- 11-07-2009, 11:20 AM #1Phone Expert
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Ok... Yes, they got me... OUCH!!!!!
As i sit here playing with it as i'm doing this review, i will start off with a few Quick Hits.
The phone's thickness is close to the DARE'S, even with the addition key board slide.
The data plan is unlimited access to the internet/email and includes GPS
The camera view and video view screen on the phone is in HD, its like looking at a plasma TV.
They have an app which was downloaded for me by a tech, where you can SCAN a bar code on an item, and google will search it and get its info... cool
You can speak into the phone and goggle will search the net... i gave it an audio search command.... CELL PHONE FORUM... GOGGLE SEARCHED... I touch the link and it navigated me to CELL PHONE FORUM HOME PAGE... and FAST!
The phone has a double lock, a button on the top of the phone which activates the screen, and then, with your finger... you slide the LOCK icon over to the other side of the screen to a speaker icon to unlock the touch screen... nice
The USB for charging and computer docking are the same as the DARE'S, and so is the car charger, i did have to get a larger landscape holster because its slightly longer than the DARE. The SD-card from my DARE was 8G which is compatible, but the DROID comes with a 16G
These are a few quick hits in first two hours of receiving the DROID, i will update this review as i explore my new phone as it happens.
Stay tune!!!
› See More: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIMELast edited by tavenger5; 12-05-2009 at 06:20 PM.
.http://cellphoneforums.net/blogs/aepple/
.
thee iPhone 6
- 11-11-2009, 07:13 AM #2Phone Expert
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
I'm excited about this phone, each time i want to post an update here, i discover something new about the phone capabilities, so my journey continues.
Right now i'm tackling this BATTERY LIFE and CAMERA gaggle by running some of my own test.
- 11-11-2009, 09:26 AM #3Phone Expert
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
OK... i put together a few thoughts, opinions, and hints, i hope they help.
The Droid has taken the DARE to the next step into a smart phone class. Appearance is great and the feel is even responsive, I mean I like holding this phone and its weight feels like POWER with quality.
Yes you’ll hear why doesn’t the DROID have this and not have that, its call marketing, if they gave you everything… why would you buy another phone… lol
The DROID gave us a touch screen and a keyboard, I don’t use a keyboard to me its there as a bonus, I like a touch screen, and its great and responsive. For you keyboard/QWERTY people… it slides out like an android body part. Of course the size of your hands will dictated the comfort of holding/using it.
The face screen is large and has HD quality offering three optional screens to scroll and add favorites, like Apps, Direct Message Contacts, and Phone contacts.
An issue I had with the DARE was accidental engagement of the screen while carrying it in your pocket/jacket/holster/pouch. The DROID has two steps, one is to awake the screen by pressing a button with some force on the top right, and the second step is to unlock the screen by touching and sliding an Icon from one side of the screen to the other side. The DROID also offers a PATTERN LOCK to prevent anyone from entering into your DROID. THE PATTERN IS A TIC-TAC-TOE design in which you draw a pattern by connecting the dots (4) that unlocks the phone, which is really cool.
Battery life has and will be talked about, get over it, you want power, well it takes JUCIE, so until they develop a new battery technology, you’ll have to rethink your cell phone usage… i.e. chargers, and extra batteries. Both the iPhone and now the DROID will eat up battery power, the DROID advantage is, the ability to change batteries, no external hook-ups hanging from the phone. As of now there are no extra batteries available in stores, they can be order online, and NO extended batteries available yet, but I’m sure they’re coming.
I just finish my test about the CLOSING APPS CRISIS TO SAVE POWER… don’t, I left my phone idle with sending and receiving a few texts, calls, and about 12-15 Apps running in the background for 24 hours… I ONLY USED APPROXITMITLY 30% OF MY BATTERY.
Do not run GPS, Wi-Fi, Maps, or Bluetooth constantly because it will drain your battery big time, so make sure their off when their not in use.
Battery chargers home/car for the DARE will work on the DROID.
