153 replies to this topic 3 votes

[.Neo]

I gave Microsoft a fair chance again by getting myself a Nokia Lumia 900. I really looked forward to trying out a new platform after owning an Android and then BlackBerry smartphone. While I do like Windows Phone's interface a lot, ultimately there were simply too many inconveniences and limitations that made me stop enjoying the product as a whole.

• Third-party app support is simply terrible compared to iOS and overall Microsoft does a very poor job at keeping their own apps up-to-date. Both Facebook and Weather haven't seen any substantial improvements since early July and are extremely slow at updating. Not to mention the lack of push notifications.
  
• I've been having quite some issues with my internet connection. Especially the Facebook app is extremely sensitive and times out quickly. Internet Explorer is extremely slow at loading websites and crashes frequently.
  
• On a regular basis the Lumia 900 freezes and resets when listening to music. And no, there's nothing wrong with my AAC files since they're not causing any problems on any other device. I've been hearing the same thing from some people around me.
  
• Mac synchronization is a bitch. There's simply no easy way to transfer bookmarks from Safari to Windows Phone. No way to directly import my contacts into Windows Live. Hell, Windows Live/Outlook won't even allow me to import contacts from Outlook for Mac.
  
• No wireless syncing on a Mac.
  
• The fact I can't set Google as my default search engine is incredibly annoying.
  
• Battery life is disappointing, even compared to my BlackBerry Torch 9860.

The stunt Microsoft pulled with Windows Phone 7.8 and how they're still refusing to provide us with details on what to expect made decide to get an iPhone for the very first time. Maybe if the platform matures a bit and Microsoft learns how to treat their customers properly I'll give Windows Phone another shot.

That said the Nokia part has been largely positive. I love the phone design and its sturdiness (granted it's a bit bulky and the Lumia 920 doesn't really improve on that). Nokia Drive is amazing and they frequently update the rest of their apps. The thing that really killed the Lumia 920 option for me is the lack of apps, poor Mac support and few details on Windows Phone 8.

Before anyone starts with the whole "I haven't experienced any of those issues"-routine: Good for you.

[Javik]

No. Sticking with Android. Not seen enough evidence that it provides enough killer features to switch, and I still can't get over my dislike for the way they have designed their homescreen.

[ahhell]

.Neo, on 30 October 2012 - 15:34, said:

I gave Microsoft a fair chance again by getting myself a Nokia Lumia 900. I really looked forward to trying out a new platform after owning an Android and then BlackBerry smartphone. While I do like Windows Phone's interface a lot, ultimately there were simply too many inconveniences and limitations that made me stop enjoying the product as a whole.

• Third-party app support is simply terrible compared to iOS and overall Microsoft does a very poor job at keeping their own apps up-to-date. Both Facebook and Weather haven't seen any substantial improvements since early July and are extremely slow at updating. Not to mention the lack of push notifications.
  
• I've been having quite some issues with my internet connection. Especially the Facebook app is extremely sensitive and times out quickly. Internet Explorer is extremely slow at loading websites and crashes frequently.
  
• On a regular basis the Lumia 900 freezes and resets when listening to music. And no, there's nothing wrong with my AAC files since they're not causing any problems on any other device. I've been hearing the same thing from some people around me.
  
• Mac synchronization is a bitch. There's simply no easy way to transfer bookmarks from Safari to Windows Phone. No way to directly import my contacts into Windows Live. Hell, Windows Live/Outlook won't even allow me to import contacts from Outlook for Mac.
  
• No wireless syncing on a Mac.
  
• The fact I can't set Google as my default search engine is incredibly annoying.
  
• Battery life is disappointing, even compared to my BlackBerry Torch 9860.

The stunt Microsoft pulled with Windows Phone 7.8 and how they're still refusing to provide us with details on what to expect made decide to get an iPhone for the very first time. Maybe if the platform matures a bit and Microsoft learns how to treat their customers properly I'll give Windows Phone another shot.

That said the Nokia part has been largely positive. I love the phone design and its sturdiness (granted it's a bit bulky and the Lumia 920 doesn't really improve on that). Nokia Drive is amazing and they frequently update the rest of their apps. The thing that really killed the Lumia 920 option for me is the lack of apps, poor Mac support and few details on Windows Phone 8.

Before anyone starts with the whole "I haven't experienced any of those issues"-routine: Good for you.

Why the **** would you buy a Windows based phone when you have a Mac? What did you think was going to happen? As for lack of apps for WP8, it's been out for one ****ing day.

[.Neo]

ahhell, on 30 October 2012 - 16:00, said:

Why the **** would you buy a Windows based phone when you have a Mac? What did you think was going to happen? As for lack of apps for WP8, it's been out for one ****ing day.

