Motorola DROID [Archive] - Colony of Gamers

MachEnergy

11-06-2009, 06:52 AM

Just got mine. Switched from my 9 years of loyal AT&T service for this phone. Well, that, and AT&T really started to get on my nerves.

In any case, so far I'm really impressed with the screen on this thing. The resolution is so crisp and the colors are so bright and vibrant. I'm pretty bummed about the whole lack of pinch-to-zoom in the browser and Google Maps....but whatever.

I'll update this thread as I get more accustomed to this thing.

appel

11-06-2009, 07:27 AM

Cool, how's the keyboard?

I've got a htc hero, and so far I hate the multi-touch zoom in the browser and photo album apps. I use the phone with one hand so until I can split my thumb into two to zoom I very much miss the zoom in and out buttons that exist in gmaps. :)

total

11-06-2009, 07:32 AM

I'm pretty bummed about the whole lack of pinch-to-zoom in the browser and Google Maps....but whatever.

There's an app for that. Rather a replacement browser. Well more like an browser with added goodies. But you have to be able to root that bitch. I would keep your eye on XDA developers for the hacks.

total

11-06-2009, 07:33 AM

MachEnergy

11-06-2009, 07:34 AM

Well there are on screen zoom in and out buttons in this gmaps, so you might like that.

The keyboard is actually WAY better than all the early impressions I read. Yeah, the keys are tiny, but I haven't made a single mistake, and the give fantastic feedback for something so small. That said, I do think I like the virtual keyboard better.....which makes it seem that the phone has a useless hardware keyboard and slide mechanism. Still, it's a great hardware keyboard, to me.

Dukefrukem

11-06-2009, 08:50 AM

Going to get mine right after work.

johnperkins21

11-06-2009, 09:44 AM

I wanted to get one, but the fact that it doesn't support the Exchange/ActiveSync security protocols means I can't get my work emails on it. And if I can't get my work email on it, I can't get the cost of my data plan reimbursed.

Abyssion

11-06-2009, 09:58 AM

I just asked a question in the Android Phone thread but maybe this one is better suited for the question which is here. (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?p=407335#post407335) Thanks in advance.

Dukefrukem

11-06-2009, 10:00 AM

Jackel

11-06-2009, 10:03 AM

I'll probably be grabbing one of these this weekend if they are still available in my area.

Abyssion

11-06-2009, 10:04 AM

The extra $50/month data plan is required for the phone. (Just like the iPhone)

I figured as much, I was looking for anything that jumped out and said data plan but I had trouble finding anything on their site. Thanks.

Dukefrukem

11-06-2009, 10:06 AM

I figured as much, I was looking for anything that jumped out and said data plan but I had trouble finding anything on their site. Thanks.

Actually I made a mistake. It's only $30. $50 for the iPhone.

OldeWolf

11-06-2009, 10:18 AM

Is it possible to ONLY have data plan and no phone plans since I wont be calling anyone on it, being Deaf as I am?

Abyssion

11-06-2009, 10:46 AM

Actually I made a mistake. It's only $30. $50 for the iPhone.

From the looks of it you're right either way. I'd have to upgrade the plan to be email capable THEN get the data plan for $30 a month afterward. Since it's a family plan I already pay about $35 a month for my portion. But still, doing this would be a few bucks less than going with AT&T of course I think it's a few dollars more than going with T-Mobile. (Since the total after the upgrade would bring me up to $85 a month)

Hopefully it would be easy to not hit the 5gb limit they place for these kinds of things, but it makes one wonder when it has to deal with a phone that has such heavy web usage.

Do you guys find data plans and having web just about anywhere to be worth it in everyday life?

johnperkins21

11-06-2009, 11:01 AM

Is it possible to ONLY have data plan and no phone plans since I wont be calling anyone on it, being Deaf as I am?

I think some carriers offer this option, but I'm not sure if Verizon does or not. Even if they don't usually offer it, they may make some sort of exception in your case.

Do you guys find data plans and having web just about anywhere to be worth it in everyday life?

For the Droid, and any Android 2.0 with Google Navigator, I'd say yes. That's how you get the turn by turn directions. ;)

Abyssion

11-06-2009, 11:05 AM

For the Droid, and any Android 2.0 with Google Navigator, I'd say yes. That's how you get the turn by turn directions. ;)

Yeah I noticed that normal GPS/Navigation stuff is $10 a month with Verizon, so having this included with the data plan for what I think would be considered free is a nice bonus.

Also, thanks guys for answering my questions. If I have anymore I'll shoot 'em your way.

wyeast

11-06-2009, 12:01 PM

johnperkins21

11-06-2009, 12:17 PM

Can you get work email via webmail? If so, you could go that route (assuming it supports SSL)

I could figure out a way around the limitation, but technically the device isn't supported, so they wouldn't do the reimbursement. I imagine they'll eventually implement Activsync security, so I'll just wait. Plus my new every two isn't valid until February, so if I wait until then I'll save another $50 on the phone. :D

Scull

11-06-2009, 01:04 PM

I could figure out a way around the limitation, but technically the device isn't supported, so they wouldn't do the reimbursement. I imagine they'll eventually implement Activsync security, so I'll just wait. Plus my new every two isn't valid until February, so if I wait until then I'll save another $50 on the phone. :D
It's my understanding that ActiveSync IS included with DROID, or perhaps that it is coming soon. Yup, here: http://androinica.com/2009/07/26/free-exchange-activesync-app-available-for-android/

And here: http://www.gearlog.com/2009/11/personal_droid_data_will_cost.php

Dukefrukem

11-06-2009, 05:48 PM

Posting from my droid while on the shitter!!! I'm not even kidding either. This phone is sick. SICK! The keyboard isn't even that bad either like all the reviews are saying. Typing on it right now!

Abyssion

11-06-2009, 05:51 PM

Posting from my droid while on the shitter!!! I'm not even kidding either. This phone is sick. SICK! The keyboard isn't even that bad either like all the reviews are saying. Typing on it right now!

I just ordered mine after figuring everything out (I need to not get mobile broadband confused with a data plan, that was messing me up the whole time).

I should have mine by early next week!

OldeWolf

11-06-2009, 06:09 PM

johnperkins21

11-06-2009, 08:21 PM

It's my understanding that ActiveSync IS included with DROID, or perhaps that it is coming soon. Yup, here: http://androinica.com/2009/07/26/free-exchange-activesync-app-available-for-android/

And here: http://www.gearlog.com/2009/11/personal_droid_data_will_cost.php

It is included, but it doesn't support any of the security protocols. There's an open ticket with Google to get this added right now (http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=4475). Problem isn't Activesync support, it's full Activesync support.

Dukefrukem

11-07-2009, 10:09 AM

So After 12 hours with this thing... it's the closest thing to an iphone anyone is every gonna find. The lack of out of the box multi-touch support is what hinders this thing as 2nd best. The screen is fucking fantastic.

The keyboard, which was one of the negative features in most of the reviews online, isn't as bad as the reviews make it out to be. I'm coming from a Blackberry Curve, and I'd GLADLY take this keyboard over the keyboard on that BB. And you don't even need to use the keyboard if you want to. You can use the built in touch screen. Another negative of the phone right now is the lack of apps. 10,000 apps my ass. I can't even find a decent sports app. The last thing that sucks about this phone is the camera. Unless it's a perfect sunny day, this camera is the hardest thing to use on the planet.

The positives are, like I said, the screen, the built in Google account support, the Amazon store; which I used last night. It's awesome, if you select something to download while you're in 3G, and there's wireless available in your area, it will notify you that you should probably switch to the wireless to increase download time... fucking awesome. You also don't have to charge it to your wireless account, you can input your Amazon user name and password.

You can download and install multiple apps at the same time. They install automatically for you. I love the draw pattern unlock, instead of a password. Switching between apps is SUPER FAST.

So far, a very positive experience. I've never been so excited about a phone before.

I'm looking for app suggestions.

Zagrash

11-07-2009, 11:10 AM

10,000 apps my ass. I can't even find a decent sports app.

Google's Scoreboard App is pretty solid, but a bit slow
SportsTap is also very solid, will set up notifications for your favorite teams
MLB just released what seems to be a pretty good app (right before the last game of the season, perfect timing, eh?) but I haven't messed with that one yet.

Hopefully that will get you going in the right direction =)

Zrikz

11-07-2009, 11:13 AM

Zagrash

11-07-2009, 11:16 AM

I got a Droid yesterday morning and I'm loving it. Kinda sad, but I just replaced my phone and ipod touch all in one.. what am I to do with 16 gb ipod touch now? =/ Regift it I spose.

Some Apps have multitouch - Picsay does for picture editing, its on the marketplace. We should start a list of useful / cool apps.

The Android Phones thread is interspersed with cool/useful apps, but it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing to have a thread devoted to Android apps.

MachEnergy

11-07-2009, 12:02 PM

I'm on my Droid right now, driving everywhere trying to find the multimedia and car docks. Nobody has them anywhere!

Gormanimal

11-07-2009, 12:38 PM

I'm on my Droid right now, driving everywhere trying to find the multimedia and car docks. Nobody has them anywhere!
Is that that sideways dock where it looks like an alarm clock? That thing looks pretty nice as a charging station beside the bed.

Dukefrukem

11-07-2009, 01:37 PM

We should start a list of useful / cool apps.

I agree. list somewhere where all the decent apps are located.

Banacek

11-07-2009, 01:48 PM

Google's Scoreboard App is pretty solid, but a bit slow
SportsTap is also very solid, will set up notifications for your favorite teams
MLB just released what seems to be a pretty good app (right before the last game of the season, perfect timing, eh?) but I haven't messed with that one yet.

Hopefully that will get you going in the right direction =)

I use SportsTap. Instant up-to-the-minute notifications is fantastic.

anakin876

11-07-2009, 02:05 PM

I got a Droid yesterday morning and I'm loving it. Kinda sad, but I just replaced my phone and ipod touch all in one.. what am I to do with 16 gb ipod touch now? =/ Regift it I spose.

I have an 8 gb iPod touch and I love it - whoever gets your 16 gb will love it too!

I mentioned to my wife that I thought the droid would be my next phone - she said "you just got a new one!"
hmmm

Zrikz

11-07-2009, 03:38 PM

I love my ipod touch as well, but this thing really just replaced it.. I can fit all of my music and do everything I can do on my ipod, on the droid.. and then some.

PathMaster

11-07-2009, 09:06 PM

Anyone seen any cases for the Droid? I am not one to drop cell phones, but I would prefer some protection for such a device.

Dukefrukem

11-07-2009, 09:13 PM

Anyone seen any cases for the Droid? I am not one to drop cell phones, but I would prefer some protection for such a device.

Yes. I bought the Body Glove (http://phones.verizonwireless.com/motorola/droid/accessories/#/accessories) with my droid. It's rubber, black and you can also attach a removable belt clip if you want. $30. But you need SOMETHING to protect it.

PathMaster

11-08-2009, 07:01 PM

Ah, so there are cases for it. Good. Local Authorized Dealer said non existed yet. Damn local shop. Thanks for the info.

