Anyone seriosuly looking at the new DROID?

[spectrrr]

I'm getting pretty sick and tired of my Samsung Saga... and really I'm just getting tired of Windows Mobile being 3 steps behind the curve. I'm taking a seriously hard look at the DROID and thinking of jumping ship to google. anyone else doing the same?

[Mr.Maduro]

I'm a loyal verizon wireless customer (although I hate their customer service) so I'm very interested in the Droid. I'm due for an upgrade so I'm waiting to see when these hit the shelves to see what the reviews are.

If anyone has any pre-release reviews, please post the links here. That would be awesome.

EDIT: Droid commercial came on 2 seconds after I posted.

[AD720]

I would get it in heartbeat if I didn't just upgrade to an Omnia in July. I have to wait until July but I'll be getting an Android phone. Maybe not the Driod, but definitely one with the Google OS>.

[leasingthisspace]

I have been dealing with going onto the web on my LG for the last 2 weeks. I know there is something better out there.

No upgrade til Dec. so until then all searching is done through Google cuz it is kinda like the Google web browser. (I am guessing cuz I haven't used the Google OS yet.)
Posted via Mobile Device

[cle_smoker]

If anyone has any pre-release reviews, please post the links here. That would be awesome.

I read this one today on Yahoo.

Link (http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/58767;_ylt=And.sCENvaBQ3KQe7gVPEJ4WLZA5)

[Mr.Maduro]

I read this one today on Yahoo.

Link (http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/58767;_ylt=And.sCENvaBQ3KQe7gVPEJ4WLZA5)

Thanks. I'm sold.

[spectrrr]

here's some more relevant pre-release reviews. I would be inclined to trust link #2 the most, he's proved reliable in his opinions in the past, without becoming a fanboy to a cause.

1. http://www.pcworld.com/article/174511/android_20_a_complete_primer.html

2. http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/10/23/motorola-droid-preview/

3. http://gizmodo.com/5391735/motorola-droid-hits-verizon-on-november-6th-for-200

[MajorCaptSilly]

My son has the T-Mobile G1. The software is buggy and the hardware is clunky.

MCS

[Scottastic]

As an AT&T employee with an iPhone, a Google G1, a Blackberry 8900 and a Samsung Jack, I can tell you that the one phone my company doesn't carry (Google G1) is my favorite by far.

The droid intrigues me, but there are a lot of Android phones coming out. Might be worth holding out a little.

Edit: in response to MCS, the newest update (1.6) fixes a lot of issues. Also, I don't know how much your son knows about homebrew, but have him try out CyanogenMod.

[kgoings]

here you go (http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/motorola-droid-first-hands-on/)

[spectrrr]

The droid intrigues me, but there are a lot of Android phones coming out. Might be worth holding out a little.

Very true. From what I'm reading however, the first "Droid" will be the only one for a while that has a physical keyboard, and thats one feature i'm not willing to give up...

[Darrell]

I am most def. getting this phone. I am eligible for an upgrade on 12/16. On 12/16 I will be in line for my Droid. :D

[Titan410]

I love VZW coverage. Hate the phones. They always handicap their phones for some reason. From what I've read the Droid will not be typically handicapped so I will be taking a hard look at it.
Oh yeah, and I'm a Google fanatic (Gmail, Docs, Calendar, etc.) so its probably going to be a no brainer.

[Starscream]

These are not the droids you're looking for. You can go about your business. Move along.




:)

[coastietech]

Just can't see myself jumping ship from BB... Phone looks great but it's not a BB. :r

[shilala]

The possibilities are endless with this phone.
VZW can charge you ten bucks a month to tell you where your phone is, $10 a month to tell you where your kids are, $30 a month for data, $20 a month for texting, $.99 a kb for every time you push the wrong button, and still have room for 3000 more pages of charge up options.
Go Verizon!!! ;)

[kgoings]

These are not the droids you're looking for. You can go about your business. Move along.




:)


:r:r:r


Yes shilala we know you hate Verizon...and NO other cell carried charges you extras for stuff like that. :rolleyes:

[PeteSB75]

I've had my G1 for just over a year now and I love it. Between the touch screen and keyboard and the massive number of apps available, I have everything I need.

So, not looking at the droid, being on the wrong network and all, but fully supporting other Android/Google phones.

[spectrrr]

Yes shilala we know you hate Verizon...and NO other cell carried charges you extras for stuff like that. :rolleyes:

YEP... they are pricey bastards. BUT, no other cell carrier just F*in WORKS nearly any place you go..... :2

[BORIStheBLADE]

I have been watching the Droid too.

Some info I found today on Lifehacker.com

http://i33.tinypic.com/14341za.png

[Mugen910]

Very true. From what I'm reading however, the first "Droid" will be the only one for a while that has a physical keyboard, and thats one feature i'm not willing to give up...

My Tmobile G-1 rocks!! :banger

I like that it's an open software source and when someone makes an application you don't always have to pay for it in the market. As soon as Android came out i jumped from windows quickly. It just wasn't for me.

[Resipsa]

Interesting phone, but If the keyboard is as crippled as the early review
indicate this could be an enormous clunker. I'll hold my praise until I
see how the keyboard is

[spectrrr]

Interesting phone, but If the keyboard is as crippled as the early review
indicate this could be an enormous clunker. I'll hold my praise until I
see how the keyboard is

yeah... lets just say I'm not preordering it, I'm holding my $ until the local verizon store gets one I can spend 30 minutes playing with.

[kgoings]

YEP... they are pricey bastards. BUT, no other cell carrier just F*in WORKS nearly any place you go..... :2
:tpd:

Exactly

[ucla695]

I would have switched to AT&T for the iPhone a long time ago if it weren't for their coverage. That said, I'm sticking with Verizon and can't wait to check out the Droid. Thanks for the review links!!

[GreekGodX]

I'm hoping the droid turns out to being something that can rival the iphone. I want the iphone but not willing to switch from Verizon to AT&T due to coverage issues (I've had AT&T, and it doesn't compare to VZW in my area).

I'm going to wait to see how this phone does after a few months in the market. Might just wait for the Storm2 and stay with blackberry for another 2 years..

[Titan410]

I would have switched to AT&T for the iPhone a long time ago if it weren't for their coverage. That said, I'm sticking with Verizon and can't wait to check out the Droid. Thanks for the review links!!

There are alot of us out there.

[mikeyj23]

preordering at best buy today!
Posted via Mobile Device

[madwilliamflint]

(disclaimer: I've been a programmer for 30+ years, so take my geekiness into account.)

I have the Android G1 via T-Mobile. I've had a couple iPhones before and I love this thing. It's a LITTLE bit too slow but that's what I get for getting the first generation.

The lock-in of the iPhone was driving me crazy. All apps must come from their store. The functionality of just about everything was nice on it...except it's behavior as a phone.

The G1 is a very nice phone with buckets of applications available from it's "market" and elsewhere. I have a second web browser, a replacement for the contact management system, and all kinds of mindless time wasters. Not because the phone needed it but because the options are there to play with.

I'm very very happy with it.

Now, if I were gainfully employed I would probably jump on the Verizon "Droid" in a heartbeat. It's got the hardware keyboard (a MUST for ham-fisted people like me) in addition to the touch screen. Plus it's a faster thingie.

The Barnes & Noble e-book reader is based on the same software OS (which is what "Android" actually refers to) as are a number of upcoming devices.

Unfortunately, no, I don't get kickbacks from T-Mobile, Google, Verizon or Motorola.

Feel free to bug me if I can help.

o/

- M

[The Poet]

These are not the droids you're looking for. You can go about your business. Move along.




:)

Uncle Owen, this R2 unit has a bad motivator.

[RJK18]

I've had my G1 for just over a year now and I love it. Between the touch screen and keyboard and the massive number of apps available, I have everything I need.

So, not looking at the droid, being on the wrong network and all, but fully supporting other Android/Google phones.

:tpd: But the camara is a P.O.S.

[spectrrr]

ahhh.... today was FUN. Sauntered over to the Verizon store and did the obligatory touch and feel on both the Moto Droid and the HTC Eris. I'm extremely picky about my phones, so here's my thoughts as an android newbie. Overall, I just wish the two of them would have a child....

Droid Pros:

Hardware keyboard.
Fast CPU
Android 2.0
Latest google maps.
F*ING GORGEOUS 854×480 screen, amazingly crisp
Screen supports multi-touch
very "solid" feel.


Droid Cons:

Hardware keyboard SUCKS. IMPOSSIBLE to tell the difference between keys.
Android 2.0 is a "stock" android OS, needs a little refining.
"touch" buttons below the screen would be a lot easier if they were actual hardware buttons.
Default on screen portrait keyboard is useless. Other options exist on the marketplace however.
No navigation d-pad or trackball on the outside of the phone to make one-handed operation easier.
Heavy


Eris Pros:

HTC proprietary "Sense" user interface is a beautiful modification to the stock Android OS.
Smaller, more lightweight phone.
Hardware buttons below the screen.
Trackball below the screen. GREAT for one handed use.
"stock" On screen keyboard in portrait mode is AWESOME for one AND two handed use. It's similar to the layout on the blackberry pearl, a qwerty keyboard with half the keys and software to guess what you meant (qw er ty ui op).


Eris Cons:

No hardware keyboard.
Outdated and slow hardware. When it gets the upgrade to Android 2.0 (word is that it will), it's gonna be a SLOOOOOOW phone.
Screen res is "only" 320x480 (nice, but normal at this stage)


My final take?
Both are great phones for specific purposes. If speedy one handed navigation is what you want, the Eris kicks the Droid in the groin. But if a powerhouse of new features and do-all functionality is what you want, then the Droid wins out hands down. Major points would have gone to the Eris if it had come with better hardware that was not already outdated. Personally, I buy my phones to keep for a few years, so I will probably get the droid for two reasons:

My patience with windows mobile has worn out. I don't have a year to wait for something better, and I think Android is my next OS, hands down. All the customizing of WM, none of the suck.
I want my hardware to be FAST, so that it still is pleasurable to use a year from now.

For those two reasons, there's a damned good chance a Droid is in my future. But it's definitely not perfect, not by a long shot.



