I added the official HTC Thunderbolt dock to my Christmas wish list back in October when the Gingerbread OS update hit. The Android 2.3 release included several UI enhancements, but also an updated “desk mode” app for dock users. The app turns the phone into a functional bedside alarm clock complete with landscape photos, weather info and calendar updates. Since Santa came through for me this December, I’m now the proud owner of an HTC dock, and I have a few thoughts on both the dock and the desk mode app worth mentioning.

First, the dock itself is a lovely piece of hardware, with room for the Thunderbolt in landscape position, and an extra battery in the back. Unfortunately, the phone doesn’t fit in the dock with a case. That doesn’t sound unreasonable, except I never take my case off, and it’s causing me some annoyance to change habits now.

Case issue aside, I love the dock as a whole, and I like that the phone automatically jumps into desk mode when nestled inside. However, I have some complaints about the app’s lack of flexibility. For example, I can’t change out any of the icons in desk mode (Gallery, Music and Calendar are included), nor can I move any of the modules around. The layout is fixed. Also, while it’s possible to turn off the Friend Stream in the settings menu, there’s no option to jettison the calendar reminders that appear in the top left corner of the screen. Since somehow I have Facebook birthdays linked to my Google calendar (I don’t even remember doing that), that means random birthday updates show up on my display.

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Let me start by saying that I didn’t anticipate picking up a new e-reader. While my second generation Amazon Kindle has served me relatively well over the last year and a half, it’s yet another device to charge and carry. Plus, e-ink isn’t exactly backlit. My master plan had been to upgrade to a smartphone with a larger screen for more comfortable digital reading… via app. But the iPhone 5 4S arrived with the same display dimensions as my current phone. The 4.7″ HTC Titan also seemed to be an option, but Windows Phone 7 resolution tops out at 480×800. Basically, I haven’t yet been compelled to upgrade. Meanwhile, my current Kindle has forced the issue as it no longer reliably holds a charge or wirelessly syncs.

I called into Amazon to see what sort of repair or replacement options might be available. The one year warranty on my Kindle 2 has expired, but they graciously to offered me (what may have been a refurb) Kindle 3 with WiFi and 3G for $60. As part of that dealio, I’d also have to ship my K2 back to them. Of course, the big advance in e-readers this year has been the implementation of touchscreen technology – which provides a much more natural form of interaction. Sony’s touch-based Reader has dropped in price to $100… and more importantly they’re offering a $50 credit for trading in any brand of ereader. However, I prefer Barnes & Nobles Nook Simple Touch ($99) ergonomics and aesthetics over both Sony and Amazon’s new Kindle Touch ($99). Yet their holiday trade in promotion, for a $50 credit, was limited to Nook 1 hardware and they’ve excised the e-reader’s web browser with a recent software update. But, at the end of the day, the touch technology is still less than perfect and adds bulk to the device. Further, I often grab or hold my Kindle by the screen. So, as you can see from the pics, I went with none of the above.

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