One of my friends on LinkedIN just asked how I liked my new Verizon Droid. I'm actually quite happy with it (even though I'm suffering a bit from Smartphone overload with an iPhone, BlackBerry and MyTouch that I also use).
Because many other people might have similar questions about whether the Droid is worth getting - I've copied my email reply which detials my initial experiences using the device since it launched on November 6, 2009.
Verizon Droid Experiences
The main reason that I picked up the Droid (two actually):
1. Speed2. Native integration to Gmail (and related Google services)You're right that the phone's heavy - so far I'm not minding the weight but it may be more of a problem during long term use. What I like about the Droid and Gmail is that delivery of email is nearly instant, every email (Gmail) I file on my Droid also gets archived (filed) on the web. My contacts and calendars synchronize instantly. Note: I use Google Apps for Domains which means that even though my domain is s-consult.com --- Google still provides the email service. I'm not getting rid of my iPhone -- I find you can't beat that for applications. Unfortunately the iPhone is poor at delivering real time Gmail (which is something I use ALOT). There's a free service that Google provides called GoogleSync for the iPhone that is supposed to push Gmail and Calendar/Contact updates. When that service works it's great. Unfortunately it hasn't worked reliably for more than a week. I think initially (the next year or two) most people buying Droid or Android phones will be those using Google Mail (and other services like contact, calendar and maps). Gradually I expect that the Android applications will grow to equal those offered on the iPhone. I also tried the Droid Eris in the Verizon store. I think that's the great smartphone that's a little more consumer friendly (lots of useful widgets that you can set on the phone). I decided against it only because it's running an older (1.5 vs 2.0 on the Droid) version of Android and I am skeptical that the carrier will quickly provide a firmware update (and I question whether they ever will and if they do will the Droid Eris have acceptable performance on the updated OS?). The Eris also felt a tad slower --- but it was a VERY tough choice. In a nutshell - Droid's great (VERY happy) for those with Gmail as their primary email. I'm sure it will get better for other users over time but initially it will be Gmail and Google diehards who I think will be the most enthusiastic (and happy) buyers.
Wayne Schulz
Schulz Consulting, LLC
Hope all is well. Been awhile. Would love to touch base. I have been following you on LinkedIn.
Why Droid? I read a great review this past weekend and then when I was in Best Buy I looked at it. It is heavy (relatively speaking). Waiting for apps to pick up before dropping iPhone?
Best…