A few more resources for you guys:

Buying one of the new droids? It APPEARS that this will get you $50 off of it for the moment. (works for new AND existing VZW accounts)
http://phandroid.com/2009/11/06/buy-the-motorola-droid-now-and-droid-eris/

New to the Android OS? Here's some great apps to get you started:
http://phandroid.com/2009/11/06/50-apps-for-new-droid-owners/

[Resipsa]

Screen supports multi-touch

are you sure about this? Technically yes, Android 2 supports multitouch, but as I understand the US version of the Droid doesn't have it.

http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2009/11/motorola_explai.html;jsessionid=F41V1VMA5BTTNQE1GH OSKH4ATMY32JVN

I think this really impacts the Droid as far as any gaming is concerned, as most of the best games need some kind of multi touch support on a touch screen, at least as far as I understand multitouch is concerned.

[md4958]

I thought word on the street was that Verizon was getting the iPhone in 2010? Anybody have anymore info on this?

What impact will the new Droid and Eris have on Apple granting Verizon the iPhone contract?

[Resipsa]

I thought word on the street was that Verizon was getting the iPhone in 2010? Anybody have anymore info on this?

What impact will the new Droid and Eris have on Apple granting Verizon the iPhone contract?None. It's the service providers (AT&T, Verizon, eta l.) that insist on exclusive deals, not the phone makers. Apple doesn't care what other phones Verizon sells.

[King James]

I have a droid (on it now) and am really digging it. Physical keyboard definetly has a learning curve, but the virtual one is better than I thought. The display is beautiful and text is crystal clear to read. The market is way behind the app store for apple, but it will continue to improve. I really like the android os and what it is capable of becoming. They really need to redo their media app tho.
Posted via Mobile Device

[spectrrr]

are you sure about this? Technically yes, Android 2 supports multitouch, but as I understand the US version of the Droid doesn't have it.

http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2009/11/motorola_explai.html;jsessionid=F41V1VMA5BTTNQE1GH OSKH4ATMY32JVN

I think this really impacts the Droid as far as any gaming is concerned, as most of the best games need some kind of multi touch support on a touch screen, at least as far as I understand multitouch is concerned.


HMMMmmm

Well no, I'm NOT entirely sure anymore... BUT here's what I know:

This video here CLEARLY shows that the Droid has multi-touch AND pinch and zooming capabilities.
http://phandroid.com/2009/11/03/motorola-droid-multi-touch/

Even the G1 had multitouch capabilities, BUT that section of the operating system code was commented out.

Theories are quite plentiful as to why the droid would or would not have it.... sadly many of them do not make ANY sense when reading the Motorola article that you provided.

The reviewer in that video clearly demonstrated that the Droid does support multi-touch (he also made comments about that in relation to his Droid on screen keyboard review in a different article). HOWEVER, he is using a pre-release version of the phone. It stands to reason that only 1 week before the launch, Verizon would have given him a normal version of the phone to test out.... but the long and short of it is, we won't have a definitive answer until someone takes a post 11/6 Droid off the Verizon shelves and puts the Picsay imaging application on it to try it out!

[Ratters]

I just can't see ever owning a phone made by motorloa again. All the one's I had in the past had problems. I like my Samsung Eternity, doesn't do much, but can do everything I want a phone to do and it's very reliable.

[spectrrr]

I just can't see ever owning a phone made by motorloa again. All the one's I had in the past had problems. I like my Samsung Eternity, doesn't do much, but can do everything I want a phone to do and it's very reliable.

Ever have a Motorola StarTac? :D amazing phones (years and years ago)

NOW however..... :tpd... pretty shitty.... hope they have a winner here, although I would like to take the guy that designed the droid keyboard out back and have him shot in the jewels.

[Titan410]

I ditched my BB Curve and got the Droid Friday. Still putting it through its paces but so far I like it.
If you just need a no nonsense phone the BB was great.
I like gadgets so I went with the Droid. The keyboard isn't that bad. Not a BB, but not bad.

[spectrrr]

I ditched my BB Curve and got the Droid Friday. Still putting it through its paces but so far I like it.
If you just need a no nonsense phone the BB was great.
I like gadgets so I went with the Droid. The keyboard isn't that bad. Not a BB, but not bad.

Vince, any chance you would put a trial of Picsay imaging on your Droid and give us a FINAL verdict on if the hardware supports multitouch?

[spectrrr]

http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/gsm-droid-with-multitouch-pinch-to-zoom-demoed-on-video/#continued

""the US version of the user interface lacks multi-touch features like pinch-to-zoom even though the underlying 2.0 OS supports multitouch events.""

The wording of this one here seems to suggest that the OS still supports multitouch, but google was not going to take on apple by including any applications in the stock UI that used it. If someone else *cough* wants to make an app that uses it, have fun :tg

[King James]

Vince, any chance you would put a trial of Picsay imaging on your Droid and give us a FINAL verdict on if the hardware supports multitouch?

who cares if some picture app has multitouch? the phone/os can support multitouch but currently does not on useful things such as the virtual keyboard. And browser doesn't currently have pinch zoom, although both are a software update away

[spectrrr]

who cares if some picture app has multitouch? the phone/os can support multitouch but currently does not on useful things such as the virtual keyboard. And browser doesn't currently have pinch zoom, although both are a software update away

That is the exact point I was trying to prove, seems like some of the "official" talk is that its not built into the hardware at all. I think that's a load of cow dung.... but nevertheless it seems a tad concerning, because I WANT that possibility of a software update sometime in the future when *cough* Google stops tiptoeing around Apple.

(and yeah, some picture app with multitouch... yawn, don't care :tg)

[Titan410]

Vince, any chance you would put a trial of Picsay imaging on your Droid and give us a FINAL verdict on if the hardware supports multitouch?

Sure. I just did and it does pinch support multitouch.

[spectrrr]

Sure. I just did and it does pinch support multitouch.

Woohoo, Thanks Vince!!

That means we probably WILL get a better browser experience in the future. That makes me very very happy.... and all but seals up the fact that I'm getting that phone in the next 48 hours!

[Skywalker]

These are not the droids you're looking for. You can go about your business. Move along.

:)

Uncle Owen, this R2 unit has a bad motivator.

:r:r:r
http://blog.filippovitale.it/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/windowslivewriterthosewerethedroidsiwaslookingfor-a2a9those-were-the-droids-i-was-looking-for-2.jpg

[Titan410]

Woohoo, Thanks Vince!!

That means we probably WILL get a better browser experience in the future. That makes me very very happy.... and all but seals up the fact that I'm getting that phone in the next 48 hours!

NP :)

[MikeyC]

Great info in here guys! My wife is due for a new phone next month and she wants an iPhone. I have one though and I'm so sick and tired of all the dropped calls. I suggested the Droid as an alternative and the wife really likes the idea of the keyboard the phone has. Plus, she gets to stay with Verizon which is a huge plus.

[spectrrr]

Great info in here guys! My wife is due for a new phone next month and she wants an iPhone. I have one though and I'm so sick and tired of all the dropped calls. I suggested the Droid as an alternative and the wife really likes the idea of the keyboard the phone has. Plus, she gets to stay with Verizon which is a huge plus.

Make sure she checks out the Eris. I think the Eris is closer to an iPhone like product than the Droid. The Eris will also have a MUCH better user experience right out of the box. And as for the keyboard... Droid keyboard = :td

[gpugliese]

I'm considering the Droid, but not looking forward to dropping $100+ a month on service. I have an unlocked original iPhone on T Mobile that I pay $50 /month. Granted, it's EDGE and slow, but I'm not sure if it's worth twice the monthly premium.

[King James]

I'm considering the Droid, but not looking forward to dropping $100+ a month on service. I have an unlocked original iPhone on T Mobile that I pay $50 /month. Granted, it's EDGE and slow, but I'm not sure if it's worth twice the monthly premium.

$100+?

are you getting a family plan?

[King James]

Make sure she checks out the Eris. I think the Eris is closer to an iPhone like product than the Droid. The Eris will also have a MUCH better user experience right out of the box. And as for the keyboard... Droid keyboard = :td

The Eris is a nice phone... I played around with it before I got a Droid, and if you don't care about the physical keyboard and don't need the extra power of the Droid, I'd go for it. However, I don't think I'd be comfortable saying it is closer to an iPhone. Maybe in the overall shape and the fact that it only has a virtual keyboard, but as far as power, speed, etc.... the droid has the Eris beat.

[spectrrr]

The Eris is a nice phone... I played around with it before I got a Droid, and if you don't care about the physical keyboard and don't need the extra power of the Droid, I'd go for it. However, I don't think I'd be comfortable saying it is closer to an iPhone. Maybe in the overall shape and the fact that it only has a virtual keyboard, but as far as power, speed, etc.... the droid has the Eris beat.

I was referring more to the fact that the Eris has a polished interface that will work just fine right out of the box, and the Droid will require some "tweaking". Sounds like for Mikey's wife, the out-of-the-box functionality might be a plus :)

[spectrrr]

"looking" no more for me! just picked up my new Droid! :D:D:D:D

[King James]

I was referring more to the fact that the Eris has a polished interface that will work just fine right out of the box, and the Droid will require some "tweaking". Sounds like for Mikey's wife, the out-of-the-box functionality might be a plus :)

I'm sure there will be a software update in the near future....but I have been fairly lucky with not hitting very many bugs. But absolutely, the Eris is an nice phone, and if you like HTC and the sense UI, go for it!

[spectrrr]

I'm sure there will be a software update in the near future....but I have been fairly lucky with not hitting very many bugs. But absolutely, the Eris is an nice phone, and if you like HTC and the sense UI, go for it!

I love HTC and Sense UI.... but like you, I'm not willing to compromise the hardware! I got the Moto Droid because its got a beautiful screen, fast CPU, and SHOULD be working well a few years from now.

[GreekGodX]

I love HTC and Sense UI.... but like you, I'm not willing to compromise the hardware! I got the Moto Droid because its got a beautiful screen, fast CPU, and SHOULD be working well a few years from now.

Keep us updated Francis and Jim. I can upgrade in March. I'm hoping by then all the bugs are fixed and a decent selection of apps are out.

[King James]

The camera sucks ass. They hyped up that it is 5 MP (although MP really don't matter after a certain extent and I hate that companies and best buy use this as the 1 major thing to look for) but I'm still hoping it is software related and not a problem with the camera itself....only time will tell.

