First Look- Droid Phone by Motorola

November 8, 2009 · Comments

Motorola Droid Phone from Verizon I just picked up the Motorola Droid phone from Verizon Wireless the other day, and have started taking a look at the features and benefits that the device has (or doesn’t have) over the iPhone, my current sidearm. My point in writing this is not to compare the phone to the iPhone, but to tell you what I found about the Droid so far.

Note to iPhone fanboys: I don’t think this is an iPhone-killer as much as it’s another scoop out of Blackberry’s bucket. This beats the crap out of the Storm, and probably also the Tour. I think the Palm Pre will also get smooshed a bit by this phone, too.

Let’s look at what it can do. (And quick note: I bought this phone with my own cash. This is not a sponsored review.)

For another perspective, I think Bryan Sherman’s reviews are all pretty worthwhile, too.

Easy Keyboard and Touch Screen Input

Verizon DroidThe Droid has both the ability to input information via a touchscreen, similar to the iPhone, but there’s also a slide-out keyboard. The keys feel flat instead of bubbled like a BlackBerry, so you can’t exactly type blindly (BB users know what I mean), but what I do like about the keyboard is that the special characters make a lot more sense, placement wise. There’s also a five-position controller that you can use to scroll around if touch isn’t getting you precisely where you need to go. The touch screen, when just using that keyboard, worked just fine for me, too.

Applications

Honestly, the real war will be fought and won over a few spots: the network and applications. I’ll get to the network part, but I’ll start by saying I’m already pretty impressed by the applications. The commercials for Droid say there are over 10,000 apps already (these are Google widgets and android-specific apps). I had no trouble finding pretty much all my iPhone apps for a Droid version, including a beta of my favorite note app, Evernote, SnapTell visual product search, a Twitter client, and more.

Most surprising of the apps was Google’s new Maps with Navigation. I clicked this baby on and suddenly, I had turn-by-turn instructions given in a typical GPS voice, with traffic condition overlays and more. When I say this app pretty much makes the phone a must, it could replace my Garmin (I know that both Garmin and TomTom are a bit uncertain what Google’s new app means for their future).

I’ll review other apps as I get into them, and if they make sense to share with you. For now, suffice to say that I was very impressed with their selection, with one exception.

I had to download an app to close apps that were running on my phone.

What? Unless I missed a really simple instruction in the manual that I didn’t read, that strikes me as utterly silly. (Someone may come here and correct me.)

Google Integration

The Droid seamlessly integrated with my multiple Gmail accounts, including my @chrisbrogan.com accounts. It also integrated with my Google Calendar, my Google Voice, and all the other Google apps I run. That was delicious to experience. Having these apps run native on the phone makes them even faster, and even more slick. The calendar, for instance, runs even faster than the web-based version (though I wish it had custom views like the web version).

I’m very impressed with that integration. This, if you’re a Google fan, is a great reason to consider the phone.

The Network

I’ve been using AT&T for over a year now, and switching back to Verizon was a breath of fresh air. The web browsing is markedly faster on the Verizon 3G network. Calls stayed up on the three times I made a longer call while driving. In short, it just worked. iPhone fanboys, you have to admit that’s a weakness.

The network might be the thing that sells more people into trying out the Droid.

The Phone

The phone is loud and clear. The contacts and dialing mechanisms and stuff remind me a lot of the iPhone. It’s really simple and easy to use, and I don’t have anything bad to say about it.

The Camera

I haven’t shot a lot of photos yet with the Droid. The few I took were in poor lighting conditions, but even that was a change, because hey, it has a FLASH. Oooh, modern technology has equipped the Droid cameraphone with something that other cell phones have had for 9 years, but that has eluded my other previous smartphone of choice. Oh, and the camera is 5 megapixels. It also shoots video. You’ll see a test video of that soon enough here, but why rush things?

I’m pretty impressed with the quality. I also used the app PixelPipe (also available for iPhone and also my Mac desktop) on my Droid so that I could shove photos to as many sites as I wanted all at once. (A worthwhile app to get).

What’s Missing – iTunes

The most obvious app/feature missing is something that emulates the iTunes experience of an iPhone. There’s a music player, a video player, and a lot of 3rd party apps (Pandora for Android is quite noteworthy).

But there’s no store where I can blow $1.29 every time a whim strikes me. I’ve got several gigabytes of media on my iTunes account and on my laptop, and I’ve yet to try and port it over, but I’m reasonably sure that won’t really go anywhere. In the absence of that, why hasn’t Verizon led with a similar-to-iTunes or even a better Amazon integration? (You can correct me here if I missed something).

