Help me decide - keep the N1 or ...?

[raremage]

Hi folks - with the understanding that this is the N1 forum I am posting on, I'm debating whether to keep the N1 or RMA it, go back to my Droid (reactivating my Verizon account) and wait a few months, then reevaluate.

Pros of Keeping:
Display is great, better than Droid
Much better form factor
It's freaking FAST - blows away responsiveness of Droid

Cons:
T-Mobile network - 3G coverage seems to be much worse in my area; cell coverage in general is not as good, but acceptable
Support model, as noted by many, is questionable for the moment

I think the real key is the network, especially since the N1 will hit Verizon by summer. I'm a gadget geek and love having the latest and greatest, but after the "shine" has worn off, would I be better off having kept the Droid for now? It's a fine phone (though the form factor is blocky and heavy compared to the N1). I find I use the physical keyboard less and less (mainly because its placement is weak, top row of keys too close to the display) so that's not a factor for me.

Thoughts? I need to decide in the next few days to be inside the N1 RMA window.

 

[KlaymenDK]

It sounds as if you're not entirely happy with the phone. If that were me (who bought the phone unsubsidized) I'd return it in a heartbeat -- and then repurchase it later, on better terms.

Also, there are two separate issues in play: the device itself, and the quality of the cellular network coverage. Whichever phone you choose, you should not expect the coverage to improve much very soon. Consider which is the most important 'feature', the phone or the coverage, and how you want to balance that compromise.

The core of the matter is:
Are you so happy with the new phone on the new provider, that it's not worth it to go back to the old phone on the old provider for a while until you can have the new phone on the old provider?

...just my .02

 

[androidtx]

I would stick with the droid and then pick up the N1 when it is released for verizon. The service is better on verizon, that is undeniable, and if you are willing to pay the higher price tag, then I would certainly stay. Droid is not a bad phone, and certainly not a distant second to the N1, and to some people it's actually a better phone.

 

[sooper_droid12]

Pros of Keeping:
Display is great, better than Droid
Much better form factor
It's freaking FAST - blows away responsiveness of Droid

Cons:
T-Mobile network - 3G coverage seems to be much worse in my area; cell coverage in general is not as good, but acceptable
Support model, as noted by many, is questionable for the moment

Here are some things to consider:

1) The display is NOT better than the DROID. First, it's not as resolute, missing 26,000 pixels; DROID is 854x480 while the N1 is 800x480. Not only that, in a recent test, the N1 screen proved to have less color accuracy and was 2X not as bright as the DROID LCD. On top of THAT, the N1 display is only 16-bit (65,000 colors), while the DROID is 24-bit (16,7 million colors).

2) The N1 does have a better form factor, being that it has no physical keyboard. It is the thinnest slab phone out there right now, I believe (close with the HD2). The DROID is the thinnest slide-out QWERTY ever made! It really depends on what your need is. Since you mentioned that it isn't a real factor, this may not be a deal breaker.

3) Speed. I think that some of that speed is up to processor, but you also have to factor in the 2.1 build. With a kernel update coming, it's likely that both the N1 and DROID will speed up, with the DROID speeding up considerably with the latest 2.1 build update. But the Snap is fast; just wait to see what people say about 2.1 on DROID. From those who have ported 2.1 ROM to the DROID, they have noticed considerable speed increases.

4) Network has to be a consideration. I don't care how awesome you think your phone is, if you can't connect, it's just a worthless slab of transistors and circuit board. Haven't we learned enough from berating the iPhone fan boys? Go with what you have coverage with and have a pleasing experience.

5) Fees. Even if you're within your RMA, you'll be charged $45 for re-stocking that N1 (unless you're in CA). But here's something else to consider: It seems that Google and T-Mo are working out "upgrade" services. It's likely that they'll have their act together by the time they get to Verizon. You may be able to upgrade to the N1 for cheaper if you have an existing account.

ON THE OTHER HAND, the terms of the VZW partnership hasn't been solidified. There are hints that Google will sell a CDMA SKU of the phone (with no pricing partnership with VZW, so no discount) at $530 and VZW will supply plans for the phone (so, an additional monthly charge). That's just one possibility to consider; tread carefully because just because they say VZW is on-board, what "on-board" means isn't clear. We can't assume it'll be JUST LIKE T-Mo's partnership. After all, Google's phone site threatens the very business model VZW has been so profitable with for SO MANY years.

