DROID

[while1]

Fuck yeah.  Motorola Droid comes to Verizon 11/06/09.

I've been eligible for my new-every-2 for a few months now, and I'm glad I waited.

I've been waiting for an Android phone to come to Verizon.  I've been hesitant to get an iPhone because I dislike Apple's treatment of developers on platforms like the iPhone.  They're nazi control freaks, of course it's in their rights to be, but it's also my right to boycott their products.

Fuck yeah.  I also find technical aspects about the iPhone lame, such as not being able to replace the battery myself.  In my opinion, they do shit like that to lock in customers and make them depend on them.  Sure Apple fanboys may spout plausible technical reasons why shit like that was decided... I'd rather not buy a product designed in such a way. 

http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Mobile-Phones/Motorola-DROID-US-EN

[deadly7]

I have yet to see a Verizon phone that doesn't suck royally. I have no good expections for this one.

[while1]

I have yet to see a Verizon phone that doesn't suck royally. I have no good expections for this one.

True, and in the end I may not even buy it.  I don't really use my current phone that much as it is, and would be better off with a pre-paid plan.  Of course the reason I don't even text is because my current phone doesn't have a full qwerty keyboard.

We'll see, I also may not get it if the data plan is going to rape me each month.

[iago]

I prefer the 12-button keyboard to a fully QWERTY. The QWERTY was never designed to be used with two fingers.. I find it really slows me down.

There are exceptions, of course -- the biggest one is symbols. It's far better having a full keyboard for symbols.

[Camel]

Now that it's announce, I can say that I've been playing with one of these at work for a while. They're pretty cool; free TBT with street view is badass.

I'll probably get one whenever my new every two comes around.

[c0Ld]

I've been looking for an excuse to throw my Blackberry Storm in the garbage, if this thing isn't TOO pricey I might pick it up. My 2 year crap won't be up for quite awhile ;[

[Chavo]

In the past, verizon has been adamant about their phones only having access to their app store (and music, etc).  I'm curious to see whether they will try to restrict their android phones this way or change their policy to compete.  I'll also be dissapointed if they cripple the phones (BT file transfer, for one) as they have done in the past.  Of course, an android phone would probably be much easier to un-cripple

[Blaze]

Android phones shall be forever hackable.  I expect good things in the future. 

[Camel]

Chavo: nope, they're not going to even rebrand the software. The one I used doesn't even say Verizon when you turn it on, but that may change.

[c0Ld]

The more I read about this, the more I want it. Too bad Verizon has a boner for charging $500+ for phones without a contract renewal.

[warz]

my friend got this phone. it seems just like the G1. i give it a "meh" rating.

[Camel]

I'm such a nerd. I went to go "look" at it on Friday, and walked out of the store with it in my pocket.

Two days later, it still feels like Christmas day.

[c0Ld]

I can't afford it until I get my free replacement

[Camel]

Free? Even with the $50 discount for the new every 2 refresh, it's still $150.

[Camel]

http://xkcd.com/662/

[StaiN]

I have yet to see a Verizon phone that doesn't suck royally. I have no good expections for this one.

I disagree... Blackberry Storm... Terrible device. I was a Data Technician for them for 2 years. All I heard was issues about the phones... There a several phones that have numerous design flaws.



On another note... Droid phones are amazing. I have the T-Mobile HTC MyTouch by Google... Love it. Despite the keyboard size and functionality the device suits all my needs, and has many options that I'm still learning. Kid at a Candy Store.

[rabbit]

I plan to get an Android when my contact is up, but I'm not sure who to go with.  I've always used AT&T/Cingular, but I'm open to switching carriers.  I want the best Android/Service combo I can get, and if I can keep my number, all the better.

[MyndFyre]

I <3 my G1 on T-Mobile.  They may or may not have as good of coverage as Verizon, but their customer service is absolutely amazing.

As a note: I travel quite a bit and haven't ever had a problem with coverage anyway.

[StaiN]

Verizon's coverage is overrated... They may have the most towers overall, but doesn't mean they're better. Especially for Broadband users... Bandwidth gets RAPED. East Coast is probably the best place for Verizon Customers. Everywhere else.... 50/50 imo.

Have yet to have problems w/ my T-Mo. and yeah their Customer Service is top notch. Rated highest w/ J.G Power and Associates. Have a call center here, and people say working there is strict but the atmosphere is amazing. They're required to have a level of efficiency and good manners.