Overall: A Keeper

Today’s Day 2 with the Droid, so let’s not get crazy here. But so far, I’m really impressed. I think it’s a great phone, and will definitely give Blackberry users something to think about. I’m not as convinced that there will be a mass exodus from iPhone over to Droid, but then again, some of the other frustrated masses might just give it some thought.

For me, it’s not as much about a religion. I wanted a phone that worked better than what I was using. The iPhone raised the bar on what I was willing to accept. Thankfully, I feel the Droid meets and/or exceeds those standards.

Have you tried it? Are you considering it?

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  • luvmydroid
    There is an amazon mp3 app preloaded on the phone, works great most singles are $0.99. You can also download the music from your iTunes account via your computer.
  • Thanks for writing this, Chris. I am definitely interested in the Droid as I am already on Verizon and don't want to switch over to AT&T. The rub for me is the keyboard, which my fat fingers have a problem with on the iPhone. Walt Mossberg thought far less of the Droid keyboard (see his review here: http://tr.im/EwUt ) as did you. Anyway, your post encourages me to at least try it for myself. Thanks. -Gabe
  • There is an HTC model that does not have the physical keyboard
  • Steven Pedo
    The HTC Hero is a nightmare. I just moved to the Droid from it. It's under powered, tiny screen and not Android 2. It's a completely different experience.
  • I find the Droid Eris (which is a skinnier Hero) to be a very attractive alternative to droid if you don't need the keyboard. I did not find it underpowered, and the Sense UI is really nice. Of course, we all know ymmv
  • Yes, I agree. Motorola DROID is not an iPhone-killer but Android is very promising. What Android needs right now is the right kind of hardware to power it. Once Android has that, the prospect of seeing an actual iPhone-killer becomes a reality.
  • Jason H
    Droid is the right hardware and it is absolutely an iPhone killer, it's just a slow death. iPhone as a platform is dead, it just doesn't know it yet. It's funny that Jobs/Apple has made the same mistake they made 20 years ago.
  • I beg to disagree. DROID is not the best hardware for Android 2.0. You have to read those reviews written by owners of DROID phones. Go and read them all and soon you will discover a few common complaints; sluggish, slow start up on the camera etc etc.

    Motorola should have done better.
  • JF
    The slow camera start-up is only true of a hardware-start (ie: holding down the camera button). If you software-start the camera (touch the icon on the screen), it actually starts up pretty quickly.
  • Perhaps so but don't forget that DROID also has problems with autofocusing.. Do a search at Motorola Support Forums and find out what those problems are all about..
  • Well, you have your opinion and I have mine and I'm still leaning to the opinion that DROID is not the best hardware for Android 2.0. :)
  • Chris, Thanks. I'm about to go get an iPhone, so your review is perfect timing. I'd like to know what the weight & size difference is between the Droid and iPhone please?
  • iPHone is a hair smaller (sleeker), and I think the Droid weighs just a little bit less (because it's a bit plasticky). Unless you're planning a space mission, they're negligible in difference.
  • Chris ... sounds cool! I can't wait to get employed again to be able to upgrade from a basic "phone" to one of these toys ... unfortunately, right now, I can't even afford a data plan, let alone the hardware ... :-(

    @BTRIPP
  • Temporary, Brendan. You're a smart guy who hit a bad patch. I'm pulling for you. Until then, pretend. Squeeze and twist your regular phone screen and look smug. That's what the smartphone kids all do. : )
  • Jason H
    Chris,

    What didn't you like about Amazon MP3? You can buy music with a single tap on Android.
  • I'm unclear on that as well. We don't need iTunes to buy music. Verizon has Rhapsody which is almost identical to iTunes.
  • Well, all Android phones close apps when they run out of memory. But yes, I also have an app to close them. It saves some battery life. I'm on a HTC Hero, though.
  • Jason H
    Android 2 gives you a way to do it form the Settings menu.
  • Jason H
    Chris,