Think about those things... either way, both phones are great and you can't lose. In a matter of 6 months to a year, there'll be a better crop of phones. For example, the Sony X10 running the 2.x... at CES, the demo model was using 2.0. That, my friend, is a SLICK phone and in my opinion, everything the N1 should have been at the very least!

 

[mi_canuck]

1) The display is NOT better than the DROID. First, it's not as resolute, missing 26,000 pixels; DROID is 854x480 while the N1 is 800x480. Not only that, in a recent test, the N1 screen proved to have less color accuracy and was 2X not as bright as the DROID LCD. On top of THAT, the N1 display is only 16-bit (65,000 colors), while the DROID is 24-bit (16,7 million colors).

Complete BUNK!!!

I had my Nexus next to a coworker's Droid yesterday... His screen was at 90%... mine was at 25%.... YET my Nexus screen was twice as bright as his, despite being at almost a 1/4 of the brightness setting... While the Droid screen appears smoother and pixels aren't as visible.... Is it WAAAAAY less bright than the Nexus screen....

sooper_dooper... have you EVEN SEEN a Nexus One in person??? I mean... You must not have because you couldn't be farther from the truth as far as your brightness comment is concerned... If anything, it's the other way around... and on top of that... the Nexus screen at full brightness is like 4X as bright as the Droid's....

Look - we all know you have a DROID... but c'mon... Be realistic at least...

Why do you speed so much time in the Nexus forum btw? Nexus envy perhaps? LOL!!!!!!!!!

 

[mi_canuck]

Hi folks - with the understanding that this is the N1 forum I am posting on, I'm debating whether to keep the N1 or RMA it, go back to my Droid (reactivating my Verizon account) and wait a few months, then reevaluate.

Pros of Keeping:
Display is great, better than Droid
Much better form factor
It's freaking FAST - blows away responsiveness of Droid

Cons:
T-Mobile network - 3G coverage seems to be much worse in my area; cell coverage in general is not as good, but acceptable
Support model, as noted by many, is questionable for the moment

I think the real key is the network, especially since the N1 will hit Verizon by summer. I'm a gadget geek and love having the latest and greatest, but after the "shine" has worn off, would I be better off having kept the Droid for now? It's a fine phone (though the form factor is blocky and heavy compared to the N1). I find I use the physical keyboard less and less (mainly because its placement is weak, top row of keys too close to the display) so that's not a factor for me.

Thoughts? I need to decide in the next few days to be inside the N1 RMA window.

return your Nexus... you're clearly trying to justify not keeping it... you've answer your own question... back it goes....

 

[raremage]

Here are some things to consider:

1) The display is NOT better than the DROID. First, it's not as resolute, missing 26,000 pixels; DROID is 854x480 while the N1 is 800x480. Not only that, in a recent test, the N1 screen proved to have less color accuracy and was 2X not as bright as the DROID LCD. On top of THAT, the N1 display is only 16-bit (65,000 colors), while the DROID is 24-bit (16,7 million colors).

Subjectively, to me at least, the display is superior. i am not talking about specs, I'm talking about how, to my eye, the N1 display is better. For me. Your mileage may vary.

2) The N1 does have a better form factor, being that it has no physical keyboard. It is the thinnest slab phone out there right now, I believe (close with the HD2). The DROID is the thinnest slide-out QWERTY ever made! It really depends on what your need is. Since you mentioned that it isn't a real factor, this may not be a deal breaker.

I expected the keyboard to be a bigger factor for me. What I have found is that it's not. *shrug* By form factor, I meant feel in the hand, as well as fit in the pocket. The lack of a keyboard is no doubt a factor for many; for me it turned out not to matter.

3) Speed. I think that some of that speed is up to processor, but you also have to factor in the 2.1 build. With a kernel update coming, it's likely that both the N1 and DROID will speed up, with the DROID speeding up considerably with the latest 2.1 build update. But the Snap is fast; just wait to see what people say about 2.1 on DROID. From those who have ported 2.1 ROM to the DROID, they have noticed considerable speed increases.

