.
And I just found the HTC Aria is the same spec as the HD Mini (and Legend) but running Android so I think it's perfect, only problem is I can't find anyone selling it in NZ.
I had a look on Ebay and it seems to sell for about $400US+$50 shipping (plus GST) makes it about $680NZ, which is about the same as the Legend. 
I'd prefer to buy in NZ though, anyone know anyone that might be importing them soon? 


It's an AT&T phone...and they lock their Android firmware down pretty tight. You might love the phone, but AT&T's version of it may prove frustrating....beginning with getting the thing unlocked from AT&T's network.

Pick another phone.

The Legend would be a good choice and Orcon sell it locally now - though you have to be on a plan. But Orcon's plans don't seem to have a fixed term. So whatever subsidy they offer may be given back as a credit to the account over time.    




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sonmica
60 posts

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  #373594 27-Aug-2010 14:13
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Have you had a look at the HTC Wildfire? It's basically a mini Desire.

HTC specs page: http://www.htc.com/uk/product/wildfire/specification.html

currently ~$480 on pricespy

tanivula
991 posts

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  #374274 29-Aug-2010 19:47
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Linuxluver:
It's an AT&T phone...and they lock their Android firmware down pretty tight. You might love the phone, but AT&T's version of it may prove frustrating....beginning with getting the thing unlocked from AT&T's network.

Pick another phone.

The Legend would be a good choice and Orcon sell it locally now - though you have to be on a plan. But Orcon's plans don't seem to have a fixed term. So whatever subsidy they offer may be given back as a credit to the account over time.    


As mentioned before, there is now a non AT&T version (the asia version) which has been relased.  I would think it would get parallel imported here soon?

http://www.htc.com/asia/product/aria/overview.html

Difference between this and the AT&T is that the backplate is gloss finish from the look of it (rather than rubberised).

I think the Aria is better than the wildfire, main reasons:
Better screen (320 x 480 vs 240 x 320)
Slightly faster processor (600mhz vs 528mhz)
Minimalistic design

Seems to perform quite well against bigger phones looking at youtube reviews.

Only real negatives is the smallish battery capacity and perhaps the lack of a flash for the camera...

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