The Skinny and Netflix!!!!!

Original Post Link:

http://mblspt.blogspot.com/2011/06/spotlight-on-htc-evo-3d.html

While I’m gathering sample readings for my 3G data speed assessment I thought I would give everyone an update on my protective case, now that it has finally arrived.   In addition the long awaited compatibility with Netflix is finally here!  Well sort of. . .

The Skinny

If you have been following my posts you are aware that I decided to order Case Mate’s “Barely There” case option for my EVO 3D.   It took some patience on my part, due to a US Postal Service screw up, but I finally got it and love it.   When they say it is barely there they mean it, the case maybe adds an 1/8^th of an inch to the width and side profile of the device.   In order to give my readers the insider edge you deserve I spent thousands of dollars on professional pics so you can compare the device naked vs. Barely There equipped:     

                                            Front View Comparison:

Without Case:                                                               With Case:

            

                 
                                            Side View Comparison:

Without Case:                                                              With Case:

Ok so maybe I didn’t shell out the cash for the comparison views. . .  I’m on a budget here.   So not the greatest pictures in the world but I hope they illustrate the minimalist approach Case Mate took with this case.   The case provides backside and corner protection without changing the elegant form of the device, perfect for people like me that are easy on your phone and would like protection from the occasional drop and wear from pulling it in and out of pockets.  Although the case doesn’t have a film layer covering the front side display the case’s edging is raised enough that if you did decide to lay it face down it would rest on the case not the display screen.  Given the slim factor and providing protection where I need it this is my case of choice going forward.

Netflix

The idea of being able to stream my instant queue on my EVO 3D has been teasing me for the past month as rumors have run rampant about when additional devices would be supported.   Well imagine the smile on my face on 7/20 when it was officially announced that the EVO 3D is now supported.  Then imagine the look on my face when I tried to access the application today and got a server capacity issue.  The problem is a known issue and Netflix is working on it.  The following is a good article on the situation from CNET.com, I’ve waited this long so I’ll consider this an extended opportunity to further develop my patience.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-20081303-93/netflix-outage-prevents-streaming-to-some-devices/    

From the Cuff

Original Post Link:

http://mblspt.blogspot.com/2011/06/spotlight-on-htc-evo-3d.html

Quick update on a couple of points while I'm going through writer's block.  As previously mentioned if there are any points of interest that people would like to hear about I would love to get some feedback.

Battery Life Update: 
It is official!   I'm not going to go down the extended battery route with this device, the need simply isn't there.  Although I would like to have a little more life out of the device while I'm using multimedia and data intensive programs I find that the battery experience is better than your average smartphone.  Based on my experience with the EVO 3D thus far here is what you can expect for battery life:

     1.  Consistent 3G/4G Data Use (Pandora, Twitter, Web, etc.)-               4-5 hours
     2.  Consistent Multimedia Content Use (Including 3D content)-               2-3 hours
     3.  WiFi Data Use (Pandora, Twitter, Web, etc.)-                                  Full Day
     4.  Avg Voice/Text use with Syncs set at 15 min intervals-                     Full Day
     5.  Standby, minimal checks, with Syncs set at 15 min intervals-            Full Day (half battery life left)

Where battery life seems to benefit most is during voice, text, and standby duties as I have no issues getting over a full day's worth of use.  I personally didn't own the original EVO but from those that I've talked to say that overall battery consumption was bad but the standby battery life seemed to be one of the biggest pain points.  I have to assume that the Gingerbread updates actively controlling background activity coupled with the dual core processor are the main contributors to the battery life benefits.  The need for an extended battery is in your hands but if you find that during the day you have access to WiFi or have it laying around on a charger at your desk while you work I wouldn't spend the money.  If you are truly mobile 90% of your day the justification for the investment is definitely there and I would go straight to the 3000 or 4000mAH options.  For you mobile folk what fun is a device this capable if you have to constantly worry about your battery! 

Case Update (sort of)

I would love to be able to share with you how much I’m enjoying my new case and provide some pics on what it looks like but I can’t. . . the dang thing hasn’t arrived yet.  I patiently waited the 7-10 day delivery period and finally called into Case Mate to figure out what is going on.   The rep was very helpful and stated that there was an issue with the delivery on the courier’s end and that they would be sending me a replacement order.   For now you will just have to stay tuned for a bit longer, it is coming via priority mail this time so hoping I can have an update by Monday or Tuesday of next week.

I think I may have just run across an idea for future updates, writer’s block be gone!  In the blogosphere I’ve run across a couple of posts that are voicing concerns over 3G data connection speeds with their device.  Over the next week I’ll take random speed tests while at home, work, and during travel to see if what kind of speeds I’m getting.   

Accessories Galore

Original Post Link:

http://mblspt.blogspot.com/2011/06/spotlight-on-htc-evo-3d.html

My original plan of attack on how to do a write up on accessories completely fell apart after I started researching the massive amounts of options there are out there.  I was really surprised how much the aftermarket community has stepped up to create a vast amount of options for the EVO 3D this early in the device’s life.  If you are reading this I think I can safely assume you have an internet connection and can experience that overwhelming joy for yourself so I’m going to focus on just a few options I found compelling.  When the topic of accessories comes up in conversation most people want to know what protective cases and battery options are available. (unless you are a pre-teen girl and in that case it is all about hot pink and sequins)   Let’s get the ball rolling with cases.

Case Options:

Like Apple, Otterbox has a cult like following largely due to the quality they put into their products.  For the EVO 3D Otterbox is offering a few options depending on how much additional girth and ultimately protection you want.  Sprint.com shows two options, the Commuter which is the thinner of the two and the Defender which just might be able to withstand a dynamite blast.

