HTC Desire and Legend confirmed for South Africa
Earlier this year at the at the World Mobile Congress HTC released a bunch of Android phones, two of these included the HTC Desire and the HTC Legend. I just received feedback from Leaf that South Africa will indeed have these phones and maybe sooner than we think.
The HTC Desire and HTC Legend is set to be available in the first week of April in South Africa. Leaf confirmed that both devices will be available from all the telco channels, and the devices will ship with Android 2.1.
Interesting facts about the HTC Desire:
Speed and Great Visual Experience
With the 1GHz chipset, the HTC Desire offers quicker access to applications, maps, videos and more importantly a faster browsing experience. Proof point… Almost 2x faster than the iPhone 3GS, 18% faster than Nexus One for browsing; smart zoom and built in flash player.
Latest HTC Sense
Friendstream, stay close.
Discover the unexpected through HTC Sense, e.g. HTC news.
Better user experience.
Proof point…Latest version of HTC Sense
Best High End Android Experience
Thousands of applications available through Android Market
Great experience of Google Services at your fingertips
A bright wide screen visual experience
Proof point…Latest Android platform, Fast image processing power, AMOLED screen; and seamless synchronization with exchange.
The HTC Desire features a 1 GHz SnapDragon Chipset, a WVGA AMOLED screen, Full Sync with MS exchange and Media synchronization with PC just to mention a few things.
Keep an eye out for the HTC Desire and HTC Legend to hit South African early in April.
Article by Gerhard
Gerhard is the owner and founder of iGeek, most of his time he spends writing poetic PHP code, spreading technology news and thinking of new tech startup ideas.
Gerhard has written 396 awesome articles.
You just made my day
Glad to hear that duane, I am also looking forward to the HTC Desire, if we can’t have the Nexus one then the Desire is the one to have.
Leet I can’t wait!
Yay…looks like my next upgrade will be this sweet piece of tech rather than the SE.
Is this confirmed yet? I am due for an upgrade with MTN on the 4th of next month! I was going to get the Hero but if this is true I will hold out another week or so!
Im so amped, is there any more info to dig up on release dates?
Greg I got confirmation from someone at leaf, the local HTC distributors.
Thanks Gerhard, thats awesome! I am really stoked! Was just wondering, don’t the handsets get tested prior to being released as our launches are usually delayed here?
Normally they do get tested to see if they work on the various networks. The official launch date is tentative the 15th of April. I’ll keep you guys updated on more information as I get it.
Thanks, so glad I wasn’t such a pessimist and did a little digging!
I am totally amped – thought we were going to have to wait 6 months to a year as usual. I am desperate to get rid of my Omnia, and really dont wan’t to join the Apple fan-tards
Please keep us posted.
I also received an email from a Leaf representative and they have confirmed that the handsets are in SA already and are undergoing network testing.
They have no confirmation though of when they will actually launch on the various telcos. Lets hope soon, thanks again Gerhard!
Hi Guys
Soooo excited, any idea on the pricing as yet??
Hi Hannes, unfortunately I do not have a estimate price for you. I’ll try and get one for you.
I think that it might be between R7500-9000 or the Desire and I believe that Legend will be round about R5500 – 6500 ?
Not to sure
Thanks guys
That Desire is going to be out of this WORLD!!!!!!
Really cant wait, I’m due for an upgrade on the Talk500s soon, but I assume there will still be a fairly steep pay-in
Laters
I saw it on pre-order for about R6500 inc. VAT online somewhere. I will try find it again and post the link, its a South African supplier though.
@Greg found this:
http://www.igeek.co.za/2010/03/03/htc-desire-and-legend-confirmed-for-south-africa/
(R6047)
As far as I know expansys is a reputable site?
The phone is preorder in the UK for 400~>450 Pounds (~ R5000) so its possible if Vodacom dont put their usual “screw-za” markup onto it.
Sorry pasted wrong link…
http://www.expansys.co.za/a.aspx?i=196001&atype=Handsfree
Yip, thats the one. Thanks… But I mixed my figure up… The Desire is R6050 and the Legend is R5635. Not much difference though.
Still think I will get the Legend cause of the unibody.
Been doing some more digging – looks like they neutered the desire when it comes to speech-to-text?
Some say its an android 2.1 standard feature (and that they see the button in the demo videos), and others say its been removed.
Anyone have more info on this?
Yea new in Android 2.1 is its speech to text capabilities, so doubt that its only a desire thing.
As far as I know … it should work
But remember Speech-to-Text requires a Network Data Connection … processing happens in the cloud
As far a I know, only the Nexus One will have speech-to-text capabilities and Active Voice Cancelation. Both of these features have been “disabled” on the Desire as HTC says it would help bring overall cost down.
As my source, I read the UK reviews of the Desire as they already have it.
Whatever, with the spec sheet the Desire has I dont think anyone can complain about the lack of these two features.
Voice Search would work …
I think.
Anymore news guys? I tried to confirm via MTNSP directly but was not given dates, hey just said there will be new offers next month for all phone brands.
Im aching to get a new phone now!
does anyone know which colour/colours are going to be available. the silver is very nice, but i doubt we will get it. also i cant seem to fing any reviews on the htc desire all i get are hands on and not full reviews.
No idea about the colours yet Mike, but I think we should get all the available colours as we do with other HTC phones.
Check out http://www.tracyandmatt.co.uk/blogs/ they just added some video unboxing and reviews as well as a written review.
Cheez thanks for the Tracy and Matt headsup … I love those guys anyway spotted a Gizmodo
http://gizmodo.com/5488019/htc-legend-review-frankly-it-feels-expensive Legend review
Man! I really want this phone!
What kind of once-off pay-in will we be looking at for the different Vodacom packages? Specifically the Talk240?
Hi everybody,
I’m from Mauritius and i was wondering if anybody here knows about a release date for the HTC in Mauritius.
I know that we depend upon leaf to get our HTC mobile phones.
So thanks for your help.
Regards.
Hi Fabien, I guess if you depend on Leaf then it should also be the same time as we in South Africa get it. This is just speculation however.
Hope it’s not just speculations.
Anyway, anytime you receive this phone in South Africa, please let me know because it takes us about 3 weeks before receiving it here in Mauritius.
Thanks.
I phoned the guys at leaf, the HTC desire has not been confirmed for South Africa yet.
@Entienne, someone at Leaf then does not know whats going on because I was told it will be coming and there are other local tech new sites also reporting that it will be here.
Oh no, now the doubt starts. New monthly specials are coming out round about Wednesday… so look out for what you telco is providing. MTN may have to launch them then to snare as many buyers as possible.
I’ve been ogling over this marvel of engineering for months now.. and yet I cant find anywhere that will tell me the release dates for South Africa. I’ve had the same sony w810i for the last 4 years and its time to get a hold of a worthy replacement.
I keep refreshing this page to see if there are any updates, it seems as the days get closer the wait gets harder. just release the phone already mtn/vodacom lol. Do you guys think the pay in might be more than R3000?
Looking at Expansys and EliteMobile (Vodacom) it looks like it will come in in the same range as the high end Blackberries (9520 or 9700), which makes sense for the features of the phone.
Which is?
The HTC desire and legend is on the new Vodacom website under the devices link at the bottom of the page.Not much info on it but it looks like it will be available very soon.
Here’s the link : http://tinyurl.com/yldmwcz
The phone cost is about R6000 for the Desire.
For the 9700 on vodacom: http://elitemobile.co.za/vodacom_deals/index.php?ref=phones&product_id=4823
Or
http://cellsearch.co.za/searches?search%5Bmanufacturer_id%5D=9&search%5Bhandset_id%5D=3991&search%5Bnetwork_id%5D=0&commit=search
Depending on the contract youre looking for – MTN dont seem to have any blackberry deals according to the site?
Thanks Robin C! I think a once off pay in of about R2000 on a Talk240 would be fair for the Desire. Getting more excited by the day!
Well done! I’m really amped, don’t think I can hold out though… also be wary the Hero 2.1 rom got pushed back AGAIN!!!
Lord knows what the guys at the support department do but it seems to take an age to update Sense… might just stick with vanilla Android and how the eye candy gets better with later releases.
Anyone see anything for MTN yet?
Enquiring by Vodacom it seems they do not have a date as to when the device will be launching on their network or when they are recieving it for testing.Major Dissapointment.
Spoke to the guys at the local Vodashop, they say the new specials come out tomorrow / Friday, and they only come out monthly, MTN say their specials change every 2.5 months.