MachEnergy

11-09-2009, 06:32 AM

Is that that sideways dock where it looks like an alarm clock? That thing looks pretty nice as a charging station beside the bed.

Yeah, that's it; and yeah it does. It would seem Motorola simply didn't have as large a supply ready at launch as they had hoped. Most stores didn't get any product, including online. When I asked at Best Buy, they gave me a flier for 20% off if I come back and buy the accessories from them.

Dock-less, I'm still really happy with this phone. For a great stoner app, check out "Iteration". It's dynamic art that slowly builds on itself, but the quality of it on the DROID screen is simply beautiful. Does anybody have a video player of choice? (I really do need to go through the Android thread...)

Dukefrukem

11-09-2009, 09:16 AM

Wow the battery on this thing sucks.

Jackel

11-09-2009, 10:25 AM

Wow the battery on this thing sucks.

I remember reading that on one of the blogs that the battery at the start is terrible but gets a bit better later after some use.

pronounconnoun

11-09-2009, 10:28 AM

Wow the battery on this thing sucks.

How long are we looking at here? Charge once per day or worse than that?

Dukefrukem

11-09-2009, 10:43 AM

How long are we looking at here? Charge once per day or worse than that?

Worse I'm guessing.

I unplugged it from my nightstand at 6:30 this morning. By 10am it was already at 50%, by 11am it was yellow, which means less than 50%. I turned it off for 30 minutes, but realized that was stupid since i need to get an idea of how long i really have on this....so I turned it back on. I havent looked/touched it since, I just picked up to see where I'm at and the warning popped up letting me know I'm at 15%!!!

The only thing I did on this phone today was take a good 30 minutes at updating my contacts, merge them from my gmail to facebook to my old phone contacts. I didn't talk on it at all today. I sent about 4 text messages and read about 7 e-mails, talked on AIM for 5 minutes, and on gchat for 5 minutes. That's it.

rein

11-09-2009, 10:57 AM

I remember reading that on one of the blogs that the battery at the start is terrible but gets a bit better later after some use.

How does that work? I've never had battery life get better after use. :confused:

Worse I'm guessing.

I unplugged it from my nightstand at 6:30 this morning. By 10am it was already at 50%, by 11am it was yellow, which means less than 50%. I turned it off for 30 minutes, but realized that was stupid since i need to get an idea of how long i really have on this....so I turned it back on. I havent looked/touched it since, I just picked up to see where I'm at and the warning popped up letting me know I'm at 15%!!!

The only thing I did on this phone today was take a good 30 minutes at updating my contacts, merge them from my gmail to facebook to my old phone contacts. I didn't talk on it at all today. I sent about 4 text messages and read about 7 e-mails, talked on AIM for 5 minutes, and on gchat for 5 minutes. That's it.Surely you have a defective battery. The phone would be close to useless with that kind of battery life. Do you have anthing that is "always on" that might be draining it faster? Wifi and such?

Jackel

11-09-2009, 11:03 AM

How does that work? I've never had battery life get better after use. :confused:

Surely you have a defective battery. The phone would be close to useless with that kind of battery life. Do you have anthing that is "always on" that might be draining it faster? Wifi and such?

I have no idea. Like I said, it was just something I read. And with the description of his usage...I sincerely hope it gets better :S

MachEnergy

11-09-2009, 11:47 AM

duke, that does sound like a defective battery. I have had comparable interaction activity with my DROID today, and I've still got a battery level of 70%.

axion

11-09-2009, 12:06 PM

Maybe it could also be that the phone is in a bad reception area and always searching for service, I know on my phone that drains the battery mighty quickly.

Abyssion

11-09-2009, 12:14 PM

Maybe it could also be that the phone is in a bad reception area and always searching for service, I know on my phone that drains the battery mighty quickly.

That happens to me if I leave my phone in my locker at work. The phone kills the battery trying to find service.

I was very wary about this phone because the last motorola I had was a razr and the last year or so of owning it, it had really poor battery life. I couldn't talk for more than 45 minutes without it threatening to die on me. So I couldn't wait to get rid of it.

I have high hopes for the Droid, I just need Verizon to ship it out...

Dukefrukem

11-09-2009, 12:17 PM

Maybe it could also be that the phone is in a bad reception area and always searching for service, I know on my phone that drains the battery mighty quickly.

This.

It died at 1:45 today. I dont get very good service. I work inside an engineering manufacturing plant. I suppose i need to report my use on a weekend before I can give you guys a battery update.

wyeast

11-09-2009, 02:29 PM

How does that work? I've never had battery life get better after use. :confused:

Actually that's fairly common advice. Giving the battery a few charge/discharge cycles will often net "longer life" not so much that the battery is getting better, but that the meter will read more accurately (i.e. won't think "Full" before it's full, or "empty" before it's dead, etc).

This was my experience w/ my last phone (TMobile Shadow), the first few weeks I had it would run down before the day was over... 2 years later on the same batt I can often forget to charge overnight and not have it be a total disaster. :)

I also had the same concerns about the new phone (Moto CLIQ) which was notoriously bad on batteries in pre-production. Right now I'm sitting at 91% after 5hrs with one call, one voicemail retreival, and a few minutes light surfing. :)

Dropping in/out of service will definitely affect battery life. So will things like GPS and WiFi if they're on all the time. Also suggest giving it a good solid charge (using the AC, not USB off a computer if possible) overnight and see if that affects things. Using a computer (in my experience) has been ok for a topping off charge, but takes longer for a full on charge compared to AC.

(edit: 12 hours now. A couple more phone calls, some more surfing. 56%.)

axion

11-10-2009, 08:12 AM

BTW us Canucks are getting the Milestone from Telus in early 2010. (http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2009/10/c7603.html)

Zrikz

11-10-2009, 01:25 PM

I surfed the web and streamed music over wifi and had multiple calls and did not charge it over 16 hours and still had 50% so it does sound like you have a service or battery problem

MachEnergy

11-10-2009, 01:32 PM

PathMaster

11-10-2009, 05:47 PM

Worse I'm guessing.

I unplugged it from my nightstand at 6:30 this morning. By 10am it was already at 50%, by 11am it was yellow, which means less than 50%. I turned it off for 30 minutes, but realized that was stupid since i need to get an idea of how long i really have on this....so I turned it back on. I havent looked/touched it since, I just picked up to see where I'm at and the warning popped up letting me know I'm at 15%!!!

The only thing I did on this phone today was take a good 30 minutes at updating my contacts, merge them from my gmail to facebook to my old phone contacts. I didn't talk on it at all today. I sent about 4 text messages and read about 7 e-mails, talked on AIM for 5 minutes, and on gchat for 5 minutes. That's it.
Ten Apps All New Android Users Should Check Out (http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2009/11/09/top-10-android-apps/):

Power Manager
What is it? Battery life assistant
Price: $0.99, Lite version available
Description: While it’s getting better over time, the Android platform isn’t exactly known for its killer battery efficiency. Android allows users to run apps in the background – and a running application gobbles up battery, whether it’s visible or not. Power manager helps to improve your device’s battery life through profiles. Running on the battery? Dim the screen. Battery down below 30%? Kill the WiFi and the Bluetooth. The free version comes with 4 profiles (Battery powered, low battery, A/C powered, USB powered), while the 99 cent pro version allows you to build you own

Zagrash

11-10-2009, 05:53 PM

So are there apps that only work for certain providers or something? I've been reading up on useful Android apps, and haven't been able to find a handful of them in the marketplace.

VoiceText
Layar
Sherpa
MobileDefense

Even when following barcodes from websites, the marketplace has no knowledge of these apps.......yet I see numerous reviews online from people saying how great these apps are. What the crap?

Mobile Defense doesn't have a CDMA version yet, but they are working on it. You can enter your e-mail address at their website (www.mobiledefense.com) to be alerted when it's available.

Dukefrukem

11-10-2009, 05:57 PM

the camera fucking sucks on this phone. It's impossible to take a non-blurry image of yourself....

Abyssion

11-10-2009, 05:57 PM

The power manager sounds pretty useful and for a buck at most you can't go wrong. I'll have to see how mine runs at first then buy certain apps as deemed necessary (after I try the trial of course).

Zagrash

11-10-2009, 06:00 PM

the camera fucking sucks on this phone. It's impossible to take a non-blurry image of yourself....

That's software, not hardware. I believe that's one of the things in the laundry list of updates that the phone should be getting by early December

Dukefrukem

11-10-2009, 06:19 PM

That's software, not hardware. I believe that's one of the things in the laundry list of updates that the phone should be getting by early December

God i hope so....

Jackel

11-10-2009, 07:44 PM

Just got back from the Verizon store and snagged this phone. Going to let it charge for a while and tomorrow I'll start digging into it.

The wife and I are both very giddy!

Zagrash

11-10-2009, 09:11 PM

God i hope so....

The camera on my G1 got infinitely more useful after I put custom firmware on it, so it's definitely possible to fix it with software.

On a foursquare note, I was totally the mayor of the United Center last night for a few hours at the Blackhawks game =)

wyeast

11-10-2009, 09:15 PM

The wife and I are both very giddy!
I can imagine. o_O

:D

Sandman

11-11-2009, 08:02 AM

Question for anyone that owns a Droid. What's the alarm clock like? I use my phone for my alarm and I love the iPhone's many programmable slots for an alarm. I assume it's at least comparable.

Goronmon

11-11-2009, 08:05 AM

How much are the plans to go along with these phones?

Borthcollective

11-11-2009, 08:10 AM

Question for anyone that owns a Droid. What's the alarm clock like? I use my phone for my alarm and I love the iPhone's many programmable slots for an alarm. I assume it's at least comparable.

Mine shows an everyday alarm, a Mon-Fri alarm, and a single use alarm.

I found out last night that I need to quiet everything but the alarm when I sleep or when I receive an email, it will "Droid" me awake.

MachEnergy

11-11-2009, 08:26 AM

The alarms are highly customizable, which I really like. However, I do not like the default selection of alarm tones, as they are all quite caustic. I need to find me a soothing mp3 to use.

But you can create any number of alarms, and for each alarm you can specify:
- Time of day to alert
- Repeat on (check each day you would like)
- Text Label to display during alert
- Snooze length

I need to change my button behavior for the physical buttons, as right now they are set to dismiss the alarm instead of snooze.

Sandman

11-11-2009, 08:55 AM

Jackel

11-11-2009, 09:40 AM

This is good...because of my crazy schedule I tend to wake up at different times on Sunday - Thursdays. Having multiple alarms where I don't have to change the alarm setting is a plus.

Yeah, my wife has the same problems due to her class schedule so we had a different alarm setup for each day.

Gormanimal

11-11-2009, 09:43 AM

Mine shows an everyday alarm, a Mon-Fri alarm, and a single use alarm.

I found out last night that I need to quiet everything but the alarm when I sleep or when I receive an email, it will "Droid" me awake.
You could probably use Locale to turn down the volume on certain notices at night.

Borthcollective

11-11-2009, 10:04 AM

I'll look into it. I moved up from an ENV1 so this thing is a little over my head so far.