[Mr.Maduro]

I checked it out on Saturday, and found out I'm do for an upgrade on the 12th. I will be getting the Droid.

[spectrrr]

The camera sucks ass. They hyped up that it is 5 MP (although MP really don't matter after a certain extent and I hate that companies and best buy use this as the 1 major thing to look for) but I'm still hoping it is software related and not a problem with the camera itself....only time will tell.

I think I can tackle this one, I used to be a photographer.

10% software, 90% hardware.

The somewhat random exposure results are caused by poorly designed metering software. HOWEVER the washed out look is due to the nature of the LED flashes. The color temperature of the flashes is off, they don't "spread" the light enough, and range is very limited, so you get a hotspot on anything close because the camera is overexposing trying to show the far away stuff too....

Other half of the hardware problem is the sensor - it just plain SUCKS. all that hideous shadow noise is due to that, and there's no updating or fixing that.

Long and short of it, don't expect any significant improvements to the camera from a software update... it's just not gonna happen.

[spectrrr]

Keep us updated Francis and Jim. I can upgrade in March. I'm hoping by then all the bugs are fixed and a decent selection of apps are out.

24hrs and I'm stoked. HUGE improvement for someone coming from windows mobile. A as far as apps go, the Android app store is a little crappy because the organization is terrible and it can be hard to find some things... BUT there are plenty of apps for nearly anything that you need it to do. My favorite feature so far? Multiple home screens!

[LasciviousXXX]

God let's hope open source GUI becomes standard on smartphones thanks to some of the updates that the new DROID's bring.

Big ups for technology :tu

[Kreth]

No love for the Pre? I'm probably going that route. I've had a Treo 650 and 755, and should be able to move to the Pre for just an activation charge with my upgrade credit.
Posted via Mobile Device

[King James]

No love for the Pre? I'm probably going that route. I've had a Treo 650 and 755, and should be able to move to the Pre for just an activation charge with my upgrade credit.
Posted via Mobile Device

no love from me. The pre has no apps, not as good of a display, and (I think) a worse physical keyboard (the droid keyboard has actually become pretty easy for me to use, although I still don't think it is a great keyboard)

[Kreth]

Give me a phone, PDA apps, browser, media player, and Office docs, and I'm good. Everything else is just gravy. I read (on Engadget, IIRC) that the Pre was about $1k cheaper per year based on service plans. Throw in GPS, and it's even more.
Posted via Mobile Device

[King James]

Give me a phone, PDA apps, browser, media player, and Office docs, and I'm good. Everything else is just gravy. I read (on Engadget, IIRC) that the Pre was about $1k cheaper per year based on service plans. Throw in GPS, and it's even more.
Posted via Mobile Device

GPS is free on droid.... is that compared to if you buy iphone app?

and you can get a decent plan with texts and data for like $85 a month. So say after stupid fees and other BS that comes to $1200 a year (which is a high estimation). That means the Pre would have to have a plan of like $15 a month to be 1k cheaper... unless I'm missing something?

[Kreth]

GPS is free on droid.... is that compared to if you buy iphone app?

and you can get a decent plan with texts and data for like $85 a month. So say after stupid fees and other BS that comes to $1200 a year (which is a high estimation). That means the Pre would have to have a plan of like $15 a month to be 1k cheaper... unless I'm missing something?
IIRC, first line data with Sprint is $25, additional lines are $15. The Simply Everything plan is $99 but not necessary. In the article I read, they compared equivalent plans between the carriers. I believe the article was called iPhone vs Pre vs Droid if you want to check it out.
Posted via Mobile Device

[King James]

IIRC, first line data with Sprint is $25, additional lines are $15. The Simply Everything plan is $99 but not necessary. In the article I read, they compared equivalent plans between the carriers. I believe the article was called iPhone vs Pre vs Droid if you want to check it out.
Posted via Mobile Device

ahhhh found it :tu

They compared the 2 year price and was around a $500 difference (could very somewhat depending on what plan you actually have) So $250-ish a year.

Phone choice really comes down to the user though, so the pre may work out great for you just not for me..... and the fact I don't want to leave verizon so getting the pre isn't even an option

[Resipsa]

GPS is free on droid.... is that compared to if you buy iphone app?

and you can get a decent plan with texts and data for like $85 a month. So say after stupid fees and other BS that comes to $1200 a year (which is a high estimation). That means the Pre would have to have a plan of like $15 a month to be 1k cheaper... unless I'm missing something?

Disclaimer: I have an iPhone, I love
my iPhone. Ihabe very good 3g service in my area so that not an issue for
me with AT&T

if this phone were an iPhone competitor, I'd be interested, but some things people need to consider when Loki g at the droid:

1) the data plan Verizon is
making you buy is billed as unlimited, in reality it's capped
at 5 gb a month. Google maps are not stored on the device, they're streamed
over the Net so a) you need a data connection to use the gps at all, and if you're using it
with any frequency you'll blow through 5 gbs quickly enough. You can also forget about streaming any music or video.

2) the Droid, from what I've read, makes you store any apps to it's internal
memory, which is only 256 mb. I've get several apps on my iPhone that are over 100 mb EACH. Limited apps storage means little opportunity for cool games, hiking maps, what have you.

It all depends on what you use for the phone is, but the latest things I've read is this is more akin to a BB than an iPhone. Which is not necessariy a bad thing, but apples and
oranges

[King James]

Disclaimer: I have an iPhone, I love
my iPhone. Ihabe very good 3g service in my area so that not an issue for
me with AT&T

if this phone were an iPhone competitor, I'd be interested, but some things people need to consider when Loki g at the droid:

1) the data plan Verizon is
making you buy is billed as unlimited, in reality it's capped
at 5 gb a month. Google maps are not stored on the device, they're streamed
over the Net so a) you need a data connection to use the gps at all, and if you're using it
with any frequency you'll blow through 5 gbs quickly enough. You can also forget about streaming any music or video.

2) the Droid, from what I've read, makes you store any apps to it's internal
memory, which is only 256 mb. I've get several apps on my iPhone that are over 100 mb EACH. Limited apps storage means little opportunity for cool games, hiking maps, what have you.

It all depends on what you use for the phone is, but the latest things I've read is this is more akin to a BB than an iPhone. Which is not necessariy a bad thing, but apples and
oranges

never said verizon weren't a-holes...they just have the best network! lol
and the 256mb cap makes no sense to me, so at least i have an ipod touch for games n that. and I agree that the iphone is #1, I just can't deal with ATT in this area. apples and oranges.... nice touch, Vic :D And you know I am about as big of an apple fan as there is, so not knocking the iphone at all from my end.

Droid is best phone on Verizon though, and android is a nice platform, so I'm hoping for good things in the future

[Kreth]

ahhhh found it :tu

They compared the 2 year price and was around a $500 difference (could very somewhat depending on what plan you actually have) So $250-ish a year.
Hm, where did I get $1k? Business users maybe?

Phone choice really comes down to the user though, so the pre may work out great for you just not for me..... and the fact I don't want to leave verizon so getting the pre isn't even an option
The Pre kb is actually very similar to the Centro. I've gotten pretty good with it even with my sausage fingers. :r PalmOS developers are starting to port their apps, and guys on the Pre forums have already figured out how to hack the OS to add stuff like a virtual kb.
Posted via Mobile Device

[gpugliese]

$100+?

are you getting a family plan?

No, not a family plan. The cheapest individual plan configuration I can find is $100 before taxes. 450 mins > $39.99, Unlimited Data > $44.99, Unlimited Text > $20 = $104.98 -OR- PDA/Smartphone Nationwide Email & Messaging, 450 minutes & unlimited text/web/pictures/data for $99.99.

For the first setup, there is an "PDA Email & Web" $29.99 option instead of $44.99, but it doesn't appear to be valid for the Droid.

[Kreth]

For the first setup, there is an "PDA Email & Web" $29.99 option instead of $44.99, but it doesn't appear to be valid for the Droid.
It depends on how the phone implements "push" e-mail, I think. Some use IMAP, and some use a combo of POP and hidden texts that trigger the phone to check mail. The lower tier plans don't support texting.
Posted via Mobile Device

[King James]

No, not a family plan. The cheapest individual plan configuration I can find is $100 before taxes. 450 mins > $39.99, Unlimited Data > $44.99, Unlimited Text > $20 = $104.98 -OR- PDA/Smartphone Nationwide Email & Messaging, 450 minutes & unlimited text/web/pictures/data for $99.99.

For the first setup, there is an "PDA Email & Web" $29.99 option instead of $44.99, but it doesn't appear to be valid for the Droid.

I have the $30 data on droid
Posted via Mobile Device

[spectrrr]

No love for the Pre? I'm probably going that route. I've had a Treo 650 and 755, and should be able to move to the Pre for just an activation charge with my upgrade credit.
Posted via Mobile Device

no love from me. The pre has no apps, not as good of a display, and (I think) a worse physical keyboard (the droid keyboard has actually become pretty easy for me to use, although I still don't think it is a great keyboard)


I would trade the Droid keyboard for that of a Pre any day. I come from a long line of portrait keyboard phones, and their just plain better!

With that said, no real love for the Pre from me, primarily because I'm gambling that Android will kill Web-OS. Android is not perfect and has lots of room to improve, but at least I KNOW that it will steadily improve. I waited for years for Winblows Mobile to improve, and it never did....

So as a platform of the future to use, I'm banking on the Android platform becoming steadily better and taking over.

[kgoings]

Add me to the list of new Droid owners....

What apps have you installed?

Google Scoreboard was the first for me, it is also a widget.
Pandora, and a couple free games.

[kgoings]

I have the $30 data on droid
Posted via Mobile Device

:tpd: $29.99

[spectrrr]

Add me to the list of new Droid owners....

What apps have you installed?

Google Scoreboard was the first for me, it is also a widget.
Pandora, and a couple free games.

WAAAAAAAAAAY to many (started to make it a little unstable).

I'm slowly going through and removing em. Here's a list tho of some of the ones I consider essential. I got the phone primarily for business - it HAD to keep my busy calendar and tasks in order. This, my top apps all are in that category.

www.androlib.com lets you browse on your COMPUTER.

"Barcode scanner" cause it kicks ass. And you can scan the 3d QR code on androlib for a quick jump to the page in your phone.

"pure calendar" (not the grid one) - lets me fill one of my home screens with a detailed calendar agenda for multiple days and multiple color coded calendars, all meshed into one view.