Texting became easier with a great touch screen, suggestive word *****ing, copy, cut, and paste option. I haven’t found and nor do I think the DROID offers an “insert quick text” option like the DARE had, I really liked and used it with the DARE, Oh Well.
The camera is great even though you’ll here some negative opinions about grainy snap shots and/or focusing problem, it takes great photos. The video camera is great, HD quality. The screen is large, bright, clear, and the audio makes watching and hearing video and/or music … SHOCK & AWE.
I was told the movie formats for the DROID are…AAC, H263/264, MP3, Mpeg4, Wav, WMA, EAAC+, OGG, AMRWB, AMRNB, AAC+, and MIDI
If you want to take great Photos get a 12mp camera, they’re cheap. I like a good camera/video in a cell phone for convince of needing camera on a moments notice, the DROID does that, yes I wish it was better, an update is suppose to come out in December to improve or solve some issues… will see.
park8.flv video by f721 - Photobucket
If you like surfing the Internet you’ll like the Voice Command Search with a Google search bar always at hand and a microphone icon on the face screen next to the search bar. Surfing the Web is SURFING with ease. The DROID offers Wi-Fi connection, so I hooked it up with my FIOS for an Internet connection, FLAMES came out of my DROID as I touch and flew. The celerity of the DROID”S screen makes looking at web pages with flash video a pleasure.
The Apps are cool and there is a ton of them, FREE and/or pay Apps. The DROID Apps will take a while to explore, so using it for less than a week is not justification for a final or complete review of all Apps available. The operating system that drives this ANDROID is Dalvik/linux that operates these Apps and still protects the phone.
Dalvik virtual machine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Linux - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
DO NOT use a carrying case with magnets, this will affect the system of the phone, use a Velcro/pouch or snap fastens.
Motorola Droid OTA Update Coming December 11th? | Android Phone Fans
Another cool thing is the status bar on top of the DROID; there are the usual icons, and then there are PENDING NOTIFICATIONS and MESSAGES. All calls, text, emails, or update icons; will appear in the status bar until you address them. If you’re away from phone and you get a text/email/call, a green light will blink on the top right hand side of the face screen, I haven’t found nor do I think the DROID offers AUDIO MESSAGE REMINDERS. So when you see the green light blinking, you activate your screen, and with YOUR FINGER you touch the status bar, hold, and scroll down, this gives you your notification screen with pending actions… and all you is touch your selective message, cool.
A good reminder about this phone is remembering touch, press, and hold, for menus/actions options.
The DROID does not have an easy access to its 16g SD-CARD, its inside the Battery area and not outside like the DARE. You can purchase a 32g SD-CARD.
My journey continues to discover the DROID…STAY TUNE
- 11-11-2009, 12:51 PM #4Phone Expert
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
Here are some photos i took while jogging this morning, you judge on how good they are, i think they're good enough...
The one below was take indoors, people talk about grainy photos, i think it looks pretty good.
THE CAMERA....
Unlock your phone, press and hold the gold color bar on the side of the phone, or the camera icon App on your screen/Apps menu, and the camera screen appears. The default settings are Super fine, 5mp, and auto focus. Looking at the camera screen, a side window can slide open by swiping it with your finger that will give all the camera settings. On your right hand side of the camera screen top right, you have a small screen that will display your photo AFTER you take it, below that is a slide that you can swipe and go to the video camera if you decide to shoot a video, and below that is another button which snaps the picture instead of using the gold bar on the side or top depending your view.
Once you take the shot, it will appear in that small viewing screen on the top right hand side of the camera screen, touch the photo/small screen and it will appear full screen. Now a set of options/icons will appear on the right hand side now... the delete, share, set as, and done icons. Lets say you want to send it to a friend or to your computer, you press SHARE, your screen will switch to a list of options, Bluetooth, facebook, GMail, messaging, or Picasa. Hit Gmail, you fill in the blanks with the touch screen pop up keyboard, and hit send.
I find using the camera simple and easy, now I dont get into all the options of taking a photo or playing around with the photo after its taken, Ill do that on my computer if I need to. Dont let the bad wrap the Camera's getting scare you, its good.
