OK, There is a lot of misinformation being spread in the forums by people by (as usual) not during their basic due diligence and just logging onto Helios damn web site.

In the interests of being fair and balanced, I will answer all of the questions that so far other than Eric Linn, no one has a clue as to what up. And no, I dont work for Helio, but I am a store manager for a large retail store that has a huge wireless business.

And yes, I payed my own $275 and have a HERO.

1: HELIO sucks because they use Sprint and Sprint Sucks.
Wrong. A: Sprint does not suck at all, in fact they have an excellent "network" (when did radio towers become networks?) with a larger capacity than VZW. They do not throttle their EVDO and they have a bigger spectrum to play with.

2: Yes. They are, 100% for sure DEFINATELY partnered with Verizon Wireless as well. 1XRTT only, no Opitmized Data Channel. Basically, they way its configured today (this may change, as they have only "soft launched") The phones are programmed to lock onto the strongest, most STABLE signal. Stable being the key word. Where I work, People that have Sprint have EV-DO, I have 1XRTT. I am on VZWs network. Sprints network where I work (Coastline in LA, near a mountainous region with bikini clad hotties) the data channel, not so much.

3: Data tethering is possible, not supported now. Its coming. For sure.

4: Seriously, I am not bsing here, I have not dropped ONE phone call yet in a week. Not ONE. That has not happened since my old Pac Bell days. (OG Pac Bell, read: Airtouch).

5: New phones for Back to school / fall / Q4 fo' sho'

6: Content is kinda weak as of now.

7: AWESOME customization features and the MySpace integration is great.

8: Web browser is FAST, H.OT. is cool. Everything really is still Beta guys, this baby really needs more lovin' to go MASS market. Joe six pack in Indiana will have NFC how to use his KickFlip or "BitchPhone" as I call it.

9: EVDO = FAST. Faster than Verizon. Sprint, on a good day w/ the right handset, same. Sprint has better content as of now. By the way, someone needs to get a job to take over V-Cast. V-Cast sucks.

10: In my opinion in closing, nothing earth shattering about the phones (w810i?) but the integration of multimedia, the flexibility, the customization, CUSTOMER SERVICE (really, really good) the features are all top notch. Worth every penny. Best.Cell.Ever. If you use data medium - high, what MULTIMEDIA -&- want voice w/o sacrifice, this is for YOU.

11: If you think 10 is lame, fair enough, In my opinion the BEST Voice-Only "Network" in CA. is T-Mobile by far and they have great CS and rate plans.

If I am Cingular/AT&T/LA Cellullar/PAC BELL/SBC Wireless and the CrapTastic beast that is Verizon, I would be concerned about the big German pink "T" and those wacky Scientology's flame people. They might be on to something.