    You can close an App in Android 2 by going to Settings then to Applications and then to Running Services.
  • Actually that closes services which is not the same as programs. Try it out. Run a program (I chose Aldiko) go into Settings>Applications>Running Services. You will not find it there. You can go to Settings>Applications>Manage Applications, then find the app to force stop, but not exactly an elegant solution. Downloading a (free) app is the best solution.
  • Cool, luckily Android 2 will be available for the Hero as well.
  • Hey Chirs - I like the review, and the slide out keyboard was kind of a turn-off for me, because I'm used to seeing it on phones that are a cut below the BB Curve I've been rocking for the last 16 months. I know the Storm had a ton of issues, but my understanding is that the Storm 2 is a huge leap forward. Did you check it out when you went to get your Droid, or were you on a mission? Also, does the OS take a lot of adjustment, and how does the web browser stack up against the iPhone's (which I think is the best mobile web browser out there)?
  • I'll be honest, Hal: I liked the ads. I bought one because of the ads, and because early reviews backed up the hype. Yep, I'm that guy.
  • And that's why we're friends.
  • I use Opera Mobile and I'd put it up against iPhone's browser any day.
  • On which phone?
  • Good question because right now I'm using it on a WinMo phone, which obviously, Droid is not. I'm currently using a Samsung i760 but will be upgrading to the Droid soon.
  • Jason H
    I have to keep reminding myself that Chris isn't a technologist. He's a PR/Marketing guy.
  • I'm actually a recovering technologist. I was a software release engineer, hardware installations professional, and built data centers for a living. I just don't write like I'm writing for robots. : )
  • You have a pretty good point there with the iTunes lock. Even though there is no longer drm it is still kind of a lock due to the fact that there really is no comparable app that sync you music as easily. Did you try Songbird yet?
  • I picked my Droid up on Friday and have been playing with it all weekend. I am a Blackberry user and was going to either upgrade to the Tour or the Droid and thought to give it a try. I have to say I love my Blackberry and I seriously miss the bubble keys. The flat slide out keyboard is ok and has nive features, but I cannot type as quick with it. Not completely sold yet, but I am getting used to it. The sound quality is great but I've had Verizon for a while so that's nothing new. New to the whole app thing so we shall see
  • Luy
    I'm on the same boat and the keyboard is starting to grow on me.
  • I'm with you. The keys aren't as nice as BB keys.
  • howardbeaver
    I say this app pretty much makes the phone a must, it could replace my Garmin

    You had to know this was coming someday soon!!
  • Chris, I got a Droid on Friday and have been impressed. I was not previously an At&t iPhone guy (due to the poor service), and ran with a Samsung Windows Mobile phone prior that connected extremely well with our Exchange Server at work. I really enjoyed that phone and have been waiting 2 years for a decent Verizon upgrade offering. Yea, Droid.

    So far I'm happy with the Droid for all the reasons you described, and have had a few challenges as well.
    - Turning off applications does seem to be a chore. While some have a menu option to do so, others just keep running. I'll have to find that app you were referring to that helps shut apps down.
    - The touch screen is sensitive, and I'm getting used to it. One example of an issue I had with the screen is when using the keyboard to write an email. I guess this is both an issue with the email layout design and the sensitivity of the screen. I kept bumping the "Discard" button on the screen while trying to type the message.
    - With synchronizing to the Exchange Server is was very easy to do and updates to server immediately with changes, but the email app that is on the phone does not organize my email folders the way I have them on my PC (they come in alphabetical instead). Need an Outlook or Microsoft app to take care of this. Calendar worked fine when synchronizing, but would like to sync notes and tasks possibly. Might need to just find an app for those.
    - It seems I'm only able to attach photos to email messages, and I'm having trouble accessing other attachments on messages like pdfs, etc. I may be missing something, but it's not working for me.
    - The battery can quickly drain while using, but seemed to last the entire day. I know my wife's iPhone can go a couple days without a charge, but I'll guess that my frequent use has led to a faster battery drain.
    - I haven't messed around with importing music just yet, but hope I'll be able to bring in my iTunes library. The Amazon.com MP3 feature seems like it should work fine if I want to set up an account there. I do like to keep all my music in one place on iTunes and would prefer an iTunes app that syncs with the phone. Pandora does work extremely well and Verizon's network really helps support this app.

    All together, I really look forward to using this phone more and to see how the app selection grows. I plan to use the camera for mobile video and image uploads using PixelPipe as well. Already tested some of that and works great. One thing you didn't mention is the Voice Recognition Google search. I think that tool works very well and is a great feature. TwitDroid seems to be a nice Twitter client as well. Look forward to hearing more of your thoughts as you use it. Enjoy your day!

