Android...what is so great?

[cunningstunts]

I posted the following in a different thread, and should have probably created a new one. My apologies. Since posting this originally I have done some more research, and I believe I am leaning more toward an Android phone, based on web browser and app potential. But I would still like to hear what others have to say, so I am posting again. Thank you everyone for being so helpful!

As a person visiting this site, trying to decide between a storm2 and an android phone (Moto droid, eris, or maybe wait for passion) I appreciate all of this info.

I am currently using a Blackberry pearl on an Alltel plan, that just switched to Verizon. I found out today that if I get a new phone from Verizon before Dec. 31st, I can keep my Alltel plan, which is about $40 a month cheaper. Apparently, the only drawback is keeping the alltel plan, Verizon says visual voicemail wont work. For $40 a month, I can do without, thank you.

Anyway, I thought I had my mind made up to get the Storm2, buy one get one free. I played with it in store, as well as the Droid and I really seemed to like the click screen and feel of the Storm2, and maybe it was the familiarity of the BB os, but it felt better to me. I only saw the display Eris, so no chance to play around with one. I have not had a storm 1, but from what I read, it was a flop. All reviews I read pretty much say the Storm2 has mostly taken care of the problems Storm 1 had.

I am curious, as I have not made the plunge yet, and can still change my mind, what is better on an android phone compared to the Storm2? I mean, I hear "the Droid can do so much more" and "I love the apps", and "I can customize the android os".

Can you tell me what, specifically the droid can do more/better, other than being smoother/faster and better browser? Also what apps? I am familiar with the iTunes app store, are these Android apps similar? similar pricing? What apps stick out as being great? Also, what specifically can you customize with Android?

Thanks in advance for the info, so I can make an informed decision with my phone purchase!

 

[cybercruiser]

YouTube - Motorola Droid Vs. BlackBerry Storm 2

 

[blozout]

IMHO Android is the closest you can can get to a desktop/laptop computer experience on a smartphone. WinMo has too many issues, Blackberry is a messaging device and the iPhone is an app platform. Sorry if I dont get into specifics of why I feel this way, I don't have the time right now. But I am sure you will get an answer from someone else on this board. Also look around and watch some videos like one posted in response to your question. I think it will become obvious fairly quickly what is so much different about Android.

 

[cybercruiser]

I just got back from testing playing Pandora through my car's aux input, and using the GPS Navigation, and received phone calls and emails along the way, can't believe how easy it is to change from one application to the other.

All I can say is WOW!!! Don't know that the IPhone can do all that, suppose it can do at least part of it, but again, WOW!!!

Maybe I'm just easily impressed....

 

[Stone]

I posted the following in a different thread, and should have probably created a new one. My apologies. Since posting this originally I have done some more research, and I believe I am leaning more toward an Android phone, based on web browser and app potential. But I would still like to hear what others have to say, so I am posting again. Thank you everyone for being so helpful!

As a person visiting this site, trying to decide between a storm2 and an android phone (Moto droid, eris, or maybe wait for passion) I appreciate all of this info.

I am currently using a Blackberry pearl on an Alltel plan, that just switched to Verizon. I found out today that if I get a new phone from Verizon before Dec. 31st, I can keep my Alltel plan, which is about $40 a month cheaper. Apparently, the only drawback is keeping the alltel plan, Verizon says visual voicemail wont work. For $40 a month, I can do without, thank you.

Anyway, I thought I had my mind made up to get the Storm2, buy one get one free. I played with it in store, as well as the Droid and I really seemed to like the click screen and feel of the Storm2, and maybe it was the familiarity of the BB os, but it felt better to me. I only saw the display Eris, so no chance to play around with one. I have not had a storm 1, but from what I read, it was a flop. All reviews I read pretty much say the Storm2 has mostly taken care of the problems Storm 1 had.

I am curious, as I have not made the plunge yet, and can still change my mind, what is better on an android phone compared to the Storm2? I mean, I hear "the Droid can do so much more" and "I love the apps", and "I can customize the android os".

Can you tell me what, specifically the droid can do more/better, other than being smoother/faster and better browser? Also what apps? I am familiar with the iTunes app store, are these Android apps similar? similar pricing? What apps stick out as being great? Also, what specifically can you customize with Android?

Thanks in advance for the info, so I can make an informed decision with my phone purchase!

As a BB user of several years and a current Storm 1 owner, maybe I can add some insight on why I am making the switch when the Passion drops. Excuse me for what might be a long post.

IMO the BB platform is aging and not keeping up with the times. While the simplistic UI is well suited for the business user who just needs top notch messaging and nothing else with a minimal amount of fuss it leaves alot to be desired when it comes to a pleasant multimedia and browsing experience.

My first gripe is the antiquated download limits on the BB platform, you cannot download anything larger than 2.9 MB be it an email message or file on the web. If you are paying for unlimited data, this is ridiculous in this day and age. There are no such limitations on any of the major competitors including Android.

The second issue is where the BB platform is supposed to be king and that is email. If you are using a BB on BIS, you only have access to your inbox and that's it. If you have messages being redirected to subfolders or are using one of the major enterprise messaging systems like Exchange or Lotus Notes, your are SOL unless you pay the extra $15/month for BES which is not practical unless your company has a BES server in which case they would generally be paying your bill for you. You also cannot wirelessly sync your contacts, calendar or tasks on BIS. You must connect your BB to your computer in order to sync these items, not so great when you are on the road.

Another issue is the subpar web browsing which is a problem on any BB that you might buy. WebKit is king and offers the closest thing you will get to a full desktop browsing experience on a mobile device. GPS navigation with BB maps is also subpar compared to Google Maps on Android and the iPhone. The last point i'll make is that the antiquated Java based OS makes development a complete nightmare for the BB platform. There are far fewer useful apps for BB and they will generally cost you alot more than Android and iPhone apps.

I am a long time BB user and currently own the Storm1 and a Curve for the day job, and if security is your absolute number 1 concern or your company is paying the bill then the BB platform is still king, but they are quickly falling behind the competition in most areas that matter. The Storm is my last BB until some of these issues are addressed. Hope this helps you out........

 

[DrDroid]

As I'm currently a BB Curve user for work reasons, they only have that option. I hate it very much, the only function it is mainly for is Exchange push email. Web browsing is horrible, it can't even open attachment. The camera sucks. Customization is far fetched. The storm II physically looks decent, but no way it come close to as advance as Android. That's all I can say about BB. Android OS blows BB OS out of the water.

 

[Mmmbacon]

I have only had my 'Droid for 5 days (the HTC Eris, Motorolas little brother droid). My previous phone was the original storm. Even after the 5.0 update, the droid blows the storm outta the water. If you have a chance to get away from the storm to a droid, you wont be sorry. Just my opinion!