Interesting, I had not read about ported 2.1 ROMs showing increased Droid performance. I definitely find the N1 to be faster than the Droid at everyday tasks, including opening apps, transitioning from open app to another open app, and general use. Again, this is subjective, but since I'm the subject in question, I think it's pertinent

4) Network has to be a consideration. I don't care how awesome you think your phone is, if you can't connect, it's just a worthless slab of transistors and circuit board. Haven't we learned enough from berating the iPhone fan boys? Go with what you have coverage with and have a pleasing experience.

Obviously the key negative. Verizon undeniably has better coverage than TMo. Voice doesn't seem to be a factor - the places that I have wanted to make a voice call I've had no problems. So we're talking data connections; I am wondering how much of my issue is truly network related, and how much is a software tweak to the communications stack.

5) Fees. Even if you're within your RMA, you'll be charged $45 for re-stocking that N1 (unless you're in CA). But here's something else to consider: It seems that Google and T-Mo are working out "upgrade" services. It's likely that they'll have their act together by the time they get to Verizon. You may be able to upgrade to the N1 for cheaper if you have an existing account.

While true, not a compelling factor for me. I'll eat the $45 without a second thought if I decide to return it. I am more concerned with the device, how productive it allows me to be, and if I like using it. Those factors trump the cost to me (and I'm in the fortunate position to be able to make that type of decision).

ON THE OTHER HAND, the terms of the VZW partnership hasn't been solidified. There are hints that Google will sell a CDMA SKU of the phone (with no pricing partnership with VZW, so no discount) at $530 and VZW will supply plans for the phone (so, an additional monthly charge). That's just one possibility to consider; tread carefully because just because they say VZW is on-board, what "on-board" means isn't clear. We can't assume it'll be JUST LIKE T-Mo's partnership. After all, Google's phone site threatens the very business model VZW has been so profitable with for SO MANY years.

While true, I think this is unlikely. Verizon's business model is built around locking customers to contracts and reaping early term fees, so the deal is likely to be similar, if not identical, to TMo. Still, a valid and interesting point.

Think about those things... either way, both phones are great and you can't lose. In a matter of 6 months to a year, there'll be a better crop of phones. For example, the Sony X10 running the 2.x... at CES, the demo model was using 2.0. That, my friend, is a SLICK phone and in my opinion, everything the N1 should have been at the very least!

Appreciate that - have not seen the X10, will take a look and see what that looks like. Will that be CDMA or GSM, if you know?

And thanks for the thoughtful input, while I don't necessarily agree with all your points, I will consider them all.

Tough call for me, to be honest. That's why I asked!

 

[raremage]

return your Nexus... you're clearly trying to justify not keeping it... you've answer your own question... back it goes....

Actually, I'm not. If it came across that way, I'd be interested to know what made you think so.

From my perspective, I am on the fence. Otherwise I would not have asked.

 

[mi_canuck]

well if you are not happy with T-Mobile and/or it's 3G performance, that's a big chunk of the whole experience... it can make or break a phone's actual usability no matter how good a device it is... look at the iphone 3gs on at&t... many have been forever scarred by at&t poor performance in some markets (nyc, la, san fran, etc.)

 

[mi_canuck]

Subjectively, to me at least, the display is superior. i am not talking about specs, I'm talking about how, to my eye, the N1 display is better. For me. Your mileage may vary.

I agree with you... and it's clear both you and I have seen BOTH with our own eyes... sooper_droid is regurgitating specs... on paper, the Droid screen may appear superior - and i'd like to see the validity of the so-called "tests" he is referring to...

it will be interesting to see which res takes precedence as more high-res devices hit the market.... 854x480 or 800x480.... HTC at least seems to be pushing the 800x480 and will no doubt have a few more devices sporting this res soon...

 

[sooper_droid12]

Complete BUNK!!!

...

Why do you speed so much time in the Nexus forum btw? Nexus envy perhaps? LOL!!!!!!!!!

