Another phone that is late in the game at this point, the hero is a pretty cool phone. At first I got it because it was a great deal I couldn't pass up ($49) and I wanted to check out the android platform. I can't say I was disappointed, but can't say I was entirely thrilled with it.
I liked the android market (first time using it). It's completely different from WM because everything is click and install instead of downloading, transferring and then searching/installing. This brings the usability level WAY up of the phone/OS. The little track ball was interesting, and after I moved up to the Evo I kinda missed it for very few things (such as a certain helicopter game!). The screen wasn't an impressive size, but was impressive in quality. The finish sucked, like the chrome on the TouchPro which chipped off, the send and end keys too peeled off after a while.
Because of Android, I didn't feel the need to root for customization. It wasn't until I upgraded from 1.5 to 2.1 that the phone was a little laggy - though others say their phones run better with 2.1.
Android was a good enough experience that I would like to go further with this platform, though the phone just needed better specs. Of course there are some who love the Hero, and that's fine. But it's just not for me.