Thinking of trading for Eris...

[telltime]

I know this has been said before, but I'm inviting the Droid lovers to convince me otherwise... but have I made up my mind?

Bought the Moto Droid almost 4 weeks ago, so I'm running out of time on the 30 days, but as much as I've wanted to I have not fallen in love with or gotten completely used to the Droid. Don't confuse that with the Android market... That I do love, but I'm talking strictly about the Motorola pocket.

It's a good product, but I am beginning to appreciate the Eris more and more. Yes, the screen is smaller and the resolution is not as crisp, and if I decide to go with the Eris I think that will be my chief regret, but frankly I'm thinking other aesthetics will make up for it.

I had to return my Moto Droid today because the hinge became VERY loose and was sliding open just about all the time. Also, the battery cover ended up on the floor more than once from very simple handling. Now my phone has not been locking up or suffering some of the performance issues I've read about, but the sheer mechanics of the phone have been a disappointment. And I just CAN'T seem to get use to the lack of a physical call (send) button (which the Eris has) that will launch my call log. This is especially troubling for me while driving. I just can't seem to get to my contacts quickly... I found this pretty easy (even one handed) with my old BB Curve and came a lot closer to it today playing with the Eris (it's smaller and the trackball WORKED).

I also spoke with several Verizon store workers today who carried the Eris and they showed me some other points on Aesthetics that I liked (minor, but they are adding up) - The earpiece screen is not recessed, and therefore not a lint trap like on the Droid, I like the cases/holsters better, battery cover, and a few more.

Yes, I know the memory differences and yes, I know the Eris runs 1.5 and Droid runs 2.0, but while I was actually in the store today a regional manager was there and told me they actually hope to have the long rumored Eris 2.0 push out next week and not in January to help Christmas sales. We'll see, but even without it, I don't rely on the phone for "spoken" directions. I have and like my GPS, but I do like the google maps on the Droid, which the Eris still has only without the spoken voice.

I also didn't find it any slower. I realize that the processor is slower, but frankly they seemed pretty much on par to me.

What I did not like about the Eris included it's lag time to go in the horizontal view mode, but the pinch zoom did make up for this (for me, anyway).

I also like that the charger is on a mini USB instead of the Micro USB. Means my old car charger from my BB will work. I know that the Micro USB is being talked about being the industry standard, but I figure a better phone will be out in two years (or sooner) and I can worry about it then.

So, unless I hear back something earth shattering that I'm just not seeing, I think I'll be swapping the Droid for the Eris... I'll miss several things, but feel like I'll be gaining more for my personal use. Like I said, the biggest thing I'll miss is the gorgeous screen on the Droid (and Google Skymaps is just stunning on this screen), but having the physical call and end buttons, and even the "familiar" (from BB days) trackball always available as opposed to the thumb toggle (and the physical keyboard HAS to be open to use this) trumps this for me...

I know I'm going back and forth in this (and rambling a bit), but this is exactly what I'm going through... anything else I'm just not thinking of?

 

[-Myk-]

I got my wife an Eris the past Saturday and I have also been having thoughts of swapping my droid for one. It has a slick UI and form factor that I find much nicer than the droids.

 

[BucYouUp68]

You will be giving up Navigation, and current Technology. Sounds to me that the learning curve maybe to steep for you. Good luck with your choice whatever it may be.

 

[telltime]

You will be giving up Navigation, and current Technology. Sounds to me that the learning curve maybe to steep for you. Good luck with your choice whatever it may be.

Learning curve not a problem... (BTW, are you TRYING to be insulting? Check the tone of your question...)

Also, you might want to do a bit more research... you don't give up navigation. Only the "spoken" portion. You still get turn by turn directions in Google maps, just not the voice. And, if they do push 2.0 in the coming week(s) like rumored, that will be part of it.

So, again, I ask lovers of the Moto Droid (I'm a fan, but just a possible bigger fan of the Eris) for help of what I may be overlooking that surpasses the physical keys on the face of the phone. The keyboard is not the option for me as since giving up my BB last month I've really grown to like the virtual keyboard on the Droid. Which is ironic, because the lack of a physical keyboard is one of the things that kept me away from the Eris last month...

 

[admorris]

Sounds like you have made up your mind...good luck with the Eris, looks like a nice little phone. There are homescreens you can download that give you a permanent phone button if that's what you want. No way on earth would I give up this screen for any phone out right now.

