The iPhone vs. Droid thread

[Doug5984]

I don't think I can take my iphone much longer, now that the droid x has been out a few weeks what is everyones opinion on it?

Still love it?

My iPhone craps out- opens my apps about 1/2 the time, the other half they crash, slows as molasses- add to that the very limited 3g service around me and no service at any big event and I think I'm gonna finally make the switch.

[DaddyTorgo]

My phone is olddddd. I'll need to be making a switch later this year.

[DanGarion]

Originally Posted by Doug5984

I don't think I can take my iphone much longer, now that the droid x has been out a few weeks what is everyones opinion on it?

Still love it?

My iPhone craps out- opens my apps about 1/2 the time, the other half they crash, slows as molasses- add to that the very limited 3g service around me and no service at any big event and I think I'm gonna finally make the switch.

I've been very happy with my Droid X and really liked Verizon's service as I traveled around Southwest Utah. The phone is awesome.

[Ksyrup]

I'm seriously considering the new BB Torch. The pretty comprehensive review over at Crackberry has me hopeful that it is a big step forward, although I think BB will always stick with the business-first, casual consumer second-type market.

[jeff061]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I'm seriously considering the new BB Torch. The pretty comprehensive review over at Crackberry has me hopeful that it is a big step forward, although I think BB will always stick with the business-first, casual consumer second-type market.

It's grabbed my attention and definitely would be #1 on my BB list. Storm didn't remotely interest me, need the keyboard.

From what I've read here and there it's just miles behind the latest iPhone and Droid. Hopefully this is just the entry and the second version is the real competitor.

although I think BB will always stick with the business-first, casual consumer second-type market.

I think home user smart phones are getting to ubiquitous for this(not saying RIM will change though). And the funny thing is, in the work place Blackberry phones are a far larger pain in the ass to support than Droid, WinMo and iPhone. They don't have the monopoly any more, they need to fall in line and do a much better job of integration.

[Ksyrup]

I don't know the technical issues, but I know our IT department had a fit over support issues with the iPhone when it was first introduced. Maybe it's gotten better/easier to support, I don't know.

The shortcomings they talked about in the crackberry review really didn't bother me. I don't care that the video recorder doesn't appear to be as good as it could be, or that webpages come up 2 seconds later on it compared to iPhone (when it will be a monumental improvement over what I have now), or the lack of apps (which would be nice but all I really use it for is business/personal email and surfing the web). The new OS is a substantial improvement.

[jeff061]

Either you are running a extraordinarily low rent mail system or your IT department doesn't have very good resources available to them . iPhone(and the other I mentioned) work out of the box with no needed configuration. They could have thrown a fit before they realized this I suppose. It only doesn't work if it was locked down at some point to specifically prevent them from connecting, which I suspect is what Kristin ran into. Generally an end user can get it to work without any help from IT, unless it has been locked down.

Blackberries you need a completely separate dedicated server running RIM software and a lot of security customization on the mail server to get the two to talk. As well as licenses for every Blackberry device. I can't believe they still require that when all their competition requires no extra server, software or licensing.

[Ksyrup]

I don't think it had anything to do with linking up, I think it had to do with encryption and security that is required for our business. That may have changed over the last year or so with newer iPhones, but I believe that was the main issue originally.

[Doug5984]

Has anyone used the tethering feature on the Droid, how well does that work?

[jeff061]

I purchased pdanet for tethering, 1 time $20. Works like a charm. Is of course dependent on your signal. If you have a strong signal there's not much of a difference between a hard link and 3G. Flakey signal it's a little frustrating, but gets the job done in a pinch.

[jeff061]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I don't think it had anything to do with linking up, I think it had to do with encryption and security that is required for our business. That may have changed over the last year or so with newer iPhones, but I believe that was the main issue originally.

Having worked several years internally within IT snowing the business units, I can almost promise you they didn't want to support something new or different(which is fine, enough on their plate, especially something "Apple"). When that's the case you trump up "security concerns", scares the big wigs and no one knows better. Encryption then, as now, is through SSL certificates. Same as just about everything these days.

Anyways, getting off topic .

[Ksyrup]

Like I said, I don't know any of the specifics. But just a cursory review of a bunch of articles I googled shows significant security concerns as a reason a lot of businesses would not support iPhone.

[Ksyrup]

Maybe I'm mixing issues, but isnt' the middle eastern ban on RIM the result of network encryption issues? Isn't that precisely the advantage RIM has over others (apart from in countries where they want to monitor business communications)?

[jeff061]

All smart phone communication is encrypted, the RIM fiasco is politics.