My Battery is at Approx 50% right now, the last charge ended early yesterday morning, this DROID'S battery is not bad at all.
Stay Tune...
You Need a MANUAL for the DROID, go to http://cache.vzw.com/multimedia/mim/mot_droid/droid.pdf
The DROID does not come with a manual; so dont look for one or think you were short changed; it only comes with a QUICK START GUIDE
On your DROID touch the MARKET icon in the Apps menu and a window will appear where you can shop for Apps, Games, or √erizon apps, and there is a TON of them.
What you can do is go to AndroLib, Find all applications and games available in the Android Market for your Android Phone, HTC Dream, HTC Magic etc... and surf around for apps also.
What I wanted to mention is when your phone is off, and lets say you open the slide QWERTY, the phone awakes, but you still need to slide that lock icon to the other side of the main screen, and if you do the opposite... and slide the speaker icon over to the lock icon ( left to right), the DROID unlocks in the silent mode. Great for a quick Speaker off.
I love *****ing QWERTY on a keyboard lol
Until Next time...
- 11-11-2009, 03:15 PM #5Newbie
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
I am jealous, good sir. This phone is looking fantastic! As for the camera, does it take pictures pretty fast? My ol' i760 has a crappy delay and causes pictures to blur if I don't hold it steady for a few secs.
http://www.goldduo.com/
Goldduo.com offers the widest range of computer parts, mobile accessories and auto equipment
- 11-11-2009, 06:10 PM #6Junior Member
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
So... jealous!
- 11-12-2009, 06:32 AM #7Phone Expert
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
I hooked up the Bluetooth between my computer (Apple) and The DROID without any Novocain lol
Click on the Bluetooth in the setting-wireless/networks on my DROID. Then I click on my Bluetooth icon on my APPLE to allow discovery.
I went to and touch my GALLERY icon, it opened my photos, touch one, touched SHARE, and the option list window opened, touched Bluetooth, and it was down loaded to my APPLE. Done.
I then turned off the Bluetooth on my DROID when I was done to save battery life, Bluetooth is a battery killer if you leave it running.
The DROID does a ton of stuff, I dont use/play MUSIC on my cell phone so I cant talk about it through experience, but talking to √erizon reps theres many apps which plays MUSIC/RADIO on the DROID.
Youll hear some troubling stories about the DROID, all kind of problems with its operation and software, but, I think a lot comes from and created by the user, dont be intimidated, this is a good phone. The more out-of-network Apps you load to this phone the more chances there might be problems, or, not working right in general. There people at tables right now figuring ways to hack/root this phone try-in to make it what its not. Their underground inventors lol
I dont work for or get paid for any √erizon promotion talks/opinion; Im just a satisfied customer who tries to call as I see it, using common sense. The DROID is not a perfect cell phone, there is NO such thing as perfect cell phone; no cell phone does EVERYTHING great and has options/Apps that everyone wants/needs. Purchasing cell phones there is always gives, takes, and priorities, and thats how choices are made.
I didnt want the DROID until I went to a quite √erizon store and talked to a rep that demonstrated/operated the DROID, I was happy with my DARE. I looked at the Eris but I felt the 2.0 was the way to go, always try to buy the best you can with the money you have. Technology Rule.
Dont think the ERIS is a let down, for the money you cant go wrong with the ERIS.
Bluetooth earpieces have worn me out, I use a 3.5 jack earpiece now, when they come out with a solid reliable Bluetooth earpiece, Ill buy it. I will not attempt to match a Bluetooth earpiece to this phone, and from what i hear the problems just keep rolling along.
Bluetooth earpieces are frustrating to say the least; Ive had about 5-6 different top name earpieces over the years and they all been frustrating at one time or another. The 3.5 jack plugs in and has a clear and solid connection. Most of the problems with Bluetooths pieces occur with voice command calling, what you up end doing is pulling out your phone and hand dial anyway.
Another cool feature/shortcut for travelers, sales people or if you need predetermined travel directions.
