Travel Technology - Rise of the machines - The DROID is coming to Verizon

Based on my previous thread, I was hoping to get the iPhone with Verizon, alas, I think that option is dead.

I've been hearing all the hype about the Droid, and the fact that some are calling it an "iPhone" killer, and this and that.

I don't think it can beat the iPhone, and I've read that (Thank God) they are not trying to sell you that idiotic VCAST with it.

So, I think I will go for it. What's the use of getting an iPhone if you can't use the service anyways?

Anyone else going to get the new Droid when it hits the shelves next week?

I wonder how much it's going to be for service? :confused:

I have the new Motorola Cliq on T-Mobile, arguably the closest competitor to the Droid, at least with the Android platform. For what I pay ($65/month) I am very pleased with my service, though I am not in a 3G area.

The Android platform is awesome though, and if Verizon plans weren't so expensive I probably would have gone that way instead of sticking with T-Mobile.

I got burned with the first release of the BlackBerry Storm.

I'm not going to make that kind of mistake again with the Droid.

The Droid looks very promising (http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/motorola-droid-verizon-wireless/4505-6454_7-33783559.html?tag=smallCarouselArea.0) (uh, how can there be user reviews whaen the product isn't out yet?), but from what I read, it's not a world phone. Even though it has Wi-Fi, the lack of a world phone is a deal-breaker for me.

I'll likely move over to the Droid when it has what I need. Right now, it doesn't.

I think they handed a few models to the press

Here is a comparison chart between the iPhone and the Droid

http://www.pcworld.com/zoom?id=174650&page=1&zoomIdx=1

I don't need the world phone capability, Verizon reaches my office in Juarez quite nicely without roaming. Yet another reason I like the Verizon network. AT&T craps out two blocks into Juarez.

I am VERY excited about the Droid. The minute they have a world phone edition, it's bye-bye Blackberry after a decade of relationship!

I think it looks like a very sleek phone. And I am very impressed with what I am seeing of Android 2.0. With that said, I hate the name. It would be like a PC manufacturer calling their laptop line Dows. "My Dows runs Windows."

This is Motorola and Verizon - they are the kings of screwing up a good thing. As I posted in a different thread, the CLIQ is flawed in several ways, and it wouldn't surprise me if they did the same to the DROID. Motorola is brand new to the Android scene, at least HTC has a massive headstart on them.

I think it doesn't do global simply because Android has no support for that (yet). They didn't get Android ready for CDMA till the Cupcake edition so it is still pretty new to them.

A VZW rep I spoke to today said it's just their standard $30/mo unlimited data plan + whatever voice plan you're on. From what I've seen, the Droid is also not locked down like other VZW products. Moto has always been good from the hardware side, they've just lacked in the software dept. They're hoping Android fixes that.

As for reviews, they give them out to press. In fact, at their Libertyville mobile devices HQ, they have reviews by phandroid, BGR, engadget, and other sites scrolling on a large video screen in the main lobby.

Those ads during the baseball playoffs, especially the ending part, for this thing seem just like the weird movies that are showed in various scenes of ABC's LOST.

I was waiting to get the Storm 2, given the positive reviews for this one, but am having doubts and considering the Droid. Now I have to do my homework all over again.

On another note, I see Verizon is hyping up droid and not a peep about Storm 2 until the day of its release (yesterday) and today I see Storm 2 is on the BOGO list!

I was waiting to get the Storm 2, given the positive reviews for this one, but am having doubts and considering the Droid. Now I have to do my homework all over again.

On another note, I see Verizon is hyping up droid and not a peep about Storm 2 until the day of its release (yesterday) and today I see Storm 2 is on the BOGO list!

Storm doesn't appeal to the iPhone loving crowd. And given how disappointing Storm 1 was, I don't think they'll waste too much on it.

Storm doesn't appeal to the iPhone loving crowd. And given how disappointing Storm 1 was, I don't think they'll waste too much on it.

The Storm (1 and 2) functions very well now with the new OS update. Too bad it's too late.

No multitouch?

No multitouch?

I don't think so -Google intentionally turned it off in the OS out of fear of Apple getting fussy. Though on most rooted Android phones it is easy to enable.

Any word yet on whether this phone will have tethering? Logically it would seem simple to do, but Verizon...

I am cautiously optimstic that this will be my next phone, but I wouldn't past Verizon to screw it up badly.