    Mark
  • "The battery can quickly drain while using, but seemed to last the entire day. I know my wife's iPhone can go a couple days without a charge, but I'll guess that my frequent use has led to a faster battery drain."

    The nice thing is that you can always carry an extra charged battery, which you can't do with the iPhone.
  • Great info! Thanks for the review.
  • I like the fact that you bought it yourself when you could have gotten a review version without breaking a sweat. Lately, that's starting to matter to me just a teensy bit. I know you're not primarily a tech product review guy, so it was good to get your insights from a Regular Joe User perspective.
  • I do a mix. I turned down two free phones (Pre and something else), so felt it was the right time to throw down my own loot. But I still accept free things to review.
  • Lynn
    Thanks for your thoroughly helpful review. I've been a Verizon customer for years - even before it was Verizon, and I've never been tempted to stray to other carriers even when the iPhone and Pre came out. I love my BB but wish it would do more. Maybe the Droid is the answer. Verizon's coverage is far superior in my area and wherever I've roamed. Have you seen Verizon's print ad for the 3G network? They show maps comparing Verizon's coverage area and ATT's coverage area.

    I love my BB but wish it would do more. Maybe the Droid is the answer.

    I'm glad to know that Verizon finally has a good alternative to the iPhone - maybe even a better one. Their customer service is great, too. Lots of reasons to stick with Verizon - network, phones, service.
  • Jackie Rafferty
    Great review Chris! I'm thrilled to hear a personal review for this phone. As a crackberry user, I have been reluctant to make a switch to the iphone and now I feel I have a palatable solution - the Droid. I can satisfy my craving for apps with the noteworthy reliability (I hope), ease and network of Verizon/Blackberry. How does non-Google email integrate? No mention of Outlook compatibility in your review. Overall, happy to hear the news!
  • I don't use Outlook, so I don't know. Maybe I'll dust off my official work email addresses and try it. : )
  • Thanks for the review. I am a Blackberry user on the Verizon network and want a iPhone but do not want to switch to AT&T. Sounds like the Droid might be a great compromise to the iPhone.
  • The intro to your "first look" is nothing more than the old wink and nod; 'I'm an Apple fanboy and I have tons of music purchased from iTunes and oh yeah, I have an iPhone currently. I am going to take the passive route to compare the DROID to the iPhone without breaking ranks with my Apple brethren. I'm going to mute my enthusiasm for the DROID's clear wins and hammer the DROID on its shortcomings."

    Who cares if you paid out of pocket for the DROID? Does that make a difference? No. I paid for my DROID. Does that make me partial to the DROID? Did you pay for your iPhone? You're a joke.

    ------

    My point in writing this is not to compare the phone to the iPhone, but to tell you what I found about the Droid so far.

    Note to iPhone fanboys: I don’t think this is an iPhone-killer as much as it’s another scoop out of Blackberry’s bucket. This beats the crap out of the Storm, and probably also the Tour. I think the Palm Pre will also get smooshed a bit by this phone, too.

    -----
  • You go, Coem. Belligerence is an awesome way to knock people down a peg.

    However. If you're actually asking WHY Chris may have disclosed his purchase, that's actually a poignant point. There's been a HUGE debate lately regarding bloggers disclosing sponsorship, special deals, where they get the product they review. It's gotten powerful enough support on both sides to enter debates of law. Chris' disclosure about purchasing shows perspective, as well as being appropriate disclosure.

    I'd be worried about you turning into a joke if you failed to provide this kind of disclosure, Chris. Forget the remaining debate; consistency is one of the messages you trumpet, and consistent disclosure is a proof of this in action.
  • Because I'm often in the position to review products at the request of companies, and because in the US, the Federal Trade Commission has put in stringent disclosure practices, I'm now in the habit of pointing out when something isn't sponsored as much as I am when it is. It's just a matter of helping to provide clarity.
  • I don't exactly get what you're on about. Which part don't you like?
  • Chris, How is the battery life?
  • So far, it's a hair better than an iPhone, but when I used the video camera and the still camera and some music and lots of tweeting, I chewed on the battery pretty fast. But, unlike the iPhone, I can buy a second battery. Done.
  • Thanks Chris. I have a Samsung Omnia with Verizon. Its a great phone but typing on it is just an absolute chore.