Goronmon

11-11-2009, 11:47 AM

Dukefrukem

11-11-2009, 03:20 PM

@RT holy shit. the navigation is fucking incredible on the Droid.

Zagrash

11-11-2009, 03:28 PM

@RT holy shit. the navigation is fucking incredible on the Droid.

And I can put it on my G1 =) (http://gizmodo.com/5402154/how-to-hack-google-maps-navigation-onto-your-g1)

PathMaster

11-11-2009, 07:23 PM

I'm really in the mood to get a smartphone, and the Droid sounds like it meets my needs perfectly. Unfortunately, I already renewed a 2-year contract at the beginning of the year, so I would have to pay full price to get one.

From the Consumerist:
Verizon Customer Finds Upgrade Dates Can Be Flexible If You Want A Droid (http://consumerist.com/5402050/verizon-customer-finds-upgrade-dates-can-be-flexible-if-you-want-a-droid)

Goronmon

11-12-2009, 09:40 AM

From the Consumerist:
Verizon Customer Finds Upgrade Dates Can Be Flexible If You Want A Droid (http://consumerist.com/5402050/verizon-customer-finds-upgrade-dates-can-be-flexible-if-you-want-a-droid)Well, I'm really only 6 or so months into my 2 year contract. I seriously doubt I would get any sort of leeway with this.

PathMaster

11-12-2009, 06:51 PM

Well, I'm really only 6 or so months into my 2 year contract. I seriously doubt I would get any sort of leeway with this.

No reason not to try! :p

OldeWolf

11-13-2009, 08:38 PM

How good are the Droid vibrations to tell me when someone emails me or im's me or as an alarm or whatever?

MachEnergy

12-01-2009, 08:18 AM

How good are the Droid vibrations to tell me when someone emails me or im's me or as an alarm or whatever?

They are pretty strong. As an alarm, the vibrations kick in about a second or two before the audio does, and I find myself waking up from just the vibration sounds. If it's in your pocket, you will definitely feel it.

MachEnergy

12-01-2009, 11:34 AM

Ok, so I've had the Droid for almost a month now, and I've downloaded many many many apps. I figured that I would share my thoughts on them so far. This thing ended up going 6 pages in MS Word, so I'll spoiler tag it for the sake of the thread....

Having had almost a month now to play with apps, here’s what I have found I like…

• Abduction! World Attack
o Fun little tower jumping game. All you do is tilt the phone left and right to control trajectory of your cow.
• AirPainter
o Cool app for leaving and discovering hidden messages/drawings in the world around you.
• Archipelago
o Fun little real-time strategy game where you try to take over a screen full of islands by colonizing empty ones and overtaking enemy forces in colonized ones. Nothing amazing, but a fun time killer.
• ASTRO
o Excellent file manager for browsing directories and even opening some types of files.
• aTrackDog
o In many ways, this application manager is better than the default Android one. My only complaint is how long it can take to start the program when you have a lot of apps installed. One great thing about this app is that it provides global stats for how many people have a specific app installed (nice for metrics).
• Backgrounds
o This app uses Flickr to present you with a massive list of images to apply as wallpaper.
• Barcode Scanner
o By far, one of the coolest things I like about the Android marketplace the ease of use the Barcode Scanner brings to it. Many blogs that cover Android apps will provide a QR barcode image for each app. So, when you are browsing on your PC and you come across an app you would like to download, you don’t have to manually search for it on your phone. Simply load up this app, point your phone’s camera at your computer monitor, and let it scan the barcode. Your phone will then decode it as a link to the target app in the marketplace, letting you navigate directly to it. Oh yeah, you can also scan products in the real world and perform Google searches on them….but I almost never use it for that. There’s a better app for that, below.
• Battle For Mars
o A pretty decent tactics game, in the vein of Advance Wars and Fire Emblem.
• Bonsai Blast
o Fantastic Zuma clone that adds a little to the formula by allowing you to warp your ball shooter to different pads in the level. This allows the developer to come up with some pretty creative level designs. The campaign mode is surprisingly well flushed out for a free game.
• Bubble
o Handy little level finder tool, mimicking an air bubble suspended in fluid. It’s surprisingly accurate.
• Bump
o Port of an iPhone app for sharing contact info. You fist bump while each your apps are initialized and then you get each other’s info. It’s great to see this one is cross compatible between Android and iPhone, too.
• Devilry Huntress
o Bejeweled clone with some great Halloween style art.
• Documents To Go
o Very useful for those who need to view/edit MS Office files from their phone. The free version acts as a viewer only. I can’t bring myself to buy the full version, but based on the viewer’s capabilities, I would expect the editor to be quite capable.
• Doom
o If it has a screen, it’s gotta have Doom. The controls aren’t that great, but it’s free.
• Electrum Drum II
o I’m a sucker for good drum machines, and this one is actually pretty damn good. Plus, it has a good selection of plugins for more drum sounds.
• Forecast Info
o Better than the Weather Channel app. Nice amount of widget options for your home screen too.
• Free Bubble Defense
o For free, this is excellent! A great TD app to fight the boredom.
• FRG
o A decent overhead shooter in the vein of Crimson Land, and I Made a Game With Zombies in It. The controls are a bit awkward at first, but with some practice, you can get pretty good at this.
• GDE (Home Replacement)
o I have played with OpenHome and Panda, and found that GDE was definitely my favorite home replacement. It just has so much customizability! Sadly, the current version crashes on my Droid an awful lot, but that wasn’t even enough deterrent to keep me from paying for it. The 3d cube transition between home screens is slick, but it’s the new application list that I like best. You can easily create folders to sort your apps inside. You can also enable landscape mode for your home screen(s), so that you don’t have to pop out the keyboard just to get landscape.
• Gensoid
o Sega Genesis emulator. So far, it’s performed flawlessly for every ROM I’ve tried. Sadly, the Droid’s keyboard just isn’t that great for action gaming.
• GeoBeagle
o I’ve never tried Geocaching, but this app has gotten me interested in it. It watches for you to click on an address or Lat/Long data, so you can easily add locations of geocaches, which this app will store and keep track of for you. This works really nicely with the Radar app.
• Google Sky Map
o Strangely, this is one of the coolest apps I’ve played with. Using your GPS location along with your phone’s orientation, you can search the night sky around you, helping you find celestial bodies. You can even type in a search, such as “Orion”, and it will prompt you where to position your phone so that you will be pointing right at the constellation in the actually sky. If you are a star gazer, this is app is a godsend. Otherwise, it’s still a neat little toy to make iPhone users jealous.
• Google Voice
o Duh. You need this. The only thing I wish it would have is a widget that would let me easily see which setting is enabled. They do offer a shortcut that toggles your setting, but without seeing which is active, this feature is useless. I started out keeping it on the setting that asks you every time you make a call, do you want to make a normal call or use Google Voice?....but that has become tedious after only a month. I would like to leave it off all the time, and only enable it for calls I want to keep my actual number private from. Give me a widget! This shortcut ain’t cutting it!
• Graviturn
o A fun puzzle game where you tilt your phone to move little balls around an obstacle course. Keep some balls on the board, while forcing others to fall of the sides. The art is simple but attractive.
• gTasks
o Since I use Google Tasks, this was a no brainer. Some people prefer Remember The Milk, but I found Google’s own todo manager much more simple and easy to use. Now that I have super easy access from my phone, I love it even more.
• Head To Head Racing
o Fun yet basic racing game that has you tilting your phone as a steering wheel.
• Iteration
o One of the best stoner apps I’ve seen. This thing makes art very slowly. It’s so subtle sometimes that even while staring at it, you have concentrate just to notice what has been added. It’s quite captivating if you give it your full attention.
• Jewellust
o Another great Bejeweled clone. This one has some cool powerups, like gems that can clear an entire line.
• Labyrinth
o A great emulation of the old school tilt game where you maneuver marbles around holes.
• Light Racer & Light Racer 3D
o These two games feature Tron light cycles. The 3D one is a nice update, but I actually enjoy the 2D version better.
• Locale
o If you don’t have this app, just shut up and get it. This thing is one of the most flexible apps you can find, thus it is as useful as your imagination. This is especially more true when you take into account the plugins that increase it’s capabilities. Right now, I’m not being particularly creative with it, and even then I still love it. I have set up two activities thus far, “Work” and “Sleep”. For my Work activity, I provide it with the location of my office building, so that when I am within a set radius, it sets my phone to vibrate. For Sleep, I have it check to see if my phone is plugged in and it’s between certain hours, and if so, I disable the notifications sounds (ugh, hearing it go off for every email during the night just HAD to go). But that’s hardly scratching the surface. You can configure almost any setting on your phone based on many different factors. Get this app. You need it more than you might think.
• Meebo IM
o Since I use the Meebo browser app as my chat client of choice, I am also using it on my phone. It performs wonderfully, for all my connected chat accounts, and the notifications work well, allowing me to keep this app running in the background at all times. Unfortunately, they are having some pretty major connection issues at the moment, and it hardly stays connected for very long. I can’t recall updating it since I originally installed it, but I swear it stay connected much better in the beginning. They are aware of the issue, and are apparently working on fixing it.
• Meridian
o Great media player. Handles movies and music with ease and grace. It even has a great widget for your home screen. I’ve tried a bunch of media players, and this was by far my favorite.
• Metal Detector
o I guess this uses your phone's internal compass as a metal detector. People on the web report this thing as working REALLY well, but I never had that much luck. It would go off while just in my hand. It would probably be worth my time to go through the calibration menus, but I'm pretty sure that I'm really a cyborg and it's detecting my endoskeleton.
• Missed Call
o This app allows you to handle how your phone notifies you of missed calls and SMS text messages. You can configure what color the LED light should be and it’s blink rate. You can choose to have your phone vibrate and at what rate. The thing I like about this app is that it lets you set up vibrate and/or audio notifications that continue at a set interval until you clear out whatever message required your attention. Sometimes I will leave the room without my phone and miss an important text message. If I happened to notice the default green LED, I may not even give it a 2nd thought, because I constantly get emails, so the LED is almost always green. Whit this app, my phone will now perform two short vibrates every 5 minutes, so that if I have a text message, I will know it without even looking.
• Movies
o The perfect app for when you are on the go and decide to see a movie. Get movie times and ratings (I prefer setting it to Rotten Tomatoes scores), and even watch hi-res trailers almost instantly. This also links to your FlixSter account, so Facebookers rejoice!
• Mushroom Wars
o I can't recall the first game that did this type of clone-your-pieces puzzle gameplay, but this one does it well, for sure.
• Mystique: Chapter 1
o A 3d trapped-in-a-room game. The 3d aspect works pretty well, but I dislike having to use the Droid's dpad to walk around. Though this chapter is free, the 2nd chapter costs money. Would I buy the 2nd one based on this chapter? Perhaps, but I haven't even completed this one yet, as there is no way to save your progress, and I haven't felt like spending a long time in one sitting yet. Still, I would recommend this to people who like to figure out how to get out of a room.
• Nesoid
o Nintendo emulator. So far, it’s performed flawlessly for every ROM I’ve tried. Sadly, the Droid’s keyboard just isn’t that great for action gaming. Touch-screen Duck Hunt FTW!
• OpenTable
o It is far nicer to use this app than to navigate the website in your phone's browser. If you ever use OpenTable, this app is for you.
• Oregon Trail
o Since I never played the previous smartphone entry in this series, I had to pick this up. Who doesn't like the Oregon Trail games? My only complaint is that touch-screen hunting is a bajillion times easier than the Apple II version. Give me some challenge!
• Pandora
o A very sleek and easy to use app. Music quality is fantastic over Wifi and 3G. I haven’t really noticed if I’ve been in areas w/o 3G coverage while listening to this, but I imagine I must have and never even noticed.
• Path of a Warrior
o Pretty good action RPG. Controls are slightly awkward as you hold the Droid vertically with the keyboard popped out to the left. Most action is performed with the dpad and it's center button, but there is some touch screen elements. It can be annoying trying to figure out what things you can touch and what things require you to press the dpad button. Still, the graphics are deliciously old school and gameplay hasn't' gotten old yet after a couple hours with it.
• Phit Droid
o A great series of puzzle games (I have 3 editions installed) with MANY levels to complete. You have to fit a series of blocks into a specific region of the screen. I think of it as sortof a blend of tangrams and Tetris.
• PhoneMyPC
o I am definitely jealous that iPhone users get a LogMeIn app, but this one really fills that gap nicely for the Android platform. Yes it costs money. I paid $9.99, but I’ve read comments from people who paid half that much. I’m not sure if the price went up or not, but really, I’m still happy with my purchase. This thing performs surprisingly well, and it even supports pinch-to-zoom!
• Photoshop.com Mobile
o Pretty light weight. Less features than the iPhone version, even. But it’s free and has some useful features for doctoring those photos on-the-go.
• Places Directory
o Decent app for finding places by category. Banks, Bars, Gas Stations, etc. Nothing too fancy here, but it does what it advertises.
• Qik
o I thought this was pretty cool, but I’m not sure when I will ever actually use it. This app allows you to stream video to a website where you can invite guests to watch your live footage from your phone. Well, it’s more like “live”, as there is a significant delay. But still, if you are at a concert and want to stream it for your friends in pseudo real time, this could be the solution.
• Retro Defense
o An excellent tower defense game, featuring a vector graphics look. I’ve only spent a little time with it, but liked what I saw.
• Ringdroid
o This app is another must have. Got some mp3s on your SD card? Ringdroid will let you define a segment of an audio file and set it as a ringtone or notification sound. The UI is pretty slick and simple to understand.
• Robo Defense
o Another tower defense game. I’ve spent even less time with this one, but again, it seemed pretty decent.
• Screebl
o After watching the dude’s Youtube video, I wasn’t quite sure I needed this. After downloading it and using it, I fully understand. This app keeps your phone from shutting off the screen while it is being held in an orientation indicative of you actually looking at the screen. If you set your screen timeout to 15 seconds to save battery life, it’s quite likely your screen will shut off while you are reading a webpage. Then, you set your phone down flat on the table (not in use) and your screen shuts off like it normally would. Like with my experience, you might just have to use it to fully see its greatness.
• Scrobble Droid
o I know you last.fm users HATE listening to any music without it being scrobbled your profile, right? Install this. Crisis averted.
• Shazam
o Hold your phone up to a speaker playing music and this app will figure out what song it is. I’m pretty excited that this app is free, because my old Samsung Blackjack II came with a similar app that required a monthly fee. Suck it Samsung/AT&T!
• ShopSavvy
o If you still shop in brick and morter stores, this app will let you scan barcodes to compare product prices. I’ve been pretty successful so far with my scans, so it would appear to have quite a large database.
• Slimeball Speedway
o A decent game where your slime ball travels down from the top of the screen, along a treacherous route, collecting garbage to grow in size. This is another tilt control game. The art is very polished and there appear to be a good amount of levels. You can even race against ghost data, from the world's best record on each level.
• SNesoid
o Super Nintendo emulator. So far, it’s performed flawlessly for every ROM I’ve tried. Sadly, the Droid’s keyboard just isn’t that great for action gaming.
• TaskPanel
o Now, the Android OS is supposed to handle its own memory pretty well. Nevertheless, there are a plethora of task killing apps on the marketplace. I like this one because it operates on a schedule, keeping your system running smoothly. You can define which apps should never be terminated, which is really great if you tend to always run multiple background tasks (ie: Screebl, Missed Call, Meebo).
• The Schwartz
o I’m a nerd, so I had to have a lightsaber app….but the Star Wars one kinda sucks. This one is way better, except that it doesn’t play Duel of The Fates. If you REALLY need to have the music, just copy the mp3 to your phone, load up Meridian, then The Schwartz, and geek out!
• TripIt
o This app handles travel itineraries incredibly well. The best part is, you hardly have to do a thing to set it up. Book a flight online, get your confirmation email, then forward that email to plans@tripit.com and boom, it gets parsed and shows up in your list within the app. I shit you not. It handles car rentals and hotels too. You can get info on airports, and you can easily pull up maps of your destinations. So cool!
• What The Doodle!?
o As a long-time fan of isketch.net, this little beta app is quite fun. The chat interface is a tad annoying, and I’m pretty sure you need a hardware keyboard for it. Still, it’s a networked Pictionary for your phone!
• Where
o This app is similar to the Places Directory app, only more useful in my opinion. I’ve used this a few times to find the cheapest gas near me, and it only failed me once. Even better, it comes with a widget for their voice search feature so that you can jump to a search right from your home screen.
• Where’s My Droid
o Ever lost your phone? This app has you covered. If you’re like me, and you’ve lost your phone inside your own house, you usually need to borrow another phone to call it over and over until you can hone in on the location. This app allows you to send it a SMS message (super easy from Google Voice website, no need to borrow a phone)with a secret password phrase, which will turn your speaker to full volume and start ringing for a length of time until you find it. Not finding it in the house? Send it a different password phrase and it will give you the GPS coords of either where it currently is, or where it last has a GPS signal. This app is invaluable, if you ask me. Just don’t forget your password.
• Wikitude
o Discover places of interest around you. My favorite way to use this app is the augmented reality method of looking through your camera and seeing items overlayed in the real world. This would be a great tool while on vacation.
• Zebra Paint
o I don’t have kids, but I still like to mess around with this app. It’s essentially a coloring book. Pick a color, press where you want it to fill, and it works like a paint bucket tool in any art application. It comes with a pretty good number of images to paint. I’m not sure if you can add your own, but I would think it should support that. After making your work of art, you can save it to your SD card. I’m sure kids would eat this up. Make a pretty picture on daddy’s phone and then later he can print it up to stick on the fridge.

