80
8.0
final rating

reviewed on
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Criteria Comments Rating
  • Reception and call quality No comments
  • Display No comments
  • Battery life No comments
  • Camera No comments
  • Ease of use No comments
  • Design and form factor No comments
  • Portability (size / weight) No comments
  • Media support No comments
  • Durability No comments
  • Ecosystem (apps, accessories, etc.) No comments
Detailed review
While there are countless options for mobile devices, the buzz in recent months has clearly been the battle between iPhone and the Droid (and now Google's Nexus One). As with all things, there are pros and cons to each option.

As a marketing and technology-centric person, the mobile arena has been one that I've been active in for a while. The advancements in mobile devices have become a true game-changer (overused term these days, but very true). Blackberry is still a dominant leader, especially in the corporate environment ... and I can't believe that they will stand still on inventing new opportunities for innovation. Palm has also re-entered the game, but it looks like their traction may be too small to hold on -- at least on their own (Dell acquisition anyone?!?!).

Today, the big battle is between three main players when discussing touch-screen devices that have literally become lifelines for people - those are the new Google Nexus One (I still need to test/review that one, so can't judge it yet), the Apple iPhone and the Motorola Droid from Verizon Wireless.

I'll say it right now - I'm a Windows/PC user, but Apple has redefined the space with the iPhone. It's ergonomically right and the user experience is just wonderful -- but yes, it still misses out on some key things that the Droid offers. I'll leave my fan appreciation for the iPhone there, as this review is about the Droid.

Verizon Wireless sent me a Droid to review a few months ago. I was amazed by the detailed resolution - sharp, crisp and much more of an impact than anything I've seen. The device also has an incredible camera - 5MP, which is much better than others on the market today (aside from N1). The other big thing for me - it has a memory card slot. As phones become more and more advanced, I can see ditching my camera and relying more on the mobile device - but for this to happen, I need memory cards, as that's how I like to store my archives. I also liked the master keys at the bottom - very useful and no guessing games about what to hit to make something happen in an application. The Android operating system was impressive and had some great interface benefits, but still it lacked the iPhone experience that I've become accustomed to over the recent months.

With that said, it also lacked in many areas. I was excited for a real keyboard to accompany the on-screen one -- especially after reviewing the Alias2 with e-ink technology. However, this keyboard disappointed as it just wasn't a solid way to type - it actually seemed to be lined up awkwardly with the overall device. The touchpad was a great idea, but execution was lacking. The overall design was a bit clunky, kind of like my first cell phone 12 years ago. While it didn't have the many apps in the store like Apple, it's also a new platform and will likely grow tremendously as more Android-based phones come to market.

At the end of the day, there's no right or wrong - both devices are solid and will only get better in time. However, for me, the iPhone just has a better overall experience than the Droid ... but that could be from using it so much over recent months. The true test will come when the next version is released -- hopefully addressing many of the lagging capabilities.

As for the Droid - yes Verizon Wireless, Droid does - pretty well. Time will tell what happens with this, but one thing is certain - we'll have a good battle on our hands as players like RIM, Apple, Google, Nokia, Samsung and others try to make a better device. This is good, since the more competition there is the better for the consumer. Cheers!