    I'm heading out to get a Droid right now.
  • We silly Canadians aren't blessed with the Droid yet - we've barely to get the Palm Pre - but we have a LOT of BlackBerry presence, and the iPhone on Rogers is far superior to the iPhone on AT&T - flat fact, Rogers is Verizon's equivalent up here, not AT&T's, so I doubt even if some of the CDMA networks (who are just about all transitioning to GSM like AT&T ad Rogers) get the Droid that it will see much adoption. Business here runs on BlackBerry, and until people gt the hang of using instant messaging clients on Android, that's not likely to change.

    This being said, when we got the G1 (or HTC Dream as it's called here) there was quite a stir. Even with it's drawbacks, the G1 was brilliant because Android is brilliant. And all of the reviews of the Droid seem like someone (Hello, Moto) is finally taking advantage of using hardware that properly backs the Android software - it's usually the other way around, but in this case the software was far ahead of the Android phones with had come out in the past.

    Still, if Moto's actually using this to launch a series of phones under the name Droid, hopefully the improvements will continue. iPhone will still have its evangelists, BlackBerry will continue to be a good utility-plus series (because, seriously, it's a business thing). The Pre... I think has yet to find its niche outside of iPhone avoiders who don't need business functions as much as BB users.

    (Sorry, wasn't intending an essay here) in any case, the Droid seems like it's the first non-gimmick Android phone, not because it's significantly different from the G1 or other HTC Googlephones - it really seems like Motorola took the development seriously with Droid, where other companies have been repeating the mantra "Hey, dudes, look what we can make this stuff do!"
  • All your points are good ones, Ian. You're right that this might be just the first of something. The phone isn't as iconic as, say, the Razr or the StarTac, but it's definitely the start of something. There are a few bits that are downright annoying, but I'll tell you, the non-gimmick factor is high. The thing just RUNS (so far).
  • Yes, noiTunes but no Audible player either. I have been after Audible for a year to lobby for them to do a player for G1. I tried again last week and got a reply from Audible. "now that Amazon merger is near complete, we will look at it in Feb. MAYBE, this means a new music/Audibble player for Andoid. I hope so, I read 2 books a month.

    Email Audible support and ask.
    Fred
  • EricBJohnson
    I use a BB Storm running 5.0 something on Verizon and it is more than enough. In a few years (or one and 1/2) I will look at the new hype again.
  • Steve
    I have had a Storm 1 since it was released last December. While the later versions of the software made it much better, it was embarrassing that they put it out with the awful software they loaded. I thus went to my Verizon store last week and tried the Droid and then Storm 2, thinking I would buy a Droid. I ended up buying the Storm 2. I really felt awkward trying to type on the Droid in both portrait mode, with the useless old generation haptic response, and in landscape mode, where the slide-out QWERTY keyboard is actually much harder to use than the vastly improved Storm 2 keyboard. A couple of days later, I also found out that my company IT department will not support Droid for because Moto/Google do not have remote lock and wipe and other key corporate security data features. While it will sync with Exchange, it is simply not safe enough. So, I could have carried a Droid and a lesser BB (Curve, probably). The improvements in the Storm 2 make it easier to type much faster and more accurately. It is also lighter and less retro-looking. I think the continuing development of Android will probably kill BB (and perhaps the iPhone, which in my opinion is cool, but shockingly overrated for a phone that won't multi-task, offers a crappy typing experience and still won't run Flash).
  • Wow. Some really good points, Steve. The IT department one is really important to consider.
  • Nice review Chris. I like how it was written from the normal user to slightly above average techy user (which is where more people are at when considering switching to yet another smartphone).

    I'm glad they included a hardware keyboard, that was the thing I really love on the G1 and the thing that still upsets me whenever I pull out my iPhone (my fingers are not fat... really!). Android 2 looks to be an improvement as well.

    Thanks again for the review!
  • Andy Ihnatko's article in the Sun Times made me aware so the Salling app that allows me to sync up my iTunes with my Droid. http://www.salling.com/ Now to find a better Twitter client than Twidroid - Anyone?

    http://www.suntimes.com/technology/ihnatko/1867...
  • informtainment
    I just bought the phone and I love it. I never owned the Iphone. I prefer to have a keyboard. Overall, great phone.
  • Chris, Thanks! I always know I can get the straight unfiltered objective analysis from you. I appreciate that you put up your own cash to buy the phone. I've spent the last year being caught between a network and endless pieces of crap phones. I just switched to Verizon a year ago, just before the iPhone came out. Now FINALLY, I may just have the solution in the Droid!
  • Can't find the Evernote app for Android Chris?
  • It's a beta, and note in the market. Here is info on loading it:
    http://forum.evernote.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f...

