How many of you are getting this because..

[sleemie]

it's what you REALLY want and how many would really rather have the Xperia, Acer or HTC Dragon, but since this will be the best Android on the market you're jumping in because you can't wait any longer for the others?

I ask that because from what I know of the others, which really isn't that much, I'd rather have the HTC Dragon. But, there's no telling when it will come out and what carrier it will be with and how much it will cost and all that stuff, so I MIGHT just jump in on this one. I don't care about a keyboard, but if I tried it out and really liked having a keyboard maybe I could be convinced. As far as looks, it's not the best looking phone, but it's definitely not bad. In fact, I would say the only one that really looks better than it would be the Touch HD2, which if that was an Android phone I would be ON IT! The Droid looks better than any other Android phone out there, and from the pics of the Dragon would say just as good as it, if not better. My biggest reluctance is probably the fact it's on Verizon and would have to jump ship from sprint after about 5-6 years and give up the good pricing. I guess the payoff to that would be knowing that I'm on the best network available. I live in Houston and every now and again we have to deal with Hurricane situations where power goes out and the cell towers get flooded with cell phone calls and phone service can become an issue. Also, I have to travel to the surrounding areas once in a while for work and sometimes in to little hick towns and I'm assuming Verizon would be more reliable in those situations, as well.

 

[LxMeister]

Honestly, I'm looking into this phone for a number of reasons.

Mostly, because I'm already on Verizon, as is the company I work for.

I've been on the Samsung i760 (WM6.1) since the day it came out over 2 years ago, and in that time, Verizon's smartphone offerings have been meager at best.

I've followed Windows Mobile for many iterations, and now that I can get Exchange support on something other than Windows, I have no reason to stick to the OS.

Also, for some reason, my boss decided that everyone in the company (granted, <10 people) should have the exact same phone, everyone's using the Samsung and not everyone likes it. From what I've been reading about Android, it seems that it'll have the versatility and customizability I look for, yet actually just works-out-of-the-box like some others need.

I'm going to try to convince him that we don't all need the same phone now that Exchange support is more widespread, and that should be the only requisite. If there's anything to be learned from the iPhone vs Others debate, it's that choosing a phone is a personal thing.

My boss will want it for the large keyboard. I want it because all the specs (hardware & software) make it very impressive, plus I do actually like the look of the thing. I think it's kinda sleek.

I may hold off a little while to see the full range of VZW Android phones coming in Nov, but I might not be able to wait that long.

 

[Headsong]

For me, the musts:
VZW
Not WinMoHel, nor Crackberry
Keyboard
Sync to desktop somehow (will use CompanionLink for that)
Large screen
Wifi
Removable card (easy to encrypt files/card)

That's why this appeals. It's the first VZW phone that qualifies. 'Bout time.

 

[Jacqueline]

The Xperia X3 is tempting, but this one has a keyboard with a d-pad and a graphics processor, so it should be a better phone all-around. I'm sure the d-pad will be fantastic for games.

While there are always better phones coming out, I will be happy with this one for a while. I expect to use it until my new every two is available next October, and at that time I'm expecting to get a shiny new Android phone that supports LTE.

 

[billd]

Being on Verizon is one of the big things for me. Most of my family and friends and about half the company I work for are on Verizon. There always seemed to be something or other I didn't like about Verizon's smart phones up to now. I was actually contemplating an iPhone despite my disdain for AT&T. The Droid makes that unnecessary.

 

[0_0 Droid]

Ima get it because it:
is on Verizon
runs Android 2.0
looks like a BO$$
my contract expires in early June!

 

[Hohlraum]

Only reasons to go out of your way to get this phone.

1. fastest android processor (this most likely will outrun the samsung moment as well).

2. best battery life.

3. largest screen res.

4. android 2.0

Beyond that (and those are some pretty awesome reasons) i wouldn't consider going out of my way to get this phone. I'm really not crazy about switching from sprint as they basically share verizon's network, they are cheaper and I've been a sprint customer for 10yrs continuously.

