A Smartphone is a tool, right?

[W_KY]

The wife and I are relocating and while in the process we have decided to change our cell carriers. We are switching to Verizon and are looking at the Motorola Droid. Anyone have them/have opinions? Our other option is a Blackberry (which I've had before at my old job and really liked) I have just heard really good things about the Droid in terms of speed/power. Plus, I really like the idea of the Droid allowing tethering right out of the box. I will have 3G service where I am moving to. We are going from just plain ol' Nokia flip phones so it should be quite an upgrade.

 

[leftyz]

verizon will charge you to do tethering though, unless you root it.

I love android phones, so you'll get a big thumbs up from me

 

[mikevango]

They are nice some of my friends have them. I am on my iPhone right now.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

My wife has a Droid and I have the Eris. My wife has had a few issues with hers including sound quality during calls and she says the phone hangs up at random times during calls. She got a bluetooth and that solved both problems. Overall she likes it and it's a lot faster than any phone I've used, including iPhone. I would say go for that.

As far as the Eris, I would pass if you are considering that one at all. It has a slower processor and since the update to Android I have had nothing but problems with it including the browser force closing, people not hearing me during calls, widgets not working at all among other things. I liked it before the update, but what's the point of having it if it doesn't work right?

I don't know which Blackberry you are considering but my Eris was an upgrade from an 8330 Curve. That was a good phone for me, but nowhere near what the Droid is. I can't speak for any of the other Blackberrys but if I had to choose between the one I had or a Droid it would be the Droid hands down. The Droid has so many more possibilities and is much more user friendly for things like apps and web browsing.

Hope that helps. If you have any specific questions about the Droid, Eris or Blackberry Curve I'm sure I can answer them.

John

 

[Shadowdog500]

In my opinion a smartphone is a tool. I use mine all the time as a flashlight, to take photos and video of assemblies, surf this site, etc. I even use it to check live wether radar when working outside. I have been using an I-phone 3G for just short of two years now, and have played with a Droid for about half an hour. The droid is pretty neat and is is pretty intuitive. It is just going to take a while to get a large number of apps.

Get the Droid, I bet you will like it. I'm going to stick to my I-phone and look forward to getting my hands on a Iphone 4 later this month or early next month.

Chris

 

[speed bump]

I like my BB curve, I have had it for about a year now and no complaints whatsoever. The only thing I might consider since I apparently have a free upgrade is going to the Curve 2 or something like it because the processor is faster.

 

[chadster1]

From what I have seen and heard, I would go with the droid as well. I have used blackberrys in the past and the touchscreen devices just blow them away.

 

[scott37300]

Me and the woman bought droids about two months ago. So far they have been great without any problems. They are fast and also there are a ton of apps and most of them are free. I phone came out with there new one today, I have heard way to many bad reviews of the iphone to ever consider getting one. But that is just my opinion. Plus I heard something last week about all new iphone customers can't get unlimited internet use anymore. They will offer two plans for new customers to choose from and if you go over you will get charged. I didn't follow up on this since I don't plan on getting an iphone but I would take this into consideration if you looking at an iphone.

 

[chadster1]

Me and the woman bought droids about two months ago. So far they have been great without any problems. They are fast and also there are a ton of apps and most of them are free. I phone came out with there new one today, I have heard way to many bad reviews of the iphone to ever consider getting one. But that is just my opinion. Plus I heard something last week about all new iphone customers can't get unlimited internet use anymore. They will offer two plans for new customers to choose from and if you go over you will get charged. I didn't follow up on this since I don't plan on getting an iphone but I would take this into consideration if you looking at an iphone.

All of the issues that I have heard about with the iphone are network related and not device related. AT&T's network has had a LOT of issues lately.

 

[toymn6366]

The wife and i have had droids for a couple of months love them the only thing is that you can cut calls off when talking by touching screen with your face and still waiting for a sirius radio app.

 

[skeletonizer]

Posting this with my Moto Droid. Had it for a month or so, previously had a blackberry.