 

[telltime]

I got my wife an Eris the past Saturday and I have also been having thoughts of swapping my droid for one. It has a slick UI and form factor that I find much nicer than the droids.

I agree on the UI, which in doing a bit of research tonight is one reason the slower processor "keeps up" pretty well with the Droid. Also, it was the reason it the Eris went to market with 1.5 v. 2.0, as they had not worked all the bugs out yet but, according to even Verizon, they think they've gotten them resolved and 2.0 will be pushed out as an update soon.

I think I'm talking myself into this more and more... if it the screen were only the Moto screen this would be a slam dunk for me.

 

[telltime]

Sounds like you have made up your mind...good luck with the Eris, looks like a nice little phone. There are homescreens you can download that give you a permanent phone button if that's what you want. No way on earth would I give up this screen for any phone out right now.

I'll admit that I'm over 50% decided, but you are right about this screen... It's amazing. But the Eris screen was still very good (and clear). Granted, smaller and not quite as "sharp," (I compare it to a TV and an HDTV) but very, very adequate. I don't plan on watching a ton of movies on this thing. If I'm on travel I might watch something short on a plane, but I'll wait for a larger screen at the hotel for most viewing, but aps. and photos were pretty darn good on the Eris. Something else I'm not thinking of?

Again, I'm sooo on the fence here, so PLEASE don't hesitate trying to persuade me or point out what I haven't thought of.

 

[jhut]

I actually had the Eris for a few weeks before switching to the Droid. My previous phone was an iPhone 3GS and I just didn't like the smaller screen and slower performance. I can honestly say since switching to the Moto Droid I haven't missed my iPhone once. I still have the iPhone and turned it on today. The screen looks so washed out compared to the Droid. I don't know. Maybe consider trying GDE with the Hero theme and Beautiful Widgets on the Droid before you take it back. That will make it look just like Sense UI and GDE seems to be faster when scrolling between home screens.

 

[MisterEff]

I had the droid for a day and I love it. I don't think I would trade for any other phone and even if I did I can't leave android.

 

[rawness]

If you have no issues with the hardware differences (screen/keyboard) and you expect Android 2.x to be pushed to the Eris then there is no reason for you to stay with a phone you don't like.

 

[anderson.mcdaniel]

I think it all comes down to what you're looking for. Eris seemed much less "computery", more of a phone. Droids seems almost like a netbook replacement.
Also, only got to try the Eris for a bit at the store before I chose the Droid. I wanted/needed the computery, and the SCREEN!! Good luck on making up your mind, go with the Eris if that's what suits, but the SCREEN!!!

 

[telltime]

You can read TONE in Text, WOW. I think you may be to advanced for the Droid, Like I said Before, Good Luck with your choice.

Maybe a dictionary would serve you well. Look up "colloquial" or "tone." Maybe you'll discover they apply to both the spoken and written word. Just sayin'...

And I would personally appreciate a constructive reply to my question than your trying to be a bully in a reply that provides nothing to this thread.

 

[justjimjpc]

I will ask you to make your replies respectful ... these forums are not for bullies ... and it will not be tolerated ...

So help each other out ... and all be better for everyone.

Infractions that are given to individual posts are the road to being banned and do nothing for your reputation here...

 

[DA717]

one thing about the Eris I heard was the battery is dreadful. Supposedly a lot worse than the Droid so make you research this if you care about battery life.

 

[jjfreak5]

I have been thinking about this as well. For some reason the look of the Eris is getting me. It juts looks sleeker and more stylish. Don't get me wrong I love the Droid, and really like the speed and the accelerometer speed is great. The screen is beautiful and I like the voice turn by turn navigation. If the Droid didn't have the physical keyboard I wouldn't even consider switching. When I got it I thought that would be something I really liked having because prior to the Droid I had the Krave and didn't like not having an actual keyboard on the Krave. However, this virtual keyboard in landscape is great, and the physical keyboard really kinda stinks. I also am not a huge fan of the slide out.

Personally, I think I am going to stick with the Droid though. Either until the Eris gets 2.0 or till the new HTC android comes to Verizon.

Overall, though I really don't think you can go wrong with either one of these great devices.

 

[dman2275]

I had the Eris for two weeks and brought it back for the Moto Droid.

Although the Eris has a nice screen, the Moto Droid has a much better screen, a much faster processor and the battery is three times better than the Eris.

After using the Moto for half an hour when I returned the Eris, I would not go back to it. It is a nice interface, but you can add a home screen replacement to simulate it for the Moto. I think HTC screwed up with not putting a faster processor in it.