Holding thumbs (however unlikely)
if they seriously wont annonce this anytime soon im going to get the uk version via expansys. i have waited for too long to upgrade to a new mobile i cant any longer. does anyone know if insurance companies care if the item to be insured is bought locally or is an import? Has anyone purchased a mobile from expansys? i just hope i wont struggle when it comes to repairs.
@Mike
I am also waiting for this one, but dont recommend buying it from expansys, as I checked their buyers feedback and delivery takes more then a month on some products, dont think this smart will be an exception as it just came out. Other selllers told me they expecting stock mid April… So paitence is the key
A Vodacom Rep contacted me after enquiring about the phone and I was told that the phone is in testing.Although he could’nt give me a release date,or an estimate for that matter.He did mention that it usually takes about a month to test the phone.
thanks for the heads up, guess i have no choice but to wait. hope its not a long wait.
I spoke to the manager at Autopage Cellular yesterday, he spoke to his head supplier an he phone me back and reported that they are expecting the phone around the third week in April (21st). Therefore the wait could be shorter than expected.
I want to positive, but just looking at the shops in my area, chances are good for the Desire to hit SA late August…
I mean… according to the Vodacom Booklet, the Nokia X6 is “Coming Soon” since mid December. ROFL
Almost like the “New” breakfast cereal that’s been on the shelves for a year, OR the “Limited Edition” Gillette Razor that you could buy in ANY supermarket in SA for R39.95 LMAO
Soz guys just bitter about poor service and empty promises…let me go empty a beer.
Cheers
Oh well, went to mtn and the sales assistant told me two things.
First, the legend and desire dont even appear on their testing or distribution roster at the moment and secondly that if this is the case they dont expect it to appear be distributed for at least another few months.
So now, if youre with mtn, you have a two choices for a high powered android device. Get the hero and hope androids newer versions dont leap frog it out of contention or wait about 1 month for the milestone (confirmed to be on the roster for distribution).
Any ideas? Or anymore news? I might just go in on monday and get a hero. :S
Been holding out since early Jan this year for my upgrade for a half decent Android phone to make an appearance, by chance I read the article that HTC has officially confirmed the HTC Legend and Desire for SA in April and now BAM dreams shattered again..
Thanks MTN!!
Well … if you are with MTN you can always go for the Samsung Galaxy Spica …. (busy testing the phone) it has a snapping 800Mhz processor, Android 2.1 is in testing with Samsung South Africa and is due for release before the end of the month. (Fastest Android handset I have tested … so far ..)
The Desire will be faster …
But if you have your heart set on the Desire/Legend rather wait … I’m sure that we’ll have it before June.
MTN is and has always been rubbish.If you want an android device you’ll need to switch over to Vodacom.Getting the HTC Hero now would’nt make sense,yes it will be updated to V2.1 but the hardware on the phone might be outdated for future android updates.And considering the rate at which google releases updates you’re going to be missing out alot.
The HTC desire and Legend will be in stores before month end.It’s worth the wait.
I get little butterflies in my tummy everytime I see a new comment posted here
My upgrade is coming up 23rd April. For how long can you postpone upgrading with Vodacom? How does it work???
Can’t wait for this device! Looking at the new iPhone 4.0 OS, it’s clear that Apple is now catching up with Android!
I dont think Apple is catching up, they implementation of multitasking is a fail in my opinion. Have a read at my article http://www.igeek.co.za/2010/04/08/iphone-os-4-brings-multitasking-folders-and-more/
It’s sad to see all the Apple fanbois on twitter get so excited about the features Android users has been enjoying for long now.
On another note the press launch date for the phones is 15th of April, I’ll keep you guys up to date, hopefully I’ll be attending.
@gerhard … could you also represent fandroid.co.za ?
I’m in Cape Town then Text100 said that I would be on the guest list
Less than a week?
I might just make it …
@Dan: Vodacom let you upgrade after 22 months (last time I upgraded), what they don’t tell you is they add the 2 months to the end your new contract. If the announcement is on the 15th, you only have to wait a week, which is really not worth it, specially since it will take some time for the phones to get to the stores.
@Gerhard thanks for the update was seriously considering getting another phone, after reading the previous posts i was giving up and ready to buy something else. I really cant wait any longer than April. Just checked expansys and it seems they got stock, but read other’s experience with them and most weren’t good.
Just a comment so I too can get updates on HTC Desire news
Been waiting for this phone since January and I’m starting to get impatient, hehe. Hope the 15th will be bringing us some news, but since Vodacom claims its in testing, I think our wishes will soon be satisfied!
@Fandroid, I thought I would have been in JHB for the launch but seems like I am not going to make this one also. I’ll keep everybody updated though with news through the grapevine.
Seriously can’t wait for this fone!!
after the disappointment that the nexus one won’t be available here in SA, the Desire is by far the next best thing!
Besides Expansys & Cacell, can anyone recommend other online SA cellular stores that will/might offer the desire contract free??
I love the fact that this is the only source of info surrounding the release of the HTC Desire in South Africa on the entire web, but I’m really strugling to determine just when this phone is actually going to be released scanning through all of these comments. From what I can take from all of this is that some kind of release is taking place tommorw night. Can somebody please clarify wheter this is indeed a fact and when this phone will be available in stores(Vodacom preferably). But still a huge thanx to you guys for giving some info on all of this…Im leaving for Munich in two weeks time and I would love to take care of my upgrade before then… I really hope that you guys can make my day and give me a in store release date…
Hi Ryno, there is some other info on the phones on MyBroadband also so not only here. With regards to the launch, yes its tomorrow, but don’t think if will be available in stores then. The launch is Leaf’s launch event where they introduce the phone to the local market. When it will be available on the networks is up to the networks.
Twitter Comment
The best news ever – RT @diekloon: Most popular post on iGeek atm, HTC Desire, Legend launch tomorrow [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
@Ryno
Here’s the invite!
http://www.fandroid.org/2010/04/14/htc-desire-and-htc-legend-south-african-launch/
Hey guys, went on the MTN Direct site today and found the following pricing info for the HTC Bravo (i.e. Desire):
MTN 200………….R208 monthly & R3200 pay-in
OR…R339 monthly
MTN 350………….R358 monthly & R2200 pay-in
OR…R449 monthly
MTN 500………….R508 monthly & R1500 pay-in
OR….R569 monthly
MTN 750………….R758 monthly & R1000 pay-in
OR….R800 monthly
Thanx @Gerhard, Yeah I’ve visited quite a few websites like broadband that sells the early April release date, idea. But almost being into the second half of April, I can pretty confidently say that I think it’s all just optimistic speculation. I’ve just dialled the Vodashop at Wonderpark in Pretoria to hear wheter any spesifications has been given through to them, but a quite frustrated voice on the line asured me that the various employees at the vodashop branches, only get’s inlightened on the new phones to be released, once those phones actually arrive at the branches, which obviously hasn’t happened yet…seriously hope that I can upgrade from this Blackberry bold of mine before my bussiness trip…do let me know of any proceeding please
Thanx for that info Jon, so it seems MTN is ready to introduce it. At R339 a month its almost the same price that the Hero was going for last time I checked.
@Jon could you post a link Please ?
@Fandroid it is in the latest Yellow Mag http://www.mtnsp.co.za/Documents/YelloMagazine.pdf
http://www.fandroid.org/2010/04/14/htc-desire-bravo-mtn-pricing-south-african-android/
Found it!
Thanks @Gerhard
That MTN Doc just gave me the biggest chill feast ever…awesome stuff @Jon awesome AWESOME stuff… Im heading right over there to place my order on one of those bad boys…aaahhh sudenly going to Munich in Spring doesn’t seem all that much of a drag…so sweet so psyhced
@ Fandroid – Sorry, to get the full pricing details that I listed earlier go to:
http://www.mtnsp.co.za/Upgrades/Pages/Overview.aspx
and under “Search for an Upgrade” select manufacturer – HTC, model – BRAVO….and it’ll list all the packages (:
Does that mean its already available for purchase or it will soon be?
@Mike – Not too sure hey. My guess is that its ready for order but you’ll have to wait a bit to get it….dunno??
“The handset is currently in testing, and we are still unable to confirm whether the handset will be launched and when it will be launched. ”
A very vague reply from vodacom.Kind of seems like a default answer to all phone queries.Or they just arent as informed as the decision makers.I would expect atleast another two before the HTC is launched on the Voda network.
