Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I really like this phone. I dabble with all smart phone OS's including Android, iPhone, Palm WebOS and Blackberry OS6. This phone holds its own against all of those, and holds its own against my most preferred phone, the iPhone 4.
The good:
OS is very snappy
Screen is very high quality
More apps there than WebOS
Photo quality is good
Very simple to use-- I'll argue that my parents would probably have an easier time with this phone than iPhone, the one I previously thought was "simplest" in smart phones.
The Microsoft integrations are really usable-- including Xbox.
A really fresh view on a smart phone OS-- it takes the social "right right right" across-scroll from Blackberry OS 6, the look of Android in settings, the best of Zune in media sync, and the polish/animation bests of iPhone.
Auto correct is light years better for me than either of Android or iPhone. It almost seems as though it contextually corrects because it is a generation better in turning a typo into the right word. As well, it provides auditory feedback when typing that also lets you know when a word is replaced, by making a different sound, thus you know you may need to look/check.
The bad:
No copy & paste or multitasking yet. For some, a deal breaker, for me, I rarely use either.
App store is still growing and lack lustre compared to the more mature iPhone and Android stores
The phone itself is a bit thicker than I'd like... for the speakers making it that way, it sounds good, but I don't know if the extra thickness is worth it.
Some apps, like Facebook, seem a little laggy to load. It's not a deal breaker and I'm sure this will be tweaked as updates occur.
By no means is this a "dumb phone" but I really do think it is simpler to operate than iPhone, and definitely simpler than Android. As an IT person, I still like Android for its complexity and iPhone for it's speed, but this is a really nice OS. Definitely give it a look if you haven't.
I rate this a 4 star instead of 5 for only two reasons: The thickness of the phone and still needing more time to more fully flesh out the app store options. I realize I could have purchased a thinner phone, but as a design choice I think it should be thinner even with the slider for speakers.
Very pleasantly surprised by Windows Phone 7 and this phone. Meets the normal high build quality expected/experienced from everything HTC.
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HTC Surround Windows Phone (AT&T)Available exclusively from AT&T, the HTC Surround is one of the world's first smartphones using the Windows Phone 7 operating system. In addition to its 3.8-inch touchscreen display and ultra-slim form factor, the HTC Surround is also the first smartphone to include integrated Dolby Mobile and SRS surround sound speakers--blurring the line between home and mobile entertainment, and making games, music, and video on the go more enjoyable than ever. The HTC Surround speakers slide-out and reveal a kickstand for watching video beneath its display.
Enabled for use on AT&T's lightning quick HSPA 3G network, you'll be able to easily access the Internet as well as quickly download video, music, and more. Additionally, with AT&T's 3G network, you can make a call while simultaneously receiving picture/text messages and e-mail or viewing Web pages. This GPS-enabled phone can access the AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions as well as its Video Share service, which enables you to send video of yourself to another compatible phone while making a voice call.
It's powered by a blazing-fast Qualcomm 1 GHz Snapdragon processor for a fast mobile data experience. It also sports a 5-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash and HD 720p video recording, 16 GB of memory, Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, an FM radio, and up to 4 hours of talk time.
The Power of Windows Phone 7
The Windows Phone 7 operating system has been carefully crafted to help you get more done in fewer steps with a unique Hub and Tile interface. Instead of the common icon displays on the screen, Windows Phone 7 uses Live Tiles, which allow you to find out what's going on, what's happening next, and what you've missed without having to open an application.
Hubs bring together a related set of applications, services, and content in a single view to simplify common tasks. Your contacts, music, games, and work can be shared, synced, and accessed virtually wherever you happen to be. Windows Phone 7 also integrates with many popular Microsoft services such as Xbox LIVE, Windows Live, Bing, and Zune.