[Camel]

Verizon's coverage is overrated... They may have the most towers overall, but doesn't mean they're better. Especially for Broadband users... Bandwidth gets RAPED. East Coast is probably the best place for Verizon Customers. Everywhere else.... 50/50 imo.

The east cost is the most covered by all carriers because it's the most densely populated with blackberries. A typical BlackBerry uses about 15 times more bandwidth-time for the same amount of data as the next worst PDA. That does not, by any stretch of the imagination, mean that their coverage elsewhere is sub-par. They didn't get to where they are by having poor coverage. They simply have more capacity, and no amount of idle speculation can change that.

[Camel]

They may or may not have as good of coverage as Verizon, but their customer service is absolutely amazing.

Yeah, Verizon has pretty bad CS. Their reps work on commission, so they're only interested in selling stuff, not educating.

[StaiN]

Verizon's coverage is overrated... They may have the most towers overall, but doesn't mean they're better. Especially for Broadband users... Bandwidth gets RAPED. East Coast is probably the best place for Verizon Customers. Everywhere else.... 50/50 imo.

The east cost is the most covered by all carriers because it's the most densely populated with blackberries. A typical BlackBerry uses about 15 times more bandwidth-time for the same amount of data as the next worst PDA. That does not, by any stretch of the imagination, mean that their coverage elsewhere is sub-par. They didn't get to where they are by having poor coverage. They simply have more capacity, and no amount of idle speculation can change that.

Not saying that Verizon doesn't have good coverage in other locations. But Midwest and West cost it's still divided between the major carriers... East coast IS dominated by Verizon, guaranteed. Working for Verizon, and previously AT&T I've been educated on the fact. Even more so recently due to the fact that Verizon Wireless owns Alltel which was primarily based in the South Eastern regions of the United States. And as far as Blackberry Bandwidth.. I wouldn't say it's because they take 15x more... I'd say it's because that area is more densely populated...

They may or may not have as good of coverage as Verizon, but their customer service is absolutely amazing.

Yeah, Verizon has pretty bad CS. Their reps work on commission, so they're only interested in selling stuff, not educating.

And only their store reps are commission based. The others are base pay w/ Bonus for sales on top.

[Camel]

And as far as Blackberry Bandwidth.. I wouldn't say it's because they take 15x more... I'd say it's because that area is more densely populated...

Say what you like, but it's widely known in the industry that the north-east has a much higher concentration of blackberries, and that they romp on the network. I don't see how you can not see the correlation. Look at a 3g coverage map of any carrier, and you'll see that the north-east region is much more densely covered than anywhere else.

[StaiN]

... Never said you were incorrect. More people obviously means more Blackberries...

[Camel]

http://androinica.com/2009/11/17/verizon-trashes-atts-network-in-lawsuit-response/

[StaiN]

Uhm.. That map is obviously a lie. Considering I live in Idaho, and Verizon doesn't provide 3G coverage here. Or anywhere surrounding for that matter. LOL What a joke. I've seen that. And it's quite honestly, bullshit.

And that blog is only saying that if AT&T can provide false info, Verizon can say what they want as well. I'm not disagreeing that Verizon has a better Network overall... But that Map is blown way out of proportion.

[rabbit]

The AT&T map shows coverage over the entirety of Philadelphia, and I've never gotten a 3G signal in my life

[CrAz3D]

Verizon's coverage is overrated... They may have the most towers overall, but doesn't mean they're better. Especially for Broadband users... Bandwidth gets RAPED. East Coast is probably the best place for Verizon Customers. Everywhere else.... 50/50 imo.

The east cost is the most covered by all carriers because it's the most densely populated with blackberries. A typical BlackBerry uses about 15 times more bandwidth-time for the same amount of data as the next worst PDA. That does not, by any stretch of the imagination, mean that their coverage elsewhere is sub-par. They didn't get to where they are by having poor coverage. They simply have more capacity, and no amount of idle speculation can change that.

Not saying that Verizon doesn't have good coverage in other locations. But Midwest and West cost it's still divided between the major carriers.

VZW is the only way to go in rural, semi-rural areas (i.e. where I live).  Sure we have AT&T coverage (only got that a couple yrs ago), but if you head to more rural areas of my state you're screwed (even w/VZW sometimes).

That said, Jan 31 I am up for contract renewal.  Motorola Droid will be the phone I select.  Most of the bugs I've read about should be worked out soon enough.



