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Meet the Motorola Droid

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I hope next friday they have a ton of these ready to go, because they are't taking pre-orders for them.

On the plus side, I called up verizon today and got my new-every-2 deal moved up a month because my en-v has some half functioning buttons.:D :D Great customer service for me from them always.
 
My new every two is in March 2010...but I have been a customer w/big Red since 2005, have never paid late, and have a good (and expensive) plan. If I can get them to give me Droid on launch, I'm so, so golden. <3
 
Fox318 said:
Has anyone been able to find out about the droid's browser with pinch zooming.

It just seems so stupid not to fucking have it!!

Android 2.0 introduces multi-touch technology properly into the system, but pinch-to-zoom is still patented by Apple. Small steps, in this case, are necessary.
 
Andrex said:
Android 2.0 introduces multi-touch technology properly into the system, but pinch-to-zoom is still patented by Apple. Small steps, in this case, are necessary.
GSM model has it. Palm pre has it.
 
Fox318 said:
GSM model has it. Palm pre has it.

We don't know if the final GSM model will have it. If it does, then the Verizon model will get it shortly before or after. As for the Pre, Google has already expressed relief at avoiding Apple's legal threats.
 
Andrex said:
We don't know if the final GSM model will have it. If it does, then the Verizon model will get it shortly before or after. As for the Pre, Google has already expressed relief at avoiding Apple's legal threats.
HTC hero has it. I'm sure the Droid Eris has it.
 
XMonkey said:
I want a keyboard-less version very badly. Will probably hold out for that one.

I do find it odd that you'd give a device such a big ass screen, then go and tack a keyboard on as well. Bit like the N900 really (but the Droid is nowhere near as thick as that). Course they have announced a keyboard-less N900 now, so maybe Motorola will do the same for the Droid in due course.

I wonder how thin it would be without one... ?
 
Fox318 said:
HTC hero has it. I'm sure the Droid Eris has it.

HTC isn't as close to Apple as Google is.

sionyboy said:
I do find it odd that you'd give a device such a big ass screen, then go and tack a keyboard on as well. Bit like the N900 really (but the Droid is nowhere near as thick as that). Course they have announced a keyboard-less N900 now, so maybe Motorola will do the same for the Droid in due course.

I wonder how thin it would be without one... ?

The "Sholes Tablet" or keyboard-less Droid is coming in Q1 of next year. I'd say it'd probably be around 7-9mm thin.
 
Andrex said:
The "Sholes Tablet" or keyboard-less Droid is coming in Q1 of next year. I'd say it'd probably be around 7-9mm thin.

Maybe it'll be affordable by the time my contract is up. Huzzah!!

Qwerty would be handy for IM, or when you absolutely, positively need to speed type, but otherwise I find the alphanumeric option more than enough for my texting/forum posting needs.
 
Alright GAF, the hype has gotten the best of me. I think I'm gonna drop my phone for a Droid. So here's the situation, I'm already on Verizon Wireless on a family plan + data for my 8 month old Blackberry Curve. For those better informed than I, how difficult would it be to just drop the Curve handset and switch over to a Droid? What kind of fees am I looking at? Would it be easier to be dropped from the old family plan and start up a new contract?

I may wait at least until Black Friday, wonder if there will be any deals, etc. going around. Curse this Blackberry, it's already broken 2 times, on my 3rd handset. If I'm not mistaken, they said if it breaks a third time, then they could consider giving me a new handset. It's been bugging out recently anyway, might just use this to try to get a handset upgrade out of them :)
 
Totakeke said:
Motorola pages up for the docks, 30 a piece, both support charging, and the multimedia dock lets you connect to the computer via usb.

http://www.motorola.com/consumers/U...toid=e17133289d704210VgnVCM1000008406b00aRCRD

http://www.motorola.com/consumers/U...toid=5c0dcda87c704210VgnVCM1000008406b00aRCRD


Also Best Buy starting to accept pre-orders for the Droid with auto-rebate at the point of purchase.

