LG Dare to Android, Swype any good?

[dbgtrulz]

Hello all. I'm upgrading my LG dare very soon, and I know I want an android phone. One thing I found when I used the Dare was that I greatly disliked the virtual keyboard, I've had to type slow or misspell words. I don't do nearly as much texting as web surfing (I got the vpak with unlimited full web on my dare) so I guess I didn't use it enough to "get used to" it.

So I was planning on getting a Droid 2 with a keyboard, until I started reading about Swype and similar apps. The one Verizon store close to me is a small reseller that doesn't power their displayed phones, so I can't test it out. I like the Droid Incredible (better camera, 720p vids, cool desktop) more than the Droid 2. So my question is, do you think Swype would work for me? Or, is the Android virtual keyboard just plain better than the Dare's?

 

[Theodosius]

I did the same as you, from the Dare, to the incredible. I hated the Dare's keyboard for the same reasons as you. But the stock sense keyboard on the incredible is great, much better than the Dare's. And swype is even better. I am sure you could ask the employees at the store to let you try out the phones you want. At my little verizon store they bring out the phones from the back and power them on.

 

[sherri]

Droid 2 comes with Swype pre-installed. Also has the physical keyboard (which is why my daughter wanted it...I have the original Droid...)Droid 2 also has the "touch" keyboard.

I am not a huge fan of Swype (I do have it...), but others won't use anything else. My personal preference is Smart Keyboard Pro...

Droid 2 gives you the most options for the keyboards, so you won't go wrong! Awesome phone!

 

[skilaufen]

Hello all. I'm upgrading my LG dare very soon, and I know I want an android phone. One thing I found when I used the Dare was that I greatly disliked the virtual keyboard, I've had to type slow or misspell words. I don't do nearly as much texting as web surfing (I got the vpak with unlimited full web on my dare) so I guess I didn't use it enough to "get used to" it.

So I was planning on getting a Droid 2 with a keyboard, until I started reading about Swype and similar apps. The one Verizon store close to me is a small reseller that doesn't power their displayed phones, so I can't test it out. I like the Droid Incredible (better camera, 720p vids, cool desktop) more than the Droid 2. So my question is, do you think Swype would work for me? Or, is the Android virtual keyboard just plain better than the Dare's?

I think Swype is a pretty good keyboard app. I have liked using it, but if you don't like it you can still go back to the standard keyboard. Swype is only an option and sometimes does not even come set as default.

 

[dbgtrulz]

@Theodosius: So the android keyboard is better than the Dare's? That's good. I'll have to go to the store and see if they'll let me give it a try.

@sherri: Yeah, I know the droid 2 has swype. I don't even think the Inc comes pre-loaded with swype (I'd have to download the beta or get a similar app) The thing is, I like the camera and screen on the HTC Incredible, and I would rather go with the DInc so long as I can use it's keyboard.

@skilaufen: Well, if I go with the Droid 2 I can always revert to the physical keyboard, but if I go with the Droid Inc I can't, so I'd need to use something else. The Droid Inc would be my choice so long as I can use that something else without making a lot of misspellings.

 

[Theodosius]

Oh, it is miles better. I type without looking at the virtual keyboard, and make no mistakes, partially because of auto-correct, and mainly because of how it is made. The software and hardware is miles more advanced, and the way it works, the touchscreen that is, is much better.

And no, the incredible doesn't come with swype, but you can download it from the market.

There are many different keyboards in the android markets, so it is pretty easy to find one you want and like. There is even a new keyboard out 8pen that gives a completely unique take on the keyboard. But if you find you just can't use a virtual keyboard, than go for the physical one.

 

[ekyle]

Swype is good. I used it for awhile, but then I ended up switching back to the standard keyboard. Personally, I just find it easier.

 

[Frisco]

Hello dbgtrulz. Your query, and the thread in general, are not Verizon specific, so I moved it to the Android Lounge where it'll get more participation related to what's being talked about in the thread.

 

[dbgtrulz]

Hello dbgtrulz. Your query, and the thread in general, are not Verizon specific, so I moved it to the Android Lounge where it'll get more participation related to what's being talked about in the thread.

Cool.

I've been looking around and found the main differences between the two:

Droid 2:
-Keyboard
-Longer battery life
-Screen works better outside

HTC Incredible
-More Megapixels in camera
-HTC Sense
-Screen looks better inside
-Thinner

The battery life was what I found that made me want the D2. Most sites I've found said that the HTC Incredible has about 5.2 hours of talk time, while the Droid 2 has 9.5. Anyone know if that's true? It sounds a little too different to be real, especially since the DInc's screen in supposed to save power.

 

[Kabob]

Cool.

I've been looking around and found the main differences between the two:

Droid 2:
-Keyboard
-Longer battery life
-Screen works better outside

HTC Incredible
-More Megapixels in camera
-HTC Sense
-Screen looks better inside
-Thinner

The battery life was what I found that made me want the D2. Most sites I've found said that the HTC Incredible has about 5.2 hours of talk time, while the Droid 2 has 9.5. Anyone know if that's true? It sounds a little too different to be real, especially since the DInc's screen in supposed to save power.

I moved from a Dare to a Samsung Fascinate back in September. The touch technology in the newer phones is LIGHTYEARS beyond what's in the Dare (which, granted, was pretty bad even for it's time). I cannot type with my thumbs (physical or virtual keyboard) but Swype is amazing. Even my wife who is not tech-savvy can go to town with Swype. It's surprisingly accurate as well.

Go to the store and try out both the standard Android keyboard, the built in D2's QWERTY keyboard, and Swype and see which you prefer. For me Swype is the only option!!

For the phones themselves, HTC have a tendency to put weak batteries in their phones. Not sure why, they just do. I can't comment on how long it lasts exactly but I know it's not as good as the Motorola or Samsung options. My sister has a D2, my brother in law has a D Inc, and I've got a Fascinate. All are excellent options (as is the DX), it all comes down to personal preference.

And FYI, Swype will be available for download for all phones in the near future.

 

[No_u]

You can get Swype on any phone.. It's still in beta, you can sign up or Google an .apk. I got it installed on my Desire and it's fantastic. Works great and if you prefer the typing sometimes you can do that easily too.

 

[dbgtrulz]

Well, I just found BlindType, which would've made my dare's keyboard a piece of cake. With the better android keyboard, plus HTC Sense has it's own custom keyboard, and all the different input options in the market, I should be fine.

Perhaps I will get the Incredible and buy an extended battery like this one. $30 isn't that much more. Is it bad that it's not an OEM battery?

 

[mauiblue]

I've been using Shapewriter (Swype style alternative app) and that has been working out great. Also got Swiftkey (when it first premired cost was only 99 cents) and Smartkeyboard Pro when I like to go back to traditional touch key text input methods. I may get Swype if it is ever offered on the Market but for now I'm happy with these three apps.