Can you find a more accurate map?  The judge presiding over the AT&T v Verizon case just ruled in favor of VZW this morning.

[StaiN]

No map is going to be completely accurate. They're all going to be altered to each individual carriers liking. And what you've said --

VZW is the only way to go in rural, semi-rural areas (i.e. where I live).  Sure we have AT&T coverage (only got that a couple yrs ago), but if you head to more rural areas of my state you're screwed (even w/VZW sometimes).

was based primarily off your own opinion and circumstance.

[while1]

Free? Even with the $50 discount for the new every 2 refresh, it's still $150.

what... with my new every 2 I get $100 off but that still only makes it $199 (without 2 year contract it's $299)

[Camel]

Uhm.. That map is obviously a lie. Considering I live in Idaho, and Verizon doesn't provide 3G coverage here. Or anywhere surrounding for that matter. LOL What a joke. I've seen that. And it's quite honestly, bullshit.

I'm looking at RNC stats for Idaho right now. They most definitely do cover Idaho, but not as densely as states that have people in them. You probably just live in an area that isn't covered, or in a valley or something.

The AT&T map shows coverage over the entirety of Philadelphia, and I've never gotten a 3G signal in my life

I didn't lose 3G for even a minute when I drove across PA. If you're sure you actually have a 3G phone, you probably need to update your PRL. Dial *ACT, and press 2 at the prompt.

[edit] Oh, nevermind, you have ATT. I'm not sure if GSM even uses PRLs, but there's probably some equivalent, and some way to update it.

Most of the bugs I've read about should be worked out soon enough.

Don't hold your breath on getting the changes - most of the bugs have already been fixed. Verizon has to be the one to push a new ROM, and the only time in the history of the company existing that they have done that was when the FCC mandated that they unlock the GPS chips in their WM phones -- and they still missed the deadline. That isn't to say it definitely won't happen, just that I'm not counting on it. I'll be keeping up with homebrew ROMs once they start coming out, which will probably be some time in the next couple of months.

Can you find a more accurate map?  The judge presiding over the AT&T v Verizon case just ruled in favor of VZW this morning.

That map is [a downsized version of a map that is] as accurate as is possible for Verizon to create. They put red blotches for 2 miles around every 3G radio node, which is pretty nearly guaranteed to be "full 3G signal" coverage range. Terrain has a huge impact on actual signal strength, but they can't accurately model that.

Free? Even with the $50 discount for the new every 2 refresh, it's still $150.

what... with my new every 2 I get $100 off but that still only makes it $199 (without 2 year contract it's $299)

That $100 is a mail-in rebate (they'll send you a $100 visa gift card), so you still have to front the money. The new every 2 upgrade is a $50 discount off the cost of the phone, and requires that you renew a 2 year contract.

[while1]

Free? Even with the $50 discount for the new every 2 refresh, it's still $150.

what... with my new every 2 I get $100 off but that still only makes it $199 (without 2 year contract it's $299)

That $100 is a mail-in rebate (they'll send you a $100 visa gift card), so you still have to front the money. The new every 2 upgrade is a $50 discount off the cost of the phone, and requires that you renew a 2 year contract.

ah, thanks for clarifying.  I guess it doesn't include the $50 new every 2 discount when shopping their online store, just the rebate.

[Camel]

ah, thanks for clarifying.  I guess it doesn't include the $50 new every 2 discount when shopping their online store, just the rebate.

I haven't been to that website in a while, but I think there's a special way you're supposed to indicate that you want to upgrade an existing phone. Instead of just going directly to the "i can has phone?" section, look under the description of your line (look for a picture of your current phone next to your phone number somewhere on the page), and click on it. You should have the option to upgrade that specific phone. That's probably pretty confusing if you only have one handset on your plan.

[truste1]

according to the best buy circular, it's going to be $99 on Black Friday with or without a contract.

[while1]

according to the best buy circular, it's going to be $99 on Black Friday with or without a contract.

I know where I'll be camping Thursday night...

[Camel]

according to the best buy circular, it's going to be $99 on Black Friday with or without a contract.

I wouldn't be surprised if they offered that deal with a contract, but I'd be shocked to see it without.

[StaiN]

Uhm.. That map is obviously a lie. Considering I live in Idaho, and Verizon doesn't provide 3G coverage here. Or anywhere surrounding for that matter. LOL What a joke. I've seen that. And it's quite honestly, bullshit.