Kenzington4short

12-01-2009, 01:33 PM

Whoa. Thanks for the list. I grabbed a few that looked interesting, especially that locale one. Sounds like it'd use the GPS though. Does your phone last through the day?

A couple other things I might recommend. Nothing too useful, just for fun apps.

-LOLcats or I can has cheezburger app. It grabs the images off the RSS feed of the LOLfamily (cat, dog, failblog, etc.). Entertaining in a pinch.

-Giant Bomb app. Right now it's still in alpha so it's a little buggy but it does let you watch Giant Bomb videos on your phone.

-Fx camera. Lets you take pictures with effects on them such as a making it look like a polaroid photo or adding a fisheye effect.

-Twidroid. Probably the best Twitter app on Android.

-Digital clock widget. Adds the iPhone's clock to your phone. It looks nice but found it redundant with the taskbar at the top.

-aContacts. Lets you sort your contacts list in a variety of ways. I found it better than the one that came with the phone.

MachEnergy

12-01-2009, 01:41 PM

Whoa. Thanks for the list. I grabbed a few that looked interesting, especially that locale one. Sounds like it'd use the GPS though. Does your phone last through the day?

Hard to say. Right now, my phone is a new toy, so I play with it constantly....meaning I pretty much just always keep it plugged in. I bought a few micro USB cables from monoprice so I'm always plugged into my work and home computers. That way, when I go out into the big scary world, I have enough juice to get me by. I can tell you that after checking my battery use report, Locale is currently taking up 3% of my overall usage. I know I've seen GPS on the list before, but it's not there right now. I've been inside all day save for a brief trip for lunch, if that has anything to do with GPS usage.

Vandabo

12-01-2009, 05:06 PM

Damnit. This just fans the flames of my desire for this phone.

Does anyone have any experience connecting this to a laptop for mobile internet connectivity? I thought I heard it could do that.

PathMaster

12-02-2009, 04:49 PM

I believe you could use PDAnet app to tether to a laptop.

civil

12-04-2009, 10:13 AM

axion

12-04-2009, 10:25 AM

I don't think it would be an issue but I'm no expert. I've charged my phone through the USB connection for my GF's bluetooth speaker with no problems.

civil

12-04-2009, 10:29 AM

Hmm. I've read there are some who have issues and some who don't. It's sort of like a crap shoot. Did you specifically use a USB car charger?

MachEnergy

12-04-2009, 10:37 AM

I have a dual head cig lighter that also has a USB slot, and I've used numerous USB devices with it. For some reason, it won't charge my Droid. I'm using the same exact micro USB cable that I use in the computer, but in my cig lighter, no dice. I would assume voltages should be the same. I mean, it has to be a standard right? All USB devices should accept the same exact amount of power, I would assume.

civil

12-04-2009, 10:47 AM

That's actually one of the issues I was referring to. Very strange. Seems like Motorola/Verizon got sneaky on that one.

johnperkins21

12-04-2009, 10:49 AM

My girlfriend picked one of these up last night and I have a question: The Verizon dude convinced her to buy an expensive car charger, but I think that since the cable to connect the phone to her computer ends in a standard male USB connection that she can use the same little car adapter plug she uses for her iPod that is essentially a cigarette lighter plug with a female USB connection. She's worried about voltage issues, but I think that the voltage needs for an iPod and Droid can't be too different. What do you all think?

Aren't all USB ports on the computer +5v? And your car battery is 12V, so I'm guessing the iPhone plug converts the 12v to 5v, or the iPhone works with 12v in addition to 5v.

Basically, I don't see any reason it wouldn't be exactly the same. But I'm sure there's a tech specs document for both that detail what voltage they'll take.

One thing to note however, is that I think Motorola may screw with voltages somehow. My cell phone which uses the standard USB plug won't charge using my Blackberry charger. However, my Blackberry will charge using my cell phone charger. It's very odd. So it's possible Motorola did something to the Droid to make it not work with standard chargers, but the worst that should happen is that it doesn't work. There's almost no possibility of it blowing up, or turning into a sentient being bent on wiping out humanity.

MachEnergy

12-04-2009, 10:54 AM

That's actually one of the issues I was referring to. Very strange. Seems like Motorola/Verizon got sneaky on that one.

Yeah, and you gotta love that Motorola's website says that the car dock comes with a "rapid charge cable", but when I ordered mine from Verizon: no cable.

So now I have to find a generic USB option that actually works, or fork out for the branded cable that costs just as much as the car dock did.