“.I would expect atleast another two before the HTC is launched on the Voda network”
Another two?
2 weeks?
Weeks* .Apologies.
2 weeks is just a guess btw.
Also,the person who contacted me mentioned that Vodacom has a longer testing period than MTN.Which explains why they are advertising the phone already.
I didn’t notice the Legend at MTN …
@Charlie: Thanks.
Why they need weeks of testing is well beyond me. Surely you have a checklist of what its supposed to do and you check them off, shouldn’t take longer than a day / phone. I think the techies that test them just like having all the new phones for a week before all their mates.
Any news from the launch event? Did anyone go?
Also does anyone know what size MicroSD card the handset is shipped with, the Expansys spec says 2GB, meaning you’re looking at an extra grand to get 32GB on the phone
, but I know they vary by region.
Why does it suddenly feel if Vodacom is always two steps behind? Reminds me of a song…
…and do you think the pay-in on a Vodacom Talk500s will be more than R1500 for the Desire.
Oh HTC Desire I desire you.
@ RobinC
I saw an unboxing on Youtube with a 4GB Micro Pre-installed, think it was a UK clip.
So pissed! I waited and waited and this only comes up now…. anyway
Got a hero on my upgrade, given it to my brother and getting the Legend cash from the UAE. Saw that its not on MTN! So At least my impatient sway did me some good.
The networks really need to pull their heads out of their arses…. TIA
So I’ve been following this article diligently for the past two weeks or so, thought it was abt time for me to get email notifications
Replying to Ryno’s comment, I sort of agree, this might not be the ONLY source of info, but it certainly is the BEST!
I got a question I’d like to pose to u guys.. From all the reviews I’ve read, both the Desire and Legend are tops, no doubt abt that.. But I have 1 major qualm abt the screen, every review that I’ve read say that the AMOLED screens have terrible sunlight legibilty (virtually unusable), & in sunny SA it might be especially bad.. So my question is, has anyone here owned a phone with an AMOLED screen, & how bad is it to use really…?
Any news from last night’s launch?
http://www.itnewsafrica.com/?p=7010
According to this article the HTC desire and Legend will be available from May 1st.
Is it advisable to buy it from vodacom or it doesnt matter where i but it? Do the firmware updates come out on the same date for all networks?
I’ve contacted my local MTN store in Cape Town, they say the Desire will be available sometime next month, probably mid month; However, a friend of mine went to the his MTN store in JHB and they said there is a problem with stock at the warehouse so there is no definite date on the release.
It seems that depending which store you go to, you get a different answer, I don’t think any of them actually know whats going on.
Vodacom, which I am with, don’t even know what the Desire is, which is depressing. I had a look at their April Specials Magazine, it’s not listed in their, not even as a “Coming Soon”. Suppose we will just have to wait for the May issue…
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the Desire but am a bit concerned about the service and update availability from Leaf after coming across this.
http://www.arbitraryuser.com/blog/2010/03/05/why-you-probably-shouldnt-buy-an-htc-phone-in-south-africa/
Has anyone else had problems with Leaf re updates?
I work for a telco here in OZ so i can get the phone for a little under cost which is R3500. I wanted to bring it for a friend and wanted to know the SA price to see if it will be worth it.
Drew I agree that Leaf isn’t really clear when it comes to release of updates, but good news it that both the HTC Desire and HTC Legend will be launching with the latest Android OS namely Android 2.1. If there is a new update and you do not want to wait you can always go with a custom rom. You see thats the beauty of Android, its open source and there is various roms available for download.
At the cost of voiding your warranty…. Wow this blog entry about leaf shed a whole new light on the situation. Might be worth it just getting from the UK directly.
Jaco one should take into consideration that the post is based on one of the first Android phones to hit South Africa. The new phones does come out with the latest Android.
I do agree that leaf must do something about their updates though.
I thought you’d like this, I was chatting to a (tech fanatic) friend in London this morning: (He has an iPhone)
TC:BTW Played with a working HTC desire
RC: and?
TC: If I could shag it I would have
RobC: awesome, I am waiting for one
TC: It’s iPhone good, In fact, it’s iPhone better
All the speed you could imagine with all the customisation you can’t
RobC: I think I am posting more on the local forum that the owner – it is the one I desire
TC: It’s so effing fast, I almost cried
Buy it, no excuses
It’s the phone response we’ve always dreamed of
Full multi-touch
And it’s as responsive as the iPhone, In fact, it’s faster
I can see why Apple are suing them, They use the same gestures and everything
Keyboard is superb and just as fast as the iPhone
Apps are blisteringly fast
Surfing the web is almost instantaneous
The GPS is so fast it’s scary
Youtube is amazing, and it does flash
The size is just right, It’s not too thick, It looks good
RobC: *sigh* now just to wait for flippin Vodacom
TC: The only criticism is that the optical pad is too sensitive and reacts even if you’re not directly touching it
RobC: I would have it in my pocket if the bastards would just finish “testing” it…
RobinC thanks for that, good to see people giving positive responses like this to the HTC Desire.
Saw a add for the Legend and Desire in some MTN instore material…. so I guess the Legend will come to MTN
the HTC desire & legend will be available from the 7th of May according to these guys.They were at the launch.
Link : http://tinyurl.com/y3hwl23
Gerhard, thanks for the info. Is there any truth to the rumor of the update that allows for DivX support on the Desire? If this is true and the update is made avaivable here, then this will help make the Desire as close to perfect as any smartphone has come thus far! Seriously can’t wait to get my hands on one!!
I got my HTC Desire a week ago (I’m in the UK) and have to say, it’s by far the sexiest piece of tech I’ve ever owned. This is my first Android phone (and first touchscreen phone) after being a Nokia fanboi for the last 12 years.
I cannot recommend it enough, everything about it just screams class and quality. The Legend may look and feel better (depending your taste), but I opted for a bigger screen and faster CPU.
You will not be disappointed!
All on mtn… just upgraded though! They said they would launch another month or so from now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This response I got from MTN Cape Town’s main office!
Im so gutted, will have to fork out now for a sim free desire. Terrible service from MTN.
Thanks RobinC and RobUK – you guys have made it so much harder to wait now until MTN gets WITH IT Aaaargh!
My boss spoke to Nashua, they say the Desire will be available the first week of May, I emailed Autopage to ask them when they will be releasing it, this is the response I got (if this is their response so late in April, I don’t see how they could be releasing it in May):
Hi
The eta has not yet been confirmed.
Altech Autopage Cellular
Damian Martin
Administrator: Procurement
@Neville – >:) Its as torturous for me as it is for you, also a friend of mine offered to bring one from the UK in June for R4400, and he says the prices will be lower by then, if its not here by mid may I am going for that.
@Alasdair – That’s the canned response you will get from anyone at any level.
When I got my SE W950 (before the dreaded, hated and despised Samsung Omnia), I got a mix of “not confirmed”, “release unknown”, and “1-2 weeks” from everyone at Vodacom. I eventually imported it from Hong Kong (via London via Netherlands), it was only released in ZA months afterwards, even after they advertised it here in their pamphlets they didn’t have stock.
@RobUK
Exactly same story here, been a Nokia fan for long, but after I saw Nokia N97, N900 and then the HTC, desire to own Desire didnt leave me! Getting mine now as well, thanx for feedback.
*tick tock* goes the clock – wow this has got to be the slowest month this year :0
@Neville
Tell me about it
No-one answered my AMOLED question….
Laneil I have never used a screen with AMOLED but I guess with any screen the more vibrant the colours the worst it is to operate in sunlight. However what I have seen with the Hero is that it adjusts the screen contrast depending on the light conditions you are in.
@Laneil
They’re not lying, it’s not great. But it really is only in direct sunlight. The Desire has 3 brightness settings and I find if I use the brightest, it mostly compensates for it. I haven’t really noticed whether it’s worse than any lcd screen. Seems about the same to me.
@Laneil: Firstly I think reviewers are always overly critical about issues with phones, its understandable though, I would hate for a reviewer to say the phone has perfect sunlight legibility and when you buy it you can hardly use it.
Personally I don’t think it will be as bad as the reviews make out to be, some reviewers have said its got good legibility regardless of situation, others say its bad…The only way to really find out is to experience it yourself. I’m not worried about it coz realistically I almost never use my phone outdoors.
On another note: Nashua has said there expected release of 1 May might be pushed back due to the ash cloud.