Any word yet on whether this phone will have tethering? Logically it would seem simple to do, but Verizon...

I am cautiously optimstic that this will be my next phone, but I wouldn't past Verizon to screw it up badly.

It won't officially, but there are apps that'll enable it.

I would want to carefully check out the operating speed before leaping to a purchase. I don't know whether it is the fault of the Android software or the HTC devise, but compared to an Iphone, the G1 is very slow to respond. The Iphone is very elegant in the way it responds to commands - the G1 is very laggish by comparison.

I would want to carefully check out the operating speed before leaping to a purchase. I don't know whether it is the fault of the Android software or the HTC devise, but compared to an Iphone, the G1 is very slow to respond. The Iphone is very elegant in the way it responds to commands - the G1 is very laggish by comparison.

On the MyTouch (same OS version as the G1), things speed along just as fast as on an iPhone. It all comes down to how much free memory you leave, and whether you run a task killer to reduce memory load.

On the MyTouch (same OS version as the G1), things speed along just as fast as on an iPhone. It all comes down to how much free memory you leave, and whether you run a task killer to reduce memory load.

I also use a task killer, and still find the G1 to be choppy compared to the iPhone - just not as elegant somehow.

This is the official spec sheet from Motorola

http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Mobile-Phones/ci.Motorola-DROID-US-EN.alt

So close, yet so far away.....

if only there were a touchscreen version of the Droid or a version of the Droid Eris with the Droid's processor.....

and it were a worldphone.

Until then it looks like the Storm 2 for me.

Unless someone has a better suggestion? I need Verizon, the ability to edit spreadsheets, GSM-compatibility, and a good browser capable of displaying script-based menus.

Depends on when you need the touch-screen and world phone. There's talk that the touch-screen thing will be out in 2010. But it's unknown as to whether that will be for the CDMA/Verizon phone or not.

No estimate, or even if, world phone will be out. But I'm in the same boat as you....hoping to get a world version.

Don't be afraid to go to Storm 2. I have a Storm 1, and they updated the software earlier this week. Also played with an S2 last night. Both are very good.

If you get a Storm 2, make sure to plug in (don't do it OTA) to your computer and BB Desktop Manager to fetch the latest OS.

Back to Droid. I think this is a good thing in the long run. Let the current users get their feet wet and iron out the kinks.

I thought it had a touch screen but just not multitouch like the iPhone?

This is the official spec sheet from Motorola

http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Mobile-Phones/ci.Motorola-DROID-US-EN.alt

I thought it had a touch screen but just not multitouch like the iPhone?


From the spec sheet jfe posted above...


QWERTY KEYBOARD
TOUCH SCREEN
VIRTUAL KEYBOARD

So what's this reference to "if only there were a touch screen version of the Droid"?
:confused:

No multitouch?
verizon droid site (sorry for the crappy quality, resized it and it got distorted)

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/2306/droid.png

So what's this reference to "if only there were a touch screen version of the Droid"?
:confused:Good question. Is the keyboard completely redundant?

Im looking forward to seeing the droid, but no new phones coming out w VZW later this week is really exciting for me. Ill wait for the next round. Im just happy w my Tour for now.

Just about all of Verizon's phones offer tethering, so I think it's pretty likely the Droid will too.

Now, if you mean a hack to allow free tethering, I don't know. The current smartphone plans will let you tether if your total data plan is $59 (ie, $15 add-on to $44 plans, $30 add-on to $29 plans).

I think part of the confusion with tethering is that T-Mobile, in its G1 and MyTouch 3G phones, which run Android, has disabled tethering. The operating system and phones are perfectly capable of tethering via Bluetooth or WiFi.

If you root your Android phone, you can re-enable BT and WiFi tethering. It is possible Verizon will do something different than T-Mobile, but it is also possible they will disable it as well. We shall see.

Well, I fell for it and bought a new Android. It's pretty cool

I tried one out at a Verizon store, the keyboard seemed pretty slick to me, I was able to type rapidly with two thumbs and I'm not a Smartphone owner. So I think those criticisms are a touch overblown. Because I'm cheap, I decided to go home and buy it to get the $100 online discount. Since I'm also up for renewal, the cost would be $100 (plus probably $80 in tax and shipping, etc.)