Anyways, not really interested in discussing this further here. Way off topic and I don't feel like giving lessons.

edit: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67246V20100803

Example of politics. RIM allows some governments access to encrypted information, UAE is pissed it's not them.

RIM is in an unusual position of having to deal with government requests to monitor its clients because it is the only smartphone maker who manages the traffic of messages sent using its equipment. Other smartphone makers -- including Apple Inc, Nokia, HTC and Motorola Corp -- leave the work of managing data to the wireless carrier or the customer

All encrypted blackerry communications get relayed through RIM. Other phones is kept between phone and internal company servers. RIM can exploit this and tap into communications. Other phones can't.

So in actuality it's what I would consider a weak spot in security with Blackberry phones UAE is pissed they are not allowed to exploit. Encryption for other phones is handled internally by the IT team, not managed and sniffed on by the carrier.

[Doug5984]

Originally Posted by jeff061

I purchased pdanet for tethering, 1 time $20. Works like a charm. Is of course dependent on your signal. If you have a strong signal there's not much of a difference between a hard link and 3G. Flakey signal it's a little frustrating, but gets the job done in a pinch.

That'd be nice- save the $20 per month from upgrading to that. When using it, can you still get calls and texts- I'd assume it's just like browsing the internet on your phone?

[jeff061]

Your data connection will drop once a voice call is active on Verizon, limitation of their 3g. Can't use data and voice simultaneously. AT&T's 3G can, so it may be different there.

[Doug5984]

Good to know, but I assume that is with the same with pdanet and verizon's tethering charge. Thats not a major issue for me

[Marmel]

Well, its official, the iPhone wins, hands down.

iPhone users have more sex partners - Technology & science - Wireless - msnbc.com

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Originally Posted by Marmel

Well, its official, the iPhone wins, hands down.

iPhone users have more sex partners - Technology & science - Wireless - msnbc.com

That's not fair, it includes the fact that all iPhone users are getting fucked by AT&T.

/ericstangel

[Doug5984]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

That's not fair, it includes the fact that all iPhone users are getting fucked by AT&T.

/ericstangel

so so true

[stevew]

Anyone have an HTC Evo?

[Marmel]

I don't get the AT&T hate. Myself, or anybody I personally know with an iPhone, have zero problems. We don't live in heavily populated areas, but we are all within 100 miles of Boston or New York, so maybe there is excellent coverage in this area?

[Peregrine]

I've never understood it either Marmel - I've had a great experience with both my iPhones (original and 3GS) and really consider them the best phones I've ever had, by far. Others may feel the same about an Android phone, which is fine too.

At the end of the day, it's just a phone, right? I don't get the hate in either direction.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I don't care, I just thought it was a good joke.

[Peregrine]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

I don't care, I just thought it was a good joke.

Oh it was definitely a good joke - no question.

[jeff061]

Yeah, my understanding is that simply coverage is not their problem. Which is why I laugh at how they are still promoting the national ATT coverage map. Their infrastructure can't handle the load in large cities.

[bhlloy]

AT&T in LA is also pretty terrible. I think 2 out of my first 3 calls were dropped.

[rjolley]

Originally Posted by stevew

Anyone have an HTC Evo?

I do.

[Bobble]

Originally Posted by HiFiRevival

... AT&T data won't work in the Verizon Center during a hockey game. ...

The irony...


Yes, yes, I know. I'm using the Alanis Morisette definition.

[DaddyTorgo]

Waiting to see if we get the HTC Desire here in the US...

How's the Evo rjolley?

[Groundhog]

Got my HTC Desire a week ago. Loving it, nice change from the iPhone 3G I had for the past 2 years.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

Got my HTC Desire a week ago. Loving it, nice change from the iPhone 3G I had for the past 2 years.

Fuck you!!

Lucky bastard!!!

I've seen the reviews online - it looks great. I just would hate to settle for an HTC Evo if the Desire was coming soon, ya know?

[rjolley]

I like it a lot. Very nice screen, runs everything I need it to, no real issues.

I do wish the battery life was longer, but since I'm rarely away from someplace I can charge it, it doesn't bother me too much.

The Epic 4G (Sprint's Samsung Galaxy) that's coming soon looks like a very good phone as well. I'm interested to see it in action.

[stevew]

Ah, I don't think I can ever get another device that eats batteries again. Though the EVO just looks so nice. 4G will probably never be in my area either.

[rjolley]

Where are you? From your location, I'd guess Miami.

I've heard Sprint is steadily adding more areas to their 4G coverage.