The droid is a life changer. I love it. If you know how to use google to its potential and have signal then you have all the answers to all the questions, you know where everything is and how to get there.

I have not turned my laptop on since I got this thing. My only fear is that I am becoming dependant on it.

 

[PassnThru]

All of the issues that I have heard about with the iphone are network related and not device related. AT&T's network has had a LOT of issues lately.

Very true - but I believe AT&T is still the only carrier for the iPhone.

 

[terrancelee]

My work phone went from a dumb phone in 05, a Moto Q in 06, BB Storm as soon as it was released, to a Droid about 2 months ago. The Droid is best by far. Depending on what type of work you do and how you treat it, of course. I'm a service electrician, so contacts, calendar, and google are requirements in my book.

Biggest complaints:

When you hang up on a call, it automatically goes back to the call history screen, which causes many random calls by accident. The touch screen is very sensitive in this respect.

Dropped calls occasionally that have nothing to do with signal quality.

Sometimes, when I miss a call and look at the history and try to call them back, it dials someone else for some reason.

No one piece cover like I had for my storm. I loved that rubber cover, was just the right amount of tack to hang on to. Storm even rode on the hood of my truck up til about 40 mph! Went back and picked it up, popped the battery back in, and fired the storm back up, so really like that cover. Don't even bother with the **** Verizon sells for a Droid cover. Get an invisible shield cover. Pita to put on correctly, though, and if not done just right it will peel. It's tough, though. http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield/motorola-droid-cases-screen-protectors-covers-skins-shields.php

Now, some folks really hate this about Google, but the one thing I really like about my droid, or any android phone I imagine .. all my contacts and calendar appointments are stored in the cloud as well as on my phone. Lose the phone .. contacts and calendar will sync up on the new one automatically. Anyone with access to your Google contacts and calendar can add and they show up on your phone automatically.

Bottom line .. for a personal phone I think the Android platform is the best out atm. Sometimes it drives me nuts as my work phone, but then every smartphone I've had has done that at some time. I certainly will never go back to the dark side of the phone world.

Look at the HTC Incredible along with the Droid. Or just wait a short while and the Moto Droid2 will be released. I think you'll like the android platform for sure.

 

[Big Boi]

Ive got Tmobile and just got the 3G Slide, and I love it. Upgraded from the G1, Its a Droid phone as well.

 

[Bull]

I am going to second the motion that you take a look at the HTC Incredible. As of last month when I checked, it had the highest ratings of any Verizon phone. Seems like a very powerful (albeit expensive) device, and it is the one I will be picking up shortly.

 

[Treorp55]

I have sprint and just got a Samsung Moment android phone and love it

 

[Big Boi]

Best thing about Droid phones is you can have different apps open at the same time. Just today i was at the Dr's office listening to an internet radio app, and checking posts on GJ!

 

[Bull]

Actually, you know what? I have been putting off getting the Incredible because it is expensive, even though I am due for an upgrade (my dare is 2 years old.) But we are going on vacation in a while where there is no internet. With an android phone, I'd still be able to surf, right? Are the browsers better than the crappy one on my dare or my wife's Blackberry?

 

[W_KY]

Thanks for all the comments. I'll have to check into the "tethering charge" from Verizon. It had been presented to me as part of the package without being rooted. I've also heard that in the near future you are suppose to be able to turn the Droid into a wireless hotspot which would be pretty sweet.

Not sure if anyone has used it but I've heard of a barcode app that allows you to scan a barcode, and then finds prices for the same item at other retailers. I'd think this would be real handy when checking out tools to tell if you are getting a decent deal.

 

[Shadowdog500]

Thanks for all the comments. I'll have to check into the "tethering charge" from Verizon. It had been presented to me as part of the package without being rooted. I've also heard that in the near future you are suppose to be able to turn the Droid into a wireless hotspot which would be pretty sweet.

