After having used my 8525 for just over a year, I have moved on to my next device, the HTC Fuze from ATT. I had been hoping and waiting that Google Android would develop quicker into a legitimate business PDA phone, but doesn’t look like this’ll happen for another year.

ATT has been better about pricing their higher end phones, so I was able to pick one up at a local store with a nice rebate. They did have to replace the SIM chip with an updated version, but there wasn’t any problems or delays with activation like I had the first time when porting over from Verizon.

The best feature by far with this phone is the 480×640 resolution screen. It is sharp and beautiful, considering I was coming from the previous Windows Mobile device standard of 240×320. The camera is also a significant improvement with auto-focus at 3.2 megapixels AND flash.

Sticking with HTC devices is definitely the way to go. Especially with all the”development” going on at XDA-Developers. I was able to read up on my new phone (which is codenamed Raphael) on their forums and wiki. There is also a website dedicated to this specific phone called Fuze Mobility, which is more user-friendly than trolling the XDA-Developer forums.

At first I had a difficult time getting used to the new TouchFLO 3D interface that is loaded on top of Windows Mobile 6.1. Initially, it seemed to be just “eyecandy” while slowing down the usefulness of the device. After a week of trying it out, I was able to find some modifications to speed up the overall device and also to customize the look and design. In the process, I upgraded the ROM and radio improving overall function, reception, data connectivity and battery life.

One new function on this phone is the built-in GPS. So far, it works pretty well, I mainly just use it with Google Maps for Mobile. It will be interesting to see if and when there are more location-aware applications coming out for Windows Mobile.

Here are the main software applications that I have running:

• Seven: push e-mail and contacts synchronization with Gmail and Gmail Apps
• PhoneWeaver: profile switching
• Oggsync: calendar synchronization with Google
• AE Button Plus: customization of hardware buttons
• Conduits Pocket Player: listening to music, streams and podcasts
• Palringo: multi-IM client (except for Skype)
• Skype: chat and VOIP
• eReader: reading ebooks
• Laridian PocketBible: multiple Bible versions, commentaries and devotions

For the most part, I am quite happy with this phone and can’t think of too much that I would want to improve. The speed is one area, but it is just a matter of time before xda-developers figures out the optimum settings.

I ended up having to get the SIM unlock for the phone, since I will be going to Asia next week and couldn’t wait 3 months until ATT would give it to me for free