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/...d=news_view&newsId=20091029005679&newsLang=en

That Best Buy deal is so cash. And so is the price on those accessories - because of things like the Zune I was expecting the Phone Holder to be $50 and the Media Station to be like $70 or $80. Definitely very nice prices all around.
 
Andrex said:
That Best Buy deal is so cash. And so is the price on those accessories - because of things like the Zune I was expecting the Phone Holder to be $50 and the Media Station to be like $70 or $80. Definitely very nice prices all around.


Does this mean that if I stop in at Best Buy tomorrow and pre-order this, I can still apply my new-every-2 $50 discount? By the looks of that pre-order deal, Best Buy acts as a verizon store?
 
sableholic said:
Don't forget that its a much slower processor.

Yeah the Eris wouldn't be so bad if the processor wasn't so slow and the OS wasn't 1.6. The older Android phones just aren't that responsive because of the lack of more modern hardware.
 
Pimpwerx said:
When's the last time you restored? It honestly didn't bother me so much, since I don't spend hours talking on the phone each day, but I would end up doing a restore about once a month or so, because it would start to act kinda flakey after a while. I attributed this to the jailbreak, but I don't know for sure. Sounds to me like you could use a restore. I believe iTunes will backup all your emails and stuff too, so there's no loss unless you were jailbroken. PEACE.

It's not jailbroken. Another niggle that irks me about iPhone, why do I have to fuckin' jailbreak it just to personalize system sounds? Fuck off Apple.

Haven't restored in a while. Kind of reluctant to since I had a restore fail on me when iTunes couldn't recover the god damn back up it made. Total bullshit, but that's my luck.

I'm not too worried. Pig vomit, my pet name for this POS, will be getting wiped and sold in under a month. :D
 
Andrex said:
Android supports that. Moving it in such a way would put it on the SD card and it would then be moved to internal storage, but it's entirely possible and supported
he's referring to using a USB cable to tether the phone to your PC's internet connection so you don't need to utilize the device's 3G, Edge or Wifi connection.
 
The Take Out Bandit said:
It's not jailbroken. Another niggle that irks me about iPhone, why do I have to fuckin' jailbreak it just to personalize system sounds? Fuck off Apple.

Haven't restored in a while. Kind of reluctant to since I had a restore fail on me when iTunes couldn't recover the god damn back up it made. Total bullshit, but that's my luck.

I'm not too worried. Pig vomit, my pet name for this POS, will be getting wiped and sold in under a month. :D

Sorry bro that you are unhappy with the iPhone. Honestly, I don't understand why someone WOULD'NT jailbreak their phone. It is simply that big of a difference and really there are no drawbacks.
 
LovingSteam said:
Sorry bro that you are unhappy with the iPhone. Honestly, I don't understand why someone WOULD'NT jailbreak their phone. It is simply that big of a difference and really there are no drawbacks.

If it weren't a G1 iPhone I'd probably be more inclined to care. After two years with it and AT&T's shit service, it's an albatross around my neck.

So sick of NO SERVICE in so many locations.
 
What is the price for this phone without contract? I have only seen the 2-year contract prices quoted everywhere (including the official press release).
 
scorcho said:
he's referring to using a USB cable to tether the phone to your PC's internet connection so you don't need to utilize the device's 3G, Edge or Wifi connection.

Ah. I'm pretty sure there's also a way for Android to do that, but I haven't looked into it too much.
 
Someone posted the manual for the Droid, downloadable in pdf here.

http://phandroid.com/2009/10/29/motorola-droid-user-guide-pdf-uncovered/


Also Verizon stores may open at 6am on Nov 6th for Droid launch?
If you&#8217;re not pondering the possibility of picking up your Motorola Droid at Best Buy early and are eager to go directly to the Big Red retailer to pick it up, pencil in 6AM on your calendar. That is the time that a BGR contact is reporting stores will open on November 6th to being sales of the Motorola Droid and HTC Droid Eris.

http://phandroid.com/2009/10/29/verizon-opening-6am-for-motorola-droid-eris-launch-day/

Will people line up for the Droid?
 