On a separate note, after finally getting both the multimedia and car docks, I have to say they are pretty cool. Still, it should be noted that when the phone is in the car dock, it has some issues. I would assume that when you place a call, it should default to speakerphone. It doesn't. Also, while in a phone call, it blanks the screen and I have to unlock it again after the call. Oh yeah, it also will only disable the car-mode UI home screen if it is currently ON that screen when you remove it from the dock. All these things can be fixed via software, so I hope they address it. Otherwise, I did just install the Eclipse IDE with the Android SDK, so maybe my first Droid app will be to take care of these dock related issues.

MachEnergy

12-04-2009, 10:56 AM

One thing to note however, is that I think Motorola may screw with voltages somehow. My cell phone which uses the standard USB plug won't charge using my Blackberry charger. However, my Blackberry will charge using my cell phone charger. It's very odd. So it's possible Motorola did something to the Droid to make it not work with standard chargers, but the worst that should happen is that it doesn't work. There's almost no possibility of it blowing up, or turning into a sentient being bent on wiping out humanity.

I'm using generic micro usb cables I bought from Monoprice. They work just fine when plugged into a PC. It's only with my car's power adapter that they have issues. Truly odd.

axion

12-04-2009, 10:58 AM

Hmm. I've read there are some who have issues and some who don't. It's sort of like a crap shoot. Did you specifically use a USB car charger?

Her Bluetooth speaker came with a USB car charger and a USB to Micro USB cable which fits into the charger. I used the same charger and cable with my phone with no problem, it's not a Droid however.

johnperkins21

12-04-2009, 11:30 AM

I'm using generic micro usb cables I bought from Monoprice. They work just fine when plugged into a PC. It's only with my car's power adapter that they have issues. Truly odd.

Maybe it's got something to do with the power conversion? Since it's just a cable to the PC, it's not converting from 5v, but from the car or the wall receptacle it's converting from 12v or 110v. I don't know, it's just weird, and I think it's an issue exclusive to Motorola devices.

OldeWolf

12-04-2009, 05:50 PM

Still waiting to see if the Droid comes out for Tmobile or any new high end android phones on par with Droid for tmobile.

PathMaster

12-04-2009, 08:37 PM

Arstechnica (http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2009/12/review-of-the-motorola-droid.ars)review of the Droid:

If multitasking matters, the Pre and the Droid are your only choices. Droid lets you play music on Pandora, navigate, and check Twitter all at the same time, with no lag and no delays. If you're looking for a media player phone or a camera phone, on the other hand, you might check elsewhere. It just comes down to the feature set you're looking for.

The Droid is close enough to its competitors, however, that non-phone factors start coming into play. The network reception is vastly better on this phone, getting signal where iPhones and G1's don't. Once the Droid and Droid-like hardware starts going to Sprint and T-Mobile, you'll also have a choice to compete on plan price as well.

civil

12-05-2009, 12:33 AM

I've been studying the Droid and it's not bad. But Verizon...those motherfuckers will gouge you for every fucking thing they can. They charge for visual voicemail? Donkeyfuckers.

MachEnergy

12-05-2009, 01:05 AM

I've been studying the Droid and it's not bad. But Verizon...those motherfuckers will gouge you for every fucking thing they can. They charge for visual voicemail? Donkeyfuckers.

meh, google voice is essentially visual voicemail, but better....and it is free

i've had FiOs for a couple years now, and just switched to their wireless, and i honestly haven't felt one iota of gouging

i may just be lucky

or naive :)

MachEnergy

12-07-2009, 06:50 AM

ok, this is pretty neat...

Apparently a desktop plasma ball generates enough of an electrical field to operate a capacitive touch screen. I've seen this happen on my Zune HD and thought it was posessed. It wasn't until I just saw it happen to my Droid that I realized it must not be my Zune; it must be something in this environment. Lo and behold, it's my USB dekstop plasma ball that's causing all the confusion.

I apologize for the crummy video quality, but all I had on hand was a crappy webcam.

ZdlTqQ07e-k

Dukefrukem

12-07-2009, 09:25 AM

Dukefrukem

12-07-2009, 09:26 AM

meh, google voice is essentially visual voicemail, but better....and it is free

i've had FiOs for a couple years now, and just switched to their wireless, and i honestly haven't felt one iota of gouging

i may just be lucky

or naive :)

The only thing that sucks about Google Voice is you can't use your existing voicemail greeting, and you need to dial a different number to reach your voice mail.

MachEnergy

12-07-2009, 09:30 AM

I noticed you have GDE installed. How do you like? Worth the money? Buggy?

I like it, but it's both: worth the money and buggy. The last update he put out a couple days ago fixed a lot of the Force Closes, but then he updated it again yesterday and they are back. I have been in email communication with him, and he seems like he really values his customer feedback. For me, the benefits continue to outweigh the crashes, but only time will tell how long that lasts. Hopefully he is able to address the crashes soon and once and for all.

Dukefrukem

12-07-2009, 12:51 PM

Yeh I'm gonna hold off a bit longer. I'd be annoyed with the crashes. What apps crash a lot for you?

Also you download the foursquare app?

MachEnergy

12-07-2009, 01:18 PM

I have it, but I live about an hour outside of DC and never spend much time there, so I've yet to do anything with it.

Adam Blue

12-07-2009, 01:26 PM

The only thing that sucks about Google Voice is you can't use your existing voicemail greeting, and you need to dial a different number to reach your voice mail.

Can't you just launch the app and look at it? And even record your own greeting?

Dukefrukem

12-07-2009, 01:51 PM

Can't you just launch the app and look at it? And even record your own greeting?

Yes .

Zagrash

12-08-2009, 06:07 PM

Droid has been rooted... (http://alldroid.org/viewtopic.php?f=210&t=567)that didn't take long!

Dukefrukem

12-08-2009, 06:14 PM

what does rooted mean?

Voodoo

12-08-2009, 06:30 PM

what does rooted mean?

It means you have access to the Linux based OS at the 'administrator' level. It allows for such things as installation of apps to the SD card, the use of swap memory on the SD card and tethering.

Dukefrukem

12-08-2009, 08:04 PM

It means you have access to the Linux based OS at the 'administrator' level. It allows for such things as installation of apps to the SD card, the use of swap memory on the SD card and tethering.

Since I'm a smart phone noob I have no idea what advantages those things will bring. Do i want to root my Droid?

Zagrash

12-08-2009, 08:54 PM

Since I'm a smart phone noob I have no idea what advantages those things will bring. Do i want to root my Droid?

not yet...there's not a lot you'd be able to do right now, but the fact that it's been rooted is a good first step for things to come.

PathMaster

12-08-2009, 09:06 PM

VZW called me tonight and discussed with me at length about my resubbing and getting a new phone. The person was unable to answer questions about my discount, otherwise the Droid would be mine, or at least on its way, unfortunately or fortunately.

Dukefrukem

12-10-2009, 07:40 AM

Got the 2.01 update this morning. Seems significantly faster. anyone else notice anything different?

MachEnergy

12-10-2009, 08:40 AM

Got the 2.01 update this morning. Seems significantly faster. anyone else notice anything different?

How did you get the update? My phone hasn't informed me of any updates yet. Is it like in the Marketplace, where it will show you all the apps that have updates available?

I just check the System Settings > System Updates, and it says I'm currently up to date, however the Firmware Version only says 2.0.....

Dukefrukem

12-10-2009, 08:47 AM

How did you get the update? My phone hasn't informed me of any updates yet. Is it like in the Marketplace, where it will show you all the apps that have updates available?

I just check the System Settings > System Updates, and it says I'm currently up to date, however the Firmware Version only says 2.0.....

Nah I just clicked the home button and it told me an update was available. installed and restarted my phone for me. They said it will be rolled out of a 48 hour period so I wouldn't worry.

Jackel

12-10-2009, 08:48 AM

Got my update late last night (1AM MST), first thing I noticed was the changes to the "lock" screen. As well as how much more responsive it feels.

Mach: The update was being released OTA with about 200k phones getting it each day. So you should receive it fairly soon.

anakin876

12-10-2009, 02:41 PM

Got the 2.01 update this morning. Seems significantly faster. anyone else notice anything different?

I don't have a droid but I am curious - did they fix the camera issues with this update?

Jackel

12-10-2009, 02:53 PM

I don't have a droid but I am curious - did they fix the camera issues with this update?

I haven't tried it yet, but apparently auto focus has been improved.

Raen

12-11-2009, 07:12 AM

Hopefully people can answer this in here. DROID has just come to the UK as the Milestone. So do I get that or a Palm Pre? Obviously network is a consideration, and T-Mobiles (the Milestone's network) is better than o2's (the Pre's network). I'm also on o2, and tried to find out if I could get a decent upgrade deal, but couldn't get through on the phone last night.

MachEnergy

12-11-2009, 11:01 AM

I don't have a droid but I am curious - did they fix the camera issues with this update?

I would say, yes, it's much much better. The auto-focus is a lot smarter (like it should have been from scratch), and it is measurably faster when taking multiple photos. It's still not as good as the iphone camera, but hey, it's got a flash! lol

Mostly I'm happiest with how much more responsive the pull-down task bar is. I typically have 4 background apps always running, and sometimes the thing would stick for a few seconds, or only pull down a little bit, leaving my finger drag motion to mess with whatever was below it.

Here are some examples of the camera...
EDIT: I replaced the large images with resized ones, so now you can click on the pictures to see them in their full resolution. Sorry! :p

Before 2.0.1 update:
http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/Resized/2009-11-06 19.52.25.jpg (http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/2009-11-06 19.52.25.jpg)
http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/Resized/2009-11-23 18.36.56.jpg (http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/2009-11-23 18.36.56.jpg)
http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/Resized/2009-11-23 23.40.40.jpg (http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/2009-11-23 23.40.40.jpg)
http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/Resized/2009-12-05 18.00.06.jpg (http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/2009-12-05 18.00.06.jpg)
http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/Resized/2009-12-09 22.02.16.jpg (http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/2009-12-09 22.02.16.jpg)

After 2.0.1 update:
http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/Resized/2009-12-11 07.53.43.jpg (http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/2009-12-11 07.53.43.jpg)
http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/Resized/2009-12-11 07.53.55.jpg
(http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/2009-12-11 07.53.55.jpg)
http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/Resized/2009-12-11 07.56.38.jpg
(http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/2009-12-11 07.56.38.jpg)
http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/Resized/2009-12-11 07.56.58.jpg (http://www.mach-energy.com/Droid/Pictures/2009-12-11 07.56.58.jpg)

Goronmon

12-11-2009, 11:14 AM

Dude, you need to cool it with the massive images. :p

MachEnergy

12-11-2009, 11:15 AM

Dude, you need to cool it with the massive images. :p

I assumed the web forum auto-sized them. Did I break something? Looks fine on mine...

Goronmon

12-11-2009, 11:26 AM

I assumed the web forum auto-sized them. Did I break something? Looks fine on mine...The problem is, they are absolutely massive, and the forum doesn't resize until it downloads the entire image, so for about 30 seconds the page was completely screwed. Not to mention it seems to cause Chrome to hiccup as I scroll past them.

