LeMarchand Posted December 11, 2015 Posted December 11, 2015 I have posted this in the Windows Mobile Owners group, but as it was the first post there in over 5 years(!) wasn't expecting a reply - so i'll try here. My trusty HTC HD2 on WinMo 6.5 is sadly nearing the end of its life and it's time to pick a new phone. I like the look of the 1520, but that's getting long in the tooth and finding a new one at a sensible price isn't easy, so I've got it narrowed down to a 640 XL or a 950 XL (with my eyesight, I need a big screen!). 640 XL: cheap, WP 8.1 possibly more stable than 10 (but should be upgradeable), no Continuum. 950 XL: latest and greatest, W10 allegedly still buggy on phones, ridiculously priced, but may lose free dock if not bought soon(?). Anyone got experience of either and can comment? Or should I wait for the Acer Jade Primo and its rumoured possibly cheaper cousin?
halbaradkenafin Posted December 11, 2015 Posted December 11, 2015 640XL will run 10 fine, it's a nice piece of kit and what I'd consider if I were to get a windows phone for myself. I've heard good things about the 950 from my boss who uses his a lot, if you're getting free stuff with it then I'd go with that. Win10 phone isn't out officially yet so I'd imagine most bugs will get fixed. 1
john Posted December 12, 2015 Posted December 12, 2015 I've got a fleet of 640s out in our Europe and Asia offices and reports from staff are good they like them and are getting used to them. They will get WP10 MS have promised and indicated they will be one of the first of the WP8.1 handsets to get the upgrade so don't worry. However you need to remember the 950 and 640XL are 2 different generations of hardware and system so its like comparing the iPhone 6S and 6 or maybe a 5s. I am starting to look at the 550s for our UK deployment now they are out rather than 640 as they have WP10 OOB which will be a plus as you get a lot more InTune control with WP10 than 8.1 but having tried the beta and preview stuff of WP10 on a Lumia 920 its a bit qwerky at times so not sure if I can risk that with our deployment so may stick with the older and then work on upgrades to WP10 in due course. I have the 930 and its a lovely handset really well made and a great product, so I'd consider a 950 myself but its about £200 over-priced Microsoft have turned into Apple it seems with that new product so won't be getting one as I cannot afford one and the 930 is just so good still so no point. 1
LeMarchand Posted December 12, 2015 Author Posted December 12, 2015 Thanks to both of you. I really need/want a larger screen or the 550 might be a contender. @john - yes, the 950s are ridiculously priced; at <£300, I'd jump at one. I think I'll wait for the sales and see what pops up, but suspect that it's going to be a 640XL for me!
john Posted December 12, 2015 Posted December 12, 2015 Your other option @LeMarchand could be get the 920 it will get WP10 as well its been on the list for a long time for it and I know some folks running the beta / previews via the Insider program and its a great handset and a sensible price.
LeMarchand Posted December 13, 2015 Author Posted December 13, 2015 Your other option @LeMarchand could be get the 920 it will get WP10 as well its been on the list for a long time for it and I know some folks running the beta / previews via the Insider program and its a great handset and a sensible price. Only seems to have a 4.5" screen, so too small.
StevieM Posted February 12, 2016 Posted February 12, 2016 @LeMarchand - Did you ever get the 640XL? If so, is it any good?
LeMarchand Posted February 12, 2016 Author Posted February 12, 2016 @LeMarchand - Did you ever get the 640XL? If so, is it any good? Not yet, but @mrbios was impressed with his. I might get some birthday money at the end of the month, so probably then - unless there is something affordable/good announced at MWC. There do seem to be a few large screen Windows phones recently out/announced, but not for the UK and the affordable ones don't seem to be an improvement on the 640 XL. 1
StevieM Posted February 12, 2016 Posted February 12, 2016 Thanks. I'm not sure whether to go for the XL or just the normal 640. While I like the idea of larger screen to see things more clearly (and the higher camera spec), how on earth do you carry something that big around? I don't think it would fit comfortably in a trouser pocket.