"remember the milk" - only works if you have a pro rmilk.com account. (or a 15 day trial). LOVE their service. Widgit is a little disappointing because the widgit is only one size (3x3), HOWEVER the app itself is GREAT nd gives me full control.

"TasKiller" is essential for KILLING running tasks. just open it up, and tap the task to kill it. HIGHLY recommended you do that from time to time to free up memory and if you have say, the maps and GPS running, you'll save some battery was well.

currently using "task manger 1.10.9" to switch between open apps. Not fully thrilled with it yet, still looking for better.

"Open Home" is a great home screen replacement app that will give you 7 home screens instead of just 3. To find it, you'll need to search for "open home -skins -skin" (YES, you can use search operators)

"google voice" app, cause I have and use gvoice for things like international calls. Really awesome, you can tell it to use google voice for all international calls. Then just dial your contact number like normal, and the phone will automatically connect you through your google voice account!!!

"Astro" is a file manager that will let you browse the SD card and poke around different places.

"sound grenade" because, well... because yes.

"Shazam" so you can find that song you're looking for. just play a few seconds of it into the mic and it will find the name for you... with frightening accuracy.

"Nimbuzz" for chatting on IM (nice interface, supports damned near anything). Just a tad buggy on the Droid, but it doesnt inhibit the program functionality.

"Mother TED" app for viewing TED videos. BRILLIANT minds and stuff in there, great if you want to kill some time and actually learn something :tg

"bubble" turn your phone into an instant bubble leveler.

"twidgit lite" for putting a twitter feed on my desktop

"aTrackDog" will scan your apps, then scan the marketplace and match version numbers to alert you if there is an update available for your app.

"Amazon" app for quick price checks

"pandora" for tunes

"better keyboard" (again, search using -skin to find it). I picked it up because I wanted a keyboard with QW ER TY UI OP functionality for one handed portrait typing, and the droid does not come with one. It's also got better predictive behavior. I would prefer "TouchPal" from CooTek, but it's not released yet, probably be another month.

There's some other misc. apps on there that I have had time to flush out and test yet... but that should get you started :)

here's some more info:

web access to the android marketplace
http://www.androlib.com

calendar widgits
http://androidforums.com/motorola-droid/15192-looking-good-calendar-widget.html

keyboard replacement
http://androidforums.com/android-applications/6445-touchpal-android-will-release.html
http://www.cootek.com/

big ass list of apps
http://phandroid.com/2009/11/06/50-apps-for-new-droid-owners/

screen protector discussion
http://androidforums.com/motorola-droid/14666-best-screen-protectors.html


PS: don't be afraid to buy an app -- if you don't like it and take it off within a short time frame (24 or 48 hours) you get a refund, automatically :)

[kgoings]

So far so good, I havent had any problems with my new phone. I used the Navigation today, much better than VZNav...but when you lose your GPS and regain it...you dont resume Nav...you have to backout then go back in. Minor bug I assume will get fixed soon

[Mr.Maduro]

Just got mine... now I know how Carlos felt when he got his iPhone.... I can't put this thing down!

[BeerAdvocate]

I am on Sprint. i cant decide if I should go ahead and get the Sprint Moment or wait after the 1st of the year and see if another new Droid phone comes out?

[spectrrr]

Just got mine... now I know how Carlos felt when he got his iPhone.... I can't put this thing down!

too true! I use ANY friggin excuse to pull out the phone. Need to send out an email? I'll do it from the phone.... WHEN I'm SITTING IN FRONT OF MY COMPUTER! walking down a flight of stairs? GREAT excuse to pull out the phone for 7.8 seconds.

[Titan410]

I love it more and more every day

[spectrrr]

I thought I would hate the keyboard... I really really thought I would hate it... but I don't, I've become quite proficient with it already! It's not perfect, It could be a lot better... but its quite usable!

[GreekGodX]

How's the call clarity? Speakerphone quality? Battery life with heavy usage?

Got my upgrade notice in the mail yesterday. Verizon is pushing the Blackberry Storm 2. I'm waiting still to see how you guys like the droid. I do love having a BB tho.

[kgoings]

How's the call clarity? Speakerphone quality? Battery life with heavy usage?

Got my upgrade notice in the mail yesterday. Verizon is pushing the Blackberry Storm 2. I'm waiting still to see how you guys like the droid. I do love having a BB tho.

Call clarity to me isnt great but it isnt bad. I was in an area yesterday with poor reception and it sound like degraded digital is the best way I can describe it, but it wasnt 'bad'. It isnt as good call clarity as my old Blackberry World Edition.

Havent used Speakerphone yet

Battery has been pretty good. If you dont close your apps it will drain your battery (same as with my old Blackberry) it doesnt have as good of battery life as my Blackberry but you will need the wifi widget and taskiller widget. As long as you turn your wifi off when your not using it and kill background tasks the battery will be fine. I was at the gym yesterday for over an hour listening to my music, plus I was playing some graphics intensive games during the day and browsing the web..and I still had at least 30% of my battery when I went to bed. Not bad for 15 hours.

A lot of people like HDOS game, i am not too keen on it yet. But RoboDefense is awesome! I cant wait till they get some good games using the accelerometer.

[Titan410]

The GPS is great and very accurate. There is also an app called Tracks that will create a Google map for you showing your exact route, highest speed, lowest speed, altitude, averages, etc.
Its neat.
I've found call clarity to be very good. Battery OK, but I've been using a lot of apps and its still new so I am on it alot burning the battery up.

[kgoings]

The GPS is great and very accurate. There is also an app called Tracks that will create a Google map for you showing your exact route, highest speed, lowest speed, altitude, averages, etc.
Its neat.
I've found call clarity to be very good. Battery OK, but I've been using a lot of apps and its still new so I am on it alot burning the battery up.

I think the GPS is not as accurate as VZ Navigator. I think VZNav gets your location closer, I have noticed that I will have already turned and the Google maps thinks I am still on the other road.

Also if you lose your GPS connection the Navigation will not continue till you back out and re-nav. VZ Navigator did a great job with this.

These are small issues that can be fixed fairly easily.

[spectrrr]

How's the call clarity? Speakerphone quality? Battery life with heavy usage?

Got my upgrade notice in the mail yesterday. Verizon is pushing the Blackberry Storm 2. I'm waiting still to see how you guys like the droid. I do love having a BB tho.

Call clarity has been GREAT for me, on par or better than my last two windows mobile phones. I talk on the phone to Venezuela a lot and TRY to speak spanish (note the TRY part), so clarity is a pretty important feature if I wanta rats ass chance in hell of understanding a word. No complaints so far.

Speakerphone I have not tried, except when I'm waiting on hold. Volume is nice and loud (sometimes I have to turn it down), just never tried the microphone.

Battery life with heavy usage "might" get you through the day, depending on your heavy usage. The biggest drain on your battery is the screen, followed distantly by wifi and gps. So if you have the gps off or not in use, you have the wifi off, and you kill apps that use em, you should be fine. Mine has not been making it through the day... but I've been like a kid in the candy store who can't keep his hand out of the cookie jar. I've been taking the phone out of my pocket and turning on the screen just to look at it, and answering all my emails from it, even when i'm sitting in front of a computer! So I have definitely been using it A LOT.

[GreekGodX]

Thanks you guys :tu Keep giving updates on apps and how the battery usage goes. I'm very interested in one of these, and you guys will for sure help make my decision!

[spectrrr]

Thanks you guys :tu Keep giving updates on apps and how the battery usage goes. I'm very interested in one of these, and you guys will for sure help make my decision!

I've been EXTREMELY happy with my purchase.

When you get one, send me a message and I'll give you the lowdown on the apps I've settled in to using (and which ones didnt last). Not all the ones on that list above survived trial by fire :)

[spectrrr]

Apps of the day:

"Advanced Task Killer" makes me happy. Lists almost all the running processes, lets you customize what happens on a short or long tap, and lets you setup an "ignore" list for processes (like widgets and email) that you DONT want to ever see or have the option of killing.

("taskiller" will list them all, but has poor features)

[Wanger]

Looked at one of these today. Trying to decide if I'll go for one of these or an iPhone when I upgrade my phone. :)

[Mr.Maduro]

My first post from the Droid...only fitting I post it here.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Titan410]

I think the GPS is not as accurate as VZ Navigator. I think VZNav gets your location closer, I have noticed that I will have already turned and the Google maps thinks I am still on the other road.

Also if you lose your GPS connection the Navigation will not continue till you back out and re-nav. VZ Navigator did a great job with this.

These are small issues that can be fixed fairly easily.

I haven't had these problems. On mine I've seen such accurate position that it is kind of scary. Like military grade accuracy, well, almost.
Make sure you have the GPS feature turned on. I guess you would have to to go into navigation mode, but there is an option to turn it off and then I suppose it used the cell tower you are hitting off of to determine your location.

I use an app called Tracks (just for fun that) will track where you've been and speed, altitude, etc. Then you can upload the track to Google Maps and view it online.

[BigAl_SC]

Ok..... You have had your Droid for awhile now. Still happy? recommend now or wait for second generation? Costs? are you getting hit with a lot of data charges after whats included?

I have one renewable now and 2 in feb....

[Blueface]

never said verizon weren't a-holes...they just have the best network! lol


Jim,
I have personally had both Verizon and AT&T. In fact, at one time, my personal phone was with Verizon while my business was with AT&T, so at all times, I had both networks with me. I currently have AT&T only since haven gotten my iPhone. My wife has Verizon (kept her on it as so is my daughter so they can chat away for free).
I find absolutely no difference in service in Florida between one company and the other. I also travel quite a bit countrywide and frankly have never had a dead zone with AT&T.
I wish I knew what the reason for me to be loyal to one or the other would be based on the concept of "the best network". I personally don't see it.

[spectrrr]

Ok..... You have had your Droid for awhile now. Still happy? recommend now or wait for second generation? Costs? are you getting hit with a lot of data charges after whats included?

I have one renewable now and 2 in feb....

LOVE IT! I did have to bring it back for a different unit due to some manufacturing defects, but new one is performing flawlessly so far.

Key part about the droid FOR ME is that it has the specific things I care about - physical keyboard, stunningly crisp and detailed screen. I'm less likely to notice OS bugs because I'm coming from windows mobile, the worst touchscreen OS in existence!

