Would you buy a Droid Eris tomorrow?

[WormDoes]

Hey everyone

I'm new to this forum but have been reading some things this weekend. Seems like a cool group of people in here and I'm happy to be aboard! My question to everyone who are wiser about Droids than myself, if you could buy a new phone tomorrow, would it be an Eris? The reason I ask is my sister in law and her husband just bought an EVO4G and said I could have their old Eris. I'm currently a BlackBerry user, wish I wasn't but Big Red's 2 year contract got you by the balls, and want to make the switch to Droid.

With the Eris no longer in Verizon's line up and it not being made anymore I don't know If I should use it or wait till my contract is up and buy an Inc or D2. I have read threads with people who have rooted their Eris and wouldn't trade it for the world. I'm just worried that If I don't know how to root the Eris that in a few months it won't be fast enough for me or have a lot of lag. Not getting OS updates also worries me. With so many new Droids hitting the market weekly, it seems, will the Eris ever become completly obsolete? If these are stupid questions I apologize in advance. I don't have $600 to buy a new droid outright, but, my contract is up around Christmas time. Would you reccomend using the free Eris until my contract is up or waiting it out and getting a newer Droid?

I thank you all for reading this and taking the time to give me some thoughts/feedback.

 

[Bswartz95]

Before root, I would have easily passed on the Eris for another phone. With the new ways to root the Eris, it was so easy that even I did it. It's a snap. It's like a brand new phone! I'm not sure I'll even want to upgrade when my 2 years is up. I'm not even sure what other features I would want.

A rooted Eris is sweet! I can't put it down!

 

[mrhomiec]

if i was in your situation, and an Eris was offered to me off contract like this,
i would take it. but then i personally don't like BlackBerry that much. and
since you aren't actually buying the phone from a retailer, there should be no
charge to use this phone instead of your BB. even without Root, i would still do it.

edit: you can always use this as a learning experience too. since your contract
is ending later this year, you can learn from this phone to know what you would
want in a future Android phone. (if you plan on upgrading)
edit: rooted my Eris today, i love it now. it's alot faster now. i used the
one-click method, and flashed/installed xtrROM3.0.3. also go join the
xda-forums, so you can snag SetCPU for free.

 

[WormDoes]

Before root, I would have easily passed on the Eris for another phone. With the new ways to root the Eris, it was so easy that even I did it. It's a snap. It's like a brand new phone! I'm not sure I'll even want to upgrade when my 2 years is up. I'm not even sure what other features I would want.

A rooted Eris is sweet! I can't put it down!

That's what I've heard and that is what makes me want to take the Eris. I'm not that computer savvy and having had a BB for the past 4 years, I literally know NOTHING about Droids. For someone like myself, how easy is it to root, O/C and install new ROM's? I'm 99.9% sure I'm going to take the Eris from her, I just want to be able to root it and enjoy all the added benefits of it w.out without bricking it.

 

[WormDoes]

if i was in your situation, and an Eris was offered
to me off contract like this, i would take it. but
then i personally don't like BlackBerry that much.
and since you aren't actually buying the phone
from a retailer, there should be no charge to use
this phone instead of your BB. even without Root,
i would still do it.

edit: you can always use this as a learning experience
too. since your contract is ending later this year, you
can learn from this phone to know what you would
want in a future Android phone. (if you plan on upgrading)

Thanks for the advice. I'm almost positive I'm going to take the Eris. I've had numerous issues with my BB and I can't wait to take the plunge into Android. Like I posted above, I'm not that computer savvy and know nothing about droids, so I'm kinda worried I won't be able to root and o/c and I'll have a slow, laggy phone, and be forced to wait 'till the end of the year stuck with my BB

 

[Bswartz95]

That's what I've heard and that is what makes me want to take the Eris. I'm not that computer savvy and having had a BB for the past 4 years, I literally know NOTHING about Droids. For someone like myself, how easy is it to root, O/C and install new ROM's? I'm 99.9% sure I'm going to take the Eris from her, I just want to be able to root it and enjoy all the added benefits of it w.out without bricking it.

This is thread will help you a ton. They even give screen shots of what you will do at each step.

