HTC Jetstream Review

Interface:

For something sporting a mighty 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 1GB of RAM, we’re unimpressed by the tablet’s performance since it isn’t as responsive as we’d like. In fact, it exhibits some choppiness when navigating its homescreen whenever a graphically intensive live wallpaper is used – albeit, it runs significantly better with a static one. Who knows why it’s not as fluid looking, but it can be attributed to something with Sense. Still, we’re finding that usual sluggish operation when using the tablet in portrait as well, but it’s only evident when perusing the homescreen. Granted that there are some nagging issues with its operation, it’s able to execute other tasks like running apps with no problems at all. Sure it might have some bulging muscles, but its performance fails to impress the ladies.

Some people were disappointed to find Gingerbread with the HTC Flyer, but since then, we’ve been curious to see what HTC would do to spruce things up with Honeycomb. They essentially ported the Sense UI experience for tablets found on the Flyer to the Honeycomb found on the Jetstream – and that’s it! As much as we adore Sense’s usefulness in offering a complete and engaging experience, we’re bummed to see it sporting more of a conventional look as opposed to the futuristic one found with stock Honeycomb. Gone are the glowing edges and borders, and instead, we find the usual colorful and large sized widgets that are dearly associated with the Sense experience we know and love. However, there are some subtle difference littered throughout the interface – like the fonts and arrangement of the notifications panel.


With the HTC Flyer, we were treated with widgets that encompassed the entire size of a single homescreen. This time around with the Jetstream, they’re broken down so that two HTC widgets occupy a single homescreen – with enough space to add in other tiny widgets or shortcuts. If there’s one thing we adore about the Sense experience on the Jetstream, it has to be that it retains all of the lovely 3D and transition effects; such as the nifty 3D carousel effect when sliding your finger across the homescreen very quickly. Additionally, there’s less of a requirement to launch dedicated apps since widgets are super useful with their basic functionality.



Organizer and Messaging:

Nope, there’s absolutely nothing new with the Jetstream’s set of core organizer apps since they’re the same ones found with the Flyer. With things like the Calendar app, it utilizes a familiar two-panel scheme in landscape that’s commonly employed by many tablets – and of course, it effectively works! Being Android and all, we’re greeted with the usual set of features with the calendar; like the ability to sync calendars. Meanwhile, the Clock app has one tremendous overhaul with its presentation over previous versions of Sense since it carries along the desk clock, world clock, alarms, stopwatch, and timer.


Just like the HTC Flyer, the Jetstream also supports the HTC Scribe Pen, which turns the 10.1” tablet into an easy to use notepad. Using the stylus in conjunction with the Notes app, you’ll be able to use its Scribe technology to draw, scribble, write, and quickly edit notes. Call it unfortunate, but you’ll need to purchase the HTC Scribe Pen separately.



When it comes to inputting text, your only option with the HTC Jetstream is the Sense keyboard – and nothing else. At its core, it’s absolutely a joy to use since it offers a sensibly sized layout and the convenience of inputting other characters by simply executing a long press on specific keys. And obviously, it helps that it’s more than responsive to keep up with our speedy fingers. In portrait, the only difference is that we’re given access to an additional row dedicated for numbers, which reduces the amount of time of having to move outside the usual layout.



Being Honeycomb and all, the email experience is top-notch with both the Gmail and HTC Mail apps. In fact, both utilize that familiar two-panel layout that we’re so accustomed to seeing with most core apps. And once again, their respective widgets enable us to preview messages while staying put on the homescreen. When it comes to setup, it’s almost automatic for most generic accounts by providing none other than our email addresses and passwords. Yet, there are certain ones that require additional pieces of information, like server addresses and ports, to properly set up.