My list of things I wish it would do is pretty small really. So small I can't think of most of them right now. A few glitches syncing contacts between outlook-->google-->phone. No contacts lost... just a few that for some reasons didn't make the xfer. all in all I've been THRILLED with the Android OS, it has a lot of potential and I expect good things from it. First major update for the phone was released already, and another one coming in January, so they are LISTENING and RESPONDING to problems, which I think is CRITICAL.

The stock UI is a bit plain, but there's LOTS of customization options available to you if you look around. As for now or later.... VZW is rumored to be getting a third droid option coming 1Q '10, so you can always wait and look at that. Most likely it will be a Moto Droid styled device with 2.0 and beefy specs, but minus the keyboard. Pure guesswork at this time.

all in all, yes, still in love with my droid. But I fully recognize that its the first generation of droids for verizon and android 2.0..... So there's probably a few bugs I'm simply forgetting about because I just naturally assume they belong there in a 1st gen device. You're always better off waiting as long as you can....

[Blueface]

Ok..... You have had your Droid for awhile now. Still happy? recommend now or wait for second generation? Costs? are you getting hit with a lot of data charges after whats included?

I have one renewable now and 2 in feb....

I would like to add.....
Anyone that has had an iPhone that now has a Droid?
Would really be interested in what you think.

[gpugliese]

Blueface, I came from an iPhone, and to be honest, if Verizon had the iPhone at the time I switched (a month ago) I would have stuck with the iPhone.

The reason I'm staying with Verizon is that the service is much better than AT&T and T Mobile, and I'm happy with the Droid for now. I like it, but I don't love it, and sometimes find myself missing the iPhone's OS. One thing I do really like with the Droid is the notification drag down menu. Texts/emails/updates/etc all show up there, and it, along with the notification LED, are great.

I don't regret buying the Droid because the improvement in service is great, but if the iPhone does show up on Verizon within the next two years, I'd probably figure out a way to get it.

[rlmedic]

I am waiting for HTC dragon/passion to come to verizon...should be early 2010

[Blueface]

Blueface, I came from an iPhone, and to be honest, if Verizon had the iPhone at the time I switched (a month ago) I would have stuck with the iPhone.

The reason I'm staying with Verizon is that the service is much better than AT&T and T Mobile, and I'm happy with the Droid for now. I like it, but I don't love it, and sometimes find myself missing the iPhone's OS. One thing I do really like with the Droid is the notification drag down menu. Texts/emails/updates/etc all show up there, and it, along with the notification LED, are great.

I don't regret buying the Droid because the improvement in service is great, but if the iPhone does show up on Verizon within the next two years, I'd probably figure out a way to get it.

Greg,
Thanks.
I appreciate.

[Titan410]

Ok..... You have had your Droid for awhile now. Still happy? recommend now or wait for second generation? Costs? are you getting hit with a lot of data charges after whats included?

I have one renewable now and 2 in feb....

I still love my Droid, even more now that the honeymoon is over.
I have an iPod touch and the on screen keyboard is better on the iPod.
First and foremost, the Droid is a PHONE. It excels at that and is a very cool gadget too that lets you play games and download a lot of neat apps.

In Maryland, AT&T is horrible. iPhone users are always complaining about it,
Verizon is rock solid.

[Clampdown]

I love my Droid. I love the fact that I can easily download songs for free to the phone, as well as other really helpful apps. The navigation has been great and likely wont change phones until the next upgrade comes out.

[Titan410]

I love my Droid. I love the fact that I can easily download songs for free to the phone, as well as other really helpful apps. The navigation has been great and likely wont change phones until the next upgrade comes out.

The navigation is amazing! Much better that either of my dedicated GPS units. One is going to eBay ASAP.

[Scottastic]

If you're looking for an Android device on Big Red, take a good hard look at the Eris. I like it better than the Droid, honestly.

[BeerAdvocate]

I picked up the Samsung Moment android phone on Sprint today. So far I am loving it.

[AD720]

Nexus One coming to Verizon in Spring 2010. I am now, officially, excited about android.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/verizon-getting-the-nexus-one-in-spring-2010/

[Resipsa]

Nexus One coming to Verizon in Spring 2010. I am now, officially, excited about android.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/verizon-getting-the-nexus-one-in-spring-2010/

Was just reading that Andrew. But..........

I was interested and a little disappointed to read that apparently Google has already developed a new version of android for their own device, so soon after the Droid was released. I hope this doesn't mean that in the future they keep the newest and best for themselves, 'cause that's a pretty crappy business practice.

2) Yet another version of Android? So early on the fragmentation of this OS is very alarming to me.

[AD720]

Was just reading that Andrew. But..........

I was interested and a little disappointed to read that apparently Google has already developed a new version of android for their own device, so soon after the Droid was released. I hope this doesn't mean that in the future they keep the newest and best for themselves, 'cause that's a pretty crappy business practice.

2) Yet another version of Android? So early on the fragmentation of this OS is very alarming to me.

The way I understand it is that the Nexus One runs Android 2.1. The Droid, currently running 2.0.1 (or something like that), will eventually get an upgrade to 2.1 and the Eris, running 1.6, will follow the same upgrade path 2.0 then 2.1. But that is based on what I've read, not official announcements or anything.

[spectrrr]

Was just reading that Andrew. But..........

I was interested and a little disappointed to read that apparently Google has already developed a new version of android for their own device, so soon after the Droid was released. I hope this doesn't mean that in the future they keep the newest and best for themselves, 'cause that's a pretty crappy business practice.

2) Yet another version of Android? So early on the fragmentation of this OS is very alarming to me.

maybe I missed that article, but from my brief reading I think thats incorrect. To the best of my knowledge, Nexus 1 is running Android 2.1 which is not a different version of the OS on the droid, its just the latest version of it. The Moto Droid is slated to get the same thing in an update very soon (and certain folks who like to live dangerously have already done it themselves, but its not recommended).

Where are you reading that the OS's are going in different directions?

[Resipsa]

maybe I missed that article, but from my brief reading I think thats incorrect. To the best of my knowledge, Nexus 1 is running Android 2.1 which is not a different version of the OS on the droid, its just the latest version of it. The Moto Droid is slated to get the same thing in an update very soon (and certain folks who like to live dangerously have already done it themselves, but its not recommended).

Where are you reading that the OS's are going in different directions? I could have misunderstood what they were saying. But google android and fragmentation.

One example:

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/11/android-fragmentation/

[spectrrr]

I could have misunderstood what they were saying. But google android and fragmentation.

One example:

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/11/android-fragmentation/

In a nutshell, it comes down to Mac vs PC.
It's the EXACT same development problems for the phones as it is for the computers.
You can't have your cake and eat it too. Apple makes their own hardware and it mostly comes in ONE flavor (well technically three flavors that are merely different varieties of the same flavor - vanilla).... As such it is very easy to develop for the phone, because "the phone" is a known factor in the equation, everyone knows what hardware it's going to be running.

But if you want Chocolate, or Cookie Dough... well thats too bad, since Apple is the only folks that make it and they have chosen to make Vanilla only. Enter Google. Good news: anyone can make the hardware, so you'll see submissions from HTC, Motorola, Samsung, etc.... Do you want a physical keyboard? Different camera? Smaller phone? Larger phone? Cheaper phone? NO PROBLEM! You can get any flavor of ice cream you want, from the classic chocolate all the way up to Rocky Road and a dairy-free soy ginger.

And there's where the problems appear: Some apps are allergic to nuts. What worked great with the chocolate........ sent you to the ER with the Rocky Road. And other apps handle nuts fine, but are allergic to ginger. Back to the ER we go.

This "fragmentation" of different options means that for the developers whose apps are inherently allergic to nuts or ginger or whatnot, they then have to figure out how to modify the app to account for that specific issue. As the number of Android handsets grows, so does the number of available flavors and the complexity of the food allergies facing android developers.

That's the simple version. There's plenty of things that "could" be done to help alleviate that problem (but it would NEVER eliminate it)... but since I can say with fair certainty that it will NOT happen that way.... All I can say is comes with the territory. If you want choice in your ice ream flavors, you're going to have to put up with the food allergies or switch to Vanilla.

[kgoings]

In a nutshell, it comes down to Mac vs PC.
It's the EXACT same development problems for the phones as it is for the computers.
You can't have your cake and eat it too. Apple makes their own hardware and it mostly comes in ONE flavor (well technically three flavors that are merely different varieties of the same flavor - vanilla).... As such it is very easy to develop for the phone, because "the phone" is a known factor in the equation, everyone knows what hardware it's going to be running.

But if you want Chocolate, or Cookie Dough... well thats too bad, since Apple is the only folks that make it and they have chosen to make Vanilla only. Enter Google. Good news: anyone can make the hardware, so you'll see submissions from HTC, Motorola, Samsung, etc.... Do you want a physical keyboard? Different camera? Smaller phone? Larger phone? Cheaper phone? NO PROBLEM! You can get any flavor of ice cream you want, from the classic chocolate all the way up to Rocky Road and a dairy-free soy ginger.

And there's where the problems appear: Some apps are allergic to nuts. What worked great with the chocolate........ sent you to the ER with the Rocky Road. And other apps handle nuts fine, but are allergic to ginger. Back to the ER we go.

This "fragmentation" of different options means that for the developers whose apps are inherently allergic to nuts or ginger or whatnot, they then have to figure out how to modify the app to account for that specific issue. As the number of Android handsets grows, so does the number of available flavors and the complexity of the food allergies facing android developers.

That's the simple version. There's plenty of things that "could" be done to help alleviate that problem (but it would NEVER eliminate it)... but since I can say with fair certainty that it will NOT happen that way.... All I can say is comes with the territory. If you want choice in your ice ream flavors, you're going to have to put up with the food allergies or switch to Vanilla.


I hate Vanilla...and Apple for that matter. :D

[hotreds]

No.

[Resipsa]

While not disagreeing entirely with you, it's a little more than Mac v PC, LOL

the wired article makes an interesting analogy between android and java, which developers pretty much despise. Lots of articles out there as to how developers are unhappy and reconsidering whether or not they want to invest the time working with android. Time will tell, but if the developers don't want to work with the os, or choose to ignore it, then google and android will be Palm all over again

[spectrrr]

No.