All I'm saying is that a couple moderately resized images would have sufficed. ;)

MachEnergy

12-11-2009, 11:31 AM

The problem is, they are absolutely massive, and the forum doesn't resize until it downloads the entire image, so for about 30 seconds the page was completely screwed. Not to mention it seems to cause Chrome to hiccup as I scroll past them.

All I'm saying is that a couple moderately resized images would have sufficed. ;)

Yeah, figured that out after thinking why else it might be a problem, and so I loaded the site in another browser that didn't have the pictures cached. Sorry guys! :D

I modified the picture post so that it displays reduced sizes, but also links to the original hi-res ones. I didn't want to post reduced size pictures because I wanted people to be able to scrutinize the image quality in it's fullest. This new method is smarter anyways. Busy day at work frazzled my brain for a bit. Also, Emo Hedgehog is Emo.

johnperkins21

12-11-2009, 12:09 PM

Those second set of images look like they're from a completely different camera. That is a massive improvement.

MachEnergy

12-11-2009, 12:40 PM

Those second set of images look like they're from a completely different camera. That is a massive improvement.

True, but one thing to note is that all the old images were shot in low lighting, and all the new ones were shot on my drive to work this morning. I'll have to do more test shots tonight to be sure it's a fair comparison.

civil

12-11-2009, 02:43 PM

Need more pictures of the chick in the green sweater.

For evaluation purposes, of course.

DylonCorp

12-13-2009, 10:56 PM

Need more pictures of the chick in the green sweater.

For evaluation purposes, of course.

It never stops out of Chi-town.

civil

12-14-2009, 05:12 AM

It never stops out of Chi-town.
Oh you better believe it. Why do you think the ladies love us?

MachEnergy

12-14-2009, 07:46 AM

Need more pictures of the chick in the green sweater.

For evaluation purposes, of course.

I just wanted to say that you made my wife's day when I showed her your comment. Apparently she approves of my gamer community, now that they have acknowledged her boobage. I hope that isn't the only way to get her to approval over everything I like. Things could get a little weird :D

Also, I did try out the camera at night and in a dark room, and while not as impressive as the daytime pictures, the improvement is still quite measurable. I've got a really busy morning, but I promise I'll post some demonstrable pictures later today.

DylonCorp

12-14-2009, 08:46 AM

Oh you better believe it. Why do you think the ladies love us?

They've got a taste for Latino heat?

civil

12-14-2009, 08:53 AM

I just wanted to say that you made my wife's day when I showed her your comment. Apparently she approves of my gamer community, now that they have acknowledged her boobage. I hope that isn't the only way to get her to approval over everything I like. Things could get a little weird :D
To be honest, she also looks hot in the first photo so it's not just boobs.

Also, I did try out the camera at night and in a dark room, and while not as impressive as the daytime pictures, the improvement is still quite measurable. I've got a really busy morning, but I promise I'll post some demonstrable pictures later today.
Oh baby, give it to us. What was she wearing?

Fucking hell, when did I become the creep that hits on other people's spouses/girlfriends?

They've got a taste for Latino heat?
Oh yeah, it's in my genes.

Get it?

Vandabo

12-14-2009, 05:37 PM

I'm just about to pull the trigger and upgrade to one of these things, but I'm unsure whether I should go for the basic verizon data plan or the unlimited one. What do you folks use?

PathMaster

12-14-2009, 08:15 PM

I played around with the Droid a little more in the store a few days ago. The keyboard does feel a little small for my big fingers. I suppose I could get more accurate with use.

Dukefrukem

12-16-2009, 06:58 AM

Does anyone know any good Video Editing software to help sending videos? Sending video with the DROID is impossible; even a 10 second clip seems to be "too large" to send as an e-mail or SMS text.

Dukefrukem

12-16-2009, 06:59 AM

Also, I recommend everyone to download MORE ICONs app to add rows and rows of smaller icons on your DROID. It's fantastic. I also recommend Home++ as well to give you 4 swipe screens that continuously go in a circle.

MachEnergy

12-16-2009, 07:41 AM

Does anyone know any good Video Editing software to help sending videos? Sending video with the DROID is impossible; even a 10 second clip seems to be "too large" to send as an e-mail or SMS text.

If you are looking for Android apps for video editing, I haven't found any yet. As for a good PC method:

Convert your 3gp videos using the free AnyVideoConverter into wmv's.
Use Windows Movie Maker to edit and save as wmv.
Use AnyVideoConverter again if you want to use a format different from wmv's.

All free, and pretty easy.

Voodoo

12-16-2009, 07:48 AM

Does anyone know any good Video Editing software to help sending videos? Sending video with the DROID is impossible; even a 10 second clip seems to be "too large" to send as an e-mail or SMS text.

You can hit Menu while in Video capture mode, go to settings and change the Video Quality. It allows you to set it between High (SD Card) and low (MMS Messages).

Dukefrukem

12-16-2009, 07:50 AM

you can hit menu while in video capture mode, go to settings and change the video quality. It allows you to set it between high (sd card) and low (mms messages).

thank you!!!!!!

Dukefrukem

12-16-2009, 07:52 AM

MachEnergy

12-16-2009, 08:32 AM

I just wanted to be sure my PC editing methods would work, so I threw together a quick and stupid video as a test. The lighting was pretty low when I had filmed it, and this was also pre-2.0.1 update. In Windows Movie Maker, I used the brightness increase filter, some animated titles, a video transition, mp3 soundtrack, and fade-out. All in all, this took me about 15 minutes from start to finish.

3GLPx3FuKsQ

And yes....it was supposed to be cheesy. I even almost went with the spinning newspaper intro. :D

MachEnergy

12-16-2009, 08:44 AM

Also, check out my home screen. Still trying to find the prefect balance in my setup. I'm open to suggestions. I also removed my current wallpaper since it's a pic of my girl with very little close on... :P

That looks pretty awesome! With the small icons, do you ever have issues with pressing the right one? Also, how did you snap your screen shots?

You've obviously spent a lot of time with it. I like your layout and organization overall. My only complaint would be with how your BG is segmented strangely between each home screen. However, I've tried a bunch of home replacements and they all do this.

I'm not really willing to give up GDE as my home. I love it's replacement App drawer, which let me create sub-folders. I have "All applications", "Games", "Tools", and "Toys". If you constantly install/uninstall apps, this setup doesn't work too well, but if you know you are looking for an app you've had for a long time, and know it's a tool, then it's really great to go directly into the tools folder and not have to filter through every single installed app while trying to find it. I also like how GDE allows you choose the number of home screens you have, and also loops through them in a circle like you say Home++ does. It really irked me when I used the default home and it just hits a brick wall at the far left and far right.

Recently, I've really been wishing for an option to sort the apps list by install date. Sometimes I go on sprees and download 10 or 15 things, and then I end up having to slowly crawl through the entire list in search of what might be new.

Dukefrukem

12-16-2009, 09:15 AM

That looks pretty awesome! With the small icons, do you ever have issues with pressing the right one? Also, how did you snap your screen shots?

You've obviously spent a lot of time with it. I like your layout and organization overall. My only complaint would be with how your BG is segmented strangely between each home screen. However, I've tried a bunch of home replacements and they all do this.

I'm not really willing to give up GDE as my home. I love it's replacement App drawer, which let me create sub-folders. I have "All applications", "Games", "Tools", and "Toys". If you constantly install/uninstall apps, this setup doesn't work too well, but if you know you are looking for an app you've had for a long time, and know it's a tool, then it's really great to go directly into the tools folder and not have to filter through every single installed app while trying to find it. I also like how GDE allows you choose the number of home screens you have, and also loops through them in a circle like you say Home++ does. It really irked me when I used the default home and it just hits a brick wall at the far left and far right.

Recently, I've really been wishing for an option to sort the apps list by install date. Sometimes I go on sprees and download 10 or 15 things, and then I end up having to slowly crawl through the entire list in search of what might be new.

The background isn't segmented at all. It only appears that way when you're taking screenshots because the background barely moves. It's not an equal shift between swipes.

It's amazing how accurate the small icons are. I'm REALLY happy with it. This isn't my final setup either. Still playing around with it, and I can add up to 4 more home screens!!

I want to try GDE, but right now I'm hearing about a lot of force closing on apps and the animation isn't as smooth. I'll wait awhile before I try it out.

Taking screenshots is built into the Home++ app.

MachEnergy

12-16-2009, 09:29 AM

You have tempted me into trying Home++ :D

As for GDE, I haven't a single force close since the last update a few days ago. Ever since the 2.0.1 update, the transition animations have been super smooth.

I'm going to check out MORE ICONs right now. We really should be posting QR's for these things...

Dukefrukem

12-16-2009, 10:06 AM

There's a free trial of more icons you can use before you buy it. And yes we should be posting QRs.

Also, Beautiful Widget is being pulled so get it while you can if you were ever thinking about it...

Dukefrukem

12-16-2009, 12:17 PM

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/2522/81668495.jpg

Jackel

12-16-2009, 12:24 PM

Dude that is awesome. So Beautiful Widgets / Home ++ for that setup?

Dukefrukem

12-16-2009, 12:51 PM

Dude that is awesome. So Beautiful Widgets / Home ++ for that setup?

and one More Icons 4x2 widget and two More Icons 2x2 widgets

And I'm not even done customizing. I just changed my MotoTorch LED to ONLY a flame without the box around it. The flame lights up when i press the button! so sweet.

BTW, Beautiful Widget is no more, so download it while you can.

Jackel

12-16-2009, 01:00 PM

I just tried. It has already been removed.

Dukefrukem

12-16-2009, 01:01 PM

Wow really? I got it around 11am this morning.

Vandabo

12-16-2009, 04:46 PM

Dukefrukem

12-16-2009, 09:41 PM

Well, I am posting this from my new Droid. Every thing is going fine so far, I've only had it a few hours so far, but I'm digging it!

edit: Do things like the Pandora radio app use my wifi connection when it's available, thus not counting towards my data plan?

It wouldn't, but I'm not sure why you're asking that. Unlimited data plan is required on the droid.

I'm also on my droid right now, and just installed every emulator I could find. Now I need people to suggest the best nes, snes, sega, gg, gb games they can think of. Its been so long since I've played anything on those systems I can't remember what's fun.

Adam Blue

12-16-2009, 09:53 PM

That looks great. This makes me want to post my Hero screen. Duke, I'm going to post mine in the Android thread, do the same if you'd like.

Vandabo

12-16-2009, 09:54 PM

It wouldn't, but I'm not sure why you're asking that. Unlimited data plan is required on the droid.

You should tell that to verizon... I'm on their basic smartphone data plan for $30 a month... there was also the option for a $45 dollar unlimited plan.

Dukefrukem

12-17-2009, 05:30 AM

You should tell that to verizon... I'm on their basic smartphone data plan for $30 a month... there was also the option for a $45 dollar unlimited plan.

Huh? There's only one mandatory plan for $29 that gets you unlimited data with the Droid. There's no $45 plan.

