Should I get a Droid today? Any reason to wait?

[bommy261]

i would wait for something better. I have a droid and i am glad i got it when i did, but if something better was coming out soon i'd wait. the droids physical keyboard is crap imo, i just use the onscreen keyboard. problem is, the droid could be soooo much thinner if it weren't for the stupid keyboard

 

[PlatinumGold]

i would wait for something better. I have a droid and i am glad i got it when i did, but if something better was coming out soon i'd wait. the droids physical keyboard is crap imo, i just use the onscreen keyboard. problem is, the droid could be soooo much thinner if it weren't for the stupid keyboard

have you tried betterkeyboard? the latest version also allows you to turn on predictive for physical keyboard, so you start typing the word and click on the one that matches on the screen. it makes the physical keyboard pretty effective.

 

[yh125d]

That's good to hear, and makes the Incredible look more viable for me at least.

Another reason to not want Sense UI is with a "Google Experience" phone you'll receive OS updates right when they're released and not have to wait on HTC's Sense or Motorola's Motoblur.

Just like my computers, I really don't want unnecessary software pre-installed. But that's me.

HTC Sense is far from bloatware :|

 

[Lumathix]

HTC Sense is far from bloatware :|

It is a skin on top of the actual Google UI and isn't necessary. It will need to be updated each time there is an updated UI released by Google, which will take some time. It doesn't do a whole lot more than the standard UI. Some people like it, some do not. I like the standard android UI, and anything like a "theme" or "skin" to me is unnecessary bloatware. For the record, I don't want any Verizon crap installed on my phone either.

 

[Deeko]

That's good to hear, and makes the Incredible look more viable for me at least.

Another reason to not want Sense UI is with a "Google Experience" phone you'll receive OS updates right when they're released and not have to wait on HTC's Sense or Motorola's Motoblur.

Just like my computers, I really don't want unnecessary software pre-installed. But that's me.

It is a skin on top of the actual Google UI and isn't necessary. It will need to be updated each time there is an updated UI released by Google, which will take some time. It doesn't do a whole lot more than the standard UI. Some people like it, some do not. I like the standard android UI, and anything like a "theme" or "skin" to me is unnecessary bloatware. For the record, I don't want any Verizon crap installed on my phone either.

Its not a skin on top of the Google UI - its a replacement for the UI. When you hit the home key, an app is launched...either Sense's home screen, or Google's home screen. Its not both.

Also, despite calling it "bloatware", phones with Sense installed almost always run smoother than phones without it. The Droid Eris runs its UI better than the Droid, despite a considerably slower processor. The Hero runs smoother than the MyTouch 3G. I don't know what it is about the default Andriod UI, but its just kinda sluggish.

Most of the widgits/tools I purchased for my Droid - PureGrid Calendar, Twidroid Pro, Better Keyboard for example - all do something that Sense would have done for me.

Anyway, you are correct about Google Experience phones vs Sense phones, however, disabling Sense on your Incredible isn't going to get you Nexus One updates. And for the record, the G1 and MyTouch have not even been upgraded to 2.0, let alone 2.1, and the Droid is still on 2.0.1, despite being Google Experience phones.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Its not a skin on top of the Google UI - its a replacement for the UI. When you hit the home key, an app is launched...either Sense's home screen, or Google's home screen. Its not both.

Also, despite calling it "bloatware", phones with Sense installed almost always run smoother than phones without it. The Droid Eris runs its UI better than the Droid, despite a considerably slower processor. The Hero runs smoother than the MyTouch 3G. I don't know what it is about the default Andriod UI, but its just kinda sluggish.

Most of the widgits/tools I purchased for my Droid - PureGrid Calendar, Twidroid Pro, Better Keyboard for example - all do something that Sense would have done for me.

Anyway, you are correct about Google Experience phones vs Sense phones, however, disabling Sense on your Incredible isn't going to get you Nexus One updates. And for the record, the G1 and MyTouch have not even been upgraded to 2.0, let alone 2.1, and the Droid is still on 2.0.1, despite being Google Experience phones.

Yup. It's like everytime the new phone comes out, people go "Hah, see this phone is the latest, it gets the latest Android version." Yes. 2.0 for you Droid, then the N1. Who's to say what will happen when 2.2 comes out or 2.5 or whatever the next version of Android is going to be (Froyo). That said, the N! IS the Google Phone as we know it, not the G1 or the MyTouch, so perhaps Google might roll things out faster.