Commuter Case:

http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/OSBrowseAccessoriesDetail?categoryRefName=Carry+%26+Protect&PHONE_ID=APX515CKT&selectedAccessoryID=CFH9823Q&topPageNumber=0&subPageNumber=0

Defender Case:

http://shop2.sprint.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/OSBrowseAccessoriesDetail?categoryRefName=Carry+%26+Protect&PHONE_ID=APX515CKT&selectedAccessoryID=CFH5610Q&topPageNumber=0&subPageNumber=0

If you jump over to Otterbox’s website a third option is listed called the Impact series which is an even slimmer option than the commuter case. If I hadn’t already ordered the case I’ll mention in a minute I might have gone the Impact series route.  Ultimately I think Otterbox provides the best protection you can buy but for someone like me who is a cubical creampuff it is just more than I need.  If you are regularly on a job site, dropping your phone repeatedly, or in a dusty environment the defender is your best bet.  I personally want a case that is minimally intrusive and provides protection from the occasional drop, which the Impact series fills nicely, so I decided to go with our next option.

I promise I’m keeping this site PG-13 when I mention Case Mate’s “Barely There” case option.  Similar to the Otterbox’s Impact services I ordered this case late last week because I liked it’s extremely thin profile while providing scratch protection for the camera glass and device corners.  Once I receive the case I’ll post a picture and some comments on what it looks like in real life.  If I’ve already intrigued you here is the link to Case Mate’s site.

http://www.case-mate.com/HTC-Evo-3D-Cases/Case-Mate-HTC-Evo-3D-Barely-There-Cases.asp

Where is my kickstand!

As quirky as the kickstand seemed to be when the original EVO launched people are really disappointed that the EVO 3D doesn’t include this feature.   Fret no more as several manufactures, including HTC ironically, have stepped up to fill the need.  Here are a couple of the options I preferred, unfortunately you will have to be patient as they are pre-order only right now:

Kickstand cases:

http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wireless/store/productdetail.asp?productid=28040

http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wireless/store/productdetail.asp?productid=28132

Battery Options:

If you have been following my posts you will already be well aware of my addition to extended batteries.  Although you do sacrifice the slim profile you gain complete mobile freedom by breaking the chains of battery conservation oppression.  (told you I had a problem. . .)   Seidio is offering a couple of options, first is a 1900 mah solution that doesn’t require a new battery door.  A nice solution to give you 10-15% more battery life without losing the form factor and you find you need just a little more juice at the end of the day.   If you are willing to loosen the belt and bulk up a bit a 3000 or 3500mah option is in play.  I’ve gone this route before with my Epic and I have to say being able to do what you want with only an overnight charge is a spectacular thing.      

1900mah Extended Battery

http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wireless/store/productdetail.asp?productid=28146

3000+ mah Extended Battery

http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wireless/store/productdetail.asp?productid=28193

Just like some of the case options above you will have to be patient as both of these battery options are pre-order only with a TBD release date.  I’m still up in the air on what I’m going to do because I plug in the device while I’m listen to music at my desk and the Gingerbread enhancements seem to be doing their job in extending standby battery life.  My advice is use the phone as you see fit and don’t worry about battery consumption. After a few test runs see what life you get out of it then make a decision.  If the profile tradeoff is acceptable and you are craving more juice I would skip the 1900mah option and head straight for the big boy. 

Well so much for me keeping it short and sweet, until next time!

EVO 3D Day 15(or so) Update

I’m a little past due on my day 15 update so without further delay here we go. . .

Original Post Link:

http://mblspt.blogspot.com/2011/06/spotlight-on-htc-evo-3d.html

The Keyboard Dilemma:

Outside of a device’s ability to play Angry Birds the next concern people normally face is what type of keyboard they want.   So enters the debate, do you want a physical or virtual keyboard.   Virtual keyboards are not for everyone and in the past I’ve preferred a physical keyboard for text messaging and email as I found virtuals to be less than accurate.   As stated in my previous posts the desire for a physical keyboard is what pushed me toward the Epic over the first EVO a year ago and although I don’t regret the decision I feel like I cheated myself a bit for not giving Swype a shot sooner.  The virtual keyboard on the EVO 3D isn’t perfect but is the most user friendly variant that I’ve run across.   In landscape mode the buttons are large enough that even someone like me who has Frankenstein fingers can type rather accurately.  The haptic (vibration) feedback in virtual keyboards is a nice touch and seems very well calibrated in the EVO 3D.  Without it I don’t think I would have the same level of satisfaction and confidence in using the virtual keys.  The portrait view is a different story though and if you are a bigger person like I am I wouldn’t even mess with it.  That brings me back to swype which is another functionality that has a rather polarizing effect on people.  If you can get past the first couple of days of using it I think you will find this will become your preferred method of text entry.  I’m finding I’m much faster now with swype than I am using normal typing so if you can hang in there it will pay off.  Don’t forget the handy talk to text option represented by a mic icon in the virtual keyboard spread.  I used this from time to time on my Epic and it is a viable option but haven’t messed with it much because I enjoy swyping.  Ultimately you will have to decide for yourself what is best for you in this great debate but I would challenge anyone that feels they have to have a physical keyboard to give the virtual one on the EVO 3D a shot.  Learn from my mistakes people! 

Well I have to run to a 4^th of July shindig so I will leave it at that for now.  I don’t want any of the 3 people following this blog to feel cheated so I will post an update tomorrow on some of the accessory options available for the EVO 3D.  Happy 4^th everyone!