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52 Comments
- defektiv, on 11/07/2009, -3/+21I picked mine up yesterday and have been playing with it all night. I would say this review is pretty good and thorough. The only complaint I have with the phone is something the article covered, the sometimes weird locations for buttons. Often there is a large "Clear" button on screen when you're typing in text boxes. My pinky finger inevitably bumps that, especially after I've typed a long message, and clears it all out. The search button can also do the same as the article states.
It's an incredible device, though. Anything I can complain about it can be fixed with updates and those complaints are very few. Response is good and the interface was designed very well. You can get from one place on the phone to another with one of two touches or clicks, multiple windows can be opened, closed and configured while open, there is a task manager like interface for forcing apps to shut down, the power management screen gives you full power and cpu information for every aspect of the phone, the list goes on. Almost everything can be configured and taps, double taps and holds all have similar functionality no matter where you are, which is nice.
Motorola did an incredible job with this device. I'm still curious to see how it's going to stand up functionally after I've had it running for a few days without a reset, but we'll see. And don't listen to anyone that complains about lack of apps, the free apps alone are so many I hadn't seen them all in several hours of browsing them. And I haven't even touched the app lists for apps that cost. - HotLeper, on 11/07/2009, -2/+17I think I'm in love all over again... but I'm married to the iphone and we have to make it work for the kids.
- caseinpoint, on 11/07/2009, -3/+14I got mine yesterday and I have to be honest. It is an AMAZING phone. It could very well change my life and the way I do almost everything with communications and the internet. I will have to learn more about all of the amazing things it can do as soon as possible, but from a business phone standpoint it has a couple of problems.
With that being said I have found a few problems.
1) The people at the Verizon store told me that it should just simply sync with Outlook. This is not true. In order to sync with Outlook you have to first sync your Outlook with your Google account. For me this is a concern because I don't like the 1,000+ contacts that I have gathered to be out on Google's cloud (that I can't really control). Once the Outlook data has synced with Google it will eventually trickle down to your phone.
This is another problem for me because what if I want to quickly sync a new contact to my phone? I have to sync to Google and then just wait for it to show up on my phone. Not real happy about that one.
Also, I run a 64bit Vista OS right now and from what I've read (this may be wrong) but the Google sync tool (that has to be downloaded and installed as an Outlook addon) does not work with the 64bit OS yet.
It's hard to believe that with a phone as advanced as this one is that there is not a direct sync tool available. - murrdpirate, on 11/07/2009, -1/+12How big are apps typically? What the hell is stopping them from storing them on the memory card?
- sgvprelude, on 11/07/2009, -8/+17"With only 256MB of on-board storage, the DROID is limited to the amount of applications you can store and maybe even the possibility of not being able to run future updates of the OS. It was rumored that 2.0 would allow you to store apps to the external memory card, but that's obviously not true."
Wouldn't this automatically make this device far inferior than the iphone? - ShoeSh1ne, on 11/07/2009, -1/+10That's not typical.
Usually they run between 1 and 2 MB. - drex8, on 11/07/2009, -1/+7People are literally writing blogs in the comments.
- sgvprelude, on 11/07/2009, -3/+9Typically the apps are <5mb. But typically people want the cool games and applications that are definitely >10mb, and with a jailbroken iphone you have pages and pages of apps. Let's not argue the fact that 256mb for applications is definitely a huge weakness.
- defektiv, on 11/07/2009, -1/+7you also get traffic and satellite layers to your google maps that your gps is integrated into. in addition, you can go into google street view, zoom in and out, etc. in my opinion it's better than gps.
- endform, on 11/07/2009, -0/+5We did an unscientific speed test at work for loading web pages between the Droid, an iPhone 3gs and an iPhone 2g.
It blew the other phones away for how fast it loaded web pages, both pages that rely on a lot of back and forth between the server and just straight up large image downloads. The droid had super low latency and high bandwidth. It was like desktop speeds for loading web pages, amazing! - Darthmaul4114, on 11/07/2009, -0/+5seems like you got a bad unit. mine hasn't yet locked up or crashed. been pretty perfect so far.
- PuddingSenator, on 11/07/2009, -1/+5"But don't worry, it won't replace your Garmin or whichever PND you might currently own. It's a good start but it has a ways to go before it will actually replace your PND."
Why? They list a bunch of amazing features that Google Maps Navigation has and then throw out this statement with no justification. I've been using my WinMo phone running TomTom as my sole GPS for years and it works perfectly, and this seems like it would be quite a bit more sophisticated than that. - gkskillz, on 11/07/2009, -1/+5Android apps tend to range from 100KB to 1MB, but some with lots of graphics can be more. I've seen games with a lot resources download the main app without the resources. Then, the first time you launch, it downloads all the sounds and graphics to the SD card, so really, the limitation for games isn't as big as it seems.
- murrdpirate, on 11/07/2009, -3/+6I tried it out yesterday and walked away fairly impressed. Maybe it was just the floor model I used, but the touchscreen could have been a lot more responsive. But to me, the Droid is the iphone with a better screen, network, and operating system.