@Gerhard
I think you’ll find that the Hero doesn’t have an AMOLED screen… lol
@RobUK
Thanks… The only reason I’m asking is bcoz I have a PSP, & altho it doesn’t have an AMOLED screen, its sunlight legibilty is terrible! If there’s any light reflecting off the screen u can’t see anything! So I would hate to have to go thru the same thing with my phone… Would hate to have a beast like the Desire but not be able to use it outdoors…
As an aside note, have any of u guys looked at the specs for the Samsung i9000 Galaxy S? Its gonna come with with a 4 inch Super AMOLED screen… looks set to dethrone the Desire when it comes out…
@Laneil
Samsung = FAIL
Laneil correct thats why I said I have never used a device with a AMOLED screen. Just pointed out how the Hero deals with light.
@Laneil
Yeah I think that’s a problem that all flat screens suffer from, LCD or LED. But the brightness does help.
That Samsung phone looks pretty amazing, but for now I quite like HTC’s Sense UI.
I have to agree with Dan. The last samsung I had was a D500 and I will never ever get another Samsung. Every single one of my friends who have had Samsungs since the D500 days have had some or other problem with them.
Apparently the SAMOLED screen handles sunglight very well, but I’d rather take my chances with the Desire than ever get that Galaxy
@Gerhard
Lol, sorry, my bad, I kinda missed that part of ur comment…
@Dan
Yeah, normally I would agree with you, have never been a fan of Samsungs, but this is a Samsung running Android! So we already know the software side is gonna be awesome, & lets be honest, Samsung knows what its doing when it comes to hardware… So all in all, this is probably gonna be one sweet piece of tech…
I dont like these touch screens ha, i like ma 5320 Music Express Too Mush…
Laneil WHat fone you got…
@Laneil
Good point – I would love to see what they do with Android.
Have Samsung started using capacitive touch screens? Or are they still messing around the resistive? I have never heard anything positive about resistive touch screens apart from the ability to use a stylus (who wants to carry around a stylus anyway?)…
I hate Samsungs hardware (always fails) and their software…The galaxy might have Android, but they could reskin it to the point it may as well be their own OS, and then I wouldn’t want it.
I love Sony Ericsson, and would have loved to get the X10, but I want an unadulterated Android experience…SE and Samsung don’t seem to offer that
It has a capacitive touchscreen… Check the preview:
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9000_galaxy_s-review-467.php
Looks like a wannabe iPhone: http://pic.gsmarena.com/vv/newsimg/10/03/samsung-galaxy-s/gsmarena_004.jpg
I’ll stick with my Desire
@Alasdair – Delayed because of the ash cloud… Shameful, they will use any BS…
As someone desperate to get rid of his despised Samsung Omnia, I will give Samsung a skip on the mobile front thanks, even if it is android and not winmo.
Dont get me wrong I love Samsung appliances, but once burnt twice shy…
I love how everyone here is getting fired up 7 (or 14) days to go… (depending on who you believe)
Or if you believe Vodacom “Indefinite delivery date”
bleak
Well either way its early June for me…
My upgrade has been ready since December
so its tough for me to wait!
Hate to break it you guys but I asked a few Vodacom Rep’s and they said they either dont know anything or they getting it in a month or two.
I think those Reps don’t know anything or are pulling the wool over your eyes…Wishful thinking I suppose
Just went to cellu city in port elizabeth they have the desire and legend deals and about a R1000. Pay in on talk 500 for the legend
They said they expecting stock at the end of this month(april) that’s friday!
@Jivann: If thats true the BBerry 9700 Bold 2 is on the talk 500 with a R1600 payin, or R5879 Prepaid from Vodacom.
(http://www.elitemobile.co.za/vodacom_deals/index.php/index.php?ref=phones&product_id=4823)
So for R600 less we are looking at the desire for ~ R5300 cash – seems a bit low to me, but if it is – I am getting one the day they have stock. Camping out at Vodaworld iPhoney style…
I Just came back from HTC in Johannesburg, Fourways. Played with a working HTC Desire in the shop. They have stock. R7488.00, the sales manager told me they have sold 40 in 2 days already and not many people know the phone so go get your hand on one ASAP.He told me MTN have bought 500 from HTC but he doesn’t know when MTN will release them…
Believe the reviews, the screen is AMAZING, speed is AMAZING, its a perfect size, not too big even with the screen, but is a very nice weight (lighter than an iphone 3GS) as well. BEST phone of the year 2010!!!!
Thanks for letting us know Matthew.
R7488? That’s a bit crazy. You can buy it in the UK for around R4600. Not sure how much shipping would be on top of that, but I’m sure if you can get someone over here to buy and post it for you, it should be pretty cheap.
@Matthew – Thanks for the heads up, seems way overpriced though. for R3000 extra it looks like i’m waiting till June for one from the UK.
We always knew it was gonna be expensive in South Africa, but compare it to the iphone. It’s a much better phone than an Iphone and the iphone 16GB, from Incredible Connection, is R9400. Anytime Gerhard.
You can get the 16GB 3GS for around R8000 over here, which is a smaller margin compared to the Desire.
Just doesn’t seem right to me.
Hopefully it’ll be available on contract soon!
Bought the Desire from a UK website, total amount including shipping worked out to +/-R5,300.
Have been using it for nearly 2 weeks – what-a-phone!
is all I can say. All the reviews are spot on. Screen is magnificent, UI fantastic, fast, works with no problem on MTN, I am more than happy!
The Leaf store in Joburg is called Lab88, here’s a link to their online store showing: Desire R7488 and Legend R5988
http://shop.lab88.co.za/
It says they have limited stock.
Just go off the phone with LEAF.
The HTC Desire should be available in 2 weeks time.
I carrrrrrent wait !!!!!!!
@ JN
Which online UK store did you order it from??
@Jon
http://www.handtec.co.uk
Pre-ordered it at GBP369.39 (including GBP40 for shipping) and +/-R1,050 for VAT and excise.
Well I’m in the UK in August, if Vodacom rip us off with the payin for the Desire, I’m just going to buy it in the UK
A Vodacom rep called me today to remind me that my upgrade is due and told me that the phone will be available in OCTOBER???
A load of nonsense I believe,but a rather interesting response.
Love that about Vodacom. We asked about the Desire at 1 shop and they checked the release date on gsmarena, then told us the phone should be here in 6 months time, spoke to another shop in the same building on the same day and according to them it will be available once their new pricelist is available. I have since spoken to another person at the first shop who assured me the phone will be available by the 10th (when my upgrade is due) – needless to say I will not be holding my breath
Ye I am so sick of the ignorance of the people in these shops. Every single shop I have phoned has given me a different answer. Suppose we will just have to wait for the new pricelists
I am going to lose it with Vodacom……… MTN is looking much more appealing…..
I phoned the same shop that said the HTC Desire should be here this week,,,,, this is the conversation.
Me, “Hi, do you have the HTC Desire in yet?
Vodacom, “Please hold”, “no”
Me, “When will you be getting it?”
Vodacom, “I have never heard of the phone so it would probably take a couple of months”
Me, “Can you check”
Vodacom, “It is not on our current pricelist”
I then phoned Vodacom Canal Walk
Me, “Hi do you have the HTC Desire yet”
Vodacom. “We dont have any HTC phones”
Me, “Will you be getting new stock”
Vodacom, “Yes”
Me, “When”
Vodacom, “….end of this week”
Me, “Will the HTC Desire be part of the new stock”
Vodacom, “I dont know”
Me, “Can you check?”
Vodacom, “Yes, Ill check” , “No it is not part of the new stock.
I spoke to MTN yesterday, the first shop said they should have it on their next pricelist. The second shop had the phone on their pricelist but did not have the actual phone yet. The salesman took my details and promised to phone me once they get word that stock is avaiable, he confirmed that according to the pricelist it should be avaiable for him to order from 8 May.
I have always been a Vodacom user but doubt I will remain with them. The level of competency is shocking and by the looks of it the MTN Anytime 350 is a better contract to have when compared to the Vodacom Talk 120s.
I just wanna get a financed price for the HTC Desire out of Vodacom to make up my mind
MTN Quote:
MTN Anytime 200 with HTC Desire Financed – R339pm
(R200 anytime talk time + 25 sms)
MTN Anytime 350 with HTC Desire Financed – R449pm
(R350 anytime talk time + 50 sms) – Translates to 179 minutes if you do not use data
Morne what I have seen numerous time with Vodcom is that their normal store don’t have a clue when it comes to higher end phones. Have you tried contacting a Cellucity? They normally have more info regarding the high end phones.