Don't need the eye to qualify how bright it is when there are analytical devices that actually QUANTIFY the brightness; check it out:

Nexus One, iPhone and Droid: Which Is Brightest? - Reviews by PC Magazine

I spend a lot of time on this forum because it's the newest Android device. When the X10 comes out, I'll be on that one. I like talking about new technology. And no, I haven't seen one up close, because having sold only 20,000 units, I venture not a lot of people have actually seen this device.

 

[mi_canuck]

854x480 is however true to the 1080p HD aspect ration.... 1920x1080 and 854x480 both are 16:9 aspect ratio (as is 1280x720 aka 720p HD)... why HTC decided on 800, who knows... but i'll admit it's dumb...

 

[mi_canuck]

Don't need the eye to qualify how bright it is when there are analytical devices that actually QUANTIFY the brightness; check it out:

Nexus One, iPhone and Droid: Which Is Brightest? - Reviews by PC Magazine

I spend a lot of time on this forum because it's the newest Android device. When the X10 comes out, I'll be on that one. I like talking about new technology. And no, I haven't seen one up close, because having sold only 20,000 units, I venture not a lot of people have actually seen this device.

Hey - believe all those so-called articles... PC Mag is so biased it's not even funny!

FACT - you have NOT even SEEN a Nexus screen first hand. Once you do, get back to us.

 

[raremage]

well if you are not happy with T-Mobile and/or it's 3G performance, that's a big chunk of the whole experience... it can make or break a phone's actual usability no matter how good a device it is... look at the iphone 3gs on at&t... many have been forever scarred by at&t poor performance in some markets (nyc, la, san fran, etc.)

Ah, gotcha. Yes, this is a key consideration. The thing is, I also understand very well that the perceived poor 3G connectivity - many have reported this as flipping from 3G to EDGE and back - could be something that is software correctable. It may not be, but it definitely could be.

Data connectivity issues that were corrected by software has been the case in the past with the iPhone 3G; WinMo phones had terrible connectivity issues in their early iterations. In both cases software updates addressed the issues. I think it's certainly possible that could be the case here as well (and I accept this as the risk of being an early adopter with any device).

 

[sooper_droid12]

Tough call for me, to be honest. That's why I asked!

It is a tough call. Despite what it sounds like, I really want the N1 to succeed because at the end of the day, I'm pro-Android. I think my tone regarding the N1 is because it has been an overall disappointment, being hyped up as the gPhone. It wasn't the game changer I was expecting and with other phones just around the corner, I don't understand why they released it this way.

Even though it didn't live up to the hype, it is DEFINITELY a great phone. It's just not the game changer. Would you have really thought that deciding between a DROID and an N1 would be such a tough call? But it is. And it's not just you. There are others who are making the same tough decision! Good luck!

 

[sooper_droid12]

854x480 is however true to the 1080p HD aspect ration.... 1920x1080 and 854x480 both are 16:9 aspect ratio (as is 1280x720 aka 720p HD)... why HTC decided on 800, who knows... but i'll admit it's dumb...

It's because it makes the screen more square and presumably give more real estate to the profile keyboard, making keystrokes, again presumably, more accurate. A squarish screen will have a wider perspective in profile mode. That's why I think they chose 800x480.

 

[mi_canuck]

All I can tell you from MY experience... is that my Nexus One does not exhibit this constanct fluctuation from 3G to EDGE and back again... I get SOLID 3G reception in my area - unless i'm deep inside a concrete building - which is obvious and understable... but most everywhere else, full 3G bars.... Fast data speeds... MUCH better experience than when I was on AT&T's 3G with my iphone 3GS a couple months back....

Might depend on area/market, but T-Mobile for me, here in my area, is solid and it's the best experience as far as signal quality, signal retention, etc that I've ever had. (I've been on VZW, old AT&T wireless, Cingular, new AT&T in the past...). T-Mobile has improved a LOT recently and showing no signs of letting up.

But the choice is ultimately yours and how good of a service you get in YOUR area....

 

[sooper_droid12]

it will be interesting to see which res takes precedence as more high-res devices hit the market.... 854x480 or 800x480.... HTC at least seems to be pushing the 800x480 and will no doubt have a few more devices sporting this res soon...

Sony X10 is the next big WVGA Android phone... it has the 854x480 screen like the DROID.