I didn't catch that Hugh, why don't you tell us how you really feel! :r:r:r:r

[spectrrr]

While not disagreeing entirely with you, it's a little more than Mac v PC, LOL

the wired article makes an interesting analogy between android and java, which developers pretty much despise. Lots of articles out there as to how developers are unhappy and reconsidering whether or not they want to invest the time working with android. Time will tell, but if the developers don't want to work with the os, or choose to ignore it, then google and android will be Palm all over again

Not a disagreement at all, I was drastically oversimplifying things for the sake of folks that don't understand the techie side of things.

Apple solved the Palm problem with their solution - it was called closed source and closed development. The very nature of a freely modifiable and open development environment creates 90% of the problems in that article. You can't have one without the other. Even though the windows mobile OS was not open source, it was open development and most of the same problems remained.

So to me, it just a modern reworking of the same old tale. The facts are different, the acting and scenery is different, but the plot and punch line appear to be the same.

[systm]

While not disagreeing entirely with you, it's a little more than Mac v PC, LOL

the wired article makes an interesting analogy between android and java, which developers pretty much despise. Lots of articles out there as to how developers are unhappy and reconsidering whether or not they want to invest the time working with android. Time will tell, but if the developers don't want to work with the os, or choose to ignore it, then google and android will be Palm all over again

If anything just more like software updates for existing OSes, at least in terms of buggines. I think that when 2.1 and beyond becomes more feature rich, people/corps will drop the UI mods, even though they look great most features are now in by default.

[AD720]

If anything just more like software updates for existing OSes, at least in terms of buggines. I think that when 2.1 and beyond becomes more feature rich, people/corps will drop the UI mods, even though they look great most features are now in by default.

:tpd: I've seen this happen with WinMo 6.5. It seems that microsoft saw a lot of what people were tweaking/adding on to 6.1 and implemented that at an OS level.

[Darrell]

Anyone using a Twitter app on DROID?

I have Twidroid, but I cannot click on peoples photos in their tweets. When I do it brings up the Twidroid menu.

Ideas?

[King James]

Anyone using a Twitter app on DROID?

I have Twidroid, but I cannot click on peoples photos in their tweets. When I do it brings up the Twidroid menu.

Ideas?

a few months old, but possibly some options:
http://mashable.com/2009/10/23/android-twitter-apps/

[Darrell]

a few months old, but possibly some options:
http://mashable.com/2009/10/23/android-twitter-apps/

It magically works now. :r

[Darrell]

Has anyone had any issues with e-mail? I sent Danielle a photo on 2/16 and it just showed up today in her inbox. WTF?

[spectrrr]

Has anyone had any issues with e-mail? I sent Danielle a photo on 2/16 and it just showed up today in her inbox. WTF?

No problems with the gmail side of things. I am not using the corporate app.

[Commander Quan]

I didn't read through all the posts in the thread but what are you guys paying a month for service? I see that the droids are buy one get one free now, and both the contracts are up for the fiancee and myself in October, we both have Verizon right now, but aren't going to change anything till after the wedding.

I saw that Verizon lowered their unlimited talk plan to $69 recently, and then that sprint just lowered their talk/messaging/data plan to $69 a month so hopefully Verizon follows suit.

[GreekGodX]

4/12 I'm eligible for an upgrade :dance:

Palm Pixie Plus, Droid, or hopefully the Nexus will be an option :hm

[AD720]

4/12 I'm eligible for an upgrade :dance:

Palm Pixie Plus, Droid, or hopefully the Nexus will be an option :hm

Rumor mill says March 27th. :D
(I'm due up on the 11th!)

[AD720]

March 27th has come and gone...

I finally broke down and bought a barely used Droid Eris (should be here in the next couple days) to hold me over until the N1 (or even better, the HTC Incredible) lands on the big red V.

The rumor mill says mid-April should bring the 2.1 update to the Eris.

[kgoings]

March 27th has come and gone...

I finally broke down and bought a barely used Droid Eris (should be here in the next couple days) to hold me over until the N1 (or even better, the HTC Incredible) lands on the big red V.

The rumor mill says mid-April should bring the 2.1 update to the Eris.

My droid got the 2.1 this morning

[Titan410]

My droid got the 2.1 this morning

Me too. So far I like it. Ive heard about some issues with video lagging but havent tried video yet myself.

[King James]

I did the manual update last week. the live wallpapers are cool and I like google earth. Also pinch to zoom is finally here

[kgoings]

Live wallpapers are SIC!

[AD720]

Got my Eris today, it's great. :)

I'll I am really missing from 2.1 is Google Voice integration and Google Navigation. Not compelling enough to get me to try to use one of the leaked 2.1 ROMs floating around. I'll wait a bit and see.

[King James]

Got my Eris today, it's great. :)

I'll I am really missing from 2.1 is Google Voice integration and Google Navigation. Not compelling enough to get me to try to use one of the leaked 2.1 ROMs floating around. I'll wait a bit and see.

I know for the Droid at least you can manual update it and it isn't a hacked version or anything, is the full version. Not sure if that is the same for the Eris but maybe worth checking out

[AD720]

I know for the Droid at least you can manual update it and it isn't a hacked version or anything, is the full version. Not sure if that is the same for the Eris but maybe worth checking out

Once it is "out there", being pushed over the air I think that is possible but it isn't even being pushed yet.

[spectrrr]

I know for the Droid at least you can manual update it and it isn't a hacked version or anything, is the full version. Not sure if that is the same for the Eris but maybe worth checking out

You won't have any luck on that one. The Droid has the manual option because some folks captured the official update file and published it themselves. For the Eris, there is no official update file yet.

[King James]

You won't have any luck on that one. The Droid has the manual option because some folks captured the official update file and published it themselves. For the Eris, there is no official update file yet.

gotcha :tu

[Titan410]

The android 2.1 on the Droid is awesome! Sending a text, email, setting a calendar appointment by voice is worth getting the phone, oh yeah, and it makes calls well too.

[GreekGodX]

Rumors have it that the Incredible is coming end of April. I believe the 27th. Looks like that's what I'll be getting :)
Posted via Mobile Device

[Darrell]

The android 2.1 on the Droid is awesome! Sending a text, email, setting a calendar appointment by voice is worth getting the phone, oh yeah, and it makes calls well too.

How do you do that?

[Titan410]

How do you do that?

When you go to compose something, look for the microphone symbol on the bottom left of the screen. tap it.

[GTS21]

I thought 2.1 would have Flash? Anyone know when Flash is coming?

[pnoon]

I thought 2.1 would have Flash? Anyone know when Flash is coming?

http://www.legaljuice.com/flasher%20son.jpg

[GTS21]

http://www.legaljuice.com/flasher%20son.jpg

OH MY GOD

:fu

[AD720]

Incredible! April 29th!

http://www.cnet.com/8301-17918_1-20002460-85.html?tag=mncol;title

I am jazzed about this!

[colimo]

i just got a samsung "moment' yesterday, which is one of sprint's 2 android based phones....

so far so good....

it answers and makes calls..:banger

[colimo]

anyone d/l any of the droid cigar apps yet? any reports?

[spectrrr]

Best of both worlds :)
http://linuxoniphone.blogspot.com/2010/04/ive-been-working-on-this-quietly-in.html

[systm]

Android on iPhone isn't that simple yet, tbqh.

also, flash for any portable device isn't ever going to be good as desktop/laptop usage but it will work in a pinch

[spectrrr]

Android on iPhone isn't that simple yet, tbqh.

also, flash for any portable device isn't ever going to be good as desktop/laptop usage but it will work in a pinch

FOR SURE!

I'm not afraid to do basic jailbreaking/hacking/whatnot (my Droid is running a custom rom), HOWEVER even with the instructions I'm not sure I'd be up to getting android working on an iPhone just yet. BUT of course, give em a few years ;)

Flash for portables is HIGHLY OVERRATED, just nobody realizes it yet.
Here's what you do - Take a REALLY OLD desktop computer and go to a flash website. See how your computer (and the website) runs like **** because it doesn't have the horsepower to run flash properly? THATS YOUR PHONE PEOPLE!

Flash did very well on the web because it can be designed to be very frugal with the bandwidth.... rich interactive programs and stuff all can be run without serious bandwidth (of course it can also be made to be a bandwidth hog if thats what you choose to do). BUT that comes at a price, and the price is quite simple - WAAAAAAY too much rendering on the client side.

[systm]

Exactly, Not that it is a bad thing by any means, for it to work well it needs to have sites optimized to be low resource hogs, even with the almost standard 1ghz snapdragon processor going into most android devices, it still isn't strong enough for some of the crappy flash sites out there.
I'm stoked that they have mentioned a Hulu app and Netflix on Windows 7 means they are branching out now.

[md4958]

Ordered myself the HTC Incredible the other day... ships on the 29th.

[DougBushBC]

Ordered myself the HTC Incredible the other day... ships on the 29th.

I also ordered the Incredible, its great cause its an adjective for me, the network (VZW) and the phone all in one!

[spectrrr]

Ordered myself the HTC Incredible the other day... ships on the 29th.

Congrats! Still a huge fan of my Droid for the physical keyboard, BUT overclocking it up to 1gz made all the difference in the world for it. Without that, I might have gone a different route!

[gettysburgfreak]

just went to verizon and bought the droid, pretty damn impressed so far. Hopefully the battery will last a decent amount of time. My old phone the LG Dare lasted forever.

[spectrrr]

just went to verizon and bought the droid, pretty damn impressed so far. Hopefully the battery will last a decent amount of time. My old phone the LG Dare lasted forever.

depends on how much you use it.... if you use it as much as me, You'll need to drop it in the charger at the office at some point in the day or get a spare. I tend to run out about an hour shy of finishing the day.

[gettysburgfreak]

does anyone know of a good GPS app? My friends on their iphone have one that is like an outdoorsman gps that tells you your location as well as lat and long. It would be nice to have for work.

[gettysburgfreak]

spent all that money on the Droid with the idea I would be able to have the internet at my finger tips. Well after returning to Texas after a nice weekend home in NY, I don't get 3g on my phone which means no internet. Not happy.

[spectrrr]

spent all that money on the Droid with the idea I would be able to have the internet at my finger tips. Well after returning to Texas after a nice weekend home in NY, I don't get 3g on my phone which means no internet. Not happy.

if no verizon 3g service in your area, then I'd take it back. you got 30 days.