Andrex said:
Ah. I'm pretty sure there's also a way for Android to do that, but I haven't looked into it too much.
most providers have this locked down by default . hero has the capability but looks like we have to root it to enable. They dony want u doing it without paying for tethering.
 
Can anyone recommend me a program for ripping movie files to what the Droid plays best? Trying to get an early start but cant really find the best format.

Also if I want to make some custom wallpapers do I just do it by the resolution or whats the best format for wallpapers?
 
Handbrake is probably your best bet.


Also for wallpapers pretty much anything with a resolution higher than 854x480 will work fine.
 
I'm unsure of what droid plays best, but my experience with FFMPEG would lead me to recommend it highly. One you get past a tutorial or two (it's command line) it's very easy and will convert anything to anything that you have the codecs for.
 
Also, can gaf explain this line from Cnet's Review?

"Finally, while the Droid's browser doesn't have Flash Lite support, it does have a plug-in that will support Adobe's Flash 10 player when it's available."

I have WinMo and use Skyfire, so i'm unfamiliar now with browsers using flash natively on a phone, what's it all mean?
 
thespot84 said:
Also, can gaf explain this line from Cnet's Review?

"Finally, while the Droid's browser doesn't have Flash Lite support, it does have a plug-in that will support Adobe's Flash 10 player when it's available."

I have WinMo and use Skyfire, so i'm unfamiliar now with browsers using flash natively on a phone, what's it all mean?

It just means when adobe releases flash 10, the browser will support it.
 
Do any of these damn phones have a Xenon flash as opposed to the Dual-LED flash?

I don't want to have to leave Verizon because I want to take good pictures in the dark, and the only way that's achieved is with a Xenon flash.
 
SLYspyda said:
Do any of these damn phones have a Xenon flash as opposed to the Dual-LED flash?

I don't want to have to leave Verizon because I want to take good pictures in the dark, and the only way that's achieved is with a Xenon flash.

Wrong thread?
 
Would love to try this thing out, not switching out of GSM though.

I'm an iPhone loyalist as nothing has been able to take its throne so far, but Google is working overtime to take it down.

Should be very interesting to see what Apple reveals come 2010.
 
SNUG REVOL said:
Yea, it was incredible. I use my Blackberry more than any other electronic device. After using the Droid I wanted to smash my Storm to pieces :(
damn you. I don't know if I'll be able to get this phone (i'm on a yr into my 2 year on a 9.99 family line) but you keep rubbing it in.
 
outsidah said:
Would love to try this thing out, not switching out of GSM though.

I'm an iPhone loyalist as nothing has been able to take its throne so far, but Google is working overtime to take it down.

Should be very interesting to see what Apple reveals come 2010.
It's taken this long for Motorola to make a phone that's even comparable to the iPhone, but I don't think Apple is just sitting on their ass's waiting for someone to take their throne. I bet next years iPhone is gonna be a major upgrade as opposed to the 3GS.
 
The Take Out Bandit said:
If it weren't a G1 iPhone I'd probably be more inclined to care. After two years with it and AT&T's shit service, it's an albatross around my neck.

So sick of NO SERVICE in so many locations.

Yea, I am in Spokane, WA and can definitely feel your pain regarding service. The reason I left T-Mobile (great service in Spokane) was due to my $2500 bill for 3 days in Vancouver! Since I had always wanted an iPhone I was ok with going the AT&T route, not to mention my wife and I get a nice discount (25%) through her work. If it was the iPhone on AT&T or Verizon, no question about it, give me Verizon. Unfortunately, the phone isn't available on the service; nevertheless, the Droid looks awesome!
 