 

[sooper_droid12]

Hey - believe all those so-called articles... PC Mag is so biased it's not even funny!

FACT - you have NOT even SEEN a Nexus screen first hand. Once you do, get back to us.

How is an analytical device that puts out NUMERICAL data biased? There's no need for optimized drivers to measure screen output. It's just a light sensor. If PCMag is so biased, why would they bias an Android phone over another Android phone? And if my memory serves correctly, the last "bias" comment made about PC World was in favor of the iPHONE, not "another Android" device.

The fact that they definitively chose an Android device over an iPhone is a big win in my opinion. Maybe you're not a scientist or work in a field that requires empirical data, but this isn't the same as some guy wiggling his fingers across a screen on a draw app saying "definitely has touchscreen problems!"

But you're right... I haven't seen one. If someone is the DC-MD-VA area that has a N1 (that's not going to return it) want to get together for coffee, I want to check out your phone.

 

[mi_canuck]

I look at my phones and devices with MY eyes... not with a machine... So guess what, regardless of the number generated by the light sensing equipment, I'll rely on my OWN eyes to decide what looks brighter to me.

Until you hold a Nexus One in your hands and LOOK at it with YOUR very own eyes, your reference to said article holds zero weight in my book.

 

[sooper_droid12]

Until you hold a Nexus One in your hands and LOOK at it with YOUR very own eyes, your reference to said article holds zero weight in my book.

That sounds an awful lot like iPhone-fan-boy delusion. If what I experience is true for me, then it is true in reality. Never mind what empirical evidence says. Totally the post-modern mentality.

Look, the N1 isn't the first AMOLED touch screen phone out there. In fact, the Samsung Omnia 2 has the EXACT same 3.7" screen the N1 has (3.7", 16-bit, AMOLED). And yeah, it's a brilliant screen; I appreciated the contrast of the display more than anything. I don't doubt that the N1 is just as brilliant. But even then, what our eyes perceive as brilliance/brightness can be a misinterpretation of contrast.

Try this on for size: Adjust the contrast of your computer display or TV. As you adjust it down (less contrast) the eye perceives that it's dimming, correct? As you adjust it up (more contrast), the eye perceives that it's brighter, when in fact, you adjusted it INDEPENDENT of the brightness setting. It's just how the eye operates. Screen didn't get brighter, just had more contrast. That's the artifact happening with the N1.

What the camera optics do is measure without the artifact. The Konica Minolta CS-200 Chromameter is one of the most precise chromameters being used out there, using 40 sensors and modern spectral fitting methodology for obtaining metrics. I think it'll hold water

 

[MartinS]

Here are some things to consider:

1) The display is NOT better than the DROID. First, it's not as resolute, missing 26,000 pixels; DROID is 854x480 while the N1 is 800x480. Not only that, in a recent test, the N1 screen proved to have less color accuracy and was 2X not as bright as the DROID LCD. On top of THAT, the N1 display is only 16-bit (65,000 colors), while the DROID is 24-bit (16,7 million colors).

854 x 480 = 409920 - so where do you display these 16.7 million colours. In practise on a phone 65000 colours is more than enough. This and brightness are not the only ways to judge a screen, quite often it is best to judge by eye because that is how you use it.


2) The N1 does have a better form factor, being that it has no physical keyboard. It is the thinnest slab phone out there right now, I believe (close with the HD2). The DROID is the thinnest slide-out QWERTY ever made! It really depends on what your need is. Since you mentioned that it isn't a real factor, this may not be a deal breaker.

Form factor is personal preference in my opinion. Dependant on whether a hardware keyboard is required. One thing that is not up for judgement is that the Droid has bypassed the styling department at Moto.


3) Speed. I think that some of that speed is up to processor, but you also have to factor in the 2.1 build. With a kernel update coming, it's likely that both the N1 and DROID will speed up, with the DROID speeding up considerably with the latest 2.1 build update. But the Snap is fast; just wait to see what people say about 2.1 on DROID. From those who have ported 2.1 ROM to the DROID, they have noticed considerable speed increases.

Possibly, but I don't think the N1 is much quicker anyway. It's not THAT much faster than the Hero in my opinion.