I completely agree that Sense is not bloatware. It's funny because most people actually TRY putting Sense on their Droids, N1s, and what not. Many of the custom ROMs include the HTC Desire features that people always ask for.

And about the Droid Eris, Deeko is absolutely correct it runs blazing fast. On paper the phone doesn't look great, but when handling it, it's surprisingly smooth and fast. HTC really spent a lot of time working with this stuff. To me, it seems like the Droid is just relatively unoptimized. The move to a Cortex A8 should be like a 2x speed bump or so, yet the UI gets choppy at times on the Droid? I don't get it. The phone should be twice as fast as the Droid Eris at least.

have you tried betterkeyboard? the latest version also allows you to turn on predictive for physical keyboard, so you start typing the word and click on the one that matches on the screen. it makes the physical keyboard pretty effective.

Smart Keyboard Pro is actually pretty nice. I spent an hour in Handcent SMS just typing idiotic texts and playing iwth all 3 keyboards that I use (stock Android, HTC IME, and Smart Keyboard). I also spent 20 min in the AT&T store playing with the HTC Tilt 2 (Touch Pro 2). Quite honestly typing on Android with the HTC IME feels the SAME on the Resistive Tilt 2. Interesting. I think it's the lack of multitouch and the improvements made to resistive technology. Smart Keyboard Pro is more of an iPhone biteoff, and for me works better. I did the "Show contact points" to learn more about my fingers typing, and it works very well. On the developer's site it explains that it uses Android 2.0's multitouch capabilities. I like!

 

[Rottie]

Just wait until iPhone HD (iPhone 4G) for VZW come out this year

 

[AstroManLuca]

Just wait until iPhone HD (iPhone 4G) for VZW come out this year

Yes, I'm sure the guy who is looking at Android phones will just get an iPhone instead.

IMO the only reason to wait would be if you want to wait for the HTC Evo 4G on Sprint. An added bonus is that Sprint's plans are cheaper than Verizon's.

 

[Lumathix]

Just wait until iPhone HD (iPhone 4G) for VZW come out this year

PSA: This is not in any way, shape or form, an official statement from Verizon, AT&T or Apple.....

See link for one random article on the subject:
http://mashable.com/2010/03/30/verizon-iphone/

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

PSA: This is not in any way, shape or form, an official statement from Verizon, AT&T or Apple.....

See link for one random article on the subject:
http://mashable.com/2010/03/30/verizon-iphone/

Exactly. Let's not hype this up like the iPod 3G with the camera rumor and turn into rage mode when it turns out not to be true

 

[foghorn67]

Yup. It's like everytime the new phone comes out, people go "Hah, see this phone is the latest, it gets the latest Android version." Yes. 2.0 for you Droid, then the N1. Who's to say what will happen when 2.2 comes out or 2.5 or whatever the next version of Android is going to be (Froyo). That said, the N! IS the Google Phone as we know it, not the G1 or the MyTouch, so perhaps Google might roll things out faster.

I completely agree that Sense is not bloatware. It's funny because most people actually TRY putting Sense on their Droids, N1s, and what not. Many of the custom ROMs include the HTC Desire features that people always ask for.

And about the Droid Eris, Deeko is absolutely correct it runs blazing fast. On paper the phone doesn't look great, but when handling it, it's surprisingly smooth and fast. HTC really spent a lot of time working with this stuff. To me, it seems like the Droid is just relatively unoptimized. The move to a Cortex A8 should be like a 2x speed bump or so, yet the UI gets choppy at times on the Droid? I don't get it. The phone should be twice as fast as the Droid Eris at least.



Smart Keyboard Pro is actually pretty nice. I spent an hour in Handcent SMS just typing idiotic texts and playing iwth all 3 keyboards that I use (stock Android, HTC IME, and Smart Keyboard). I also spent 20 min in the AT&T store playing with the HTC Tilt 2 (Touch Pro 2). Quite honestly typing on Android with the HTC IME feels the SAME on the Resistive Tilt 2. Interesting. I think it's the lack of multitouch and the improvements made to resistive technology. Smart Keyboard Pro is more of an iPhone biteoff, and for me works better. I did the "Show contact points" to learn more about my fingers typing, and it works very well. On the developer's site it explains that it uses Android 2.0's multitouch capabilities. I like!

Moot point. Haven't seen a speedy Eris yet. 2.1 Droids are stunningly fast.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Moot point. Haven't seen a speedy Eris yet. 2.1 Droids are stunningly fast.

