We expected the HTC Flyer would be one of the hottest Android tablets around. And that was based on the experience that HTC makes some really smart Android phones. However, this one has turned into a real shocker. No Android 3.0 (just because HTC didn’t want to give up the Sense UI), a single core processor in the age of dual core ones, no HDMI out and no 1080p HD video playback capability. All these shortcomings actually get magnified simply because of the price. At Rs 40k, you are spending a lot of money for a device that isn’t dual core powered, and misses out on some critical performance and feature elements. You might want to try the Motorola Xoom, or wait for the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Or just get the Apple iPad 2, if you aren’t hell bent on buying an Android tablet anyway.
Pros
- Nicely built
- Aluminum unibody construction gives it a classy look
- Fits well in the hand because of the slim form factor
- Good display quality
- Battery life is satisfactory
- The pen is a nice add-on feature, even though with limited app support
Cons
- Pricey
- Single core processor; HTC could have used the same dual core processor from the Sensation smartphone
- Comes with Android 2.3 and not 3.0; misses out on the ‘made for tablet’ OS
- HTC Sense doesn’t make up for that loss
- No HDMI out; will not play back 1080p HD videos
This has turned out to be the best example of how dreams turn sour. Of how expectation turns into frustration. Of how potential remains, but gets killed by other factors. The HTC Flyer came with a lot of expectations. However, what we are seeing in black and white is a tablet that is expensive, and that makes it feel even more incomplete than it actually is.
Look and Feel
Remember the two smartphones that turned around HTC’s fortunes, at least in India - the Legend and the Desire? The Flyer has design elements from both those smartphones. The aluminum unibody build from the Legend, and the SIM card access slot resembling elements from the back of the Desire. While this isn’t as slim as the Apple iPad 2, it does come pretty close. HTC are shipping the Flyer with a carry case as well. However, it is actually unbelievable how quickly the white case will get incredibly dirty!
Remember the two smartphones that turned around HTC’s fortunes, at least in India - the Legend and the Desire? The Flyer has design elements from both those smartphones. The aluminum unibody build from the Legend, and the SIM card access slot resembling elements from the back of the Desire. While this isn’t as slim as the Apple iPad 2, it does come pretty close. HTC are shipping the Flyer with a carry case as well. However, it is actually unbelievable how quickly the white case will get incredibly dirty!
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