Ye Morne, I’ve had EXACTLY the same experience with all the Vodacom stores. I hate the fact that they all go to GSMArena, then say add 6 months, or if its not on the pricelist, we don’t know. They take no initiative to try and help you.
Nashua told my boss they will have the phones available from the 7th May, but I think that is with MTN, don’t think Voda has them yet
Just spoke to them CelluCity, Could here the one sales guy ask the other sales guy to check the release date on GSMArena. Afterwards he came back to the phone and said it should be available at the end of the year.
Nice(sarcastic)……. Vodaworld (JHB) have the phone in stock but not on contract
You have to buy it cash – Pay as you go……….
According to them it should be on contract in 4 weeks time
LOL how can they query GSMArena for release dates.
Nashua Mobile apparently have the phone in stock – 3 days to deliver from JHB and they might have a special on 7 May.
@gerhard easy,
GSMArena + 6 months = Local Release Date
Just spoke to Nashua Mobile ….
they said I should speak to them on friday for Pricing on the Desire
I contacted one of the guys at Androidza hoping they’d have some extra information seeing as they were at the launch.And was told it would be available next week on Vodacom.
@Morne,First time I have heard that a phone is only available on prepaid and later on contract.It’s normally the other way around.Especially considering the majority of people who buy HTC or high end phones for that matter get it on contract.
@Charlie
Just shows how clueless the sales guys are….
I am yet to receive the same answer from more than one sales person…..
@Charlie
Just shows how clueless the sales guys are….
I am yet to receive the same answer from more than one sales person…..
@charlie
So we can safely say next week then? I hope so, looking forward to pricing on my current contract, have to decide between the Iphone and the Desire… guess which one I would prefer…
@Charles
If you’re still deciding between the HTC and the iPhone, I suggest waiting until June when the iPhone4 is officially announced. As much as I love my Desire, I am not against recommending the iPhone. It just depends on what you want. If you currently have one and you’re used to it, it may be worth sticking with it. But I guess it may then be a few months before it’s out in SA.
It’s discouraging to read about the poor customer service you guys are experiencing, but rest assured, you’re not the only ones. The UK is no better! When I got my phone, I went with Orange because they offered an exclusive black handset, and the people in the store knew nothing about it, and were also fuzzy about release dates.
@RobUK
Also wat about the silver?
How does the black desire look compared to the usual brown?
Altho I’m pretty sure South Africans won’t have a choice on colour & we shud jst be happy with getting any desire handset lol.
PS – I’m also getting my upgrade, but only in June, so really hope all this lack of info on availability crap is sorted out by then!!
@Charles,
With the way things are going I would’nt get my hopes up.Next week turns into the following week which turns into the end of the month and so it goes.Maybe that’s just me being negative but it’s getting tiring.
The Iphone 4G looks awesome,But it’s only being announced early June and likely only to be available in SA towards the 4th quarter.And thats an Apple issue not Vodacom.
@Jon
Instead of the 2-tone black/brown with silver buttons, it’s just black. Personally, I prefer the standard one, which is the one I ended up getting after seeing the black one in person. About the silver, have only seen pictures, and it looks really good, but yeah I prefer having a darker phone .. just personal preference. I have no idea where the silver one is available, I haven’t seen it here.
Hopefully things will be clearer by June … I can imagine the anticipation is a killer!
@RobUK, If I dont get my Desire by next week I want another phone,,, would you guys still recommend the iPhone 3Gs? I do not want to wait for the 4th generation iPhone, Ive already been waiting 2 years for my upgrade, I do not know if waiting another 6months for and upgrade will kill me but I would rather not take the chance. hehe
I also looked at the HD2 as well but it has Windows Mobile 6.5 and Windows Mobile 7 will not be available for the HD2.
I’m in the same boat Morne, after two years of the Tytn 1 its time to go Iphone of Desire, but I don’t know if I can wait a month…
The latest news I got is that Vodacom should have the Desire by mid-to-end May, so we’re probably looking at another 2 weeks.
On the subject of uninformed salespeople, I had a sales guy at a Vodashop actually argue with me that the HTC Hero was a Windows mobile phone. When i pointed out that it was an Android phone his response was ‘yeah, but they’re all the same.’
I didn’t bother discussing the Legend or Desire with him…
hey guys which shop in vodaworld has got the desire in stock ? any clue on prepaid price??
cheers
@Mark – Check on the leaf website, go to the HTC Desire and click on where to buy, there is a number for vodaworld.
I went to Cellucity in Melrose Arch and they have the Legend on their system, the guy said pricing available today – I will head down there during lunch and get pricing for you guys.
Still no word on the desire though – looks like i’m getting the UK edition.
morne thanks boet
Phoned Leaf this morning. Looks like Desire’s coming in at R7500 and the Legend at R5900.
I’ve been trying to contact Vodaworld to get a contract price but no one’s answering the phones there
No one ever answers their phones. I’ve given up trying. I just go into the store now days
just got my desire this morning
phone htc vodaworld on 0116536663 the guy wa very helpful desire 7499 legend 5499 both in stock
Does anyone go through Autopage? Every store I have phoned has given me a different answer as to whats going on…urgh
HTC Legend from Cellucity Melrose Arch (nothing on desire yet)
Cash R6800
Topup
49s=R4579 | 75s=R4469 | 135s=R3999 | 200s=R3559 | 275s=R2989 | 315&400s=R1599 | 315s=R2069 | 500s&590=R1499
Weekend
R3329
Business (per min billing)
R1599
Business (per second)
R1849
Talk
75s=R2869 | 120&130=R1599 | 200&240=R1499 | 350s=R1279 | 500=R1159 | 1000=freeR500GiftCard
Smart
120s=R1279 | 500s=R799
For more info call Shoaib @ 011-684-1198 (he says this is whats on his system – but may possibly change)
I have called basically every provider (MTN & VC Direct, Cellucity, Nashua etc etc) they all say the Desire is on May’s pricelist…Autopage is the only company who has their head up there ass and doesn’t know anything. Bleak
hm… may not be getting a desire then, but I will wait to see the prices first before picking some thing else.
@Alasdair – Your cellucity consultant is BS’ing you – the guy showed me the system screen and only the legend is on it – the desire is not even on their system yet.
@RobinC: Typical…As I say, I’ve gotten a different response from each branch that I call.
I am on a Topup 200s, so basically the payin will be between R4400 and R5600 (R3559 + R800-R2000 difference between desire and legend, depending on which leaf branch you go to?)
Or
I can get it delivered contract free from the UK for R5400 and get a 1 year no-phone contract, (and a Desire2 in a years time
).
Its a no brainer…
If the payin is more than the R4500, I’ll get the HTC Magic as my upgrade and buy the Desire when I’m in the UK in August
Just chatted to a mate of mine in London, he is going to buy it for me and bring it in early June, works out at R4400.
At least now I know how long the wait will be…
Just got off the phone with Autopage Melrose Arch…finally after months I’ve spoken to someone who actually knows what’s going on.
HTC Desire on a Talk130 will be R1800 pay in
I asked him to double check coz it didn’t seem right, but he assured me for a new contract on Vodacom’s Talk130 the pay in is R1800
@Alasdair: Then go to Cellucity – its R1600 there (they don’t have stock yet)
See my post above…
Just gotta call from MTN in Kolenade and guess what, my HTC desire is in stock and I can pick it up first thing in the morning…it’s been a long wait but it’s arrived
@Ryno Totally Awesome!
@Ryno how did you apply for it? was it via their website or did you go to mtn? i applied for an upgrade on their website a while ago but have yet to receive any call or any sort of communication. What was the pay-in? is it the same as the one on the website?
I went to the Kolenade branch and filled out a application form for pending phones… and yes it there’s no pay in on the Anytime 200 just the basic R350 a month
Well Vodacom’s Retentions price list for the period 7 March – 6 May expired today,so they should have a new one tomorrow or so.Let’s hope the desire is on there.
@Ryno, there is a pay in on the Anytime 200. As the Anytime 200 costs R209 per month. You are paying R350, the extra R150 is because you are taking the phone as financed
Vodacom has got the Desire on their new pricelist…… finally,
and I spoke to a competent sales man…. miracles do happen
ordered it for next week.
