HTC Vision (G2)

Wow, the “inevitable replacement with some Android based device” happened a lot sooner than expected. I came across a deal that was too good to pass up on this Unlocked HTC Vision (T-Mobile G2) phone. What a difference from the N900, allow me expand on that a little.

This isn’t my first Android device. The Archos 5 Internet Tablet was a nice glimpse into what was possible on the platform, but running firmware 1.6 and no access to the official market (without hack) didn’t create much draw to Android for me.

A little history. Back in the late 90’s I was inseparable from my Palm devices. Calendar, Contacts, Mail (off-line), Photos, Data, and a few Games all conveniently in my pocket. As my job roles changed, I realized having this portability for even more tasks was very desirable. So as my needs continued to expand, I began purchasing devices that fall under the UMPC category. Keeping a long product list aside, I eventually ended up with the Nokia N900. A Linux based Pocket PC that happened to make phone calls. It ran all the programs I needed … except somehow none for keeping track of my Calendar, Contacts, Mail, well you get the idea.

The above is exaggerated a little. I am a Google user, not just the search engine but all their on-line branded products. Everything was accessible via a web browser from the N900, which I thought was adequate. However, I can not describe the pleasure of signing into my Google account, and having every application be instantaneously synced to my “life” on the G2. To quote Prince, time to party like it’s 1999.

Everything is easily available at my fingertips once again. Easily being the key word. I have no doubt I could have gotten along with the N900 for another year. I have no plans to sell it. In fact I can now test newer updates from my fellow enthusiasts without risk of taking my main phone off-line for any extended period of time. But for daily use Android and the HTC Vision are here to stay.