Helio Ocean unboxing and hands-on

The last time we got to hang with the Helio Ocean it was still technically a prototype -- albeit a unit obviously near completion. Today we finally snagged the real deal, and let us just say this Ocean runs deep. (Sorry, had to.) The Helio UI feels a lot snappier, screen orientation switching is nearly instantaneous, and our niggles thus far are few (we really wish it wouldn't kick us out of all apps when we're in "default" position). We'll have the full report on this in the near future, but until this thing officially launches (soon, soon) then feast your eyes on our retail unboxing and hands-on.

Gallery: Helio Ocean unboxing and hands-on

[(Unverified) Posted May 9th 2007 4:02PM]

Cool Phone. To bad its with Helio.

[(Unverified) Posted May 9th 2007 4:09PM]

I know you just got it, can you crack that thing open and show use the spring for the two sliding keypads?

[(Unverified) Posted May 9th 2007 6:39PM]

It's one sweet phone but, should I keep my Cingular/AT&T Blackjack and wait for the WM6 update or should I switch to Helio for the Ocean? Advice, please! p.s. the Ocean makes my mouth water.

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2007 12:08AM]

since it's CDMA, is it possible to crack it onto the verizon network?

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2007 8:41AM]

The Blackjack vs. The Ocean? Well, the Ocean has a bigger keyboard, GPS with Google Maps, better camera, support for every IM service built in, doesn't have Windows Mobile (yaay) and has some neat browser tricks. The Blackjack is smaller, lighter, multitasks better, can read Office docs (that may come to the Ocean) and supports user installed apps. Your milage may vary. The Blackjack seems like a pretty nice phone, but I like that Helio offers 500 anytime minutes, free weekends and unlimited data and messaging for $65. Much cheaper than AT&T.

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2007 10:00AM]

Helio has unlimited data and msging for $65?! Well sheeit negroponte, maybe it's not just for rich middleschoolers after all.

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2007 6:54PM]

With helio you can NOT tether it to your PC. Unlimited data means on the device, not something connected to it.