Top 10 HTC Hero Accessories

The HTC Hero is the most highly anticipated Android handset to be released.  Not only because it’s only the third handset to be released running the new operating system from Google, but because this one is available without network or Google branding. Instead, HTC have put their own interface on top of the Android operating system to make it easier to use and improve how the menu system looks.

There’s no doubt that the Hero is going to be an incredibly popular handset this summer, and if you’ve invested in one, you’re going to want to keep it looking at its best and working to it’s full potential. To do that you’re going to need a few accessories, but with such a wide range of Cases, Chargers, Bluetooth Headphones and Car Kits available, choosing the right ones for your phone can be a bit of a minefield.

To help you decide on the accessories that you need, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 HTC Hero Accessories.

1. HTC Hero C300 Leather Carry Case

The Hero is a smart looking phone that needs a smart looking case.  The C300 has been designed to fit most HTC smart phones. It has cut outs for your charger and handsfree/headphones, as well as a hole in the bottom to make it easier to push your phone out.  It’s made from a high quality leather with grey stitching and a soft suede lining that helps to keep your screen fingerprint free.  The front of the case has been toughened to give your screen extra protection against crush and impact damage. On the back, the case has a couple of mounting options. The first is a sprung belt clip that allows you to attach it and remove it from your belt quickly and easily, the other is two stitched belt loops that allow you to keep the case on your belt permanently with no chance of it falling off. The HTC C300 is available on its own, or as part of the HTC Hero Gift Box.

2. HTC Hero C100 Car Charger

As with all touchscreen smart phones, the Hero is a power hungry device so a car charger is a worthwhile investment. The genuine HTC Hero Car charger will work in both 12v and 24v vehicles (Cars, Lorries and Trucks). It has a Mini USB connection so will work with all Mini USB devices. The HTC C100 is available on its own, or as part of the HTC Hero Gift Box. Find out more about HTC Chargers.

3. HTC Hero Screen Protectors

The last thing that you’re going to want to do to the 3.2″ touch screen is scratch it. These screen protectors from HTC are a great way to keep your screen looking like new.

4. HTC Hero Sync & Charge Stand

Charge or synchronise your HTC Hero simply by placing it on the HTC CR G300 stand. You can plug the desktop cradle into a home stereo system with a line in or AUX connector via the cradle’s 3.5mm line out connection to enjoy high quality music playback.

5. HTC Hero s210 Car Upgrade Kit

This great value car pack for the HTC Hero includes an adjustable windscreen holder and genuine HTC C100 car charger. The holder allows you to use the phone in both portrait and landscape modes and the charger will stop charging once the battery is full.

6. HTC Hero Battery Bank

The HTC Battery Bank is essentially a portable external battery for the Hero.  It has a 2680 mAh battery that has nearly twice as much power as the standard battery in the Hero. It can be charged using a mains charger or USB cable and once charged you can use this to power your Hero when your battery dies or to increase standby and talk times.

7. HTC Hero 16GB Memory card

One of the slight downfalls of the HTC Hero is it’s limited amount of storage, so withouth doubt, one of the first purchases you will need to make is a memory card.  The Hero supports cards of upto 16GB, but unless you planning on storing all of your music and photo’s on it and 16GB card will be more than sufficient. This 16GB memory card can store upto 14000 high quality photos, 3000 songs and 18 hours of video.

8. HTC Hero M300 Bluetooth Headset

The HTC M300 is based on the incredibly popular Jabra BT8040 Bluetooth Headset. It’s a small and lightweight headset that isn’t short on features.  The simple controls allow you to answer & end calls, reject incoming calls, last number redialing, adjust the volume control and mute calls. One of the best features is that this headset is a multipoint bluetooth headset – this allows you to use the headset with two mobile phones at the same time. Read our post on ‘What is Multipoint’ for more information on Multipoint.

9. Jabra SP700 Bluetooth Car Kit for HTC Hero

The Jabra SP700 is a Bluetooth Car Kit that simply clips to the sun visor of your car and pairs to your HTC Hero using Bluetooth.  The SP700 supports the A2DP profile, which means that you can stream your music to it over Bluetooth and listen to it either using the built in speaker or you can stream the music using it’s built in FM Transmitter to your car stereo. The Jabra SP700 will also  play your phone calls through your car stereo speakers for improved clarity.  The battery life of the SP700 is fantastic with up to 14 hours talk time and 250 hours stand by.

10. Parrot MKi9000 for HTC Hero

Parrot have always made fantastic car kits and the Mki range are no exception.  There are three options available, the MKi9000, Mki9100 and the Mki9200.  The main differences between them being the display screen that comes with them. I’ve chosen the MKi9000 as the best one for the HTC Hero as you don’t need an external screen as well as the 3.2″ screen on the phone.  You can play music from your phone through the MKi9000 using Bluetooth.  The Mki9000 will synchronise with your phone book, and supports voice dialing.  There is also a small remote that you can attach to your dash or steering wheel to control your music. Regular software updates that improve compatibility with the Android OS are available free of charge from the Parrot website.

This isn’t the full range of accessories, just a selection of the ones that we think do the best job of enhancing your phone. If you’ve not seen the accessory here that’s right for you, then take a look at all of our HTC Hero Accessories.