Customer Reviews

HTC Flyer 3G WIFI 32GB

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought the wi-fi version, but I noticed a couple of "cons" in the reviews below and thought that if I responded to them, it might help those users enjoy their Flyers more. Here's a couple of things I learned while using my Flyer...

-THE STYLUS-It's true that you can't use the pen-tip of the stylus to select most icons outside of the special "scribe-compatible" apps...however, the opposite end (the "eraser" side) of the stylus works as a capacitive stylus. That's the same as what you might buy for an ipad or any number of different capacitive screen devices. I wouldn't suggest using it unless you already have a screen protector on the Flyer as it's a metal stylus and could scratch the screen. Now, I don't know whether it's easier just to use your finger than to flip the pen around, but the option is there.

-THE SCREEN-The Flyer has an autodimmer on it which, when placed on the default setting of auto, tends to make the Flyer look washed out. Setting it to the highest level makes it nice and bright, and an easy competitor to other devices out there. I downloaded an power control app (free) that allows you to toggle between three different settings easily from your homescreen.

-THE POWER PLUG-While the Flyer *does* ship with a special plug, the port itself will accept any of the standard microusb cables that work on most new phones these days. At first glance, with that vaguely horseshoe shaped hole, it doesn't look like a standard plug will fit, but it does, and snugly. Just make sure you line it up correctly. I don't know if the full plug that ships with the Flyer charges faster, but I use a regular microusb cable to charge my Flyer every day, and it works wonderfully.

-VIDEO OUT-Ok, I know this wasn't a con that someone listed, but this was almost a dealbreaker for me until I saw a video review on youtube. The Flyer doesn't appear to have video out like most devices do (HDMI, etc), but the power port serves double duty as a video out port. You have to buy an adaptor, but it does work. Not the easiest way to get video out, but it may be worth it for those who could use the feature.

I hope that helps...

I bought an HTC Flyer last night and it is amazing.
I don't throw that word around and it's not based upon a shallow assessment. It's really a neat little device.
It has the same Android operating system that's on my HTC Evo phone so I was comfortable using and customizing the user interface.

The Apple iPad I had for about 6 months and grew very tired of its limited user interface that can't be changed or customized apart from folders. (wow_)
The Android for HTC Sense operating system (Based on Linux) is a really solid platform and really user customizable.
You can change wallpapers, add little widgets to the desktop which update with your facebook status, weather, movies, books all right on a multiple-desktop user interface that you cycle through with a swipe of your finger.

The device syncs with your gmail (Google mail) account and replicates your calendar, contacts, email, docs right to the device.
There are tons of fun little applications, here are my favorites:
GPS: wow! The GPS system has an unbelievable user interface tied to google maps so you always have the latest map updates.
Weather: animated depictions of weather conditions, high/low temps, animated clouds which fly by, 5 day forecast etc. It's really pretty neat.
Password Keeper: Encrypts and keeps your passwords in clear text so you don't forget old passwords.
Car Panel: A driving application for navigation, searching for local attractions, listen to music through the car stereo and voice prompted search features.
Checklist: I use to keep track of daily tasks I can't forget.
Internet Streaming Radio Application
News and Weather application.
andFTP Client for managing files on remote servers.
Camcorder and Camera
Facebook Application
Smooth Calendar, a desktop calendar that updates from your Google calendar.
Skype to use the device as a phone or to chat with. I'm not sure if you can link your bluetooth headset to it to use it as a Skype phone. Wow!
Tons of other apps, utilities, games to do anything you can possibly think of.

Haven't had it long enough to just battery life but I'll update this later.
The screen is 7in Diameter and web pages are represented very nicely, now squished (in landscape mode). You can dbl-tap to auto zoom to easier read.

People complain about the speakers but considering the size of the size of the device, it does as exactly as well as is possible.
If you want better speakers, go buy a bigger device.

Those are the likes:
Here are some dislikes:
- Uses what looks like a proprietary sync cable instead of USB. Stinks b/c I have lots of micro-USB cables I can't use with the device.
- The device auto-rotates only on two sides; Camera at top and on the right side. It won't auto-rotate on the other two sides. Not a big deal.

I'll update this in a few months with more observations but for now, that's about it.
I love the small form factor. The iPad was nice, a little bigger but this is big enough to plop down on the couch for internet browsing, book reading or gaming on the device.

Try one out, they're really neat.
Good work HTC!

PS Prices will be dropping drastically on this device, expect them to land at about $499 USD. Deal!

**** 5 Month Follow on review additions ****
- They dropped to $299 at some outlets!
- Battery life is 2-4 weeks depending on your usage.
- Avoid dyed leather holders for these b/c the white plastic can absorb the dyes and become gray. If you must have dyed leather consider putting a tissue behind the tablet between it and the leather to prevent dye from leaching into the plastic.
- No issues at all. It updates its software to keep you safe against vulnerabilities. Battery life is good, display is still bright and crisp.