Not sure if anyone has used it but I've heard of a barcode app that allows you to scan a barcode, and then finds prices for the same item at other retailers. I'd think this would be real handy when checking out tools to tell if you are getting a decent deal.

I have an iphone and use the barcode scanner all the time. The app is called red laser and it reads the barcode with the camera and checks prices of the item for both online venders and at local stores.

When I switched from Verizon to ATT to get my Iphone summer before last their network reminded me of the Verizon network about five years previous. Over the last two years the network has become allot better, and I cant remember the last time I didn't have a signal. When you get in remote areas you do go from 3G to edge which slows down web surfing.

The new Iphone hits the streets two weeks from this thursday. I cant wait to play with one to see what it can do.

Chris

 

[terrancelee]

Yes, there are several barcode apps for different things. I have one that will search out by the barcode, and I also have one that will read barcodes of food if you want to diet. Pulls up all the food label info. A lot if interesting apps available.

 

[Bull]

How much do these apps cost?

 

[RLRRLRLL]

i can text people on my phone.....

 

[Stuey]

I've got a Moto Droid and love it!

Although, you may want to consider the HTC Droid Incredible. The Moto's keyboard is junk, and I hardly use it.

There are several free barcode scanners available for Android as well.

 

[Shadowdog500]

How much do these apps cost?

Some are free, most are 99 cents to $2.99. I've spent anywhere from $12 to $79 each for a few specialty apps.

Chris

 

[Bull]

What kind of app costs $79?

And, how about the web browsers on these new Droid phones? Are they pleasant to use?

 

[mcdtommy23]

+1 on Droid. Went from Pocket PC to Droid and love it! It's my work phone. Gives me great access to Google Docs for mant. lists, weather channel, THE BEST GPS app on a phone period. I have tons of applications and have yet to pay for one of them! The whole Android thing is open source and encourages people to develop and modify things for the OS.

My recent posts pictures were taken on a Droid. Very good camera. It will even geo tag your photos. I can't say enough good things about this phone! Ohh, almost forgot.... When you put the phone in the home dock it goes into a very nice alarm clock mode with weather display. I also have the car dock. As soon as the Droid is placed in the dock it automatically goes into "car" mode. Larger and more relevant icons.

Forget the Blackberry or Iphone, Droid is the way to go.

 

[speed bump]

A lot of people really seem to like the Droid but after looking at things that Google does with spying on you, selling said information, and generally trying to convince you to prostrate before their devices without informing you of what they are doing. Same thing goes for Apple, I'm not ******* giving Apple a credit card and i'm appalled that they asked for one before I asked for that service.

Bull as far as $79 programs, it seems like if I needed the ability to be able to do a lot with MS Office then it was a $50-70 program but that was on a phone aimed at professional users and if they need it, then they would buy it without blinking.

 

[sanddrag]

I've been mostly happy with my T-mobile Dash 3G Windows phone. It's almost like a Blackberry but it runs Windows. It doesn't have the vast application variety of other phones, and but it does everything I need. It gets online (Opera Browser is great), gets my e-mail, has Google maps, and plays music. It's very thin, has an excellent keyboard, and battery life. It also has voice command which is useful if you use a headset. The speaker for playing music is louder than most laptops. The call quality and signal strength is good. I did not have to set up anything or pay extra in order to tether it. It is inexpensive both for the phone and the plan. It's about half the thickness and weight of the Droid. The only problem is that being Windows, it will occasionally crash, and the apps for it are not as good/available.

 

[Stuey]

What kind of app costs $79?

And, how about the web browsers on these new Droid phones? Are they pleasant to use?

Define "pleasant".

The browser is decent, rendering most sites in a viewable format. The built-in browser and those that can be downloaded are full html browsers, but cannot handle java or flash.

The Droid can render webpages with a speed that non-smartphones can never hope to match, but they're nowhere as quick as any computer.

Navigation is excellent, as is the email system. I have both gmail, google app mail, and imap mail setup, and they mesh together with ease.

My previous phone was the LG Voyager, and this is my first smartphone with a data package. I <3 Android, and the Moto Droid is by far the best phone I've ever had.

