The On function is the most important function that any device must support. Without it nothing else can function.
OK, I admit it – not a very profound or new concept for any of you I’m sure but over the past few years I’ve become increasingly aware of how important it is for this to function perfectly. On my old Cingular 2125, I used a horizontal belt case. Almost every time I went to answer my phone, I’d bump the case when opening it which was just enough pressure to push either the answer or hang-up buttons. I was constantly talking to those I didn’t want to and hanging up on people I needed to talk to. I’d never just let the phone ring or vibrate without checking it to make sure someone I accidentally answered was not covertly listening in on my conversation.
Next is the HTC TYTN. By all measure, a much better phone than the 2125 – even in the area of turning it on. Never answered it by accident but man is that thing slow to answer. I could hit the answer button and maybe 10 seconds later it would answer. Re-uploaded the ROM – no dice. The other problem with the TYTN is the actual Power button to turn it on (as you might do when needing to check your email). HTC went the other way and made this button as small as you can imagine. I don’t turn it on by accident but I might need to push the button about three or four times to get it on.
I gotta say that Apple got this one right on the money with the iPhone. Turning the screen on is easy – big round button on the front or big button on the top. Can’t miss it. If you hit it by accident you’re covered there too – Nice big slider to unlock the device. Got a call? Slide the slider. I’ve yet to slide that by accident. Beautiful design! Apple picked a screen motion that is near impossible to have happen naturally. I’ve yet to have a problem answering a call. Me pressing the Red button to answer a call is a different story but I won’t blame that one on the phone!
