So I got my hands on the Sprint version of the HTC Hero ($179 w/mail-in rebate ($479 off-contract)) and here are my thoughts:

First I must say that I am a Windows Mobile person, and I have been loyal for about 4 or 5 years now, but I wanted to see what the hype was when it came to Google’s  mobile OS Andriod. Well I must say I am impressed!  I like  how you can truly make the device your own with the home screen customizations. The Camera is great with it’s 5mp sensor, but it just doesn’t have a flash. I also enjoyed the FULL integration with Google Voice, especially since I now use my Google Voice number exclusively. With that it was quite comforting to know that I could use this phone with its foreign number, yet still receive personal phone calls without worrying to notify everyone within my address book.

One thing that I am used to with Windows Mobile phones is the ability to use multiple applications at once, and no I’m not going to say that’s not possible, but the way the menu structure is it’s very different then what I am used to. While using the device get used to using the home and back button, I still haven’t figured out how to switch to another application while still in another. Now I never thought that I would say this but typing with out a physical keyboard is not that bad on this device. Also

with the spelling assistance the phone gives,  it’s as almost as flawless at the iPhone.  One thing I did notice was the device was relatively slow when starting different applications; mail especially. This could be the same thing HTC did with “Sense”, but I won’t know until I get to a device that runs a stock version of Andriod.  Another theory is that it the device is just too slow, but once Snapdragon and Tegra processors become standard in smart phones I’m sure that will change.  Overall I like the HTC Hero and would recommended it to anyone.

Pros:

• Home Screen customization
• App Store
• Camera
• Full Google Voice integration

Cons:

• Somewhat slow to start some applications
• No flash for the Camera
• Always having to go home to switch to another application

Specs:

• Processor: Qualcomm® MSM7200A™, 528 MHz
• Operating System: Android™
• Memory: ROM: 512 MB | RAM: 288 MB
• Display: 3.2-inch TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with 320×480 HVGA resolution
• Device Control: Trackball with Enter button
• Connectivity: Bluetooth® 2.0 | Wi-Fi | mini USB
• Camera: 5 megapixel w/ auto focus
• Battery: 7 hours