Droid vs Ersi for newbie

[mishee17]

I've just joined the forums and I've read through several of the posts. I'll be upgrading from an old LG clamshell phone. I'm just wondering which phone (droid or eris) would be better for me given that I haven't used either a BB or a phone with a virtual keyboard in the past. I was also wondering if the Eris can download attachments, PDF's, or other types of files.

 

[DroidDO]

Both phones are in the same family. People who notice the most difference between them likely already use a smartphone. I've used palm, nokia, and blackberrys for years. Since you are coming from a non-smartphone, honestly, either phone will suit you well. A few things to keep in mind: you will have to get an data plan, which will run you $30 extra per month. Both phones can open attachments on emails. The droid does have a larger and sharper screen, however the eris also has very good screen (very similar to 90% of other touch screen phones out there).

The main factors you should think about are:

Size: the eris is more "pocket friendly". This doesn't mean the Drois isn't, just that the eris is a bit smaller and lighter, with curved edges.

Memory: the Droid has a 16 gig card, the Eris a 8 gig. This is really dependent on how you plan to use it. With cool apps like pandora and slacker radio that stream music of your taste to the phone, you almost don't need to use the memory card at all. Plus, a 8 gig card will hold about 1600 songs (double for 16 gig). If you decision comes down to the memory card, know that you can buy a 16 gig card for $40 and replace it easily.

Keyboard: I used a blackberry storm (touch screen) before switching. Everyone WILL have their own opinion here. I liked the touch screen keyboard of the Eris better than both the touch screen and the physical keyboard of the Droid. I tested this by trying to type a sentence without stopping and looking at the end to see how many mistakes I made. There were many more on the Droid (using either keyboard) than on the Eris. This was disappointing considering the Droid is supposed to have a better touch keyboard. Which brings me to my last point:

Android version: Android is the opperating system on both phones. The Eris is running 1.5 with a special menu system called SenseUI. It makes the phone look nicer and have more options for customizing. The Droid is running 2.0, which is a newer system but does not have the SenseUI that the Eris has. 2.0 does however add Google Navigation that gives you free turn-by-turn GPS. The Eris has google maps, but not the advanced version that announces when to turn. But the good news is that in the near future, Eris will be upgraded to have 2.0.

Bottom line: both phones are very similar, and to the average user, the decision might just come down to which one looks and feels better to you. The Droid is technically a more advanced device, but the Eris seems to be more polished in the user interface. I went to verizon with the plan to buy a Droid. I was so impressed with the Eris that I went home with one. I did however love the screen on the Droid, it's so crisp and sharp. A dream phone would be an Eris, with the droid screen, running the new 2.0 android with SenseUI. (and rumor has it that the next HTC phone for verzion will launch soon and be exactly that).

 

[kwilsonw]

Do you think Verizon will have the newer android "dream phone" with the Droid screen & 2.0 before Christmas? I had decided to purchase the Eris today until I read your last sentence about the rumor. Maybe I should wait a little longer......

 

[Bravo311]

Do you think Verizon will have the newer android "dream phone" with the Droid screen & 2.0 before Christmas? I had decided to purchase the Eris today until I read your last sentence about the rumor. Maybe I should wait a little longer......

You can read all about the rumors and conspiracies concerning this
"dream phone" in this forum.
HTC Passion - Android Forums

 

[lavendarblue]

My biggest issue between the droid vs eris was they keyboard. I was completely convinced I needed a keyboard. I've got long nails and skinny fingers and was certain I wouldn't be able to type. Throwing caution to the wind I went with Eris and I love it. You get use to the virtual keyboard! While I still can't text as fast as when I had my EnV, I like that it auto punctuates and spell checks for you.

The phone is also very versatile and reflect my personally to the T! I love it.

 

[DroidDO]

Do you think Verizon will have the newer android "dream phone" with the Droid screen & 2.0 before Christmas? I had decided to purchase the Eris today until I read your last sentence about the rumor. Maybe I should wait a little longer......

You can always wait for the next great phone to come out. One always will, and usually just after your exchange period ends on your current phone haha! But if you like the Eris, go for it. It has the Android OS so you will get a similar experience to any Android phone that comes out, besides screen size and possible dual radio support (only needed if you plan to use your phone in Europe, etc.) I've had big phones for years, and I'm really happy to have a nice slim and narrow phone that has most of the functions of the larger ones.

 

[droidnut]

My wife has had the Moto Razr for YEARRRSSS! She had never owned a smartphone and ended up w the Eris. She absolutely loves it! She played w the Droid as well but didn't care for the design or keyboard. Can't really go wrong w either, IMO. You should def go play w both for a good spell b4 deciding. Good luck.