I'm looking at RNC stats for Idaho right now. They most definitely do cover Idaho, but not as densely as states that have people in them. You probably just live in an area that isn't covered, or in a valley or something.

I would definitely like to see this... I live in the most populated part of Idaho, and on top of a Plateau... Where do you get your information? I worked as a Data Technician for VZW and worked directly with the NRB...

[Camel]

I would definitely like to see this... I live in the most populated part of Idaho, and on top of a Plateau... Where do you get your information? I worked as a Data Technician for VZW and worked directly with the NRB...

I'm not authorized to distribute the information. I didn't personally pull it, but the data came directly from the RNC logs, via our VPN with VZW's production radio network.

[truste1]

according to the best buy circular, it's going to be $99 on Black Friday with or without a contract.

I wouldn't be surprised if they offered that deal with a contract, but I'd be shocked to see it without.

My mistake, this is for the DROID ERIS

[CrAz3D]

I've spoken with friends that have fiddled with both the Droid (motorola) & the Eris (HTC), and they all pref'd HTC.  I was partial to the moto, but apparently build quality is lacking.  I will have to decide later, but have yall heard/experienced similar?

[Camel]

according to the best buy circular, it's going to be $99 on Black Friday with or without a contract.

I wouldn't be surprised if they offered that deal with a contract, but I'd be shocked to see it without.

My mistake, this is for the DROID ERIS

The price is already $99 with a contract.

I've spoken with friends that have fiddled with both the Droid (motorola) & the Eris (HTC), and they all pref'd HTC.  I was partial to the moto, but apparently build quality is lacking.  I will have to decide later, but have yall heard/experienced similar?

The Eris has a clearly superior design - no one has questioned that. The Moto Droid has better hardware, and ships with the stock ("Google Experience") Eclair, while the Eris is running a Verizon-ized Cupcake. Don't be misled in to thinkin the Eris is more capable simply because it comes with all that flashy HTC Sense UI stuff; the hacker community is eager to bring Sense UI to the Moto Droid once there's a root available.

[CrAz3D]

So moto takes better advantage of android, but possibly a less physically aesthetic phone.  OK.

[truste1]

The price is already $99 with a contract.

The special is that it is $99 without a contract.

[Camel]

So moto takes better advantage of android, but possibly a less physically aesthetic phone.  OK.

The Eris has a better keyboard, but that's a Sense UI thing, which will be ported to the droid by the hacker community in time.

[warz]

i dont hold my breath for the hacker community when it comes to my computer, why would i do it for my phone?

[Camel]

For one, because it's not as if the Droid's keyboard is debilitating. Besides, the phones aren't locked down - you can download a rooted ROM from Motorola! It's not a big hurdle, it's just that these devices JUST came out, and hackers are still appreciating how shiny their brand new screen is.

[CrAz3D]

After more reading, HTC is supposed to get android 2.0 (theyre apparently waiting to port their Sense UI) in Dec or Jan.  Cool.

[Camel]

The changes is 2.0 are mostly cosmetic. Google maps navigation relies on it, but I don't recall any other useful features that it added.

[MyndFyre]

The changes is 2.0 are mostly cosmetic. Google maps navigation relies on it.

Apparently not.

[Camel]

Cool. Most devices will probably end up getting 2.0 anyways, though - if not officially, at least by the hacking community.

[CrAz3D]

Problem is that HTC's is running 1.5, support only for down to 1.6 now

[MyndFyre]

Problem is that HTC's is running 1.5, support only for down to 1.6 now

Which HTC do you mean?  I have the G1 by HTC, and I'm running the Navigation client on my phone.

[Camel]

Rooted. http://alldroid.org/viewtopic.php?f=210&t=567

[Sidoh]

Rooted. http://alldroid.org/viewtopic.php?f=210&t=567

woooooooooot

[CrAz3D]

Problem is that HTC's is running 1.5, support only for down to 1.6 now

Which HTC do you mean?  I have the G1 by HTC, and I'm running the Navigation client on my phone.

Sorry, since this thread was re: DROID (therefore VZW)...I just assumed we we're talking about HTC Eris (which runs 1.5)

another thread re: root.
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1598692

I guess there is a leaked android 2.1 for HTC
http://androidforums.com/htc-droid-eris/25403-eris-rooting.html

[Camel]

I read about that (2.1 for Hero I think?), but I didn't get the impression it was a leak - thought it was an official update. Not sure about that, just what I seem to recall.