Live Tiles on the Start screen dynamically update, so there is no need to open an app, and you decide which Tiles you want and where you want them. The Start screen includes the People Hub, which constantly refreshes with status updates from your favorite friends. The Me Tile lets you update all your social media sites, like Facebook--just type once and post everywhere with ease. Other Tiles allow you to quickly see new e-mails arrive in your inbox, play games via Xbox LIVE, and access recent photos and albums to view as well share with others. Swipe up to view more Tiles like Music, Microsoft Office, and more.
In addition to Internet Explorer 8 for full HTML Web browsing, the Surround also includes fully integrated Microsoft Exchange e-mail and calendar as well as the Office Hub, which offers mobile versions of popular productivity programs, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, OneNote, and SharePoint Workspace.
With Windows Phone 7 you can stay on top of your inbox and quickly cut through the clutter to see only unread, urgent, or flagged messages. Move or delete messages in bulk, and respond to meeting invites right from your inbox with Microsoft Outlook Mobile. Streamlined account setup works with Windows Live, Google, Yahoo!, and other popular providers. Windows Phone 7 also combines your work and personal calendars in a single, color-coded view, making it easier to spot conflicts and manage your life.
Microsoft Office Mobile is another reason you won't miss your PC when you're away from your desk. Windows Phone 7 has mobile versions of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint on hand for reviewing or editing on the go. Notes in OneNote Mobile--grocery lists, meeting memos, spontaneous musings--can sync wirelessly to the web and include voice clips and pictures. SharePoint Workspace Mobile makes it easier to collaborate with your coworkers when you're out and about.
You'll also be able to personalize your phone with the Marketplace Hub. Read reviews, check out ratings, and test out content before you buy.
Entertainment To Go
With the HTC Surround, you can access your favorite music and games thanks to Windows Phone 7's tight integration with Microsoft entertainment services:
Xbox LIVE unlocks a world of games and fun, connecting you to a global community of more than 25 million active Xbox LIVE members and offering easy access to Xbox LIVE features such as Friends, Avatars, Achievements, Messaging, and more (learn more below).
Zune for loading your favorite media--music, movies, TV shows, and podcasts--and taking it wherever. With a Zune Pass subscription, stream millions of songs right to your phone--no need for extra memory.
Additionally, each new Windows Phone from AT&T will include AT&T U-verse Mobile, an app that allows you to download and watch hit shows on your smartphone. U-verse TV subscribers with certain packages will be able to download and watch hit TV shows for no extra charge, and all U-verse TV customers can also schedule and manage their DVR recordings from the app. For the first time, U-verse Mobile will be available nationwide--even to those who are not U-verse TV customers--for just $9.99 per month. Subscribers can access the full content library, select which series or specific episode to download over Wi-Fi, and view on the go wherever they have their Windows Phone.
Key Specifications
Fast 3G connectivity via AT&T's HSPA/UMTS network (850/1900 MHz bands; 3.6/7.2 Mbps speeds with network availability).
Ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
GPS navigation capabilities via AT&T Navigator service includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and re-routing options.
Digital compass sensor
3.8-inch touchscreen display (480 x 800 pixels) with proximity and light sensors
Full QWERTY virtual keyboard
5-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash gives you a brighter light source for taking photos in less-than-ideal lighting situations.
HD video capture capabilities (720p)
Digital media player compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ music formats and MPEG4 video.
FM radio
Built-in dual speakers and microphones
Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
16 GB internal memory
Text (SMS) and picture/video (MMS) messaging
Access to popular instant messaging services
Access to personal and work e-mail (supports Microsoft Exchange corporate e-mail)
MicroUSB port (2.0)
3.5mm headphone jack
Vital Statistics
The HTC Surround weighs 5.8 ounces and measures 4.7 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches. Its 1230 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4 hours of talk time, and up to 264 hours (11 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T's dual-band 3G network (850/1900 MHz; HSDPA/UMTS) plus international 3G networks (2100 MHz).
What's in the Box
HTC Surround handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, stereo headset with microphone, quick start guide
AT&T Services
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