Photo credit: one very jealous iPhone 3GS
Three days ago the Motorola Droid smartphone was made available on the Verizon network. I’ve been loving the iPhone for two years now, and I’ve owned each of the three versions and never regretted a penny I’ve dropped on the device.
But I’m tempted by the fruit of another.
Today I went into the BestBuy Mobile store (which just opened on Wednesday, talk about fate) in the local mall to check it out.
I won’t lie to you, I’d pretty much made up my mind going in that I was buying a Droid as long as I had at least a few weeks to get my money back and not be locked into the contract.
“How long do I have to return this?” I asked.
“BestBuy’s return period is thirty days,” said Best Buy Amanda.
“Any time within thirty days and I’m free and clear of any commitment?” I was expecting 15 days, which is standard for the Verizon store.
“Yep, other than any charges you incur for the time you use it,” she confirmed.
Music to my ears, “OK, I’ll take one.”
Unfazed, Amanda proceeded to sign me up.
First Impressions
I’ve had this device all of 7 hours now and I absolutely love it.
The display is beautiful, noticeably better than the iPhone display, especially with really small text. At first, the slide-out keyboard didn’t do it for me, but as I get used to it, I’m really starting to notice the benefits.
From a design standpoint, it is a nice looking device. Though as I look at it, Dudley Moore says in my head, “Volvo, it’s boxy but it’s good.” The Droid it doesn’t hold a candle to the iPhone in the sex-appeal department. But that’s just about where the disadvantages stop.
What I’m most impressed with is the integration with Google apps. I’ve got several Gmail accounts, and using Gmail on this device is an absolute dream. All my Gmail messages and contacts were immediately sync’ed up and available. The calendar app is nice as well and GTalk notifications appear keeping me up-to-date on my FriendFeed stream.
I thought I was all-in with Apple, but it turns out that the Google cloud has a stronger pull. I didn’t realize just how ingrained Google apps is in my life.
Google Voice Rocks
I think the most amazing integration of all is Google Voice.
I downloaded the Google Voice app and signed in. Within minutes, my Droid is seamlessly accepting calls, SMS, and voicemail, all on my Google voice number.
That’s right. Google Voice SMS support means I don’t have to pay Verizon $20/mo. for for unlimited text messages.
Until this moment, I didn’t fully appreciate just how much Apple screwed the pooch on the Google Voice disaster.
Notable Features
- Multi-tasking. Yes, Virginia, you can listen to Pandora radio AND browse the web at the same time.
- Impressive apps list. Most of what I’ve gone looking for is there, with a few notable exceptions like a Campfire app. Surely a matter of time.
- Fart Apps. There are no fewer than two dozen fart apps, clearly well on its way to match the iPhone in app coverage.
- Slide out keypad. Makes this thing a real hand-held computer.
- Turn-by-turn navigation. You think you have Google Maps on your iPhone, but it is a cheap impostor.
- Awesome display. Tiny fonts are incredibly clear.
- 5MP camera. with. flash.
I’m quickly falling for this device. The big question is moving from “Do I keep the Droid?” to “Do I ALSO keep my iPhone?”
29 days left to decide.
How about you? Are you tempted?
