Lack of drivers have driven us to this!
The first time I heard about the HTC Kaiser (TYTN2/MDA Vario III) was in an email from HTC describing the handset as:
"More powerful than any mobile communications device you've seen before"
See advert here: http://www.htc.com/product/03-product_tytn_II.htm
As a technology geek who is always looking out for the latest must have gadget the specification and manufacturers description of the Kaiser made me think it was a perfect replacement for my XDA Orbit (HTC P3300)
My first impressions when I saw it in the flesh were - OK it's a little bulky and isn't the lightest handset I could have purchased for over £400 BUT the features packed into it make thoughts of size and weight disappear immediately.
I fired it up and my enthusiasm continued as the Kaiser seemed so much faster than my previous handset. I was really happy with my purchase until I opened the keyboard. The Kaiser automatically changes orientation from portrait to landscape, but I never expected the delay that followed. It felt like I could climb and descend Everest before returning home to make a cup of tea, only to find i had some spare time left to write a concerto before it had finished rotating (ok, it's not that bad, but you get the idea!)
My attentions then turned to the "3 megapixel CMOS color camera with auto focus"
I was very interested to see the dramatic improvement the extra 1MP offered over my XDA Orbit so I hit the camera button. I was indoors at the time and the camera didn't seem to like this at all. The display lagged BIG TIME making it impossible to get the shot I wanted. On the majority of shots I ended up with a 3MP unrecognisable blur. Where better light was available it did improve but there is still a big delay often making me miss the shot I want ESPECIALLY if there is any movement in the shot.
I have played a few 3D games but the lag and slow responses of the screen often make them unplayable.
For the latest most powerful handset it also shows a lack of response on the home screen - even with few programs running.
So overall my impressions were - good phone, but whats with the lag? I refer you back to the HTC Kaiser marketing:
"More powerful than any mobile communications device you've seen before"
If HTC expect their customers to take marketing of their future handsets seriously then they need to listen to what we are saying here and on many forums.
As HTC customers we collectively spend a lot of money on our handsets and we are the life blood of their business. If HTC want our custom in the future they need to consider the impact of leaving us with the impression that they are happy to take our money then leave us with an inferior product.
I hope for their sake and the future development of otherwise great products that they resolve this driver issue.