@Morne, please elaborate
R404pm on a Talk 120s contract – dont know about the rest of the contracts. The Talk 120s is R300pm on its own so the finance is R104,00 for the Desire.
I phoned Vodacom Tygervalley – 021 914 9743. They will be getting stock of the phone next week.
Time to call and find out the payin or finance on the top up 315s…
@Charles: So it looks like Vodacom is charging R900 more for the desire than the legend. The payin on the 315s should be R2965
From myBB the following
“HTC DESIRE @ R 4899 CASH ON TOP UP 75s
HTC DESIRE @ R 5039 CASH ON TOP UP 49s
HTC DESIRE @ R 3999 CASH ON TOP UP, 200s
HTC DESIRE @ R 3439 CASH ON TOP UP, 275s
HTC DESIRE @ R 4469 CASH ON TOP UP, 135s
HTC DESIRE @ R 4099 CASH ON TOP UP, 135 (per minute billing )
HTC DESIRE @ R 3779 CASH ON WEEKEND (per second billing)
HTC DESIRE @ R 3329 CASH ON WEEKEND (per minute billing )
HTC DESIRE @ R 2069 CASH ON BUSINESS, TALK 120, TALK 130 (per minute billing)
HTC DESIRE @ R 2299 CASH ON BUSINESS (per second billing)
HTC DESIRE @ R 3329 CASH ON TALK 75s
HTC DESIRE @ R 1959 CASH ON TALK 200 & 240
HTC DESIRE @ R 1729 CASH ON TALK 350s
HTC DESIRE @ R 2069 CASH ON TOP UP, 315,400s
HTC DESIRE @ R 2499 CASH ON TOP UP, 315s
HTC DESIRE @ R 1959 CASH ON TOP UP, 500s
HTC DESIRE @ R 1959 CASH ON TOP UP 590
HTC DESIRE @ R 1599 CASH ON TALK 500
HTC DESIRE + R200 GIFT CARD FREE ON TALK 1000
HTC DESIRE @ R 4799 CASH ON TOP UP 99 YEBO4LESS
HTC DESIRE @ R 3999 CASH ON TOP UP 199 YEBO4LESS
HTC DESIRE @ R 1729 CASH ON SMART 120s
HTC DESIRE @ R 1279 CASH ON SMART 500s”
Just got off the phone with Autopage Cape Town…the pay-in on a Vodacom Talk 200 is R 1800..so I asked them to reduce it…we’ll see what happens. The phone will be in-store next week.
Just as I expected, the networks are gonna milk these phones for all they’re worth… twas foolish to even hope that they wouldn’t overly inflate the prices…
@Leneil: R1800 pay in is not bad for this caliber of phone. Considering the iPhone 16gb pay in on the same contract (Talk130) is R3000. I was actually suprised the pay in was so low. I was expecting more around the iPhone price
@Alasdair – agreed
The ripoff is getting an iPhone from Vodacom. The prices are not even close to the overseas market but lucky for them they do not have to worry as they have the sole rights to sell the iPhone therefor can make the price what they want….
The iPhone pricing is another matter altogether, thats just insane… But yeah, I guess ur right, it is quite a phone after all… guess I’m just a bit disgruntled again at how we get ripped off here in SA…
@Laniel and Alasdair: You forget this only comes with a 4gig card (can someone who got the ZA phone confirm) to get a 16G is going to set you back another R800, and a 32G over a grand (if you can find it).
Ye true. I’m gonna get myself a 32gig card when I go to the UK, I found some from betweeen £50 – £60
@Alasdair – From where? I need to order one in the next week with my new desire
@RobinC: I just looked on Amazon.co.uk. They have a whole bunch there. But I’m sure you could look at Best Buy for the best price
The full pricing list for the Desire and legend can be found @ http://www.androidza.co.za
@Alasdair: Those are all SD, not microSD?
Biggest i can see on amazon is 16GB
Expansys have one for R1075 – but people here said they are dodgy?
http://www.expansys.co.za/d.aspx?i=197717
Direct Link:
http://www.androidza.co.za/content/vodacom-pricing-android-phones
Can’t wait:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h6BIIKSGu0&feature=channel
@Alasdair and RobinC
You can buy direct from Sandisk (only on their site: http://www.sandisk.com/products/mobile-memory-products/sandisk-microsdhc) but they’re $200.
I am able to get the following for R451
kingston MBLYG2/16GB , black , miCro-SD card reader + 16Gb miCro-sd + 2x Adapter ( sd and mini-sd ) , 32.89×15.3×7.66mm , 13mb/sec – 2 years warranty
I can upgrade next Sunday. It’s gonna be a looooooooong week.
I just ordered mine. Should get it sometime next week.
MTN Fourways has 1 left
MTN Benmore has 4 left.
Not sure about other stores
For ppl waiting for stock, I called Vodacom Direct today & did my upgrade, getting the Legend, the lady said they have stock and the phone should be delivered to me around the middle of next week… not sure about the Desire tho, but its worth a try…
http://www.fandroid.org/2010/05/07/setting-up-vodacom-mail-on-your-htc-desire/
Notice the Microphone on the Keyboard does this mean we are going to have speech-to-text ?
Thats exactly the same as how you would set it up on any other android device.
I believe Text-to-speech is disable, but we will have to wait and see until someone gets hold of the device. I am still waiting for a review unit.
I’ve never really understood the appeal of speech-to-text. I have it on mine, but apart from something nifty to play around with, it’s not that useful. The only occasion I could see myself using it is for Google Navigation while you’re driving.
The date on the device in the Howto is 8 March
Two weeks after MWC
Guys, I’ve had my Desire for a day and a half now – got it by pestering the hell out of a poor woman @ MTN retentions. Try to believe me when I say that it’s worth the anguish – the phone is really quite something! Please, please don’t fall for the fruit hype – the iPhone is an also-ran in comparison.
Should be receiving HTC Desire for Review in next few days
… nearly done with the XPERIA X10, not too impressed.
Picked up my HTC – Desire from a branch here in Royal Ascot in Cape Town yesterday – just took a chance and walked in and apparently they had like four in stock! So naturally grabbed one – in the beginning things have been pretty n00b from my side coming from your average Nokia keypad environment – but wow starting to get to grips with this phone now and what a beaut! Very responsive O/S, and really great touchscreen with so many different apps to choose from – enjoying every second
I should be getting mine in the next day or so… cant wait.
Mine is coming on Thursday (as per Vodacom)
@Neville
The touch screen was a big issue for me, and wondered if I had made a mistake not getting a phone with a full keyboard. I also came from using a Nokia keypad for years. I became quite the predictive text master, and relied on it exclusively. So what I’ve done with my Desire is use the keypad with T9 rather than the full keyboard, and after a few days I was back to typing as fast as I was before.
I am super jealous – only getting mine in 3 weeks
The screen is too small on my Omnia to use the full keyboard – so I am used to using an onscreen keypad and T9 already
RobUK – yeah I agree one adapts much quicker than one thinks – I think I still got some way to go but getting there slowly but surely. RobinC it’s gonna blow your mind!
Picked up my Desire this morning from MTN East Rand mall.
Play time….
@MorneT
Thats awesome
enjoy! When did you order your phone? Ie….how long has it taken since you ordered it from MTN?
Does anyone know if its possible to pre-order from MTN before your contract ends. Ie….If say I know my contract ends on June 1st, can I ask them a week or 2 before to order so they’ll have one in stock when I go to renew my contract?
Will they allow this?
Or will they be anal & say *eish – sorry sir?
@Jon,
Phoned them on Friday. They said they will be getting a couple this week so I took a chance yesterday to check it they have arrived yet.
Not sure how many they still have though.
I asked 4 different vodacom branches to phone me once the Desire arrives. All 4 phoned me today. All in Cape Town……
Note: Licking the phone once you get it is not good… only kidding, got mine today, and loving it so far.
it takes a little getting used to from a tytn 1, but man was it worth it…
Vodacom has no clue what they’re doing. On Tuesday the chap at the Vodaworld customer care told me at least 3 weeks, and yesterday I picked up the phone from them. I’m posting this on my new Desire so I’m not unhappy, but it would be real helpful if the left knew what the right was doing.
And their stock list showed they’d had only 9, so they apparently missed that this was a highly anticipated phone!
Nice one! Enjoy, guys, I don’t think any of you getting it will be disappointed. Have had mine a month now, and still loving it.
@Morne
Can you please disclose those branches if you dont mind…
Got my phone and love it.