All you'll have to do is download a few files to your computer and put them on your SD Card.

The most important step is to remember to create the backup. Then you can always go back if something gets messed up.

I'd read some reviews on a few different ROMS. Get something that's really stable and one you like to start.

From start to finish took me about 45 minutes.


http://androidforums.com/all-things-root-eris/127861-universal-eris-root-dummies.html

 

[WormDoes]

This is thread will help you a ton. They even give screen shots of what you will do at each step.

All you'll have to do is download a few files to your computer and put them on your SD Card.

The most important step is to remember to create the backup. Then you can always go back if something gets messed up.

I'd read some reviews on a few different ROMS. Get something that's really stable and one you like to start.

From start to finish took me about 45 minutes.


http://androidforums.com/all-things-root-eris/127861-universal-eris-root-dummies.html

Ok, Thanks

This may be a stupid question but where do you get the different ROM's from? Do you D/L them in the android market or do you have to find them on your computer?

Also, when you root is there still a market to get apps from or does that go away?

 

[Bswartz95]

Ok, Thanks

This may be a stupid question but where do you get the different ROM's from? Do you D/L them in the android market or do you have to find them on your computer?

Also, when you root is there still a market to get apps from or does that go away?

Here is the Eris section of XDA - ROMS are under the "Android Development".
HTC Droid Eris - xda-developers

Yes, the Market is there. If you install a Sprint based ROM (like Aloysius), you will need to download and flash another file with Verizon apps - this will allow you to get the NFL app, Verizon usage app, etc..

Very easy though.

Important to remember - I've only been rooted for about a week. I'm a n00b too! Others can offer much more insight.

 

[WormDoes]

If you hadn't told me you were only rooted for a week I would have had no idea, you're very knowledgeable. Thanks again for your help and insight.

 

[socarwolverine]

If you had to sign a new contract or pay a lot out of pocket then the answer would be no, but since you can get it for free and you still get to renew around Christmas time I would definitely pick up the Eris. Before getting it replaced with a different model, I really liked the Eris for the couple months I had it. I didn't root and i'll say that it is frustrating unrooted so definitely take these guys advice and root it then overclock it to a stable speed. This way you can get familiar with android and see what you like and don't like and see if you even want to stay with it before you lock yourself down for 2 years. Just keep the BB as a backup so you can really play around with the Eris and not worry about going phone-less.

 

[socarwolverine]

Oh and about getting an Incredible when your contract is up, that's the phone that VZW gave me after my 3rd Eris, I love it but by then there will be more high-end competition so don't limit yourself to looking at just that and the D2. The fascinate will be out by then and maybe even that Superphone that's been rumored.

 

[WormDoes]

Thanks, Wolverine. I'm def going to keep my BB just in case. Really looking forward to rooting the Eris and seeing what it can do. I was just using the Inc and D2 as examples as they're the best available for Verizon, right now. I'm starting to read up about how to root and will probably be getting the Eris tomorrow or Tuesday. BTW, what's this "superphone" that's been rumored?

 

[socarwolverine]

I had a feeling you were gonna ask, there's a rumor floating that a 2ghz phone will be coming out soon. But when I say rumor, I mean it in the truest sense of the word. I have seen absolutely nothing remotely concrete (at least for VZW), just forum posts so I wouldn't even bother thinking about it right now.

 

[mrhomiec]

wasn't that a word-of-mouth unofficial statement
that a company said they "hope" to have out by
the year's end? or something like "be the first" to
have a 2 GHz phone? i think it was at CES that
someone said it.

 

[socarwolverine]

Now that you mention it, I think you're right, and if I remember correctly it was Motorola.

 

[T-Keith]

Sounds like the eris is a good deal for you and I would take it. I imo the eris is a 1st ghz processor and flash away from the perfect phone.

 

[zerocool79346]

I'd take it if I were in your position, nothing would be stopping you from upgrading at the end of your contract anyway. I love the Eris, but if I had the chance to upgrade to an Inc or D2 at the 2 year price right now, I'd jump on it. If I had to choose between a BB or Eris like you do, I'd take the Eris in a heartbeat.