    Can I point out this is a key iPhone difference. YOU can choose to load something that isn't in the sanctioned app store. :-)
  • thanks
  • Chris,
    I am planning on getting this phone, I've been on Verizon for a long time and switching is not happening for me. I like it, I get a discount on it and I've been happy with the service. I just have to wait a while longer to be eligibile to make the switch to a new phone.
  • wordsdonewrite
    Thanks for the first-hand account of your experience, Chris! I was really excited about the Droid and then read an article about all the hidden fees associated with it ($350 early termination, extra fees to up storage capacity that's already called "unlimited" when it really isn't, etc.). I do want my next smartphone to have a QWERTY keyboard, that's why I'm not so keen on the iPhone (takes me FOREVER to get anything done).

    Maybe you can do a follow-up blog post in two months or so and let us know how you're feeling then. Sometimes you need to "live" with something a bit to find out more of the flaws or favs. That's been my experience with cars, too.

    Amber @wordsdonewrite
  • Great points, Amber. I haven't received the sticker shock. We'll see. I felt (at least up front) that the bill seemed comparable to the AT&T bill. But I'll tell you how I feel when I get punched in the belly with the bill. : )
  • Good. I'm dying to get a phone that integrates with my Google Voice. My next door neighbor is running the app on his blackberry yet my iPhone doesn't work with it :( - at least not how it should. Looking forward to switching...though I may sit back and see a new version before jumping aboard.
  • Oh this phone TOTALLY connects with Google Voice. In fact, I've got mine set to be 100% Google Voice, so that you never even see my "real" number.
  • David
    I just got mine and love it so far! If you use the shazam app, that finds the song for you on amazon and it came with a amazon mp3 app. It isnt as good as itunes but, it gets the job done. I am going to try to convert my itunes library to mp3 as well, heres hoping it works!!
  • Regarding AN APP TO QUIT APPLICATIONS

    I don't know what phone you used before the iPhone Chris, I used a Nokia N95 (fantastic workhorse, especially when given an external full-size keyboard) and one of the strange things - or features - was that when you came out of an app it wouldn't quit, which lead to some real processor and battery hogging at times. The N97 appears to be the same (but that's the least of the worries that phone has).

    So the app to quit apps may be something to help people who run a lot of apps at once and forget to quit them.

    Also, in the UK anyway, lots of people moaned about the fact that the iPhone let you run just one app at a time - indeed the Pre has made it a point in their advertisements.
  • TrevorY
    Great article Chris. I picked up my Droid on Friday and I absolutely love it. I have never had a smart phone of any kind before so to me this is great. I have several friends who have the iPhone and love it but I am not a big fan of the AT&T network due to my travel schedule.

    I don't see this killing the iPhone but for those who have never had any kind of smart phone or Blackberry device this is a great place to start. I for one will never go back to a regular phone again.
  • Good Job on this one, the phone seems to be really good and Android is a great plattform, I just wonder why most of the android phones are looking that weird! very low usability and sometimes ugly, I haven't seen anyone looking nearly as good as iphones, or am I missing some of those? Hope this will change very soon.
  • Palm Pre is pretty. If you base phones on looks, then Pre is a good second to the iPhone.
  • I currently have an HTC magic with fatality rom and love it. The only thing I miss is mini-jack and keyboard. Typing on the screen sucks. I hope this floats over the atlantic and into my open arms!

    Maybe this can get motorola out of the hole they have been in for a long time.
  • modem
    As usual really a cool post. Droid is rally mind blowing cell. Its touch screen and other features are really fantastic . I am impress bu its first look . Truly awesome man.


    christmas stocking fillers
  • Almost ready to switch from iphone, based on the comments and reviews here. However the ability for the iphone to plug into my car, and seamlessly work with the car stereo is big.
  • Stan
    ADVANCED TASK MANAGER is an app available in the Android Market that will allow you to manage the selective killing of apps running in the background. You can selectively exclude apps to be turned off. Other neat features are available. This is one of the top two selling paid apps in the Android Market.

    POWER MANAGER is another great utility app that allows you to monitor your battery usage and do things like quickly switch off GPS, WiFi, etc. There is both a free and paid version of this app.

    IMUSIC is a must have for finding songs and downloading them too. It can be used in conjunction with SHAZAM. If you can't find a free download with IMUSIC, you can use the Amazon.com MP3 app to make a purchase. Most are 99 cents last time I looked.