@Charlie go to Tygervalley or Cape Gate
Has anyone managed to find, or know where I can find a screen protector for the Desire? I’ve tried every cell phone shop in my area, most of them dont even know what the Desire is, and Lab88 is still awaiting stock.
@Eedubz – http://www.invisibleprotectors.co.za/
Thanks Morne, checked them out yesterday, but I only want the screen film, that seems to be a total phone wrap. They are also still awaiting stock anyway.
@Morne
That’s what I have for mine. They’re a bit of a pain to put on, they require a very clean environment and a steady hand. Sadly I didn’t get mine on perfectly, but it’s definitely worth it I think.
@Eedubz
Have a look on the manufacturer’s website, http://www.zagg.com. I ordered mine from there. I went for the works, but they have the screen film only. I’m not sure about delivery to SA, but it’s worth looking into.
Thanks! I may as well just wait for Lab88 to get stock, they said they should have by next week. My Desire is at home in the cupboard untill it’s protected! Oh and my OEM Nexus One pouch is on it’s way to me as well ; )
@Eedubz – The invisihield is a brilliant product, look under Youtube for some scratch demo’s. The invisihield is split up into different parts and one of those is just for the screen. I am getting the entire packet but will only use the screen protector myself.
Oh yes, I forgot, best part is it is military grade material – apparently used to protect the rotors on helicopters
Just ordered mine in the UK (R4450) – Now just to wait 2 (excruciating) Weeks for delivery…
Rob
Guys 4 those of you that already have the phone….
What nice apps have you discovered on the marketplace
I installed:
Barcode Scanner
Compass
File Manager
G-Force
Google Night Sky
HN Shootout
Pet Age Calculator
R Thunder Lite
Race Ace
RugbyNut
Task Manager
Tic Tac Toe
Whac Em!
I am still looking for a nice turn by turn navigation GPS app, like TomTom
Morne try the Metal Detector App
@Morne
I have most of the ones you mentioned. Here are a few more.
3banana or AK Notepad – take notes, insert images and post to FB or send via email
Currency Converter
Dropbox
eBuddy – IM client
Facebook
Labyrinth Lite – Game
Layar – Reality Overlay type program .. look it up
LogMeIn – Remote PC access
Puzzle Blox Arcade – Game
Shazam – Identify music
Unit Converter
WallSwitch – Switch wallpaper from specified folder
XkcdViewer – View comic with tooltip tex
I love using AppBrain to see lists of cool Apps.
http://www.appbrain.com/
Found excellent app 3G Watchdog. Monitors Internet Usage and warns you if you reach your predefined limit…..
Metal Detector App – tried it – dont know if it works though, will have to test further
So I waited months for this phone to arrive and its finally here. The only reason I have not ordered mine is that as soon as it was released here Android 2.2 Froyo was getting ready for release.
Froyo is said to be the start of Googles war against fragmentation of the android OS meaning that from 2.2 onwards upgrades to new vesions of the OS will be far simpler and quicker. Also it seems the newer 2.2 will be faster than previous versions (450% faster to be exact) http://tinyurl.com/36cvtjc Froyo will also support apps being saved to the memory card, full Flash 10.1 and USB internet tethering.
This all sounds great but it means that the HTC Sense UI needs to be rewritten from the ground up. Its taken long enough for a version of 2.1 to come to the hero which I think is still stuck on 1.5, how long would one expect to wait for 2.2 on the desire.
HTC promised at the beginning of the year that the desire would support 720p video capture and playback along with a DivX codec and it seems likely that these two upgrades would come bundled as one.
What I am getting at here is that while phones such as the Nexus one can upgrade as soon as a new OS is released, handsets with an overlay such as Sense will always lag behind as the manufacturer has to rework their software.
In the long run (5 years is usually how long I hold onto a phone) is it worth having Sense and missing out on updates or would it be better to get a model which does not have a sense like overlay?
@Alex: I agree that HTC’s upgrade of Sence takes a ridiculous amount of time (it’s only 1.8 mb in size!) but if you keep waiting for the new version you’ll never upgrade! I have had my Desire for half a week now and I assure you Eclair with sense should make you very happy until the Froyo update arrives (which should be well within five years!).
@Cobus: I agree completely that there will always be a new upgrade and technology to wait for. I guess what I was really asking is do you think HTC will continue its support of the Desire long after it is its flagship model? handsets that do not have sense like software are predominately updated by the user by choice. But if for example one was to root the desire and upgrade manually to Android 2.2 you would void the warranty . But the more positive reviews I read and more happy customers I come across it is a risk that I am becoming more keen to take.
@Alex: They’re taking their time upgrading the Hero, that’s for sure, but part of Froyo’s appeal is that it will make it simpler to skin the OS because there are apps that form and intrinsic part of it. I don’t have specific knowledge of this of course, but I would expect 2.2 updates to be available far sooner that 2.1 updates – which I understand require more work.
Does anyone know where I can get a Desire in Joburg? I’m on Vodacom SP and my upgrade is due but no one seems to have stock? Thanks
@Duane: Vodaworld always receives stock before anyone else, so I’d keep checking there. This number gets answered most of the time: 011 653-6766
@Cobus Thanks, tried them a few times, no luck. But I think I found the last one in Joburg
Got it yesterday at Fourways Vodashop. Manager said he ordered 10, was only delivered 8 because of demand and I just bought the last one. Seems like they’re quite popular.
Absolutely loving it by the way
For those wanting a phone with HTC Desire capabilities at a lower cost check out HTC’s latest release of the HTC Wildfire http://www.igeek.co.za/2010/05/18/htc-wildfire-a-slimmed-down-desire-with-all-the-fire/
Hey guys,
The Desire will be my first touch screen smarthpone/superphone & is quite an upgrade from my crap-ass Nokia!….& needless 2 say I want it to last so I hav 2 options for protection (every1 knows protection is everything these days;))
InvisibleSHIELD (Max coverage)
- OR -
PDair leather case (vertical pouch type) + front screen protector?
With regards to scratch tests, the invisibleSHIELD is awesome! but as far as I can imagine the look & feel of the handset is somewhat compromised (admittedly not by much) plus there is the added worry that I’ll completely screw up the application process!…..
Whereas with the leather pouch I imagine it would be quite bulky to carry around considering the Desire’s size & the I would need to replace those darn screen protectors now & again…
Any thoughts?
I’m having the same issues with protection decisions.
From what I’ve heard, the invisible shield is overpriced and overrated and it doesn’t offer much in the way of impact protection.
The PDair leather case looks a bit bulky…as does the aluminium PDair case. What does that leave us with? Silicone? Hard Gel?
Where’s the best place to buy locally? Any suggestions?
I’ve ordered a Silicone case from Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003K06I5I/ref=oss_product) haven’t got it yet so hopefully it’s decent. Also screen protectors (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003JCUKGK/ref=oss_product). Prices seem to change every day, I paid GBP 2.90 for cover and GBP 0.01 !! for screen protectors.
Postage is a bit steep but I paid R140 in total which is not bad I’ve seen silicon covers for the Hero for R400/R500
A friend of mine has the invisibleshield on his iphone, and its amazing scratch protection, but does very little if you drop it.
I have a silicon case and a regular screen protector (came with the case) on my current smartphone and it works well, the phone is in mint condition, and if you arent using a stylus the screen protector doesn’t scratch much. The case does make it really hard to get out of the pocket of jeans (pretty much impossible when sitting down in the car)
I always thought one of those side loading belt pouches would make me look like a bit of an ass (no offence to anyone who has one)
My desire is sitting in London, patiently waiting for a plane ride home…
@RobinC
Agreed, I think my gf wud disown me if i got one of those side loading belt pouch things. lol
Admittedly, I had one of those belt pouches for my Nokia about 5 years ago, and the douche factor aside, they’re actually pretty handy.
I’m mostly happy with the invisibleshield .. it does compromise the look and feel a bit, but I got used to it and don’t even notice it anymore. I think it’s probably worth just getting the screen only one, instead of the whole one. A guy here at work who has the Desire, has a little fabric pouch for it, which is a lot less bulky than a normal pouch but I think it offers a reasonable amount of protection.
On a related note, does anyone know where I can get a cheap generic Micro USB cable? HTC only provide one and it’s used for charging as well. I could do with another 1 or 2?
Does anyone know if it is possible to buy a desire sim free? as I am willing to use it mostly out of the Country with other providers.