[DougBushBC]

2 days til my Verizon Droid Incredible.

[md4958]

2 days til my Verizon Droid Incredible.

x 2!!

got the tracking number yesterday :tu

[cle_smoker]

I got the HTC Eris earlier this month before I knew the Incredible was coming out. I chose not to get the Motorola Droid because of the size and weight, just a giant of a phone. Now that the Incredible is coming out, I'm thinking of returning the Eris for it. Does anyone know if there is a cost to doing that?

The Eris isn't a bad phone, but it is a bit underpowered. And from everything I have read, the Incredible is top of the line.

[AD720]

I got the HTC Eris earlier this month before I knew the Incredible was coming out. I chose not to get the Motorola Droid because of the size and weight, just a giant of a phone. Now that the Incredible is coming out, I'm thinking of returning the Eris for it. Does anyone know if there is a cost to doing that?

The Eris isn't a bad phone, but it is a bit underpowered. And from everything I have read, the Incredible is top of the line.

If it is less than 30 days there is a $35 restocking fee. Over 30 days, I think, you are out of luck.

[cle_smoker]

If it is less than 30 days there is a $35 restocking fee. Over 30 days, I think, you are out of luck.

It's under 30 days, I got the phone on April 9th. Thanks!

[AD720]

It's under 30 days, I got the phone on April 9th. Thanks!

Oh yea, go for it! It is totally worth the extra cash for the Incredible (I have the Eris and will be upgrading in July...)

[gettysburgfreak]

for those of you living in North Western Washington State do you get 3g coverage? The reason I ask is because that is where I will be moving to in December and would really hate to hang on to the DROID if I don't get coverage there either.

[Resipsa]

if no verizon 3g service in your area, then I'd take it back. you got 30 days.
I'm sorry, isn't the appropriate response to blast Verizon for their 3G coverage and failing to meet his needs??

All about equality here, :r:r:r

[spectrrr]

try looking at the two 3g coverage maps and then we'll talk equality :tg:tg:tg

[md4958]

my HTC Incredible just arrived :wo

Pretty bare-bones. Micro USB charger/cord, 2G micro SD card and adapter, and some manuals.

charging right now, will play around with it tonight and report back.

[spectrrr]

2gb is all they are shipping it with? booo :td

As for the rest of the goodies, thats all you really need. just a charger :)

LMK if you need help finding an app for ______ job, I've probably already messed around with it.

[Resipsa]

I heard Verizon has coverage problems, ;):r

[Mugen910]

LMK if you need help finding an app for ______ job, I've probably already messed around with it.

Hmm...Is the word BLOW..Pat? Does that complete the phrase? :r

[spectrrr]

I heard Verizon has coverage problems, ;):r

I think there's a word for that... what was it.... :hm......... oh yeah! "pot stirrer!" :tg :r

[cle_smoker]

Well I took my Eris back and picked up the Incredible this morning. This is one bad-ass phone. Definitely the fastest phone I have ever had. No slow-down at all when moving between apps and screens. Well worth the extra cash I laid down.

The one downside that I read was that it was tough to see in direct sunlight, but it isn't nearly as bad as the reviewers said.

[md4958]

Well I took my Eris back and picked up the Incredible this morning. This is one bad-ass phone. Definitely the fastest phone I have ever had. No slow-down at all when moving between apps and screens. Well worth the extra cash I laid down.

The one downside that I read was that it was tough to see in direct sunlight, but it isn't nearly as bad as the reviewers said.

:tpd:

the only other complaint is the battery life could be better

[GreekGodX]

:tpd:

the only other complaint is the battery life could be better

How long did it last? Thinking about getting one. If you are a current customer and order through wirefly.com you get it for $150. Some other site I looked at you could get it for $100 if you were a new custo.

[md4958]

How long did it last? Thinking about getting one. If you are a current customer and order through wirefly.com you get it for $150. Some other site I looked at you could get it for $100 if you were a new custo.

I ended up getting mine for $120 plus tax shipped. I got $50 off with their new every Two program, and then I was given a coupon code for an additional $30 off, which they were able to apply even after I had already ordered the phone... good through May 2nd I think.

I havent really let the battery die yet, but after charging it at around 4pm yesterday, the phone had half charge at around 10ish... while I was showing it off a bit, I wouldnt call it heavy use. However, I charged it all night last night, took it off around 6am. Right now the battery meter is showing almost full less a small bit. I'll report back at the end of the day.

Mind you, Im used to my blackberry that I could go 3 or 4 days without charging.

[md4958]

oh, btw, if anybody is interested in that coupon code, pm me

[King James]

Fennec browser looks like it will be good, but the current pre-alpha release is so bug-ridden its irritating lol. But hopefully before long they can release something better

[cle_smoker]

I havent really let the battery die yet, but after charging it at around 4pm yesterday, the phone had half charge at around 10ish... while I was showing it off a bit, I wouldnt call it heavy use. However, I charged it all night last night, took it off around 6am. Right now the battery meter is showing almost full less a small bit. I'll report back at the end of the day.

Mind you, Im used to my blackberry that I could go 3 or 4 days without charging.

Yes, the battery could be better. The Eris didn't last as long as this one does, so I am happier with that. It's a trade-off I guess. I could go days on my old phone, but it was only a phone with limited internet. So you take the good with the bad. -(P

[gettysburgfreak]

are you guys able to get onto the internet with your Droid even when you are not getting 3g? My friend has a Palm phone from Verizon and is still able to get onto the internet while I am not. We both live and work in the same area. I don't know if my phone is screwed up or if somehow the Droid only works with 3g. Thoughts would be appreciated. And FYI the closest Verizon store that I know if is 2hours away in San Antonio.

[spectrrr]

I'm been able to get on the net (slowly) when my Droid was reading 1x.... on the other hand, it was in an area that should had 3g, so the more likely explanation is that it had a very weak 3g signal on and off and simply reported it as 1x.

[md4958]

So, the battery lasted yesterday from 6am till about 11pm with moderate use. Was showing the phone to (Tim) TRicker yesterday and we watched a couple short videos, I took a bunch of pics using the flash, and Tim was messing around with it for a good amount of time- he is looking at one too.

At 11pm I plugged it in, it had gotten down to the last battery segment, which had also switched from green to yellow (perhaps a "charge me" indicator).

The camera on this thing is so impressive. Takes beautiful pics. This is a photo of a wedding cake I delivered yesterday afternoon.

http://i427.photobucket.com/albums/pp360/md4958/rumcakewithroses.jpg

[DougBushBC]

My incredible is just that, INCREDIBLE

[colimo]

oh, btw, if anybody is interested in that coupon code, pm me

is that for verizon or sprint?

[md4958]

is that for verizon or sprint?

The Incredible is only available on Verizon at the moment (I believe), however the coupon expired on 5/3. Sorry pal.

[AD720]

Looks like tomorrow the Droid X will be officially announced. Glad I waited on the Incredible b/c this looks like it will be on a whole 'nother level.

http://phones.verizonwireless.com/droid/x/

Speculation says July 2nd launch!

[GreekGodX]

That Droid X is going to be ginormous!! 4.3 in screen!!

[King James]

Dunno if I like droid x or droid 2 better. I still really want the dang iPhone to come to a real network
Posted via Mobile Device

[GreekGodX]

Dunno if I like droid x or droid 2 better. I still really want the dang iPhone to come to a real network
Posted via Mobile Device

Amen

[spectrrr]

1ghz doesn't impress me, with slight modifications my Droid 1 runs at 1ghz. So that just leaves screen size and keyboard as the main factors.

Droid 2 gets my vote because of the keyboard..... but that's only IF the redesigned keyboard works better. Quite often designers take a massive jump backwards when they "redesign" a keyboard. And I would rather miss the ugly "chin" on my Droid 1, simply because it lets me orient it correctly by feel.

but really, we don't know much about the droid X yet....

[Ahbroody]

That Droid X is going to be ginormous!! 4.3 in screen!!

Not that big. I have the EVO which is 4.3 and it is not that big. Its big enough, but I like my phone large. The Evo is a monster in abilities though. I am loving it. Already rooted it and tonight I am going to add free wifi hotspot. Still debating on adding froyo to get native flash, but with the skyfire browser I am cool as it works on all the sports streaming sites I use.

[GreekGodX]

Not that big. I have the EVO which is 4.3 and it is not that big. Its big enough, but I like my phone large. The Evo is a monster in abilities though. I am loving it. Already rooted it and tonight I am going to add free wifi hotspot. Still debating on adding froyo to get native flash, but with the skyfire browser I am cool as it works on all the sports streaming sites I use.

In comparison to other smartphones that is big. I suppose everything is relative though.

I'm prolly just going to end up with the Blackberry Bold :td Funds are a little short and my Dad is getting 1, so B1G1 is enticing me.

[spectrrr]

mmm yeah, B1G1 can be very enticing.

Better yet, convince dad to a get a Droid, I think those were/are on B1G1 :)

[GreekGodX]

mmm yeah, B1G1 can be very enticing.

Better yet, convince dad to a get a Droid, I think those were/are on B1G1 :)

He doesn't like the droid because of the keys on the keyboard. My Dad is also enticed by the reliability and easy function of the blackberry. Honestly the way I treat my phones, I should just get something for free. Mine rarely make it a year let alone 2.

[spectrrr]

Insurance policy :tu

I sent my droid into a VIOLENT encounter with the floor after 3 months. Now has a permanent 1/8" black line on the screen where it won't work. I'm gonna claim the insurance soon......

[Ahbroody]

Buy your phone at bestbuy and take their insurance. Its 3.00 more a month but no refurbs, no deductibles, covers lost or damaged regardless unlike the cariers.

[spectrrr]

mm, no deductibles is nice!

Bear in mind when you buy a phone at best buy you're locked into BB's contract as well as Verizon's

[AD720]

http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2010/06/23/verizon-and-motorola-officially-announce-droid-x/

Oh yea. This is the one for me.

[Pauly Walnuts]

My friends dad just bought one for himself. I held it for a few mins. Its considerably heavier than other phones such as the envyII and III and the buttons have a stiff click to them. Still seemed like a very nice phone to me.

[spectrrr]

http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2010/06/23/verizon-and-motorola-officially-announce-droid-x/

Oh yea. This is the one for me.

