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Scott Adams passes judgement on iPhone, Android and Windows Phone

Dilbert creator Scott Adams posts the results of a challenge by Microsoft to try a Windows Phone handset.
Written by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Contributing Writer

A few weeks ago Dilbert creator Scott Adams took up a challenge offered by Brandon Watson, Senior Director of Windows Phone Apps - Try a Windows Phone handset, and if Adams didn't like it, Watson would donate $1,000 to charity. Today Adams has published his thoughts on Microsoft's mobile platform.

Note: For background read Uncommunication Devices and Windows Phone Challenge blog posts over on Adams' site.

Adams compares thee handsets:

  • iPhone 3GS/AT&T network
  • HTC EVO 3D/Android/Sprint network
  • Samsung Focus/Windows 7.5 (Mango)/AT&T network

So, what does he think? Here are his results:

CALL QUALITY

  • Samsung/Windows/AT&T: GOOD
  • iPhone/AT&T: FAIL (dropped almost every call over a minute)
  • HTC EVO 3D/Android/Sprint: FAIL (no dropped calls, but always garbled)

USER INTERFACE

  • Samsung/Windows: GREAT
  • iPhone: GOOD
  • HTC EVO 3D/Android: POOR

ONSCREEN KEYBOARD

  • Samsung/Windows: FAIL
  • iPhone: FAIL
  • HTC EVO 3D/Android: FAIL

BATTERY LIFE

  • Samsung/Windows: GOOD
  • iPhone: GOOD
  • HTC EVO 3D/Android: FAIL

APPS

  • Samsung/Windows: OKAY-ISH
  • iPhone: GREAT
  • HTC EVO 3D/Android: GOOD

INTANGIBLE COOLNESS FACTOR

  • Samsung/Windows: NONE
  • iPhone: GOOD
  • HTC EVO 3D/Android: GOOD

It seems that Adams likes the Windows Phone handset:

If you want a smartphone that is easy to use, performs well, has a good battery life, and doesn't frustrate you, the Windows phone is the best choice of the three options I tested. All you give up is some hipster credibility and access to lesser-used apps.

But that lack of coolness bothers Adams:

However, the intangible coolness factor is impossible to ignore. Even the names Microsoft and Windows feel dated. And the home screen of the Windows phone is great from a usability standpoint, but lacks sizzle. I'd be lying if I said that didn't matter to me.

It seems that Microsoft doesn't have to donate the $1,000 to charity. A win for Windows Phone.

One data point, and Adams himself admits that his 'situation is not typical' but it's interesting nonetheless.

What do you think?

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