 

[Shadowdog500]

What kind of app costs $79?

And, how about the web browsers on these new Droid phones? Are they pleasant to use?

I bought the original Foreflight flight planning tool for around $79. It was the first app to put all of the routine pilot flight planning information in one place. The newer one is for an annual fee of $79 which is a little too much money for my blood. Glad I bought it when it was just a one time fee.

Routine business apps are usually anywhere from free to $5.00

The browser on the droid is pleasant to use when compared to my Iphone.

Chris

 

[Rickstir]

I live in the boonies and my cell carrier is US Celllular. I have the new HTC Pro Talk 2 smartphone and love it. Waiting for the other shoe to fall on the first month's charges. We have a screwy arrangement and acutall get our phone through one of the companies in town. This phone has a good size QWERTY keyboard which is nice for my stubby fingers. I have Microsoft Office and Outlook, get my email and also notices on a server farm monitoring service if one of the whirlygigs goes bonkers. Really like it.

 

[1984GMC]

I personally don't see the need for 98% of the **** on phones nowadays, ITS A DAMN PHONE. That is all it needs to do, I wouldn't have one at all if it wasn't cheaper than a land line.

 

[Stuey]

I personally don't see the need for 98% of the **** on phones nowadays, ITS A DAMN PHONE. That is all it needs to do, I wouldn't have one at all if it wasn't cheaper than a land line.

I've had my smartphone for about 7 months now, and I could never go back to using a cell as "just a phone." Anything else just seems so primitive and stifled in comparison.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I've had a smart phone about 8 or 9 years now and could never go back. I bought the origional Smartphone (Kyocero 6035 shown below) when it came out in '01 or '02 and have had three treos (650,700,750) then I bought my Iphone. Before the smartphone came out I remember carrying a Palm III followed by a V with a Star tack in both front pockets, That was more nerdlike that the Pocket protecter thread.

Chris
Kyocera 6035:

 

[antolod]

Had the 6035, 7135 Treo750P and just got a Palm Pre Plus (Verizon) about a week ago. It has a built-in WiFi mobile hot spot for up to 5 users at no extra charge, but I haven't tested that yet. I was the last of the 3 of us at work with smartphones to make the upgrade, because I dropped my 750 and the screen broke. So far I'm happy with the Pre, but I'm still learning.

 

[Major Ramifications]

No, a phone is not a tool. You can't build or fix anything with it. Teenage girls love them, just to dispel any further doubt. This should really be in Free Parking.

 

[Stuey]

No, a phone is not a tool. You can't build or fix anything with it. Teenage girls love them, just to dispel any further doubt. This should really be in Free Parking.

I use mine as a reference tool. It's got a level, quick reference charts, and a calculator. Plus, it can be used as a straight edge or flashlight in a pinch.

 

[crewchief888]

i sorta consider my work cell phone a tool. it does help me get my job done.
my personal cell is another story...
it's a phone with a seemingly constant low battery. it dont have whizbang apps, it dont text, and seldom rings. i have several friends that still use nextel 2ways, so it's used for that more than anything.

 

[Shadowdog500]

No, a phone is not a tool. You can't build or fix anything with it. Teenage girls love them, just to dispel any further doubt. This should really be in Free Parking.

I disagree, It is the first flashlight that I look for when under a car or armpit deep in something. I've used the video camera numerous times to look behind walls for pluming or electric or tight spaces around cars. It is allot easier to hold you cellphone into a tight area and sweep it with the video camera than it is to dig out the mirrors. One time I was working on a non functioning well pump in my father in laws partially flooded basement and pulled up the repair manual from the company website moments after getting there and reading the model number.

Here is an OBD II Iphone app
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S7V-mOTeiM8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S7V-mOTeiM8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

Neat video that shows how the rev app can be used with OBDII:
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NG9qCdblAzc&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NG9qCdblAzc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

This is just the beginning, I envision bi directional in the near future.

Chris