    Google VOICE is great and is not available as yet on the IPhone. The terrific integration of the Google services is simply amazing.

    SPORTS TAP is great for sports buffs that want to keep up with the scores and more.

    PLACES and WIKITUDE are two excellent location based apps that find just about anything you could be looking for wherever you are.

    Several new Android phones are coming soon that will equal or possibly exceed the DROID's features.

    Keep your eyes out for the Verizon Droid PASSION by HTC. It is rumored to be coming as early as the end of November with a 4" plus screen and the Sense UI. It will run a 1 ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. This could be even better than the Droid if you don't care about a hardware keyboard.

    Another highly touted phone coming after the first of the year is the Sony X10. It too has a 4" screen and some pretty amazing software running on top of the standard Android software. It too has the Snapdragon processor. The main hitch with this phone is Sony's tendency to launch in Europe months before arrival in the USA.

    I've had an Android G1 since November of last year. I'm looking closely at the Droid, "Passion" (sometimes code named the "Dragon") and the Sony X10 for an upgrade.

    Android is about to explode on the scene Have a look!
  • Very nice review. Thank you!
  • Chris,
    Thanks for posting your thoughts on the new Droid. I'm tied to the Verizon network and have been looking forward to a smart phone that would be comparable to the iPhone. Attended a pre-launch party for Droid, sponsored by Verizon, a couple of weeks ago in Cincinnati and was really impressed with what I saw. Reading reviews from early adopters like yourself is just cementing my purchase decision.

    Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and experiences!
  • My boss and I are going to get one for our small graphic design business. I will be using it to show potential clients our portfolio as I hear the sceen resolution is fabulous.

    I'll let you know what I think after using it for a couple of days. I'm a big fan of Google as I have a Google Phone number and our company uses a shared Google Calender. Also been linked in with Pandora for almost three years so it will be nice to have that on my phone. The last smart phone I had was a Palm Treo and I wasn;t happy with it at all. .
  • I love the droid! I just won't switch over b/c there's no way it will ever have the third-party support that the iPhone has.
  • ever is a long time... ;-)
  • I played with one the other night.Overall I liked it, but the keyboard gave me trouble. Not sure if it is because it was a demo model or just my large fingers.
  • I'm also interested in finding out if the Droid will sync with Outlook. My last two phones have been Windows Smartphones due to my need to sync with Outlook and my initial reluctance to go to the higher cost with push-email on the blackberry. I'm using a Motorola Q on Verizon now. It's my 1st QWERTY keyboard phone and I don't think I could ever go back.

    I'm not in any rush to change, but am intrigued. Do you think that waiting until next summer would offer more Droid options on Verizon?
  • Depends. What do you use Outlook for? If it is to access mail from an Exchange server (typically a work e-mail) then out of the box Droid supports it. It syncs mail/calendar/contacts with your exchange server. Works great.

    If you are using Outlook to access POP mail (like your ISP) then Droid does not. The Droid Eris (HTC) comes with it's own sync software to sync contacts and calendar with outlook on the PC. hth.
  • Thanks Bryan. I work for myself, so I use Outlook to access POP email accounts, plus I use the calendar and contacts extensively. I need to be able to sync on my phone...which is why I've stayed with a Windows Smartphone to date.

    What exactly is HTC? Do you think there will be a phone like the Droid/iPhone that will sync with Outlook to the PC at some point? Or an app that will allow it?
  • Lisa
    It does NOT sync with local Outlook. It will sync with exchange, but not your Outlook at home.
  • We recently released a new version of doubleTwist with support for the Droid.

    http://www.doubletwist.com (media sync for Android and other mobile devices)

    For some background info on doubleTwist, please see this article:
    http://www.suntimes.com/technology/ihnatko/1813...

    Jon
  • I'm considering trying this out - and more so, now that I've read this and a couple of other reviews. I was with AT&T for a couple years, and switched to Verizon about a year and a half ago (not being able to use my phone at home unless I went outside and down the block was not cool) - and I've been happy with the service. I've been itching, though, to get an iPhone - and I've held off this long (in part due to the fact that I'm cheap - erm - I mean frugal). Maybe it's time to bite the bullet and try the Droid. Thanks, Chris, for helping me decide to part with some of my coveted cash!
  • I shouldn't have read this review. I have a Storm and wish I could get a Driod to TEST out ASAP. ;( As I do live music social media experiments during concerts and use it constantly to stay connected on and offline, I've gotten the most out of The Storm and I'm just about tired of the freezing up it does way too often. But like you said, Verizon's network keeps me from getting an iPhone. But the Droid seems like a logical next step.
  • angelinasimon
    I am looking for new mobile and and i am little bit impress with it's design and keypad so i will wait for it.
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  • OJ Not Simpson
    I did enjoy reading an pro-android article for a change but this did not convince me to get the droid on verizon or on any other network or device by google.