Vandabo

12-17-2009, 10:25 AM

Huh? There's only one mandatory plan for $29 that gets you unlimited data with the Droid. There's no $45 plan.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w286/vandabo/droidplan.jpg

MachEnergy

12-17-2009, 10:55 AM

If you are going to be tethering, then you need the Unlimited plan. If you dont, then the Email and Web for Smartphone is all you need. The Web plan is also unlimited, but only within the confines of the phone's usage.

Dukefrukem

12-17-2009, 11:05 AM

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w286/vandabo/droidplan.jpg

Can't see it because photobucket is blocked by work.

Dukefrukem

12-17-2009, 11:09 AM

Scull

12-18-2009, 07:18 AM

Like the iPhone, the Droid requires the unlimited plan.
No it doesn't. You need "E-mail and Web for Smartphone" and that is it. It is $29.99. The only reason to get the Unlimited plan is for tethering.

Borthcollective

12-18-2009, 07:25 AM

Actually they are both unlimited plans.

Scull

12-18-2009, 07:27 AM

Actually they are both unlimited plans.
This is true, but the "E-mail and Web for Smartphone" plane is only unlimited when you are working on the phone. The "Unlimited Data Usage" plan caps out at 5 GB when in tethered mode, but is still unlimited on the phone itself.

Dukefrukem

12-18-2009, 08:02 AM

I understand now. So Vandabo, you tethering?

Vandabo

12-18-2009, 11:23 AM

Well, I was definitely considering using the tethering ability, since I often have to travel with a work laptop... But I don't know if I would use it enough to make it worth it, so I'm gonna hold off for now.

That, and my Droid just shit itself last night, and now wont boot up. It just goes straight to the 'Bootloader 2c.6c' screen and nothing happens. From what I've read online it's a hardware failure, and people have just been getting replacements. Good times.

cppcrusader

12-27-2009, 11:31 PM

Dukefrukem

12-28-2009, 05:22 AM

Can anyone recommend me a good rss reader for the Droid? I got one last week and am loving it so far, of course it's also my first smartphone. I haven[t had much luck finding a decent reader by blindly trying some in the market so far.

ummm Google Reader? It's the best reader out and it's built into the droid. Go to the "HOME" screen in your browser and click on the "G" for google. I use it every day.

Dukefrukem

12-30-2009, 11:59 AM

Easy way to put Android 2.1 on your Droid (http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-hacks/10247-how-install-2-1-easy-way.html)

I want to do this badly after seeing the new 2.1 Gallery hack (http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-hacks/12061-gallery-2-1-image-working-2-0-1-a.html)

cppcrusader

01-08-2010, 02:01 PM

ummm Google Reader? It's the best reader out and it's built into the droid. Go to the "HOME" screen in your browser and click on the "G" for google. I use it every day.

Well, what I was actually looking for was something that would send notifications when something new pops up and not just accessing one through the browser.

It doesn't matter now though. Originally I wanted to get notifications of new posts on the forums I moderate, but after the first couple nights of notifications from threads I was already watching waking me up in the middle of the night I changed my mind.

So far I'm still digging the Droid. My only real complaint about it isn't even about the device itself. They should have included a manual of some kind with it. True the majority of people who get the Droid would be the type that don't bother with that stuff anyway and just figure everything out through trial and error. The Droid is fairly intuitive enough that you can get away with that. Still, there are times when I'd just like to look something up than figure it out and for those people that aren't as technologically inclined it would help.

appel

01-09-2010, 03:19 AM

I use an app called NewsRob for reading my Google Reader subscriptions on my HTC Hero. I've disabled notifications though so I don't know how well that works.

PathMaster

01-09-2010, 06:21 PM

So far I'm still digging the Droid. My only real complaint about it isn't even about the device itself. They should have included a manual of some kind with it. True the majority of people who get the Droid would be the type that don't bother with that stuff anyway and just figure everything out through trial and error. The Droid is fairly intuitive enough that you can get away with that. Still, there are times when I'd just like to look something up than figure it out and for those people that aren't as technologically inclined it would help.

That is something I am a little worried about. As someone who has only ever used a regular phone, jumping to using a smartphone will have a learning curve. I am one of those people who rarely if ever consult a manual, but having some resource would be helpful, like some online resource.

Dukefrukem

01-15-2010, 06:59 AM

The Droid is pissing me off lately....

MachEnergy

01-15-2010, 07:01 AM

Dukefrukem

01-15-2010, 07:29 AM

Do vent. I'm curious if you will remind of me issues I should be complaining about. I know things have happened that piss me off, like lock ups and spontaneous reboots, but then I go back to loving my phone and forget all the bad stuff ever happened.

The iPhone is just such a more complete phone. And it pisses me off that Motorola had three years to copy this thing, and there's still so much they need to improve on.

1. The Droid has deleted my entire messaging history on me twice. I text a lot... I mean a lot... I probably text 4000 times in a month. Wednesday was the second time in 2 months my messages were deleted on me for no apparent reason.

2. For some reason when someone sends me a pic text, it will insert it in my messaging thread as a 20 second video, with a black screen. The first 10 seconds of video will input the white text that is attached to the pic text, the last 10 seconds will be the pic that is sent. BUt this doesn't happen every time, it's random. Just send me an embedded image with text under neath it.

3. Camera. It fucking sucks on the Droid. It takes 20 seconds to take a picture where the iPhone can take 20 pictures in the time it takes the Droid to take 1.

Just little things the iPhone does better. Web browsing, how responsive the iPhone screen is compared to the Droid, the transition between screen swipes, pinch zoom, being able to browse the internet while on a phone call, texting on the iPhones keyboard is so much better. I want the iPhone, on Verizon, and not made by Apple. Is that so fucking hard?

cppcrusader

01-15-2010, 08:08 AM

The iPhone is just such a more complete phone. And it pisses me off that Motorola had three years to copy this thing, and there's still so much they need to improve on.

1. The Droid has deleted my entire messaging history on me twice. I text a lot... I mean a lot... I probably text 4000 times in a month. Wednesday was the second time in 2 months my messages were deleted on me for no apparent reason.

I haven't dug that far into the options yet, but there isn't an auto-delete when the history reaches a certain limit is there?

2. For some reason when someone sends me a pic text, it will insert it in my messaging thread as a 20 second video, with a black screen. The first 10 seconds of video will input the white text that is attached to the pic text, the last 10 seconds will be the pic that is sent. BUt this doesn't happen every time, it's random. Just send me an embedded image with text under neath it.

This might have more to do with the carrier the other person has than anything else. This used to happen to me a lot on my Gz One when my cousin would send me a pic. It would always show up as a video message that wouldn't play. I think she was on Sprint.

3. Camera. It fucking sucks on the Droid. It takes 20 seconds to take a picture where the iPhone can take 20 pictures in the time it takes the Droid to take 1.

Aside from the 3 or 4 seconds it takes the camera app to boot up I haven't had any issue with it's camera abilities. It actually takes better shots than my digital camera.

Just little things the iPhone does better. Web browsing, how responsive the iPhone screen is compared to the Droid, the transition between screen swipes, pinch zoom, being able to browse the internet while on a phone call, texting on the iPhones keyboard is so much better. I want the iPhone, on Verizon, and not made by Apple. Is that so fucking hard?

You can browse the internet while on a phone call on the Droid. When one of those AT&T commercials came on one day I decided to try and see if it was true or a blatant lie. I called my dad, who was actually sitting in the room and shares the same dislike I have for blatant lies in ads, I put him on speakerphone and then fired up the browser. If Verizon ever decides to go after AT&T like AT&T did with the map ads, then Verizon would probably win the case.

Personally I just don't see the point in browsing the net while on a phone call.

Dukefrukem

01-15-2010, 08:15 AM

I haven't dug that far into the options yet, but there isn't an auto-delete when the history reaches a certain limit is there?

Yes. I have it disabled. It default sets to 200 texts. I was between 1500-2000 this time around.

This might have more to do with the carrier the other person has than anything else. This used to happen to me a lot on my Gz One when my cousin would send me a pic. It would always show up as a video message that wouldn't play. I think she was on Sprint.

Nope. The same person sends me images every day and it's a toss up depending on whether I'll get an embedded image or this stupid video thing.

Aside from the 3 or 4 seconds it takes the camera app to boot up I haven't had any issue with it's camera abilities. It actually takes better shots than my digital camera.

Take a picture on the iphone and realize how much better it is.

You can browse the internet while on a phone call on the Droid. When one of those AT&T commercials came on one day I decided to try and see if it was true or a blatant lie. I called my dad, who was actually sitting in the room and shares the same dislike I have for blatant lies in ads, I put him on speakerphone and then fired up the browser. If Verizon ever decides to go after AT&T like AT&T did with the map ads, then Verizon would probably win the case.

It's slow as fuck. dragsssss and this is of course on top of the fact that the Droid auto dims every second because the phone can't realize that you actually want to play on your phone instead of holding the phone to your ear. If you have the phone on speaker phone, it should at LEAST know better not to turn off the screen.

Personally I just don't see the point in browsing the net while on a phone call.

When someone sends me a picture while I'm on the phone, I can't download it. It just refuses to download. So no, the Droid cannot access the data network while you're on the phone. I can't send pictures while I'm on the phone either.

cppcrusader

01-22-2010, 05:27 PM

Abyssion

01-22-2010, 05:45 PM

Is anyone else finding their Droid is constantly syncing the last couple days? For some reason the last couple days my Droid the sync icon appears on the status bar and doesn't go away. The phone gets pretty warm and the battery gets chewed up inside of a couple hours depending on the charge that's left on it.

I've tried killing apps one at a time to figure out what's causing it, but I discovered today the issue seems to be coming from accounts, specifically Google accounts.

That happened to me last night when I felt like trying to check my emails. It's something I don't do very often, but it kept syncing for about 25 minutes so I forced off the phone since I couldn't find a way to stop it.

MachEnergy

01-25-2010, 10:55 AM

I haven't had the syncing issue, but I'm getting really fed up with the text message inbox being full and not accepting new texts. Each time this has happened, it seems to have coincided with a Low Space notification. When I free up some space by removing an app or two, the text message issue clears itself up. WTF?!?

Even when the Low Space icon pops up, I still have around 20 MB or so available. At this point, it refuses to install new apps, even if they are just a few kilobytes. I really don't understand how this phone handles its rather limited storage space.

Dukefrukem

01-25-2010, 10:59 AM

MachEnergy

01-25-2010, 11:02 AM

I haven't had the syncing issue either. But why is your inbox being full? Do you have it set on 200 messages? you can disable that ya know, or is this a different issue?

I do have it set on the default 200 messages, which is supposed to automatically remove old messages.....or so I thought. But it's just strange that the issue seems tied to the overall system storage space. I'm tempted to disable that feature, but I figure that would just fill up my storage space even faster.

cppcrusader

01-25-2010, 11:04 AM

That happened to me last night when I felt like trying to check my emails. It's something I don't do very often, but it kept syncing for about 25 minutes so I forced off the phone since I couldn't find a way to stop it.

That's what I ended up doing when it was happening. It may have just been making it worse though. The next time I saw it get stuck while syncing I put it on the charger and figured I'd just let it get through whatever it was trying to do and it would get back to normal. It seemed to be fine for about a day or so and then went right back to doing it again.