Well Deeko seems to think otherwise with his Sense UI phones. I tend to agree, but I've only played with the Eris twice in the store (although I did so extensively).

 

[lokiju]

Do you want to use it to get work Exchange mail, calenders, contacts, notes, to-do's?

If no, then go for it.

If yes then I'd get something else or wait for the iPhone on Verizon which seems like it's all but a sure thing at this point.

I have the Droid and while I really like the phone, it's really lacking IMO in the areas listed above, especially when I've had an iPhone and Black Berry.

I should note that I had the 3G iPhone up till the Droid came out and jumped on the opportunity to get back on Verizon as their network is so solid and AT&T's is so shitty.

While I'm loving Verizon's rock solid network, I do miss my iPhone at times when using it for work related Exchange functions.

I'm kind of thinking of getting the iPhone on Verizon if it does actually happen (this time).

 

[foghorn67]

Do you want to use it to get work Exchange mail, calenders, contacts, notes, to-do's?

If no, then go for it.

If yes then I'd get something else or wait for the iPhone on Verizon which seems like it's all but a sure thing at this point.

I have the Droid and while I really like the phone, it's really lacking IMO in the areas listed above, especially when I've had an iPhone and Black Berry.

I should note that I had the 3G iPhone up till the Droid came out and jumped on the opportunity to get back on Verizon as their network is so solid and AT&T's is so shitty.

While I'm loving Verizon's rock solid network, I do miss my iPhone at times when using it for work related Exchange functions.

I'm kind of thinking of getting the iPhone on Verizon if it does actually happen (this time).

Very true. I love my Droid, but it's not an enterprise phone. I heard Touchdown is good, but haven't tried it, and not everyone is clamoring to drop their BB's and iPhones for that.

 

[sswingle]

Moot point. Haven't seen a speedy Eris yet. 2.1 Droids are stunningly fast.

You apparently have not seen an Eris running 2.1

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

I believe Touchdown blows away the iPhone Exchange services. The iPhone isn't exactly spectacular in terms of a enterprise phone either. I admit Android OOB is terrible. HTC's Work Email makes things a little better, and Touchdown really makes it even better. No BB, but definitely 20x better. I love being able to schedule push peak times rather than to have my email coming in at midnight too.

 

[Spoooon]

I believe Touchdown blows away the iPhone Exchange services. The iPhone isn't exactly spectacular in terms of a enterprise phone either. I admit Android OOB is terrible. HTC's Work Email makes things a little better, and Touchdown really makes it even better. No BB, but definitely 20x better. I love being able to schedule push peak times rather than to have my email coming in at midnight too.

Touchdown is pretty sweet. Way more exchange than I actually need, so returned it.

 

[RaiderJ]

Do you want to use it to get work Exchange mail, calenders, contacts, notes, to-do's?

If no, then go for it.

If yes then I'd get something else or wait for the iPhone on Verizon which seems like it's all but a sure thing at this point.

I have the Droid and while I really like the phone, it's really lacking IMO in the areas listed above, especially when I've had an iPhone and Black Berry.

I should note that I had the 3G iPhone up till the Droid came out and jumped on the opportunity to get back on Verizon as their network is so solid and AT&T's is so shitty.

While I'm loving Verizon's rock solid network, I do miss my iPhone at times when using it for work related Exchange functions.

I'm kind of thinking of getting the iPhone on Verizon if it does actually happen (this time).

I would like the ability to check my work email/calendar/contacts, but not on a continual basis. Our webmail works fine, which I could just use from the Android browser.

All my personal stuff is with Google for the most part, email/calendar/contacts, which I imagine would work fantastic on an Android phone.

What about the HTC Eris phone? Saw it next to a Droid - you lose the physical keyboard, but what else is different? Seems to be a bit smaller, which would be nice.

 

[Spoooon]

I would like the ability to check my work email/calendar/contacts, but not on a continual basis. Our webmail works fine, which I could just use from the Android browser.

All my personal stuff is with Google for the most part, email/calendar/contacts, which I imagine would work fantastic on an Android phone.

What about the HTC Eris phone? Saw it next to a Droid - you lose the physical keyboard, but what else is different? Seems to be a bit smaller, which would be nice.

At this point, I would be choosing between the Droid and the next big thing (Incredible or whatever). I don't think it would matter so much if you could get the Eris for relatively cheap and contract free. The Eris with 2.1 is supposed to be nice and fast, but it is an "older" phone and you'd be locked in for 2 years.