4) Network has to be a consideration. I don't care how awesome you think your phone is, if you can't connect, it's just a worthless slab of transistors and circuit board. Haven't we learned enough from berating the iPhone fan boys? Go with what you have coverage with and have a pleasing experience.

Agree 100%. No point in having your favourite phone if you can't use it to potential and it becomes frustrating. I had this on T-Mobile in the UK when the G1 came out. Loved the G1 but reception at home was dreadful and I had to return the phone and cancel the deal.


5) Fees. Even if you're within your RMA, you'll be charged $45 for re-stocking that N1 (unless you're in CA). But here's something else to consider: It seems that Google and T-Mo are working out "upgrade" services. It's likely that they'll have their act together by the time they get to Verizon. You may be able to upgrade to the N1 for cheaper if you have an existing account.

I guess this remains to be seen. See the point above.


ON THE OTHER HAND, the terms of the VZW partnership hasn't been solidified. There are hints that Google will sell a CDMA SKU of the phone (with no pricing partnership with VZW, so no discount) at $530 and VZW will supply plans for the phone (so, an additional monthly charge). That's just one possibility to consider; tread carefully because just because they say VZW is on-board, what "on-board" means isn't clear. We can't assume it'll be JUST LIKE T-Mo's partnership. After all, Google's phone site threatens the very business model VZW has been so profitable with for SO MANY years.

Think about those things... either way, both phones are great and you can't lose. In a matter of 6 months to a year, there'll be a better crop of phones. For example, the Sony X10 running the 2.x... at CES, the demo model was using 2.0. That, my friend, is a SLICK phone and in my opinion, everything the N1 should have been at the very least!

I think the user experience will be down to taste on the X10 as with Sense. X10 looks a bit slow and fussy to me. Plus what happens when you are crying out for Android 2.5 etc - which will happen when you hear other phones are on it.


Just my 2p!

 

[raremage]

That sounds an awful lot like iPhone-fan-boy delusion. If what I experience is true for me, then it is true in reality. Never mind what empirical evidence says. Totally the post-modern mentality.

Look, the N1 isn't the first AMOLED touch screen phone out there. In fact, the Samsung Omnia 2 has the EXACT same 3.7" screen the N1 has (3.7", 16-bit, AMOLED). And yeah, it's a brilliant screen; I appreciated the contrast of the display more than anything. I don't doubt that the N1 is just as brilliant. But even then, what our eyes perceive as brilliance/brightness can be a misinterpretation of contrast.

Try this on for size: Adjust the contrast of your computer display or TV. As you adjust it down (less contrast) the eye perceives that it's dimming, correct? As you adjust it up (more contrast), the eye perceives that it's brighter, when in fact, you adjusted it INDEPENDENT of the brightness setting. It's just how the eye operates. Screen didn't get brighter, just had more contrast. That's the artifact happening with the N1.

What the camera optics do is measure without the artifact. The Konica Minolta CS-200 Chromameter is one of the most precise chromameters being used out there, using 40 sensors and modern spectral fitting methodology for obtaining metrics. I think it'll hold water

I think you're right, it's not brightness but differences in contrast. But again, the subjective part here is, the N1 looks ~better~ to me than the Droid.

Not that the Droid is bad by any stretch of the imagination. Hell, it blows the iPhone away. But the N1 just seems better to me. While again, this is subjective, for me this is the impression, which makes it pertinent for my decision.

 

[raremage]

2) The N1 does have a better form factor, being that it has no physical keyboard. It is the thinnest slab phone out there right now, I believe (close with the HD2). The DROID is the thinnest slide-out QWERTY ever made! It really depends on what your need is. Since you mentioned that it isn't a real factor, this may not be a deal breaker.

Form factor is personal preference in my opinion. Dependant on whether a hardware keyboard is required. One thing that is not up for judgement is that the Droid has bypassed the styling department at Moto.!

Well that's for sure. Have to be honest, 'visual styling' is less important to me than the tactile feel of the phone. In both cases though the N1 wins by a mile.

 

[MartinS]

If I was you I'd base it on the performance of the phone combined with the network, as per my G1 comment.

If T-Mobile isn't working for you then I believe in the US that VZ and Droid are the best option currently (from the UK looking in).