Which phone/service

[swiftwood]

Hello, Old time Linux user, back when you used to load it on floppies, looking to get into programming apps for Android My background is a BS in Computer Science, MS in Mechanical Engineering. I want to bring engineering apps to the phones so people can use them in school and out in the field. Haven't actually picked up a phone yet. I'm currently on AT&T, and did think about getting an iPhone, but with linux background I think I'm better off getting an Android phone I'm leaning towards Verizon and a Droid, though I like the keyboard on the Devour thoughts? BTW how do you get the forum to recognize carriage returns?

 

[Skaggz]

The Devour comes with MotoBlur, so unless you're really into social networking I would recommend the Moto Droid. Many people have deemed the Devour the Droid's little cousin, or something akin to that.

Definitely don't go with AT&T's Backflip as a developer. You cannot install non-market apps on it. That means no pre-release testing other than the SDK emulator.

Coming from Linux is a plus. However for development on the Android OS, you'll need a decent background in Java and OOP.

 

[swiftwood]

thanks I'm Java certified, though it's old.

 

[Skaggz]

If you haven't done so already, download the Android SDK. It is tailored to be used in conjuction with Eclipse, but you can use any IDE you'd like. There are also a couple of app tutorials on the site so you can get a feel of what it's like to program for an Android device.

 

[takeshi]

You're always better off selecting the carrier first, based on coverage where you need it.

 

[IOWA]

Sprint/Verizon are the best for coverage, but verizon loves to cripple their phones, and sprint has 4g. However, vzw does have the ever so popular droid.

 

[swiftwood]

just pick up a Droid @ BestBuy they were $100 cheaper than the Verizon Store