Because I like to try out new stuff and last time I checked the iPhone and Android play nice with Windows. There's really no valid reason why Windows Live couldn't support simple vCards. It's an open format after all. There are even fewer reasons to think of why Microsoft won't support their own Outlook for Mac library format in Windows Live.

Obviously I'm referring to app support on the Windows Phone platform as a whole. You do realize Windows Phone 8 supports Windows Phone 7.x apps right? Also, do you think cursing makes your post more interesting?

[mr_sock_00]

Good question to ask on Neowin....

I would consider purchasing one for my parents.

[tsupersonic]

I love the OS, but WP7.x hasn't worked for me (since it didn't have repeating text msg. notifications). I don't think it will be popular in the market share - it just is too far behind in the app. ecosystem, and unfortunately doesn't get the attention it deserves.

I personally want to see: 1) Repeat (multiple) notifications for text messages and 2) More apps/customization/features - at the moment, there are no unique features that are any different from other mobile platforms. 3) Native tethering without paying carrier fees. 4) Deep Google voice/maps integration. I am waiting for more reviews to see if 1, 2, 3, and 4 are met, and if they are WP8 is my next platform on Verizon. Sadly, I'll have to buy the phone outright to keep my unlimited data. Otherwise, I'm very content with my Galaxy Nexus + unlimited data (LTE). There are some Android really excels at, that I feel I can't live without, and I can't see me replacing the GN anytime soon.

[+Brando212]

primortal, on 30 October 2012 - 13:42, said:

I'm on VZW and soo badly want a 920. I have no interest in the HTC and might have to settle for the Samsung once more info is released for it.

rumors of the 922 are still floating around, so I'm still hoping it'll appear on the roster early next year

[+primortal]

Brando212, on 30 October 2012 - 17:10, said:

rumors of the 922 are still floating around, so I'm still hoping it'll appear on the roster early next year

Hearing the same, fingers so crossed that its true.

[Muhammad Farrukh]

.Neo, on 30 October 2012 - 15:34, said:

I gave Microsoft a fair chance again by getting myself a Nokia Lumia 900. I really looked forward to trying out a new platform after owning an Android and then BlackBerry smartphone. While I do like Windows Phone's interface a lot, ultimately there were simply too many inconveniences and limitations that made me stop enjoying the product as a whole.

• Third-party app support is simply terrible compared to iOS and overall Microsoft does a very poor job at keeping their own apps up-to-date. Both Facebook and Weather haven't seen any substantial improvements since early July and are extremely slow at updating. Not to mention the lack of push notifications.
  
• I've been having quite some issues with my internet connection. Especially the Facebook app is extremely sensitive and times out quickly. Internet Explorer is extremely slow at loading websites and crashes frequently.
  
• On a regular basis the Lumia 900 freezes and resets when listening to music. And no, there's nothing wrong with my AAC files since they're not causing any problems on any other device. I've been hearing the same thing from some people around me.
  
• Mac synchronization is a bitch. There's simply no easy way to transfer bookmarks from Safari to Windows Phone. No way to directly import my contacts into Windows Live. Hell, Windows Live/Outlook won't even allow me to import contacts from Outlook for Mac.
  
• No wireless syncing on a Mac.
  
• The fact I can't set Google as my default search engine is incredibly annoying.
  
• Battery life is disappointing, even compared to my BlackBerry Torch 9860.

As far as I know, point number 1, to some extent, 2, 3 are resolved. It syncs with iTunes now. And Battery Life is supposed to have gotten better also.

[pack34]

I'm waiting until the holiday sales hit. Hopefully they'll have a BOGO offer so I can upgrade my wife's phone along with mine.

[+sanke1]

@ .Neo
All the reasons you pointed are my concerns as well. Even iPhone 5 was lacklustre update and I decided to stick with my 4S.

I dislike Bing Search. Does WP8 provide any options of choosing Google as search engine? I skimped through the reviews and did not find any reference.

[+scumdogmillionaire]

Definitely upgrading from WP 7.5 to WP8. Kid's Corner alone is worth the upgrade for me and my family.

[epk]

I really like Windows Phone 7 so as of now, I think my next phone will be a WP8 device by Nokia. But I won't be upgrading for at least another year, so...

[+Heartripper]

I love it, but i'm not buying one since i already have a lumia 800 and it's great

[.Neo]

Muhammad Farrukh, on 30 October 2012 - 17:15, said:

As far as I know, point number 1, to some extent, 2, 3 are resolved. It syncs with iTunes now. And Battery Life is supposed to have gotten better also.

It doesn't sync through iTunes. The Windows Phone Connector simply reads your iTunes library as already the case today.