Thanks
Elitemobile are the cheapest I have seen @ R6839 (no stock till the end of the month)
HTC Vodaworld were selling them for ~R7500
Jst a random question, does the desire have an LED indicator light above the screen? If so, does it alert you for new messages as well as for charging?
@Jon It has a tiny LED just above the screen, which blinks when you have a new notification, is on constantly when charging (amber) and turns green when fully charged.
@Morne…Cool thanx
omg i love this phone!!!!!!!!!!!! (smile)
@yumzzz: I was going to post that a week ago, but I was too busy playing with my new phone!
Does anyone know of a store (Cape Town area) that has stock???
Geez, R7500, that’s too much… I have a R1500 pay-in at Chatz Southgate, I wonder how much extra I will have to pay to get the Desire as an upgrade on my existing TopUp 135s
is there a way to know if my HTC desire is an import or bought in south Africa?
Mine is an import from the UK and is running software version 1.15.405.4. I am sure the local ones have a different version. (mine doesn’t have voice input)
These was an OTA update but my phone doesn’t recognise it.
Mine is from Vodacom and is running 1.21.405.2 and also did not come with voice input. Had to manually install it…
Great its not an import. Does anyone get 6 to 7 hours on constant use? I think I should get another battery, is it true it improves over time? I had the phone on standby for 3 and a half hours and it was still on a 100% but I just checked if there was any posts here for less than 5 minutes and it was 95%, thst good?
I found the first 2 – 3 times I used it, i got about 3 hours battery life. But now I get about 1.5 days, sometimes 2.
I also find the battery dips quite a bit after charging (even if the phone isn’t used for a lot of things) but then levels out over the next day or 2
yeah, I read about that on the androidforums.com so after the 95% mark it sort if discharges normally? how long have you had the phone for?
has anyone got this or planning on getting it?
more.take2.co.za/moreuk-case-mate-barely-there-case-for-htc-desire-metallic-silver-b003od9hja.html
I’ve had the phone for 2 weeks now, and I got this pouch: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q-JSg53A3nM/SzGEwPUIKzI/AAAAAAAAHgg/n6MZISb0m4U/s400/thumb_450_NexusOne+1.jpeg
Off ebay for R15, so cheap I got 2, just incase the one breaks
Alasdair and I ordered those Nexus One pouches together, I’d highly recommend them!
anyone subscribed to data bundles and how much?
Sorry for the late reply – here is what I found on Vodacom (from vodacom4me.co.za):
Basically you get the remainder of the current month and the next full month before it expires, so the bundle I bought today gets me from 2July to 31Aug before it expires (so 2 months if you buy at the start of the month).
R88 for 110mb
R119 gets me 175mb
More on the site
So if I use 90mb/month its the same price as the crackberry addicts get on their unlimited data.
As a guideline I have worked out that I am using between 40 and 60mb per month. (Mail, Talk, Internet and lots of Maps)
I go through 10mb in two days. thinking of getting 1gb, might even last for 2 months. Anyone buying the proporta 3400mAh usb turbocharger? I thinly its a great solution rather than buying another battery and having to pry open the battery cover four times a day
I am pretty much desk bound, so most of my browsing is done at work – when I have time, and dual 24” screens are better than a 3.7” screen any day
This also means I can charge my phone all day, but I usually get a full day without it.
well I’m pretty much constantly on the move and internet on the 3.7″ screen keeps me entertained, it goes without saying that bigger is better with regard to display.
Does anyone know whether Desire’s with Sense installed will be able to upgrade to the new Froyo which is dew sometime in 2010, really hope that their is a way for this to happen because im loving what froyo will offer
HTC have said that by the end of the year, all devices release in 2010 will get Froyo.
If you dont mind voiding your warranty you can have Froyo right now:
http://db.androidspin.com/androidspin_release_matrix.asp?android_phone_ID=3&android_build_base_os=&android_developer_id=&go=go
No sense, just default Android 2.2 on it though.
Or with Sense (http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/10/android-2-2-ported-to-htc-desire-working-quite-well/).
Think its an offical HTC ROM that leaked and they got it working.
Official update from HTC: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/htc-expect-desire-legend-and-wildfire-to-get-froyo-beginning/
As far as I know, the Desire will be one of the first HTC phones to get Froyo, and they mentioned Q3 as a release date. So it could be anywhere between today and the end of September.
There is always a risk, however slim, of bricking your phone when rooting it, so unless it’s something you’ve already done, or done in the past .. I think waiting an extra month or two is not really too much to ask.
Entirely up to you though!
you wont void your warranty unless you tell them you were rooting it. i have exchanged my HTC Dream 5 times brick after brick. leaf cant tell cause they dont know what is going on. they just replace the mainboard or give me a new one. they only ckeck for liquid or physical damage…go on root it, brick it return it, get a new one. simple
Does anybody have any inside info when the FroYo update that hit Europe this weekend will come here?
Check out this XDA post for changes: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7444078#post7444078
I have a European Desire (from London), and the update came through last night
Need to do a full backup before installing to though.
Very excited.
Android 2.2 (Froyo) is now available for HTC Desire handsets in South Africa. 90MB download. Get it via Settings/About Phone
I just checked for updates on my Desire, and came up blank???
fandroid, any more info? Is there something I am missing?
Yip, same for me, No update available.
After a bit of googling, it seems only unlocked or European handsets have access to Froyo so far. Guess it’s a matter of hurry up and wait for us. Does the Froyo update come through Leaf at all, or will it be straight from HTC somehow?
Saw the tweet here:
http://twitter.com/mcleodd/status/20127133047
Duncan is a pretty good source
It should probably follow the process … Leaf submits it to the service providers, The Service Providers approve it, and then the roll out begins.
I was reading on MyBroadband and people who got their phones from MTN and Vodacom (i.e. no European imports) are getting the update already. Seems like its a batch process.
Anybody have news on the update for the Hero?
mine says the update is still not available, sure hope I get it soon
Could someone describe the class of differences between 2.1 and 2.2 for me. Is it such a vast difference that the desire with 2.2 on it would feel like an intirely new phone. I’ve heard rumours of HD recording which is pretty exciting seeing that it brings it back into the class of the iPhone 4g. Any info on the release date for mtn subscribers.
Go to this XDA thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7444078#post7444078)
People who have it already are reporting what they’ve found.
I’d say it seems like a substantial upgrade.
I installed Froyo last night (my Desire is European).
The download failed about 6 times, till I freed up 500mb on the sd card and removed all apps off the phone (gave me 100mb internal), and then installed.
When the phone started up the first time HTC Sense force restarted in an endless loop (thought I bricked my phone), Did some reading online and found that you need to hard reset it (battery out and back in > hold vol down key, and press power > select clear storage with vol down > select with power button > confirm with vol down) [google it].
The phone restarted with factory settings – aka as you got it out the box.
Luckily I backed up with Astro File manager, and got all my apps back pretty painlessly.
Make full backups and save some time to do this – I got to bed at 2am
@Ryno: As for the differences, I havent tried the camcorder / camera yet (for 720p), but overall it is MUCH faster, cute flashlight app is built in. and the wireless hotspot
which rocks. There is also voice search added. The sense interface looks exactly the same though, (missing the froyo 3 buttons where the phone button is) and you can store apps on the SD.
MTN subs can get it as our phones are not locked or branded. Just connect to network and it will promt you to update. Changes are good. Hd recording, pretty faster, benchmark from 6 to 35. Games move faster fps. Eish too much to write here but its very good compared to 2.1. Also apps to SD work without rooting, but so far there are way less apps that move to SD. make yo phones a WiFi hotspot.
If you can’t find 2.2 on to updates give it 2 days, their servers are probably being hammered by Europe users.
Can’t wait to update my desire… Its gonna be so worth it… Wish we had our own dedicated servers thou….
Why are capetonians so damned smug?
Guys i went to vodacom last week because i thought my battery had a problem. They checked the battery and confirmed it had a problem, then they take the whole phone and say leaf will replace the battery. Does that usually happen, i mean the problem is with the battery, why are they taking the whole phone? thanks for any help
….and still no update to Froyo….
I am a ‘quickly-to-be’ htc wildfire user from Kenya. I’ve been doing some analysis on this phone and i have found it to be the perfect price range-smartphone.I am now ready to order it, unlocked obviously, because it hasn’t yet began being offerd in my country. The one huddle yet to be falt with is findinga reputable firm keen to export overseas, particularly to Africa. Thus far the one website i’ve found is expansys.co.uk.