    I read the opposing article by Robert Scoble and he was more convincing not to get the droid. Speaking from a consumer point of view , the only thing the droid has over the iPhone is verizon - which many beleive is superior to the iPhone , dispite the lack of simontanious voice and data.

    I have owned an iPhone since 2008 ( both 3G and now 3GS ) and the main feature I looked forward to when getting the iPhone was the keyboard. Yes - it does not always auto correct and give me more than one option to choose from. However, the experience was easy to adjust to, mirgrating from windows mobile based phyical keyboard blackjack II. Physical keyboard fitgued my fingers if I used the phone for an extended period of time. With the Droid, you have an option of both but software keyboards just offer superior input. Whether typing, or other multi-touch gestures.

    The iPhone is more than a phone. I think that is what other companies have not understood. Before Jobs introduced the iPhone he said he had " a phone , an iPod and an Internet communcation device "( if i recal correctly ). Phone , iPod , Internet. The iPod and the Internet are what others do not get right. The phone some might argue might be the feature they didn't get right because of the AT&T network. Quite frankly as long as my phone says I'm connected, I can text , tweet , emal , surf the net and still get my calls ( at the same time ) I'm set.

    Combining those things really are deal breakers. If you are a consumer and enjoy media ( music and videos ) Including surfing the net , the iPhone beats all. This is from consumer perspective. For all the geeks and nerds - it's about app development and open vs closed. The millions of people who own iPhones Dont care about that. Though the iPhone also has business networking features , the iPhone is More so a consumer feature phone. The droid remains a cell phone with a smart phone OS, simular to my blackjack II , minus an SDK to create applications.

    The reason why the iPhone is sucessful is because it is easy to use, contrary to what many believe. The UI is simple, you have all your apps on up to 11 pages you gracefully wipe left or right and are a home button away to accessing.

    You might feel as if I'm a fan boy hyping the oh great iPhone. The truth of the matter is , I just want a phone that works and fits my needs. Phone , iPod and Internet.
  • Thanks Chris. Been considering the Droid, and after reading your post I think I'll go check it out.
  • Turning off applications does seem to be a chore. While some have a menu option to do so, others just keep running. I'll have to find that app you were referring to that helps shut apps down.
  • Stan
    Download ADVANCED TASK MANAGER from the Android Market. It does cost a whole 99 cents, but is worth every penny.

    Place the shortcut icon on your home screen.

    This will allow you to one click access to the app. Then one click on Kill All will solve the problems you refer to.

    You can also exclude certain apps from being killed if you so desire, so that Kill All will leave those apps running.

    A number of apps tend to load at startup despite the fact you have not loaded them yet. So, the best solution is to immediately start Advanced Task Manager after start up is completed and apply kill all to free up memory. This takes two clicks to accomplish if you have loaded the shortcut to your home screen

    Another good app is POWER MANAGER. It has a free version, but for 99 cents you can get the full version. It helps you keep track of your battery usage and allows you to one click on and off various functions such as GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. Once again, you should put a shortcut on your home screen. I place mine next to the Advanced Task Manager icon and use both apps to control the issues they relate to.
  • jshaffer
    We keep hearing about all the apps that are out there, but when we went searching we couldn't find them! The Android Marketplace didn't have a search function. Handango was easy to use but kept coming up with "not available for this device". Can you give us a list of websites we can tour to find out what's out there before buying the phone? Unless we can track down the apps my husband needs he's going to start thinking blackberry. (Pocket Quicken replacement, docs 2 go, mobipocket replacement, etc.)
  • As always, a great post. It's likely because I haven't looked for it, but great and simple break down of the Droid. Very useful analysis. Thanks.
  • I currently have an HTC magic with fatality rom and love it. The only thing I miss is mini-jack and keyboard. Typing on the screen sucks. I hope this floats over the atlantic and into my open arms!Maybe this can get motorola out of the hole they have been in for a long time.
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