Anyway, as I was checking out, I was told that I had to sign up for a data plan:

> You must select an option below
> Email and Web for Smartphone $29.99/month
> Unlimited Data Usage $44.99/month

It makes sense, I suppose. But I was actually planning to run it over wifi only, at least initially. I already have a $60 / month Verizon datacard. Somehow the idea of giving Verizon another $30 + tax on top of the $220 I already pay (five family phones) just galls me. Heck, it approaches what I paid in rent after high school...

Well, I fell for it and bought a new Android. It's pretty cool

Details, we want details!

Does it do voice dialing over Bluetooth? I've seen some reviews that it doesn't, at least on this release. And that's an essential feature for my use.

And what about tethering?

Details, we want details!

Does it do voice dialing over Bluetooth? I've seen some reviews that it doesn't, at least on this release. And that's an essential feature for my use.

And what about tethering?
Thetering is going to be available next year. Going to pair it to a bluetooth when I buy a new headset. Mine is ready to croak.

Paired to my bluetooth just fine, and I'm able to answer calls using the bluetooth.

I don't think it's got voice dialing at this point in time. I think I read that there's a app for it, but haven't been able to find it so far.

GREAT phone, though. I'm very happy with it after 33 hours of ownership. :-:

My wife loves it, we just drove from PHX to ELP and didn't put the phone down.

Very easy to use, has a short learning curve.

It has some apps that are crap, but I guess that's the same for all platforms

PC Mag says battery life may be an issue (though they are really hammering it)

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/181684/droid_battery_life_requires_new_charging_habits.ht ml

PC World senior editor Robert Strohmeyer rushed out and braved the crowd at the Verizon store to get his Droid on Friday. He took it home, charged it up until the Droid displayed a full charge, then set off for a busy day of work--new Droid in hand. He was surprised, and perhaps a little disappointed, when the Droid battery ran out of juice before he got home.

Strohmeyer says, "I can tell you that, so far, this thing consistently dies by 7:00 P.M. if I take it off the charger at 8:00 A.M. It definitely uses some serious battery. It's just a power-hungry phone."

I tried it out at the Verizon store yesterday and just ordered it online (cheaper and no rebate hassles) . Based on about 10 minutes spent testing it at the Verizon store, it is the most powerful and capable phone I've ever used . Puts the iphone to shame. The navigation is excellent as well - as good as if not better then standalone GPS.

The Droid looks nice and has some impressive specs. But it still lacks a couple of key features that my HTC Touch Pro/Tilt2 will do, like tethering and bluetooth voice dialing.

The Google Maps navigation is nice, but I've got Garmin Mobile XT--a paid program, yes, but it works well.

The droid is a battery hog if you leave some applications running.

I was trying some apps yesterday, and one left the GPS on for most of the afternoon, and it drained the battery.

I give this phone a one day or two day battery life, but since I am constantly playing with the darn thing, I am not surprised that the battery doesn't last long.

Then again, you can replace the battery unlike the iPhone ;)

One thing that I am amazed by the phone is the speed, very fast, and easy to use. The GPS works very well

Any more feedback on the Droid, jfe?

I'm looking at the Samsung Moment. It's only on Android 1.5, but the phone is great when I played with it recently.

The phone is awesome. I thought it wouldn't compare to the iphone, but it's just at good and surpasses it on some aspects.

It has a few drawbacks

No bluetooth voice dailing
No flash support
Difficult (not impossible) to use yahoo mail
Keyboard is funky, but useable
Camera is slow to focus, but has ok quality

If none of those are a deal breaker, it's an awesome and super fast phone. I highly recommend it

I would also suggest as a drawback is that this is not a world phone (only on Verizon's CDMA band).

I thought the reviewer mentioned earlier in this thread was just one of those people happy being unhappy. But as I see more and more in reviews online, it sounds like the battery thing is a true issue.

Also heard reports that the toggle switch on the side is a little loose/flimsy.

The good news for the software stuff is that there's talk of an OS update next month (http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/11/09/motorola-droid-and-htc-droid-eris-ota-updates-rumored-to-hit-december-11/).

Unfortunately, the BlackBerry Storm, a phone I have, set a precedent of phones being released before their time, with plenty of bugs. Droid is much better than Storm's original release, but you would think they'd flush out the bugs sooner.

I've learned my lesson in buying phones right from the start, won't do that again. I'm very confident Motorola and Verizon will get the bugs out. Do that, make it a world phone (still surprises me it's not), and I'm in.