I'm wondering if I should get the Droid or wait for more...I heard there were a ton of smart phones coming out by christmas. It seems like we're just now getting some decent competition in smart phones, so I wonder if we're going to start to see a lot more innovation. Is there any good buzz on some phones coming out soon? - Hellicus, on 11/07/2009, -0/+3You can dump that bitch and start dating the Droid... I'm sure the kids will love her sweet android OS.
- Telexen, on 11/06/2009, -6/+9This night can't pass fast enough. I'll be getting up pretty early to go pick mine up.
- radix2, on 11/07/2009, -0/+3Hopefully it is just a faulty device and a replacement will see you good.
Just one comment offered as an aside: At least you have the option of using a second/backup battery, unlike the iPhone. - frieddonuts, on 11/07/2009, -0/+3Even my WinMo phone running a 2 year old OS allows installations to the SD card. I don't understand this.
- web2pointYo, on 11/07/2009, -2/+5you mean apps. :)
- defektiv, on 11/07/2009, -0/+3AppManager Pro is a cheap app that lets you backup and install apps to and from the SD. And with opensource app development, it's only going to get easier to do things like that.
- crozierm, on 11/07/2009, -4/+7I bought one yesterday and it has been a big dissapointment. It has yet to survive an hour without locking up or crashing. If the device does not crash, the browser does.
I'm hoping that this is just a bad device and these problems are not characteristic of the phone in general. I will exchange it today and give it another chance, otherwise I'm switching to something else.
When the device is working, it is okay. It's main flaws are:
1. Lackluster keyboard. The cliq is much better (but on T-Mobile's crappy network)
2. The unlock button is in the worst possible place, so that single-handed operation (even just to read a text or answer the phone) is nearly impossible.
3. The battery drains quickly. It has been plugged in and charging most of the time I've had it. If I keep it, I will either never leave the house or I will need a backup battery.
Again, I'm going to give it another shot, but I fear this may not be the droid I'm looking for. - 7thspages, on 11/07/2009, -1/+3Really it's an incredible device.
- crozierm, on 11/08/2009, -0/+2An update for posterity.
It took two trips and a huffy 'tude on my part, but Verizon did replace the broken unit. It has not crashed yet and hopefully that will continue to be the case. The random manifestation of the problems (misc app crashes and full system lockups, reboots and crashes) suggest that there was something deeply broken with the hardware. - xelloss, on 11/07/2009, -2/+4Loving my Droid I picked up today, came from a BB Pearl so its a huge difference. The screen is awesome so sharp and clear and touch screen and touch keyboard works nicely, and love Gmails app sync with contact (and Google's voice recognition works incredibly). The physical keyboard is nice, but I wish it as centered with the phone rather then offset to the left when holding it widescreen and just did away with the arrow dpad thing. That's my only complaint though so far. Also had to buy the GPS car unit should get that Tuesday. If you don't want AT&T and need a phone I would have to recommend this phone.
- DoucheSandwich, on 11/07/2009, -0/+2not possible.
exchange sync is it's own data cloud - it completely replaces the process he's talking about.
there is no way to connect and directly sync, only though google contacts and calendars. - EtherGnat, on 11/08/2009, -0/+2Yes, Exchange and Outlook are two different things, but many people still get them confused as Outlook is their interface to Exchange data.
The parent was almost assuredly right--the Verizon rep had Outlook/Exchange and Outlook/Local PST confused. - rossisdead, on 11/07/2009, -2/+4Does it come with an app to help you fix run on sentences?
- EtherGnat, on 11/08/2009, -0/+2I've got about 40 apps installed on my Droid, and I still have over 175mb free. It was touched on above, but only the executable must live in main memory. Any data and auxiliary files may be stored on the SD card, making it largely a non issue.
It's still a stupid limitation, although I have had issues before on WinMo with SD installed apps, especially if you ever remove the card (yes, obviously it doesn't work with the card removed but it can be wonky even after it's back in). - Darthmaul4114, on 11/07/2009, -0/+2the reviewer seems to contradict himself not just there. they said in separate parts that the camera was both good, and the worst one on the market today.
- DulcetTone, on 11/08/2009, -0/+2like there's a difference!
:) - Darthmaul4114, on 11/07/2009, -0/+1you dont have to go to google to sync a new contact. just add it onto the phone and it will update to your google account in the cloud. not sure if it'll trickle down to outlook, but at least it'll be on your phone instantly and you don't have to wait...
- verkon, on 11/07/2009, -0/+1Gosh, it is suppose to be a big M, it's megahertz, not millihertz.
- FireSlash, on 11/07/2009, -0/+1I personally love the d-pad. The keyboard offset only takes a short while to get used to, and the dpad makes it much easier to key back to a mistyped character (vs trying to touch the EXACT SPOT with your finger)
- thefox84, on 11/07/2009, -1/+2I can't wait for the flood of open source software, but more importantly to me, the flood of phone manufacturers working to perfect Android on a phone. Because competition is a good thing. Let the Android phone invasion begin!