Looking at the user manual, there aren't any restrictions on the wifi, right? I could go overseas and jump on any hotspot to get my internets on, yes?

Too bad my new every two thing isn't ready for another 4 months or so. If I were to just commit to 2 more years would I be able to get the reduced price? I have no idea how this works.
 
black_13 said:
It's taken this long for Motorola to make a phone that's even comparable to the iPhone, but I don't think Apple is just sitting on their ass's waiting for someone to take their throne. I bet next years iPhone is gonna be a major upgrade as opposed to the 3GS.

I can't wait for them to announce multitasking to cheers and iPhone uber-fans acting as if they broke new ground.
 
SLYspyda said:
Do any of these damn phones have a Xenon flash as opposed to the Dual-LED flash?

I don't want to have to leave Verizon because I want to take good pictures in the dark, and the only way that's achieved is with a Xenon flash.

Definitely dual LED on the driod.
 
Rentahamster said:
Looking at the user manual, there aren't any restrictions on the wifi, right? I could go overseas and jump on any hotspot to get my internets on, yes?

Too bad my new every two thing isn't ready for another 4 months or so. If I were to just commit to 2 more years would I be able to get the reduced price? I have no idea how this works.

I've heard everything from them doing it only 1 month early up to 1 year early. I would suggest just calling customer service and seeing what they can do for you.
 
Engadget has their review of the Droid up.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/motorola-droid-review/

If you must compare the DROID to the iPhone, then know that the Android platform still has a ways to go before the experience of using the phone is as seamless as the one Apple has created -- but also know that Apple has a long way to go before its messaging, email, and customization can match what Google is offering. Both products have very distinct strengths and weaknesses.

So, is the DROID a good smartphone? Yes, the DROID is an excellent smartphone with many (if not all) of the features that a modern user would expect, and if you're a Verizon customer, there probably isn't a more action packed device on the network. That's not to say the device doesn't have its faults; the camera was unpleasant to use, the application selection feels thin in both quantity and quality (despite the claim of 10,000 options), and the phone has bits of basic, non-intuitive functionality that might chafe on some users after a while. But even still, it's hard not to recommend the DROID to potential buyers eager to do more with their devices. It's easily the best Android phone to date, and when you couple the revamped OS, Verizon's killer network, and an industrial design straight from a gadget enthusiast's fever-dream, it makes for a powerful concoction. Ultimately, the DROID won't usurp the iPhone from the public's collective mindshare or convince casual users that they must switch to Android, but it will make a lot of serious geeks seriously happy -- and that's good enough for us.
 
gutshot said:
I've heard everything from them doing it only 1 month early up to 1 year early. I would suggest just calling customer service and seeing what they can do for you.

What strange is I got my phone around March or April of last year, but it says I am eligible for a new phone upgrade with new every 2 years next week, November. I hope the website isn't just screwy because I really want the Driod next week. Maybe I'll check in person at the store near my place beforehand.
 
Engadget Review JUST posted!

droid_review23.jpg


If you must compare the DROID to the iPhone, then know that the Android platform still has a ways to go before the experience of using the phone is as seamless as the one Apple has created -- but also know that Apple has a long way to go before its messaging, email, and customization can match what Google is offering. Both products have very distinct strengths and weaknesses.

....

It's easily the best Android phone to date, and when you couple the revamped OS, Verizon's killer network, and an industrial design straight from a gadget enthusiast's fever-dream, it makes for a powerful concoction. Ultimately, the DROID won't usurp the iPhone from the public's collective mindshare or convince casual users that they must switch to Android, but it will make a lot of serious geeks seriously happy -- and that's good enough for us.
 
I'm definitely buying this phone on November 6th, but let me ask you current android users a question. For things like what engadget mentioned in their review about the slightly laggy home screen, do they frequently put out hot fixes and f/w upgrades and the like?

Also are there different music apps available or do you have to use the built in one?
 
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