I must say that after playing with HTC Magic during the HTC Magic Launch, I am a little moved (I am using Windows Mobile right now) on what Android platform can do. Apart from the magic show during the launch, HTC Magic has wowed many of us there. I think HTC has done a good job in terms of appeal and functionality on the HTC Magic. Here is my own view after playing with it for a week. Remember to see the last segment on how to win yourself a HTC Magic.
Overview
The HTC Magic is in the correct size. Not too big for the handbags or shirt pocket, and the screen is not too small (3.2-inch HVGA) for reading documents or websites. The HTC Magic is very curvy. You can barely find any edges on this sleek device.
Two colours to choose from, White and Black (personally, I prefer the white one). I must say that both are finger print magnet but the black one is more obvious. BTW, I am reviewing based on the black one.
First Look
Small and Sexy. The little tilt at the trackball area makes it even more curvy. Good size to hold. In fact, my review was caressed by many people and they all have the same comment, the size is right.
There are a few hard buttons (with backlight) and I think the quality is very good, although I think that they are a little to small. One of the main attraction is the trackball. It is very useful for scrolling. It also acts as a button for the camera.
Using HTC Magic
Google Android is new and HTC has made it a breeze to use with their customization. Many people are worried that Google Android difficult to use. To tell you the truth, this is my first time using Android and I already got the hand on it within hours.
Navigating
The capacitive touch screen is very sensitive. There is no stylus to this unit and that is a good news because you will never lose it 
.
It is very easy to use the HTC Magic. I guess HTC must have brought all the goodness which they have developed in Windows Mobile (TouchFLO 3D) into HTC Magic.
For example, the Smart Dialer. Just a few clicks and you get the people or the number that you wants. For example, by keying 563 (on the numeric keypad, 5 is J, 6 is O and 3 is E), I am able to call up my name. Simple!
The Camera
Next, the HTC camera. It is using the trackball as the zoom and camera button. In fact, I am able to use it with a single hand.
Here, you can see the zoom bar being activated by the trackball.
And I must say that the quality of the pictures is not bad. Below are 2 examples. One is an outdoor pic while the other one is a indoor, close up, slightly low light pic.
Nothing was done to the pictures except resizing them to fit the screen. The actual picture is about 800KB set at highest resolution (the picture size is dependent on the picture details).
Android Market
Android Market is like a shopping website in your HTC Magic (most of the apps are free). Browse through different category for your favorite apps or just do a search for it. These are my top 4 favourites.
- Google Maps – Get information anywhere with Google Maps, find your friends using Latitude and use your digital compass to enjoy Street View!
- Wikitude – Use your camera to point at a place and it will show you the details (it is like virtual reality!)
- ShopSavvy – Transform your phone into a barcode reader and get information (pricing and etc) immediatly.
- Google Sky Map – Turn your phone into a dynamic windows in the night sky
Viewing of Documents
With HTC Magic, you can actually all kind of documents. For example, Microsoft Excel, Words or the Adobe PDF file. I have to make special note on the PDF file reader. It is very intitutive. When you rotate the phone, the document will also rotate.
Playing Media Files
Playing MP4 video is no problem at all. I played a 8Mb file without problem. In fact, I think the music is quite loud and the video is very clear and sharp.
I also tried playing MP3 with the assigned player. It runs smoothly too.
Browsing the Internet
Ok, finally, the Internet browsing experience. Loading of website is fast (my opinion in terms of those browser that I used). Of course, Youtube cannot be played on the website but you can always download the free player .
Microsoft Exchange
HTC beats the rest of the Android phone by introducing Microsoft Exchange to HTC Magic. People (like me) who synchronize with the Exchange Server will love it. I have friends who hesitate to go into Android OS because of this. HTC Magic has answered their call .
Specifications
This is for Geeks who love to know about specs. HTC Magic packed a punch with the specs. I love the RAM and ROM capacity, although I have to say, the bigger the merrier.
| Processor | Qualcomm® MSM7200A™, 528 MHz |
| Operating System | Android |
| Memory | ROM: 512 MB RAM: 288 MB |
| Dimensions | 113 x 55.56 x 13.65 mm ( 4.45 x 2.19 x 0.54 inches) |
| Weight | 116 grams ( 4.09 ounces) with battery |
| Display | 3.2-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen with 320×480 HVGA resolution |
| Network | HSDPA/WCDMA:
Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE:
(Band frequency and data speed are operator dependent.) |
| Device Control | Trackball with Enter button |
| GPS | Internal GPS antenna |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate and A2DP for wireless stereo headsets Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g HTC ExtUSB™ (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one) |
| Camera | 3.2 megapixel color camera with auto focus |
| Audio supported formats | AAC, AAC+, AMR-NB, MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC-LC, MIDI, OGG |
| Video supported formats | MP4, 3GP |
| HTC Sync™ system requirements |
|
| Microsoft® Exchange Server synchronization requirements | Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) or Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery Capacity: 1340 mAh Talk time:
Standby time:
(The above are subject to network and phone usage.) |
| Expansion Slot | microSD™ memory card (SD 2.0 compatible) |
| AC Adapter | Voltage range/frequency: 100 ~ 240V AC, 47/63 Hz DC output: 5V and 1A |
| Special Features | G-sensor Digital Compass |
Get more information on HTC Magic Here.
Conclusion
The HTC Magic, in my opinion, is for everyone. For example, the executives who cannot live without emails will have mails pushed to them via Microsoft Exchange. Ladies who prefer a sexy and cute phone will find this phone appealing with the right size. With the capacitive touch screen, it is easy for anyone to browse the phone.
Of course, I still think that the main draw is the Android Market. It is going to be big and with just a click, you can download programs that suit your lifestyle (Games, Utilities and etc).
For more information, please go to HTC South East Asia Website
http://www.htc.com/sea
Find Out More about HTC Magic in This Event, Free!
HTC listens to users and feedback. Therefore, in order to let user know more about HTC Magic and the Android platform, HTC has arranged an event to let more people understand HTC Magic.
If you wanted to know more (plus get yourself a chance to win HTC Magic), register yourself to this email address: htc_events@htc.com with your name and contact number.
Instruction
- Email to htc_events@htc.com
- Input your name in this email
- Input your contact number in this email
- That is it!
I think this is a good way to experience HTC Magic and Android platform. Please, if you have 1.5 hours to spare, head down to Suntec City on the 27th June 2009 at 2pm. Or if you are unable to make it at 2pm, there is another session at 4pm (please register first). Talk to HTC people for first hand information on Magic.
So, do you think the HTC Magic is a cool phone you’d love to own? . I suggest to test it yourself at the event or if you already own it, give me your view.
PS:
Look out for our 3 trolleys this weekend at Suntec City from 1 – 7pm and next weekend at Orchard Road from 1 – 7pm.
Ask for a demo on the new HTC Magic, experience the various applications that you can download from the Android Market and stand a chance to win the HTC Magic too!
Important, Click Here to Get the Full Details, don’t miss it!
I will be running a poll to understand if you love to own this phone or not. Watch out for it!!