While messing around with it I've noticed in the account settings the sync icon goes from green to red briefly every 5 - 10 seconds or so. Whatever the issue is it seems be stemming from the sync throwing an error. I'm planning to call Verizon tonight to see if they can figure out what's going on.

Dukefrukem

01-25-2010, 11:46 AM

I do have it set on the default 200 messages, which is supposed to automatically remove old messages.....or so I thought. But it's just strange that the issue seems tied to the overall system storage space. I'm tempted to disable that feature, but I figure that would just fill up my storage space even faster.

Do you have a lot of apps installed?

MachEnergy

01-25-2010, 11:48 AM

Do you have a lot of apps installed?

Yeah, it's rare that I have more than 30MB of system memory free.

Dukefrukem

01-26-2010, 10:50 AM

Holy shit. Everyone who's got a Droid, you want to head over the droidforums.net and download the 2.1 Home app now!

go here (http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-hacks/13074-2-1-launcher2-apk-now-2-0-1-2-1-app-drawer-5-screens.html)

as well as the google news/weather widget/app (http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-hacks/9737-google-news-widget-works-droid.html)

I can't believe how damn fast this Home app is. Way faster than anything else out there right now.

MachEnergy

01-26-2010, 11:01 AM

Holy shit. Everyone who's got a Droid, you want to head over the droidforums.net and download the 2.1 Home app now!

go here (http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-hacks/9737-google-news-widget-works-droid.html)

as well as the google news/weather widget/app (http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-hacks/9737-google-news-widget-works-droid.html)

I can't believe how damn fast this Home app is. Way faster than anything else out there right now.

Those both point to the same URL

Dukefrukem

01-26-2010, 12:15 PM

Fixed (more chars)

Dukefrukem

02-01-2010, 09:55 AM

I've decided I'm rooting my Droid this week. There's too many positives to do it, and so many negatives NOT to.

Siraris

02-01-2010, 01:54 PM

The iPhone is just such a more complete phone. And it pisses me off that Motorola had three years to copy this thing, and there's still so much they need to improve on.

1. The Droid has deleted my entire messaging history on me twice. I text a lot... I mean a lot... I probably text 4000 times in a month. Wednesday was the second time in 2 months my messages were deleted on me for no apparent reason.

2. For some reason when someone sends me a pic text, it will insert it in my messaging thread as a 20 second video, with a black screen. The first 10 seconds of video will input the white text that is attached to the pic text, the last 10 seconds will be the pic that is sent. BUt this doesn't happen every time, it's random. Just send me an embedded image with text under neath it.

3. Camera. It fucking sucks on the Droid. It takes 20 seconds to take a picture where the iPhone can take 20 pictures in the time it takes the Droid to take 1.

Just little things the iPhone does better. Web browsing, how responsive the iPhone screen is compared to the Droid, the transition between screen swipes, pinch zoom, being able to browse the internet while on a phone call, texting on the iPhones keyboard is so much better. I want the iPhone, on Verizon, and not made by Apple. Is that so fucking hard?

I just came in here to see what was being said, and I saw this.

I haven't used a Droid, much, but all of these issues are non-existant on the Nexus. I don't know if you want a keyboard that bad, but if not, I'd go with the Nexus when it comes on Verizon in a month or so.

I was with 2 friends who have iPhones the other day, and they were both taken aback at how much faster my Nexus was than theirs, in both speed (transitions, general use, web browsing, loading and playback of YouTube) as well as the quality of the screen, pictures and video.

I'm not trying to knock the Droid here, as I think it's a great phone, I'm just talking directly to Frukem and his issues.

Dukefrukem

02-01-2010, 02:01 PM

I dont know how it will work switching phones so quickly, but I'm' definitely going to look into it.

That rant was right after I got back from Vegas and I was tired. I've been using my phone since and haven't had any of the above problem, i just wish it was faster. And rooting my phone will give me the option to overclock to 950mhz which i plan on doing.

cppcrusader

02-02-2010, 02:17 PM

I've got an update on that syncing problem I was having. I spent some time on the phone with Verizon tech support, and I'm the only one that has reported this problem to them so far. Anyway, we ended up doing a soft reset which didn't fix the problem. The tech said I should take it in to a store and have them test the battery and charger, which I may do anyway even though I seemed to have sussed it out on my own.

Before the support call I had narrowed the issue down to the Gmail app, whatever the problem was it involved the syncing of my email accounts. I've got two, one personal Gmail and a Gmail powered one for work. On a whim the other day I decided to try turning off the syncing of just the personal one as I really needed to get my work emails over the weekend. Surprisingly, it worked.

When I started working on figuring out what the difference was between the two accounts was I realized I have GTalk installed on every one of my machines, the home rig, the office rig, and my netbook. This meant between my Droid and computers there could be anywhere from 2 - 4 connections to the personal account open at any one time with notifications going to all those.

After killing GTalk on all my computers the sync problem went away. I'm guessing that with notifications getting pushed to so many places and the email's getting read from multiple different locations that they didn't all resolve correctly somewhere in the backend and hosed everything up.

Dukefrukem

02-04-2010, 11:30 AM

Rooted and Over-clocked my Droid. Running at 1000Mhz. The stock CPU clock runs at 550Mhz. What a difference!

Zrikz

02-04-2010, 03:33 PM

does it eat through the battery like crazy though ?

Wraith

02-04-2010, 03:58 PM

*Edit* Moved here (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showpost.php?p=479383&postcount=1404).

Dukefrukem

02-05-2010, 05:37 AM

does it eat through the battery like crazy though ?

The crazy thing is... NO! I don't get it.

appel

02-05-2010, 06:22 AM

The crazy thing is... NO! I don't get it.

Not sure if it is the same with the Droid, but on my Hero it is the 3g/2g mobile network that consumes by far the most battery. Which would explain why you don't see any difference when overclocking the cpu. :)

Dukefrukem

02-05-2010, 06:25 AM

Not sure if it is the same with the Droid, but on my Hero it is the 3g/2g mobile network that consumes by far the most battery. Which would explain why you don't see any difference when overclocking the cpu. :)

Well actually I dug in a little deeper. I created profiles on my DROID, which allows me to set the clock speed when I'm using it, when it's idle, when it's charging and when it's "low" battery. So for the most part, I get better battery life because I'm able to control the speed of my phone when I'm not using it, rather it being at 550Mhz ALL the time.

It's a win win. My phone is twice as fast, with double the battery life.

wyeast

02-08-2010, 08:55 PM

Moto via facebook (http://www.facebook.com/motorola?v=feed&story_fbid=294428153158&ref=mf):

DROID to get 2.1 rollout this week! :eek:

cppcrusader

02-08-2010, 10:14 PM

Moto via facebook (http://www.facebook.com/motorola?v=feed&story_fbid=294428153158&ref=mf):

DROID to get 2.1 rollout this week! :eek:

Awesome, hopefully the update doesn't break anything since I just got everything functioning normally again.

Loki

02-09-2010, 01:19 AM

muddi900

02-09-2010, 02:10 AM

How do I sync contacts with Windows 7 contacts? My dad just got one and I have already wasted half an hour over it.

EDIT: Google-fu tells me I have to sync to Gmail first. THE FUCK? "Don't be evil" my ass!

muddi900

02-09-2010, 03:39 AM

/fcplm.jpg

After hours of painful attempts at importing contacts from the old phone to outlook and then importing them in vcard through email, after setting up an email account no less, and then copying over to the SD card, I checked out the market and Bluetooth File Transfer was right there...:(

Dukefrukem

02-09-2010, 12:02 PM

Duke,

I just got a Droid last week and I am trying to root it so that I can tether/overclock it; however, all the links that I have tried to look at for direction are either missing files or they are poorly written. Mind helping me out and point me to the right direct?

Of course. There's only one thing you need... and thats an app called SholesMod Updater.

It does EVERYTHING for you. It downloads the ROM, installs it, reboots it, then walks you through a series of options of what you want to INSTALL and REMOVE from your droid. You can remove Verizon Visual Voicemail, Corporate Calendar and other programs you don't use. It's freakin awesome.

cppcrusader

04-03-2010, 06:12 PM

I'm surprised no one's mentioned it yet, but 2.1 dropped for the Droid today. I'm wondering if they're doing the update in stages as the firmware version is 2.1-update1.

MachEnergy

04-04-2010, 08:05 AM

I got mine yesterday afternoon. It is mostly like the nexus version, but doesn't have the new app drawer. I love the speech to text feature.

Dukefrukem

04-04-2010, 08:18 AM

user the speech to text with google maps. "Navigate to Fenway Park" so amazing.

Dukefrukem

08-20-2010, 12:17 PM

I just put Android Froyo on my Droid, and it runs twice as fast as a Rooted overclocked 2.01 Droid. I lost tethering which I'm a little bummed about, but I'm not using this phone anymore anyway. It will serve as my backup to the Incredible.

Abyssion

08-20-2010, 12:30 PM

I just got an update to 2.2 it adds some buttons at the bottom one for phone, app list and web. Also I don't have to run my finger across the screen to go to a new page of apps, I just press a button to the left or right of the ones I mentioned, and there is two more pages for apps.

I'll have to tinker with it more, but I'm sure someone that knows more about phones in general has notes on what's different.

Dukefrukem

08-20-2010, 12:37 PM

Abyssion

08-20-2010, 12:49 PM

Yeah I woke up this morning and they let me know that an update was available.

Dukefrukem

08-20-2010, 12:53 PM

Oh shit. Mine is trying to get the OTA update now. But I'm already runnin 2.2 :-D

Decisions decisions.

Siraris

08-20-2010, 12:56 PM

Dukefrukem

08-20-2010, 12:57 PM

Yeh i couldn't wait for my upgrade so i just bought the incredible. it's too... incredible to pass up.

PathMaster

08-20-2010, 01:17 PM

Hung out with my friend last night who just picked up his Droid X. What a sexy fuckin device. The phone is really quick, and the screen is very gorgeous. There was a little slowdown at certain points, but nothing major. Lots of great apps pre-installed, and it's got all the bells and whistles. The 720p video recording is sick.

I really want an upgrade now :\

I love mine. Only slow down I notice is when I open the App page where it lists all my apps. A little slow when I know I want to scroll down quick. Other than that. Fantastic.

Shadowstorm

08-21-2010, 10:29 AM

Hung out with my friend last night who just picked up his Droid X. What a sexy fuckin device. The phone is really quick, and the screen is very gorgeous. There was a little slowdown at certain points, but nothing major. Lots of great apps pre-installed, and it's got all the bells and whistles. The 720p video recording is sick.

I really want an upgrade now :\

Comes with some unwanted shitty apps too a la Blockbuster, of which I'm still trying to figure out how to remove permanently.

PathMaster

08-21-2010, 12:48 PM

Comes with some unwanted shitty apps too a la Blockbuster, of which I'm still trying to figure out how to remove permanently.

I believe we will need to root the phone to be rid of unwanted apps such as these. Meh, I barely register their existence.