Go to your main screen, press and hold on a empty space, a menu will appear, touch ADD TO HOME SCREEN then touch SHORTCUTS out of the next list that appears touch DIRECTIONS then fill in destination, give it a SHORT CUT NAME, touch save, and a ICON will appear on your home screen. When you need the directions to that or other predetermined destinations, jut touch that ICON, and off you go.
Google maps are good, I tested from home to a destination (near by highway), and it made me take unnecessary turns instead of going a straight route, for what reason I dont know, it was no big deal but there was some write ups about this and it said it had to do with BETA or something to do with the program. The app is good and google satellite views are really cool, I like √ERIZONS NAVIGATIONS the best, if I had to, I know I can download the √erizon program for a 24 hours time period for a fee of 1.99 or 2.99 as a back-up.
- 11-12-2009, 11:49 AM #8Junior Member
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
This phone is amazing!
- 11-12-2009, 04:12 PM #9Phone Expert
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
A Few Quick Hits
If you want to sync iTunes to the DROID look at
Motorola Media Link - Motorola USA
Motorola Droid Syncing Music With Apple iTune | Mobile Technology Deals and Help
You want more options in sending text messages look at
Handcent sms HomePage --sms plus software for android
Do you like to listen to Podcasts look at
Google brings Listen podcatcher to Android devices | Smartphones and Cell Phones | ZDNet.com
Then go to
InfiniMusic Podcatcher v1.2.002 Application for Android | Multimedia
Any frequent Flyers here look at FLIGHTSTATS App
FlightStats for Android Android App Review by AndroidTapp.com | Android Tapp. Android App Reviews
Keep track of your financing look at
EasyMoney v1.2.3 Application for Android | Finance
Backgrounds v1.9.9 Application for Android | Entertainment
Do you like streaming look at
StreamFurious v1.0.4 Application for Android | Multimedia
Do you want to tether look at
Motorola Droid - How To Tether via USB | Mobile Technology Deals and Help
I do not use any of the above Apps, but you can check them out for yourself and make your own decision.
DROID Apps can be shopped for and downloaded from the MARKET app on your DROID.
- 11-12-2009, 06:10 PM #10Super Moderator
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
- 11-12-2009, 07:29 PM #11Phone Expert
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
The √erizon navigation plan is 9,99 a month for unlimited access, its 1.99 or 2.99 (?) for 24 hours of use, and its very good. i used it once to get to a friends house in a new development, he couldn't believe i had it on my GPS, his street didn't show up his (ADD ON) car GPS.
In Case anyone is wondering about the data plan...
The DROID has a mandatory data plan ($30) which allows unlimited access, it limited to 5GB only if you TETHER... surfing the web, listen to music, watch You Tube, or emails will not effect your unlimited plan.
Quote:
DATA PLANS AND FEATURES
Data Plans and Features (such as NationalAccess, BroadbandAccess, GlobalAccess, Push to Talk, and certain VZEmail services) may ONLY be used with wireless devices for the following purposes: (i) Internet browsing; (ii) email; and (iii) intranet access (including access to corporate intranets, email, and individual productivity applications like customer relationship management, sales force, and field service automation).
The Data Plans and Features MAY NOT be used for any other purpose. Examples of prohibited uses include, without limitation, the following: (i) continuous uploading, downloading or streaming of audio or video programming or games; (ii) server devices or host computer applications, including, but not limited to, Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, automated machine-to-machine connections or peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing; or (iii) as a substitute or backup for private lines or dedicated data connections. This means, by way of example only, that checking email, surfing the Internet, downloading legally acquired songs, and/or visiting corporate intranets is permitted, but downloading movies using P2P file sharing services and/or redirecting television signals for viewing on laptops is prohibited. A person engaged in prohibited uses, continuously for one hour, could typically use 100 to 200 MBs, or, if engaged in prohibited uses for 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, could use more than 5 GBs in a month.