I wouldn't get the phone for 4G though. I'd get it for the larger screen, faster processor, and any other feature of it you like. Or grab the Epic 4G. Sprint's 4G is nice and fast, but isn't the selling point of the phone, for me.

[stevew]

Near Youngstown, Ohio actually.

[Kodos]

Wife and I are waiting for our Droid X'es to show up. Should be quite the upgrade from our current LG flip phones.

[rjolley]

stevew: Hmm, I thought I saw somewhere that some places in Ohio were being done, but I don't remember where.

[Daimyo]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

Got my HTC Desire a week ago. Loving it, nice change from the iPhone 3G I had for the past 2 years.

Just curious, what were your issues with the iPhone? I have several friends with Android phones who never had iPhones and love them and I was considering switching next summer when my iPhone contract ends... (I'd like a 4.3 inch screen and hotspot functionality)

However, in the last month or so two of my friends switched from iPhone 3G to Android phones and both really regret it so I'm really curious about the experience of others who have switched from iPhone to Android...

[Doug5984]

I called around to see if the Droid X was anywhere around here- and they are all sold out and are not expecting any more until the end of the month, so I'm going to be waiting a little while longer to get my new phone.

[Kodos]

Yeah, our wait was listed as something like 2 to 3 weeks when we placed our order on Saturday the 7th. So probably another week of waiting for me. I got my screen guards and protective case today though...

Not all that exciting, I must say.

[molson]

Got my Droid X today. It's the first time I've had anything resembling a smart phone.

With all this talk around here about gay marriage, I have to wonder - what would the legalities be regarding my desire to marry my new cell phone?

[GoSeahawks]

I ordered the X on the 4th of August. The ship date was supposed to be the 19th and I got it on the 10th.

[Kodos]

Damn it. I've been home all day. I decided to go get a soda at the deli down the road. Was gone for 10 minutes tops. And the stupid FedEx guy showed up while I was gone. I saw him when I was driving out and driving back. Arrrrgh.

[Toddzilla]

My droid finally got the OS upgraade. Can't really tell any big difference, a minor UI tweak, but it synchs my external email *finally* so thats a good thing.

edit: ooh! there are now 5 screens instead of 3. nice

[GoSeahawks]

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

My droid finally got the OS upgraade. Can't really tell any big difference, a minor UI tweak, but it synchs my external email *finally* so thats a good thing.

edit: ooh! there are now 5 screens instead of 3. nice

Which phone are you using? I got 2.2 on my nexus back in May or June. The first thing I noticed was the major speed increase, especially when opening apps.

Edit* I see that you are using the original droid upon further inspection lol

[tyketime]

I got an Evo yesterday. So far, I am truly impressed with speed and responsiveness. I am sure there is much more I don't even know about it yet. However, the Hotspot feature is excellent so far:
1) Within a minute, my laptop was connected wirelessly and connection speed was nice.
2) My kids were able to play Call of Duty on XBox Live last night connected to my phone. Now THAT was something I wasn't expecting it to be able to handle.

So far... so good. So very good...

Note: I have not been able to get it linked in to 4G yet. I am sure it is something I am doing wrong. When I turn 4G on, it does find a signal and pretty good strength. However, the indicators at the top of the phone still indicate 3G. I need to figure out what else I may need to set. So the performance I outlined above was at 3G speed.

[Toddzilla]

Originally Posted by GoSeahawks

Which phone are you using? I got 2.2 on my nexus back in May or June. The first thing I noticed was the major speed increase, especially when opening apps.

Edit* I see that you are using the original droid upon further inspection lol

yeah, boy it seems to be behind the curve doesn't it?

[GoSeahawks]

Originally Posted by tyketime

I got an Evo yesterday. So far, I am truly impressed with speed and responsiveness. I am sure there is much more I don't even know about it yet. However, the Hotspot feature is excellent so far:
1) Within a minute, my laptop was connected wirelessly and connection speed was nice.
2) My kids were able to play Call of Duty on XBox Live last night connected to my phone. Now THAT was something I wasn't expecting it to be able to handle.

So far... so good. So very good...

Note: I have not been able to get it linked in to 4G yet. I am sure it is something I am doing wrong. When I turn 4G on, it does find a signal and pretty good strength. However, the indicators at the top of the phone still indicate 3G. I need to figure out what else I may need to set. So the performance I outlined above was at 3G speed.

Geeze, how well did xbox live work through 3g? I have considered doing this since the only internet connection I have is through my phone, but the 0.5 -1.0 mbps connection has dissuaded me from even trying.