Just my opinion....stick with the Moto.

 

[Gark]

I know this has been said before, but I'm inviting the Droid lovers to convince me otherwise... but have I made up my mind?

Bought the Moto Droid almost 4 weeks ago, so I'm running out of time on the 30 days, but as much as I've wanted to I have not fallen in love with or gotten completely used to the Droid. Don't confuse that with the Android market... That I do love, but I'm talking strictly about the Motorola pocket.

It's a good product, but I am beginning to appreciate the Eris more and more. Yes, the screen is smaller and the resolution is not as crisp, and if I decide to go with the Eris I think that will be my chief regret, but frankly I'm thinking other aesthetics will make up for it.

I had to return my Moto Droid today because the hinge became VERY loose and was sliding open just about all the time. Also, the battery cover ended up on the floor more than once from very simple handling. Now my phone has not been locking up or suffering some of the performance issues I've read about, but the sheer mechanics of the phone have been a disappointment. And I just CAN'T seem to get use to the lack of a physical call (send) button (which the Eris has) that will launch my call log. This is especially troubling for me while driving. I just can't seem to get to my contacts quickly... I found this pretty easy (even one handed) with my old BB Curve and came a lot closer to it today playing with the Eris (it's smaller and the trackball WORKED).

I also spoke with several Verizon store workers today who carried the Eris and they showed me some other points on Aesthetics that I liked (minor, but they are adding up) - The earpiece screen is not recessed, and therefore not a lint trap like on the Droid, I like the cases/holsters better, battery cover, and a few more.

Yes, I know the memory differences and yes, I know the Eris runs 1.5 and Droid runs 2.0, but while I was actually in the store today a regional manager was there and told me they actually hope to have the long rumored Eris 2.0 push out next week and not in January to help Christmas sales. We'll see, but even without it, I don't rely on the phone for "spoken" directions. I have and like my GPS, but I do like the google maps on the Droid, which the Eris still has only without the spoken voice.

I also didn't find it any slower. I realize that the processor is slower, but frankly they seemed pretty much on par to me.

What I did not like about the Eris included it's lag time to go in the horizontal view mode, but the pinch zoom did make up for this (for me, anyway).

I also like that the charger is on a mini USB instead of the Micro USB. Means my old car charger from my BB will work. I know that the Micro USB is being talked about being the industry standard, but I figure a better phone will be out in two years (or sooner) and I can worry about it then.

So, unless I hear back something earth shattering that I'm just not seeing, I think I'll be swapping the Droid for the Eris... I'll miss several things, but feel like I'll be gaining more for my personal use. Like I said, the biggest thing I'll miss is the gorgeous screen on the Droid (and Google Skymaps is just stunning on this screen), but having the physical call and end buttons, and even the "familiar" (from BB days) trackball always available as opposed to the thumb toggle (and the physical keyboard HAS to be open to use this) trumps this for me...

I know I'm going back and forth in this (and rambling a bit), but this is exactly what I'm going through... anything else I'm just not thinking of?

Don't do it. I did this and hated it. I had to argue with VZW to get my DROID back. At first you'll be happy because the Eris is a nicer looking phone, it rocks in the looks department (size, shape, feel) and sense UI is awesome. Now for the downside

You've gotten used to the Droids screen size and pixel count. With the eris I hated how I had to keep zooming in to read stuff, its slower where it counts. Openning and closing apps, downloading apps, and being able to run multiple apps at once. Trust me at first you'll feel happy about the trade, but after a while you'll wish you hadn't switched. Sense UI will be ported to the droid one day, and with the Eris battery issues you can't really have that many widgets running since it kills your battery. So just stick it out. If your really wanting to trade do it now and get your old phone back and wait for the bravo/passion, if that ever comes.

In closing, the Droid is like the gf that's pretty ok looking but has a really nice personality and is stable vs. The Eris which is Megan Fox but not so functional.

 

[Gark]

one thing about the Eris I heard was the battery is dreadful. Supposedly a lot worse than the Droid so make you research this if you care about battery life.

Yes this is true. I had both for about 3 weeks or so. Did the tricks and tweaks. 3 cycle dead and full charges. Droid 2 days, Eris 18 hours.

 

[cc16177]

I had considered the same thing you are proposing now when I found out the Eris had multi touch... I have had six phones in the last year and some had physical keyboards some did not and the only virtual keyboard I enjoyed using out of all of them was the iPhone.