For individual use only and not for resale. We reserve the right to protect our network from harm, which may impact legitimate data flows. We reserve the right to limit throughput or amount of data transferred, and to deny or terminate service, without notice, to anyone we believe is using an Data Plan or Feature in any manner prohibited above or whose usage adversely impacts our network or service levels. Anyone using more than 5 GB per line in a given month is presumed to be using the service in a manner prohibited above, and we reserve the right to immediately terminate the service of any such person without notice. We also reserve the right to terminate service upon expiration of Customer Agreement term.
Quote:
PDA/smartphone and BlackBerry® Plans: These VZEmail plans cannot be used: (1) for access to the Internet, intranets, or other data networks except as the devices native applications and capabilities permit, unless you subscribe to BroadbandAccess Connect; or (2) for any applications that tether your device to laptops or personal computers other than for use of the Wireless Sync or the BlackBerry solution, unless you subscribe to BroadbandAccess Connect.
- 11-12-2009, 11:22 PM #12Super Moderator
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
Very true! BUT...the 5GB cap is ONLY related to tethering. If you tether (the data plan is like 44.99 or 44.95?) and you're limited to 5GB while tethering...but don't fret, you can still browse the internet on your phone as much as you'd like with no limits.
The cap doesn't effect you using internet on your cell phone specifically...EVER!
- 11-13-2009, 10:04 AM #13Phone Expert
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
The DROID home screen gives you two optional screens you can swipe and view, left or right. On each of the screen you can create a folder and consolidate your (example) contacts
Press and hold remember the press and hold; many things on the DROID are activated by that procedure.
A option menu will appear, press FOLDER, another menu will appear, press NEW FOLDER it will then appear on your screen, press the FOLDER icon it will open, PRESS and HOLD the bar on top (folder and X bar), and you can rename your FOLDER by touching the FOLDER NAME allowing the keyboard to appear.
When you type using the touch screen, press and hold the ARROW (bottom left) that will lock CAPS, press and hold again to release.
The downside to folders, if it is one, it creates an extra move/step to text/call/activated an application.
Upside is, It can give you access to many Apps right from your home screen instead of the limited amount.
- 11-13-2009, 12:54 PM #14Phone Expert
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
Protect Your DROID
Your screen is glass and if you drop it, theres a pretty good chance your screen will crack. The phone may still work... but it wont be pretty, so beware of having BUTTERFINGERS.
DO NOT let anyone use your DROID to take a photo/video, if it slips out of their hands theyll be two SICK people, you and the person it slip out of the hands of, and youll be the sicker one because someone else did this your phone.
Screen protector for preventing scratches, Im still deciding, not that I dont care about protecting the screen, the jury is out about the plastic interfering with the sensitivity of your touch, Im still looking into that. Sometimes with new gadgets you have to let things play itself out first. Im not rough with my phone so I have that advantage, but Ill still get the screen protector once I decide it doesnt effect the touch.
GET INSURANCE the cost is around 5-6 dollars a month with √erizon; check to see if your homeowner Insurance covers it, or the cost to cover under the policy. If your phone breaks, gets lost, gets wet, or stolen, its big bucks to replace, well... you decide.
Get a case and use it, if you keep the phone in a case and it falls, your DROID will have some protection. I keep mine in a case all the time when i'm home, YOU NEVER KNOW. What I dont like about commercial case is the clip that secures to your belt, its to easy for it to come off your belt. I use a police/fire nylon case with a strong metal clip that has a inside lip on it so if the case is lifted, it can't come off your belt. It also has Velcro to keep the flap close, no magnets.
You have a great phone which cost you good money you worked hard for, protect yourself and your phone.
Here are the two cases i use, the nylon case (large metal clip) is my prime case, the √erizon case i use at home.
- 11-13-2009, 08:36 PM #15Super Moderator
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Re: The Droid Review... IN REAL TIME
Asurion (Through Verizon) Advanced Total Equipment Coverage is $7.99 and regular is $7.
It's more than with a basic phone simply because retail value is much higher with PDA/Smartphones.
Also, the deductible is at least $70 (as opposed to $50) for the droid with insurance.
Still cheaper than $560.
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