Battery life is a problem?

Seems like the specs. indicated a high-capacity batter.

If you leave applications running, it would eat the battery right away.

Last night I left it with no applications running at 90% and in the morning it was at 90%

But once you start using applications, and since it's a new toy, you are going to use it heavily, it will consume the battery right away

Also, in the motorola forums some people complain that google maps with GPS doesn't have a night mode, it stays the same color, which could be distracting at night

I am very happy with it, so far ;)

At least the screen seems pretty strong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh2g7AIHdc8

I am very pleased with this phone after using it for a few days. Not surprisingly it is very Google oriented, so things like google voice, google money etc are the best fit. Not enough apps at this point this is no iphone in that regard. But what matter most to me is there and it works well.

Outlook syncs very well, same for google mail but yahoo is less so.
Google voice international rates are great and sound appears to be better than with skype. The quality of Verizon network certainly helps. I frequently see painfully slow iphones (thanks to at&t); no issues like that with Droid.

GPS drains battery very fast so keep it disconnected unless needed.

Now I need to find a good case for it...

I just bought a screen cover for it. It's a great phone

I got the Samsung Moment. What a great great phone. The keyboard is better than the Droid, and I like the overall form factor better. I will wait for Android 2.0 upgrade as it's running 1.5 right now.

Android is pretty amazing, it's going to be great to see it take off.

Blackberry convert to the Droid here. I am loving this phone. When I first bought it last saturday, I had some initial hesitations coming from my Curve. My contract with TMO was just up and I really wanted something fun, powerfulo and new with a large screen and was excited when this was announced. I loved the BB but was not looking for another one necessarily and was not excited about the new Bold either.

Each day I find more and more about this device that is great. Apps are fine for my needs and more and more become avail all the time. It can only get better.

Anyone have a clue as to when Verizon will come out with a global phone running the Android OS? For me, the fact that the current offering is CDMA only is a deal breaker!

Anyone have a clue as to when Verizon will come out with a global phone running the Android OS? For me, the fact that the current offering is CDMA only is a deal breaker!

Same for me.

There's a LOT of talk that the HTC Passion will be a world phone (and a lot more). There's talk it will come out on Black Friday, some say mid-December, some say Q1 2010.

Specs of the HTC HD2 (a different phone) (http://www.new-cell-phones.org/htc-hd2-review.html), which is rumoured to be similar to the Passion (aka "Dragon"). Some feel this phone IS the Passion.

The doubling of the ETF by Verizon and the BOGO for the Storm 2 immediately when it came out gives me the slight impression that VZW wants to clear out that inventory for the new stuff.

Glad I held out. I think by Spring 2010, we're going to be talking about, and talking on, some pretty impressive phones.

There are some really cool features with the phone. One of the latest tricks I saw was to use google maps app, go to a street with street level view, open the menu and turn on compass mode.

Also, if you take a picture with store location on, you can view the picture later on, and then click on the location, it will open maps and show you the location where you took the picture. Its an awesome phone

I may switch to using google voice with this phone exclusively. It's fully integrated (you can set the menu to use gv for all calls, international calls only or on request) international rates are great and call quality is excellent. Plus you get all google voice features such as transcribed voicemails.

jfe, what screencover did you get? I need to get one as well.

Same for me.

There's a LOT of talk that the HTC Passion will be a world phone (and a lot more). There's talk it will come out on Black Friday, some say mid-December, some say Q1 2010.

Specs of the HTC HD2 (a different phone) (http://www.new-cell-phones.org/htc-hd2-review.html), which is rumoured to be similar to the Passion (aka "Dragon"). Some feel this phone IS the Passion.

The doubling of the ETF by Verizon and the BOGO for the Storm 2 immediately when it came out gives me the slight impression that VZW wants to clear out that inventory for the new stuff.

Glad I held out. I think by Spring 2010, we're going to be talking about, and talking on, some pretty impressive phones.

There are already plenty of touch screen sliding keyboard Windows based global phones available with Verizin... HTC TouchPro2, Imagio etc. But an Android OS global phone is still not announced with VZN as far as I know.

jfe, what screencover did you get? I need to get one as well.

I can't remember what it was called, bought it at Best Buy for $20, Screen Shield or something like that

It worked pretty well, but I liked the touch of glass much better