As far as touchscreen phones I had the Omnia, Touch Pro, and Imagio. Out of the three I would say the Imagio came in first Touch Pro second and Omnia third. So I was seriously considering switching to the Eris and then my roomate's girlfriend came over and she has one. After using it for about five minutes to show her how to do a few things I could not wait to get back to my Droid.


The phone seems like a toy in a way, yes the cosmetics are nice but the UI itself (Sense UI possibly or whatever the interface is called) just reminds me of my Omnia in terms of how basic it is.

Maybe the Eris is a better choice but for me I don't think I could live with myself if I gave up my Droid. Like I said i've had six phones in the last year (Alias, Omnia, Touch Pro, iPhone, Imagio, now Droid) and the Droid is BY FAR my favorite. I am on a first name basis with everyone at the Verizon store and go in there all the time to play with the phones (for whatever reason I just like to have the latest phones) and I think the Eris is absolutely perfect for someone who wants a phone with some cool features but if you are looking for a SMARTphone the Droid is for you.

Just my opinion, the decision is ultimately up to you. (obviously )

 

[GrandMasterB]

They are both amazing devices. Its a WIN=WIN no matter what you choose , imo. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

[satek24]

"In closing, the Droid is like the gf that's pretty ok looking but has a really nice personality and is stable vs. The Eris which is Megan Fox but not so functional. "


haha..that is soo true Gark!


I had the Eris for two weeks and traded it in for the Droid and never looked back. On multiple occasions when I had the Eris...I wanted to throw it on the ground because...the processor does lag, battery doesn't last long, screen resolution isn't great, typing on the screen was "Extremely" hard for me and I don't even have big fingers. The only thing that I do miss about the Eris is Sense UI and the form factor of the phone..but that's it.

Droid may look ugly but it's proof that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. I had an Iphone 3gs and switched over to Verizon for the Eris...and now the Droid.

The Droid is fast, amazing screen resolution, typing on the screen is flawless (I didn't have to focus hard on it like I did with the Eris). The camera pictures are ok but the video capture is amazing. Plus the phone comes with a 16g sd card which is pretty nice of Motorola. In the past Motorola has had a bad wrap for phone quality, they definetly broke that image with the Droid. Verizon and Motorola put a lot of money into the Droid being an Iphone Killer...so that can only mean that the Droid will get more updates than the Eris.

In the end, you gotta do what you really want. I just don't want you to regret your choice in two months when it's past the 30 day window.

 

[xmr405o]

You don't need us to make up your mind. In the end the user needs to be happy. It doesn't look like you're happy with your droid. You should do what's best for you. I bought this phone because I wanted an Android phone with a keyboard with a bigger screen than 3.2 inches and couple those with the fact that I'm impatient and couldn't wait for an OS upgrade. haha. So, I don't think we can bring up anything new that you already don't know since you already had the droid for almost 4 weeks. My only advice maybe is to return the Moto Droid and revert back to your old phone, so you can wait maybe a month or two to see if another android phone comes out.

 

[sukanas]

I had the eris and hands down the UI is much better

however, what made me choose to go with the moto droid is the amazing screen and loading apps times (both phones don't majorly lag)
while the sense UI is just pwnage and sexy, the android's ui isn't bad at all either. at first, when i was using android's ui, i was like WTF, slow 'workflow' and inefficient OS. however, after going over the learning curve, i find myself just as 'fast' on the android UI as i was on the htc droid.

i would stick with the moto droid simply for the sexy ass screen and better processor. in terms of UI, theyre both freakin awesome. while the sense UI will win the battle, i don't find it necessary as much since the android UI is just also awesome

 

[SonRK]

I made the switch from the Eris to the Droid on my like 20th day

I must say I don't regret the decision...as much as I loved the Eris, I was already forced into paying more monthly and a mandatory 2 year contract means the $100 difference would be irrelevant.

I dig the bigger screen and keyboard a lot more. Also Android 2.0 is a lot better, but that doesn't matter since it's hitting the Eris soon anyways. I do miss the trackball though

 

[sevenfourty]

completely agree with Gark. i also bought a droid and had buyer's remorse thinking that i should have bought the eris. glad that i stuck with the droid. the eris processor doesn't even compare to the processor in the droid. i can only imagine how much worse it can get once it's upgraded to 2.0, which requires more memory. and battery life - i can go almost 2 days with the droid whereas the eris can barely make it through a day. given that you're basically paying $100 more for larger real estate and a faster processor, it's worth it. plus, you'll have to pay $35 for the restocking fee.