They're billing it as a media phone, but it doesn't play .avi/xvid/divx, which is THE STANDARD for video still, despite the advancement of newer codecs. I still cannot fathom for the life of me why playback of those files is not supported on the droid (any droid), and frankly, its a dealbreaker for me IF I had intentions of using it as a media phone.

[Ahbroody]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL7yD...layer_embedded

Omg I lul hard

[AD720]

Just Pre-ordered a Droid X! :D

[Ahbroody]

bad link here it is LANGUAGE IS NOT SAFE FOR WORK!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL7yD-0pqZg

[AD720]

Just Pre-ordered a Droid X! :D

Getting back, I got mine on Friday and activated it on Saturday AM. So far it is great! Really speedy. The Motoblur lite or whatever you want to call it is decent and pretty unobtrusive - if you don't want it just pull off the widgets. The dialer is really snappy and fast and the browsing experience is compelling. Battery was acting goofy but Moto put out an OTA update already which helped a lot. Really looking forward to FroYo now. :D

I was pretty dead set on keeping my Eris as a backup phone but I see they are selling for upwards of and over $200 and mine is in super condition with a bunch of extras. Going to have to think about this one...I could use the dough...

[Ahbroody]

Looks like I am passing my evo to wife and getting samsung epic/galaxy to wife. Demos of galaxy with hummingbird processor look sick

[AD720]

Looks like I am passing my evo to wife and getting samsung epic/galaxy to wife. Demos of galaxy with hummingbird processor look sick

The galaxy looks bad-ass. How do you like your Evo?

[Ahbroody]

Evo is cool and a lot of fun, already rooted, have flash and everything.
Galaxy will have netflix though and thats the closer for me. Just worried rooting will be harder like on the Droid x. HTC buts no blocks to rooting or hardly anything. Worried Samsung will be like Motorola. ALso physical keyboard again will be a win!

All and all Evo is a bad ass phone though dont get me wrong.

[AD720]

Evo is cool and a lot of fun, already rooted, have flash and everything.
Galaxy will have netflix though and thats the closer for me. Just worried rooting will be harder like on the Droid x. HTC buts no blocks to rooting or hardly anything. Worried Samsung will be like Motorola. ALso physical keyboard again will be a win!

All and all Evo is a bad ass phone though dont get me wrong.

I was a tiny bit concerned about the difficulty with the X being rooted...until I remembered that in all the time I had my Eris I didn't root it or anything. I did the whole custom ROM thing with my WinMo phones and while they were an improvement over stock the negatives always outweighed the positives for me. I need my phone to be reliable, it's a tool first and a toy second (but close second :D). Anyway I think they will figure it out, now it's a challenge and I think that will drive it, also it seems to be a pretty popular device. I would just like to be able to use the WIFI tether without the extra $20 and to get rid of the couple of bloatwear programs.

If I was going to leave Verizon right now it would only be for the EVO.

[spectrrr]

Evo is cool and a lot of fun, already rooted, have flash and everything.
Galaxy will have netflix though and thats the closer for me. Just worried rooting will be harder like on the Droid x. HTC buts no blocks to rooting or hardly anything. Worried Samsung will be like Motorola. ALso physical keyboard again will be a win!

All and all Evo is a bad ass phone though dont get me wrong.

I was a tiny bit concerned about the difficulty with the X being rooted...until I remembered that in all the time I had my Eris I didn't root it or anything. I did the whole custom ROM thing with my WinMo phones and while they were an improvement over stock the negatives always outweighed the positives for me. I need my phone to be reliable, it's a tool first and a toy second (but close second :D). Anyway I think they will figure it out, now it's a challenge and I think that will drive it, also it seems to be a pretty popular device. I would just like to be able to use the WIFI tether without the extra $20 and to get rid of the couple of bloatwear programs.

If I was going to leave Verizon right now it would only be for the EVO.


Galaxy looks nice, love the display! :tu

Rooting shouldn't be a problem for any phone that's popular. If you're getting something like the MOTOROLA DEVOUR (not sure who would ever buy it, given the other options available), then good luck getting it rooted. (knowing my luck, someone already did root and proved me wrong).... but anything with a big user base will eventually be rooted, whether the manufacturer likes it or not. My Droid certainly was.

Reasons I chose to root:
1. Overclocking - stock 550mhz, now I run at 1gz and keep pace with the new phones. (no battery life loss either)
2. Reliability and backup. I routinely make a backup image of my phone every few weeks. Anything goes haywire, I can re-flash back to working with little no data loss in half a dozen keystrokes and about 5 minutes of time while the image copies over. Only had to do it once, but it saved my but because I was traveling at the time, and like most, I would be dead in the water without my phone!
3. Free wifi tether. painless, works, end of subject!
4. Take a few bloatware apps included with the phone.

So far, no regrets on that decision. Of course, I'm not a member of the flash-a-new-rom-every-3-days-just-to-try-it-out crowd. I find what works and stick with it, I don't need the newest bit of code. I'll probably upgrade to 2.2 FroYo next week, which will be the first time making any changes since... probably March.

[AD720]

Well that didn't take too long...

http://alldroid.org/Default.aspx?tabid=40&g=posts&m=5165&#post5165

[AD720]

Well that didn't take too long...

http://alldroid.org/Default.aspx?tabid=40&g=posts&m=5165&#post5165

And done: Rooted, bloatware uninstalled and wifi tether activated. Root FTW! :D

[spectrrr]

/\
||
||

nice, very nice :tu

[AD720]

/\
||
||

nice, very nice :tu

Francis anything else (programs/tweaks) I should be looking for now that I have root?

[Ahbroody]

WOW very cool. Initially they were saying there was some kill switch in the phone that ran a consistency check to make sure it was not rooted. Looks like hackers whooped Motorola fast on that one.

I am so pissed the screen on my evo is acting up. Going to flash a new rom and then try stock rom. Looks like it may be getting replaced. Hurray for Best Buy warranty. Definetly getting the Samsung Epic though. The screen acting up and having keyboard issues makes me miss a hard keyboard bad.

I will say watching new release movies using flash is badass.

[AD720]

WOW very cool. Initially they were saying there was some kill switch in the phone that ran a consistency check to make sure it was not rooted. Looks like hackers whooped Motorola fast on that one.

I am so pissed the screen on my evo is acting up. Going to flash a new rom and then try stock rom. Looks like it may be getting replaced. Hurray for Best Buy warranty. Definetly getting the Samsung Epic though. The screen acting up and having keyboard issues makes me miss a hard keyboard bad.

I will say watching new release movies using flash is badass.

Actually rooting is only half the battle (and the easy half). The eFuse supposedly locks down the boot loader. You can root but you cannot load any ROMs or custom firmware, that is what gets checked. I still think someone will figure it out.

[Ahbroody]

Ahhhhhh that was what I heard. I thought they said it would brick with a custom Rom.

So pissed. My screen has some dead spots.

[AD720]

Is your Evo under warrenty?

[Ahbroody]

Bought it at best buy with their insurance so I will get a new one.:r. A buddy had his replaced.

[Scottastic]

Getting back, I got mine on Friday and activated it on Saturday AM. So far it is great! Really speedy. The Motoblur lite or whatever you want to call it is decent and pretty unobtrusive - if you don't want it just pull off the widgets. The dialer is really snappy and fast and the browsing experience is compelling. Battery was acting goofy but Moto put out an OTA update already which helped a lot. Really looking forward to FroYo now. :D

I was pretty dead set on keeping my Eris as a backup phone but I see they are selling for upwards of and over $200 and mine is in super condition with a bunch of extras. Going to have to think about this one...I could use the dough...

Download an app in the Market called LauncherPro. It's a home launcher replacement that operates similar to stock 2.2 (Froyo) but is actually far improved. I use it on my Nexus One, and I love it.

[AD720]

Download an app in the Market called LauncherPro. It's a home launcher replacement that operates similar to stock 2.2 (Froyo) but is actually far improved. I use it on my Nexus One, and I love it.

I am familiar with Launcher Pro, I actually don't mind the Moto launcher, it's not too bad. Have you tried ADW Launcher?

[AD720]

I am familiar with Launcher Pro, I actually don't mind the Moto launcher, it's not too bad. Have you tried ADW Launcher?

Also you can install a program called "homeswitcher" and switch between any Launcher you have installed.

[Scottastic]

I have both of those, yes! I really prefer launcherpro for it's sheer speed. You should check out QuickDesk, I use it constantly for my toggle widgets.

[AD720]

I have both of those, yes! I really prefer launcherpro for it's sheer speed. You should check out QuickDesk, I use it constantly for my toggle widgets.

I'll look up Quickdesk, I use SwitchPro. I've been fooling around with LauncherPro. I do like the customizable dock and the quick preview of all the screens (missed that, I had it on my Eris).

[AD720]

Reports are showing that a lucky few have received FroYo on their Incredible and Droid X. This bodes well for the August 6th rumor of a FroYo release on DInc, X and Droid!

[AD720]

Awesome Words With Friends like game for Android!

http://wordfeud.com/

[klipsch]

WOW!!! HTC listened to their customers. I just DL the latest OTA Update (not root) for my EVO, and now the graphics are a blazing 53 FPS. All running on a 4G network to boot. What's not to love?

[Ahbroody]

Just did the update need to play with it now.
Sporadic 4g where I am

[klipsch]

Just did the update need to play with it now.
Sporadic 4g where I am

Same here with the 4G in RI. But what began around downtown and the hospital district has spread out to reach me in my apartment (RI's not that big)...though I always have the Wi-Fi turned on when I'm at home. I was playing Air Control last night and the frame rate was steady 54+ at all times. Angry Birds Beta runs and sounds better. Popped Asphalt on just for a minute and saw obvious improvement as well.
The only reason I was going to root my phone was to remove the 30 FPS cap. Now there's no need for the moment. :tu

[Eleven]

Just ordered the Droid X yesterday. Can't wait!

[AD720]

Just ordered the Droid X yesterday. Can't wait!

Now with 2.2 it's even better. :tu

[AD720]

Awesome Words With Friends like game for Android!

http://wordfeud.com/

Anyone on word feud?

[klipsch]

Just installed Exzeus on my EVO. Absolutely sick graphics!

[techdetects]

I am also facing a similar issue. Do let me know as well if you find out any helpful guide.