_SPECS_
* 7" Screen (1024x600 resolution)
* 1.5GHz Processor
* 1GB RAM
* 32GB Internal Storage
* 5 Megapixel Camera
* 1.3 Megapixel Front-facing Camera
* Available with 3G
* GPS/Bluetooth/WiFi b/g/n

As far as hardware goes, the Flyer is definitely a bit on the heavy side when compared to my cousin's iPad. He complained about it, but it's not like you really notice how heavy it is when you use the device. Plus, the Flyer's screen is a lot smaller so I find it less awkward to hold with one hand. The heftiness actually makes the device feel more sturdy than the iPad. It's not that elegant, but more of a rugged device. Manly, if you will. Since it's only ~7", I can actually fit it in most of my pockets, something that you can't do with an iPad, so I think on that front it is more of a portable device. The Flyer also comes with a really nice case.

Like I said, the screen is smaller than that of the iPad, but larger than that of a phone. I think it strikes a good balance between being too large and too small. Web browsing on it is fantastic and it has flash support, unlike one of its competitors. ;) Unlike the cramped keyboard on my phone, typing on the Flyer is nice and easy with plenty of room. The tablet's autocorrect also seems to be smarter than on my Atrix, but I could be making that up. The Flyer is almost small enough that you can use it like you would a smartphone, but not quite. It's just a little too bulky.

The screen is really nice at 1024x600 resolution and great for watching movies. It's a lot brighter than my MacBook's screen and it's even pretty usable (gasp!) outside! The battery life is definitely a champ. One day my whole family was using it (HEAVY usage) and it easily lasted the whole day. Most days I can go about two or three days of regular use before I need to recharge it. You can even schedule it to sleep at set hours of the day to conserve even more battery life, so I have it set up to turn off the WiFi and stuff while I'm sleeping.

Altogether, I'm pretty happy with my Flyer, but there are a couple downside. The speakers, for example, are not very good, so you should definitely invest in a good pair of speakers. While I think the small(er) screen is an advantage, it might be a deal breaker for some folks. Also, the Android app store is pretty lacking when it comes to apps for tablets, and some apps don't use the entire screen, which is kind of annoying. The camera is also pretty bad, but the UI is definitely better than the other devices that I compared it to at Best Buy. The magic pen thing is also kind of cool, but I don't really use it that much.

Quick review ... I ditched an Archos 70 (250GB) to buy this and I don't regret it! It does everything as advertised and then some. Everything loads brilliantly and it even syncs perfectly with Outlook. Battery life seems very good and the pen is versatile for my needs and beyond. I love it. The true test of these devices is whether you want to use it again and again ... and I do and I do! The browser works for websites that it supposedly can't and the ability to 'snapshot' everything and gmail it away into cyberspace is awesome. Build quality is beautiful. I can whack in a broadband sim card and it does its stuff anywhere. It syncs wirelessly with my other devices and it's just fun, fun, fun. Good job HTC and with devices like this, I am a happy camper downunder. Ozsteve.

I love the active digitizer (pressure sensitivity). At the time I bought this tablet, I believe it was the only Android tablet with this feature. I'm a designer, and I can't do without.

My only beef is that the battery life isn't quite what I'd it to be.

Wow, the size was right, the navigation was right, it worked well and I liked the idea of being able to take notes on this thing in my own handwriting. Unfortunately it wouldn't run Skype video chat, had no "read to me" apps, no netflix, and was heavy. I hoped that Kindle size meant kindle weight but, not the case. Battery life: good. Charger matched my blackberry: plus. Front camera: thought it was a plus, but, wouldn't work with Skype so didn't matter. Returned mine and will wait until this device goes on a diet and moves to the honeycomb platform.

I wanted to like the HTC flyer, I really did. I read up on all the tablets. I wanted something more portable than an iPad (the default tablet to beat). I settled on the HTC Flyer as the tablet for me. Once I picked it up, I noticed some things right away. It's not easy to hold. I literally mean it, it's very slippery in the back. It slid off my fingers when I try to hold it and have it rest only on my finger tips. It's heavy. Holding this thing while reading in bed is not a fun experience. You end up resting it on your chest after awhile. The screen looks ok, but it's not as sharp as I had hoped. Reading from it was pretty good, but the colors seemed washed out and not vibrant like the iPad or Blackberry Playbook.

The UI is really good though. I really like how it's laid out and easy to navigate. The use of the pen was a disappointment too. I had hoped to be able to use it for writing and as a stylus to navigate with. Nope, that's not the case. You use the pen only to make marks on webpages or notes and send them off. So, you're constantly picking up and putting down your pen.

The final thing that caused me to bring it back was that it kept crashing when I opened up the web browser. There was one website it caused the app to shut down and bring you back to main screen. Want to venture a guess? Google's home page. Yes, Google made my HTC flyer crash it's web browser. I find it almost comical that Android which is made by Google can't open it's own homepage. Now if it had happened with Microsoft.com I would understand. Well, it only made me realize the the Android OS isn't as stable on tablets as I had hoped and I'm returning it. Perhaps give it some time and they'll make an OS that's stable for tablets, but I'll pass for now.

Ordered it from TopWireless.
Took about 3 weeks until i got it, i do live in The Netherlands in Europe.

I like the HTC Flyer very much, it's good in all ways, and i use it more then my laptop now adays.

I't had a small dent when it arrived, which made me devistated.

I love this device. We've had ours for a few weeks and I am enjoying it. I don't like that it doesn't have a flash and it doesn't give you the option to view ebooks in landscape view (resolution). But it's fun and handy to have on a flight. Great for videos and using on the go.