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(33 votes, average: 4.39 out of 5)
Loading ...The Pitch: The first Android 2.0 device to market and one of the most eye-catching, the Motorola DROID pairs a huge 3.7-inch display with a hardware keyboard and promises iPhone-besting functionality. Verizon Wireless’ EVDO Rev.A network keeps things connected, while Google Maps Navigation delivers turn-by-turn directions at no extra charge. Factor in a 5-megapixel camera, speedy ARM Cortex A8 processor and access to the Android Market, and you’re looking at arguably the flagship Android device of the year.
Pro: The 854×480 capacitive touchscreen is bright, crisp, and color saturated; audio quality is loud and clear; and the build quality is strong. Despite heavy use of wireless — WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS as well as the 3G — you’ll see a full day’s use from a single charge. The Android Market is growing broader in its offerings all the time.
Con: For all the hype about a hardware keyboard, the DROID’s QWERTY lacks tactile feedback, and there are some frustrating software glitches (that should be addressed with a firmware update soon). Even at version 2.0, Android still lacks the user-friendliness of the iPhone 3GS, and the app variety remains an order of magnitude behind what you’ll find on Apple’s smartphone.
Recommendation: Android remains the platform for those who unwilling to live with out-of-the-box functionality, and the Motorola DROID is currently one of the fastest — and arguably the slickest — of the breed. With Android 2.0, Google has raised its game, and Motorola has obviously invested heavily in matching that with the DROID’s hardware. It’s not quite so instantly accessible as an iPhone, but for embracing the world of open-source in such style, the Motorola DROID appears to have a bright future.
Price: $199.99
Website: http://www.store.motorola.com/mot/en/US/adirect/motorola