john Posted February 12, 2016 Posted February 12, 2016 Thanks. I'm not sure whether to go for the XL or just the normal 640. While I like the idea of larger screen to see things more clearly (and the higher camera spec), how on earth do you carry something that big around? I don't think it would fit comfortably in a trouser pocket. I've just got a 640 for my new work phone to replace my classic Blackberry and its actually quite nice size is nice and got the genuine case for it and for the cost of the handset I am quite impressed, it does have its slow moments compared to my 930 but when you think spec wise the 930 was the flagship compared to 640 which was mid-range its really nice. Not sure if you would want XL it doesn't feel small and I thought it would do but yeh I'm impressed tbh. 1
DJ-1701 Posted February 12, 2016 Posted February 12, 2016 I have the 640XL, I do find the screen pretty nice to display websites, such as Edugeek. It fits in my pocket, but I guess it depends on the type and size of trousers. I would have thought the 640 should be fine, I just wanted a big screen for clarity. Just wish Windows Store had more Apps in common with Apple/Andriod... such as the Edugeek App. 1
LeMarchand Posted February 12, 2016 Author Posted February 12, 2016 how on earth do you carry something that big around? I don't think it would fit comfortably in a trouser pocket. If you can get away with cargo pants in your school, it'll fit! Otherwise: May be risky if you are non-Caucasian! If you think you can rock the Wookie look. I believe that such belt pouches are considered "uncool". Of course, a true gentleman will always have a jacket, and such a phone will fit in the pocket that one would normally use for one's cigarillo case. 3
Boredguy Posted February 12, 2016 Posted February 12, 2016 [ATTACH=CONFIG]35077[/ATTACH] If you think you can rock the Wookie look. Surely that should be the Worf look as well as the Wookie Look since he's had the shash for longer air time
LeMarchand Posted February 12, 2016 Author Posted February 12, 2016 Surely that should be the Worf look as well as the Wookie Look since he's had the shash for longer air time The Klingon baldric is a fashion accessory and is purely decorative (OK, it's something to do with their House - and probably honour - blah blah blah), but the Wookie bandolier is practical.
StevieM Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 I can't find the 640XL in a shop to take a look at. I may end up just going for the normal-sized 640. I have one more question, though. Does the phone still reset itself when the screen-lock button is held down, or have they rethought that? The number of times I've had my 625 vibrate in my pocket, reboot and reset the date to November 2014 at 5.25am...! Grrrrrr!
LeMarchand Posted February 23, 2016 Author Posted February 23, 2016 (edited) I can't find the 640XL in a shop to take a look at. I may end up just going for the normal-sized 640. I have one more question, though. Does the phone still reset itself when the screen-lock button is held down, or have they rethought that? The number of times I've had my 625 vibrate in my pocket, reboot and reset the date to November 2014 at 5.25am...! Grrrrrr! Still not made the leap! Most large Argos branches seem to hold stock, though I don't know if they have any you can touch without buying (and expect phones aren't in their 30 day money back policy). Having looked at some of the new ones available/coming up (Funker 5.5, Alcatel Fierce XL, Vaio 10, Acer Jade Primo, Nu Ans Neo) the 640 XL still looks like the best buy for me as I want a larger screen and don't keep my phone in my trouser pocket and I don't want to spend silly money. The HP Elite X3 looks great, but I suspect that it will be well out of my price range . Edited February 23, 2016 by LeMarchand
john Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 I can't find the 640XL in a shop to take a look at. I may end up just going for the normal-sized 640. I have one more question, though. Does the phone still reset itself when the screen-lock button is held down, or have they rethought that? The number of times I've had my 625 vibrate in my pocket, reboot and reset the date to November 2014 at 5.25am...! Grrrrrr! That sounds like a faulty phone the reset is power and volume down button for 10 seconds so sounds like you got a bug of some nature either software or hardware
StevieM Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 That sounds like a faulty phone the reset is power and volume down button for 10 seconds so sounds like you got a bug of some nature either software or hardware It was a common issue with the 625. Just holding the power button on its own would perform a soft reset. Nokia/Microsoft did nothing to solve the problem.
SHimmer45 Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 speaking of windows mobile lumia's what would be an upgrade to a 635? contract is up for renewal, i brought a cheap 635 to replace a busted andriod phone and i quite like it
LeMarchand Posted February 23, 2016 Author Posted February 23, 2016 speaking of windows mobile lumia's what would be an upgrade to a 635? contract is up for renewal, i brought a cheap 635 to replace a busted andriod phone and i quite like it If you're still happy with it, switch to a SIM only tariff. Otherwise maybe a 640 or 650 (or possibly 950 if you're feeling flush)?
SHimmer45 Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 on a sim only as it is be nice to have a flash which is the only thing which lets the 635 down imo
LeMarchand Posted February 25, 2016 Author Posted February 25, 2016 on a sim only as it is be nice to have a flash which is the only thing which lets the 635 down imo Just read that Currys/eBay are pushing out a load of returned 550s for £55. Apparently they have had loads returned because Windows 10 needs a fair bit of updating to make the phone usable (after which it's good). Processor may not be as good as the 635: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/mobile/phones/compare/?action=productcompareaction&products=5998534-3895868
StevieM Posted February 25, 2016 Posted February 25, 2016 Right! I've just ordered the 640 XL. Got a good price from @VeryPC and, as I'm ordering a few spare parts for school, they're shipping them together to save delivery costs. Winner! I'll let you know what I think in a few weeks once I've had a chance to play around with it. 1
LeMarchand Posted February 25, 2016 Author Posted February 25, 2016 I'll let you know what I think in a few weeks once I've had a chance to play around with it. Please do! Or sooner - money burning a hole in my pocket and I suspect that the HP will be way out of my budget if I wait until "Summer". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCJ9pYuxDNc
StevieM Posted March 1, 2016 Posted March 1, 2016 Well... So far, so good! Not quite as big as I'd feared (still fits in pocket), but big enough to make me glad I opted for the XL over the normal 640. Very clear screen with smooth scrolling and fast response. Watch this space... 1
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