- Johnagain, on 11/07/2009, -0/+1Does anyone know how many droid type phones Verizon will be releasing, and when the last one will be introduced?
I appreciate the Engadget and Wired reviews and such, but would like to see these phones in the hands of some real people before I select one.
Thanks!! - sgvprelude, on 11/07/2009, -3/+4I'm seeing 50mb-1gb apps on iphone showing up.
- biogears, on 11/07/2009, -0/+1Competition is a good thing?
This is not the prevailing theory in our society these days. - Tyger11, on 11/07/2009, -0/+1I tested one out yesterday, and the build quality is simply amazing. The physical keyboard is completely pointless, but the onscreen one is very nice. They should've scrapped the keyboard for more battery life and/or a better camera (which is also not great). The phone, even with slide-out keyboard, is essentially the same thickness as my HTC Touch.
Something I hadn't read before - the onscreen 'buttons' can make the vibrate go off for some tactile feedback, which I really love - it makes all the difference in the world.
I'm still on contract with Sprint until March, so I'm waiting to see what else comes out. Hopefully Verizon will lower their plan prices to compete with Sprint, as I'd have to pay another $20/mo to get the same level of service I have at Sprint right now. - wbienek, on 11/09/2009, -0/+1Yes, its a pretty big weakness.. For Verizon its a pretty nice phone.. I got to play with it yesterday.. the keyboard is way better than people in the reviews made it out to be..
What funny is that you have to 'hack' it (something at least/more complicated than jailbreaking an iPhone) to get things to work right (sync, install on SD, fix/improve onscreen keyboard) But a jailbroken iphone rules over this device.. W/ jailbreak you get free turn by turn (not as good as Droid) multitasking /task manager.. and a better media player experience..
Its an easy choice though.. if youo're on verizon.. go Droid.. AT&T .. iPhone..
no debate. - JohnErickson44, on 11/16/2009, -0/+1Android is a great platform. I prefer it to my iPhone. Now that the hardware is getting better, I might have to sell my iPhone, cancel my plan, and get one of these.
- sonammiller, on 11/18/2009, -0/+1Does anybody know how much Verizon/Moto paid Lucas Film for the name? For some reason I'm really curious to know how much it works out to per phone. BTW, my Droid rocks.
- EtherGnat, on 11/08/2009, -0/+1The biggest drawback to the Google Nav service is that it won't work in areas without cell phone service, although it does cache your route (not sure how much) to prevent temporary disruptions from causing problems.
- magus_melchior, on 11/09/2009, -0/+1That's the hallmark of a really bad writer; he says that it's probably because of crummy camera software, but doesn't differentiate that from the overall review of the camera.
- magus_melchior, on 11/09/2009, -0/+1Panic mode?
No, no, no. A tanking stock price (VZ dipped in March, but so did the rest of the market) and rumors of going to AT&T for a buyout would be a sign that they're in panic mode. 14 new products is a gutsy move, but it's not a "panic" move since they do have the capacity to sign that many deals with phone makers. That's the key, since the lion's share of their profits are from the contract accounts, not device sales.
I mean, consider when the iPhone was first launched. Blackberry diehards dismissed it like you (indirectly) did the Droid and Eris, as it really was a weaker device on a weak network. It sold like hotcakes. That won't be a repeat performance, as the Pre demonstrates, but to write off a new business strategy as "panic" is incredibly short-sighted.
Verizon can now play up Android's open nature vs. the iPhone's closed, and their own network strengths vs. AT&T's weaknesses. The Droid lineup may not be the Android-killer they're hyping it to be, but it's the first serious contender Apple/ATT will face. - magus_melchior, on 11/09/2009, -0/+1So far, 2 Android phones: The Moto Droid (Android 2.0) and the HTC Eris (1.6).
If you need a demo, there should be a mini-kiosk at the local Verizon store. - xelloss, on 11/08/2009, -0/+1Yeah you had a bad phone, I also did, but I just exchanged for a new one at Bestbuy and got .06 sent back lol. The new one works great. The Bestbuy phone rep said they got 2 back before mine and sold about 60.
- magus_melchior, on 11/09/2009, -0/+1A billion times the difference. ^^;
- PrestonLeigh, on 11/10/2009, -0/+0Magus you made some good points. But I am not writing off the Droid but rather I have issue with Verizon's strategy to please shareholders after a very bad mistake. iPhone should have been Verizons. But it is not, and moving forward Verizon should respond aggressively to maintain their position in the market. However, throwing 14 products at consumers is in my opinion a panic move. Verizon needs to demonstrate to shareholders that they still have a grip on themselves. A more focused and targeted marketing plan is needed right now. Presenting 14 new products is like "throwing enough stuff up on the wall hoping that something sticks." Shareholders need to know that the Verizon's present management team in still in control and will not be making clouded judgment calls.
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