 

[alprazolam]

From the title, I would have told you to go get a newer phone, but the advice above is very good. Try the Eris and put down that terrible BB. I picked up a Droid X today and could not believe the speed. When your contract is up, the X will be old news! It's just amazing!

 

[WormDoes]

Thanks, everyone. I'm def going to take the Eris and can't wait to play with it and see what droids are all about. My only concern I now have is rooting and installing ROM's. I looked over the Universal Eris Root for Dummies and it seems simple enough. What I don't understand is where you d/l the ROM's from and how you put them on the phone? Can anyone offer a simple explination or any advice to a very green droid nood like myself?

This forum is awesome and I'm super excited I found it. Many thanks again to everyone who has offered advice and helped

 

[Bswartz95]

Thanks, everyone. I'm def going to take the Eris and can't wait to play with it and see what droids are all about. My only concern I now have is rooting and installing ROM's. I looked over the Universal Eris Root for Dummies and it seems simple enough. What I don't understand is where you d/l the ROM's from and how you put them on the phone? Can anyone offer a simple explination or any advice to a very green droid nood like myself?

This forum is awesome and I'm super excited I found it. Many thanks again to everyone who has offered advice and helped

The ROM i just downloaded, you can find here. The developer says, "download from my folder at.." then gives a link. It can be found under the images and under the change log.
xda-developers - View Single Post - [ROM]Sense-able 3.1! OverClock [5/10/10]

After downloading to your pc, you slide that entire zipped file onto your sd card.

 

[iggypop123]

Thanks, everyone. I'm def going to take the Eris and can't wait to play with it and see what droids are all about. My only concern I now have is rooting and installing ROM's. I looked over the Universal Eris Root for Dummies and it seems simple enough. What I don't understand is where you d/l the ROM's from and how you put them on the phone? Can anyone offer a simple explination or any advice to a very green droid nood like myself?

This forum is awesome and I'm super excited I found it. Many thanks again to everyone who has offered advice and helped

its fairly easy. this is the guide i use for roms

[Tutorial] How to flash a new ROM to your Droid Eris - HTC Droid Eris Forum

i can use bold font too!

 

[WormDoes]

Sorry for the simple minded questions everyone.

You have all been an incredible help, especially Bswartz95!!

As soon as I get my Eris I can't wait to root it and play around. I'll post as soon as I'm done

 

[bjf88]

Hey WormDoes, new rooter here also. Welcome!

I would suggest you download the ROM's directly from the browser on the phone. Much easier and less things could go wrong in the process.

So open the browser, go to the webpage with the ROM's link, and it will download directly onto your SD card. From there, all you have to do is follow the step by step instructions on the root thread posted above.

And one thing I had to learn on my own that isn't really explained is how to "flash" other ROM's after the first one. basically, just follow the steps in the root thread from the Finishing Up section. But don't forget to move the ROM from the downloads file.

Before all of that, I would suggest that you check out the Eris User Manual. It is really helpful for those new to Android and there are a lot of really good tips. Lol, I even learned something new about it just reading it now that I didn't know before.

 

[WormDoes]

Hey WormDoes, new rooter here also. Welcome!

I would suggest you download the ROM's directly from the browser on the phone. Much easier and less things could go wrong in the process.

So open the browser, go to the webpage with the ROM's link, and it will download directly onto your SD card. From there, all you have to do is follow the step by step instructions on the root thread posted above.

And one thing I had to learn on my own that isn't really explained is how to "flash" other ROM's after the first one. basically, just follow the steps in the root thread from the Finishing Up section. But don't forget to move the ROM from the downloads file.

Before all of that, I would suggest that you check out the Eris User Manual. It is really helpful for those new to Android and there are a lot of really good tips. Lol, I even learned something new about it just reading it now that I didn't know before.

Hey, Thanks for the advice. I usually always read the manual of a new toy before I go to work on it. I don't know if I'll root it the second I get it but It will more than likely be soon after picking it up tomorrow.

This thread has so much info and all the links I need to root, o/c and install ROM's. I can't thank you all enough. I really appreciate it

 

[Hiroshika]

Ill just leave this here... -1 Click Eris Root App – No PC Required | xda-developers