 

[phonicdroid]

Yeah I want this phone for all its compelling features.

Hardware Keyboard is a must have, android 2.0, big screen, OMAP processor..list goes on.
More or less the phone to have!
Although I am tempted to wait for the Xperia X3, however I doubt that will be subsidized here in the U.S. on any network..and that means no 3G either.

 

[DjDroid]

I will be getting this phone because I have been waiting since June (NE2) to get a decent phone on VZW. Im just glad something thats worth getting is finally here. Was waiting on the Omnia 2 but who knows when they are ever gonna let that one out. Both my wifes and my own phone are just about on their last stretch so hopefully soon we can upgrade to this beast!

 

[shadrap]

Stick with Sprint.

No one can compete with Sprint's pricing and/ or what is included in the plan for example GPS free, unlimited data included, unlimited text included, unlimited to any mobile included.

Verizon and Sprint coverage is similar. Don't believe anything else. I have an employee on Verizon. I can't speak for any area but the east coast, but we are in NC and regularly run from NY to FL. Our coverage areas are exactly the same.
By the way, he just switched from Verizon to the Sprint HTC Hero.

I left Sprint once to jump on the iPhone bandwagon. Worst decision I ever made, in regards to cell phones. You don't always get what you pay for.

Also, I am hoping the Dragon is Sprint's surprise for next years lineup.

I am not hear to bash Verizon or the Droid. Verizon is a great company with above par customer service. The Droid will definitely be the phone to beat.
I am just saying the grass is not always greener, so to speak.

 

[sleemie]

Well, I wouldn't leave Sprint just for the sake of leaving. I would leave just for the purpose of getting the Droid. I don't want the Hero because the screen is too small, and also within the next few months we should start seeing phones with the much faster processors and SHOULD still be somewhere in the neighborhood of $200 if they wanna be competitive.

As far as the Dragon, we don't even know if it'll be on Sprint. And if it isn't, then just WHEN would sprint be getting one of these new bigger, faster phones??

I've been waiting for about a year to get a new phone, and I need to eventually take the plunge on SOMETHING!

As far as paying extra for GPS, I have a question about that. Since it's going to be completely open and you can use a third party app, such as Tom Tom or whatever, do those companies charge a monthly fee or is it just paying a one time fee for the program? You might be able to get away without having to pay a monthly fee for navigation.

 

[shadrap]

Sleemie,

I can understand your concern about Sprint getting the newer faster phones. I was one of the people actually excited when the instinct came out, due to their lack of quality phones. But Sprint has done an about face when it comes to this. Currently most phone guys believe Sprint has the best lineup of smart phones.

I for one am betting that this will continue and that they realize Android is the future. That is why I believe Sprint will be in on the better android revolution, slated to occur over the next year.

That is a good question on the GPS. Verizon has been notorious on restricting their phones. So, it does make you wonder how they will handle apps like GPS in the android market.

I just know what it's like to switch for a phone. I did it for the iPhone 3Gs. It was not worth it to me and was a costly learning experience. Whatever your choice, good luck, and let us know how it works out.

 

[CRPercodani]

Verizon has already committed to Android, I know there was a conference with them and Google, and they are planning to push a bunch of Android handsets. I'm sure Sprint will have a good amount too, but they haven't gone as far as Verizon publicly. The GPS thing is old, they haven't locked or charged extra for a long time, unless your referring to VZ Navigator which is something that streams maps then yes it's like $9.99/mo. But with Android you have CoPilot which is a really nice turn by turn GPS app, it is as complete as Tom Tom or Garmin and definitely DOESN'T have any type of monthly fee. Sprint offers its own GPS app, but its not like the others, its like VZ Navigator with streaming maps.

Verizon can't mess with GPS on ANY Android phone because of the way Google uses it. It would completely screw up the entire OS and many of its features. Also the Moment may have a faster processor clock speed, but its a ARM11 which is so so old, the Droid has Cortex A8. A good comparison is a Pentium 4 Vs a Core i7, the Pentium 4 could have a 1ghz higher clock speed and still couldn't even compete with the Core i7. Proof of this is in the reviews done on these 2 phones, the Droid is said to be the fastest Android phone yet, where as the Moment is said to have more lag then other Android devices, such as the G1. Samsung will hopefully get the lag fixed up with some updates, but it will never compete with a much more advanced architecture like Cortex A8. The Moment will still be a great phone, on a good network, with some of the best plan rates. But if you prefer the Droid on VZW, with better coverage (which always depends on where you live, work, and travel) and somewhat higher plans then thats what you will get. Its everyone's choice what they want and no one should really TRY to change that unless the person isn't really sure what they want.

 

[Dark-V]

Hey all, first post!!

I'm currently a Blackberry Storm user (don't boo) and I love the phone. I'm currently on Crackberry.com forums and I am stoked about the Storm 2 release because it fixed a ton of the issues from the first device. A couple people mentioned the Droid and I just shrugged it off because I was devout to the Storm 2.

Well not anymore. I started to do my research of the Android OS and the Droid phone and WoW. I'm probably going to be switching as long as the device's build quality doesn't suck.

I'm not on a BB Enterprise server so I don't get full exchange access and the droid does. Droid has everything I wanted in the Storm 2, and more. Open source, more apps and games than Blackberries will ever have, and a slew of other cool things.

So... here yo go, converted a Crackberry user!

 

[knickerbocker]

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/10/23/motorola-droid-preview/

In the preview: I just want to add that this is a Google Experience phone, and my line about Verizon and GPS was a joke. Verizon hasn&#8217;t and won&#8217;t touch or control any functionality on the Droid. GPS is 100% open, there&#8217;s Wi-Fi, Android Market, etc.

I am a current VZW customer for all of a week (I was Alltel customer before) and my contract is up in three weeks. I have a BB now and I was about to switch to Sprint to get better pricing and the Hero because VZW's smartphone lineup is crap. But this one is going to keep me around. I though VZW was a lot more expensive that Sprint, but the Family data plans are pretty comparable and both a little less than I pay today. I am getting one of these bad boys.

 

[CRPercodani]

Family data plans? If its the Connect or Premium plans those don't include the proper data package you need. You have to either use the email & web for smartphone (30), or unlimited data (45). Unless they have some special data package for all smartphones in a Family plan. You should talk to randydandy if he is around, he works for VZW and knows everything.

 

[docprego]

I'm getting it for these reasons:

1. Best Android device available
2. I want to get away from devices made by HTC, I have a had a nightmware with stuck pixels on several of their devices. I don't know if the Droid will be any different but at least the LCD is probably from a totally different supplier.
3. 3.7" screen with 480 x 854 resolution!
4. Hardware keyboard
5. DVD quality video recording
6. 5 MP camera with dual LED flash and image stabilization
7. The only Android 2.0 device currently and for who knows how long
8. Reports of incredible battery life
9. Reports of excellent speed
10. Verizon! (I'm leaving Sprint)
11. The leaked specs last week listed "Google Turn-By-Turn Directions", is that even available on any other device?
12. I like the branding: DROID (not a major reason but if I am being honest it's on the list.)

It's like Verizon and Google thought of everything I would want a phone to have and they included it.

 

[TogaLive]

I'm getting it for these reasons:

7. The only Android 2.0 device currently and for who knows how long

lol well not to burst your bubble but both and HTC Droid "Eris" and the Motorola Droid are launching on the same day (Nov. 6th) as has been confirmed by multiple local store managers and a correspondent for the Washington post. Not only this but yet another android 2.0 phone is confirmed as coming out on december first with virtually all the same specs as the droid (literally everything is the same even the screen size and res.), but minus the keyboard so its a bit thinner.

Either way, I like my keyboards, so I'm stickin with the Moto Droid

 

[CRPercodani]

Ok but the Eris runs 1.5, not 2.0. Also has much worse specs, the other phone you speak of is either the Dragon (crazy specs) or the Sholes w/o keyboard, so if you really hate keyboards that's a good choice I suppose. From his 12 given reasons I see #2 is it being a non-HTC phone so I don't think he's gonna go for the Eris anyway lol.

 

[TogaLive]

Ok but the Eris runs 1.5, not 2.0. Also has much worse specs, the other phone you speak of is either the Dragon (crazy specs) or the Sholes w/o keyboard, so if you really hate keyboards that's a good choice I suppose. From his 12 given reasons I see #2 is it being a non-HTC phone so I don't think he's gonna go for the Eris anyway lol.

Yeah I merely was pointing out that there is infact going to be a full line of android phones, with multiple android 2.0 phones before the holidays come around, so if thats the only reason people are looking then they should wait awhile. Oh and the "Shole" was confirmed as just being the FCC codename for the Motorola Droid, so yes the one I was talking about is the Droid - a keyboard.

 

[CRPercodani]

Hey its all good. What do you mean about the Droid - a keyboard? I was talking about the Droid w/o a keyboard, yea I know it is the FCC name but just didn't want to confuse him with the current Droid. What other 2.0 phones have you heard about coming before the holidays? Only one I've seen confirmed is the Droid.

 

[unfrostedpoptart]

I'm getting it for these reasons:

It's like Verizon and Google thought of everything I would want a phone to have and they included it.

Great list - with comments/additions

1. Best Android device available
don't know about this 2. I want to get away from devices made by HTC
3. 3.7" screen with 480 x 854 resolution!
wish it had the dedicated number row! 4. Hardware keyboard
5. DVD quality video recording
6. 5 MP camera with dual LED flash and image stabilization
7. The only Android 2.0 device currently and for who knows how long
8. Reports of incredible battery life
9. Reports of excellent speed
can stay on VZ! - 10. Verizon! (I'm leaving Sprint)
11. The leaked specs last week listed "Google Turn-By-Turn Directions", is that even available on any other device?
ok - 12. I like the branding: DROID (not a major reason but if I am being honest it's on the list.)

13 - 3.5 mm headphone jack
14 - visual voicemail
15 - will run Flash 10 soon
16 - dual nic with noise cancellation for speakerphone
17 - MS Exchange support
18 - removable battery
19 - removable memory card
20 - WiFi (on VZ!)
21 - Car mode

 

[CRPercodani]

Add to that the super cool looking magnetic dock that activates that cool Clock/Weather/ other cool stuff.

 

[docprego]

Great list - with comments/additions

1. Best Android device available
don't know about this 2. I want to get away from devices made by HTC
3. 3.7" screen with 480 x 854 resolution!
wish it had the dedicated number row! 4. Hardware keyboard
5. DVD quality video recording
6. 5 MP camera with dual LED flash and image stabilization
7. The only Android 2.0 device currently and for who knows how long
8. Reports of incredible battery life
9. Reports of excellent speed
can stay on VZ! - 10. Verizon! (I'm leaving Sprint)
11. The leaked specs last week listed "Google Turn-By-Turn Directions", is that even available on any other device?
ok - 12. I like the branding: DROID (not a major reason but if I am being honest it's on the list.)

13 - 3.5 mm headphone jack
14 - visual voicemail
15 - will run Flash 10 soon
16 - dual nic with noise cancellation for speakerphone
17 - MS Exchange support
18 - removable battery
19 - removable memory card
20 - WiFi (on VZ!)
21 - Car mode

Nice additions, I like them all and can't believe I actually left off 9 more items that are excellent.

22. Weather/alarm clock dock as mentioned by CRPercodani above.

Also going back to the Google Turn-By-Turn directions, Phandroid has an article about this tonight. It states that it will be a new Google product unveiled tomorrow with the Droid that offers a complete GPS solution. Their source said they were 99.99% sure this would be introduced with the Droid tomorrow! http://phandroid.com/2009/10/27/google-turn-by-turn-directions/

 

[JoeFresco]

Quoting: AnandTech: Understanding the iPhone 3GS
"At the same clock speed and with the same L2 cache sizes, ARM shows the Cortex A8 as being able to execute 40% more instructions per second than the ARM11. That