shootindabreeze said:

I have the Droid X but this will likely be my new phone if it has a front facing camera

The iPhone 4 has camera lenses on both the front and back.

I'm trying to figure out whether I want to get this right away - or hang onto my Droid 'til there's a 4G, LTE version...

I have a iPhone 3GS with at&t and I really want that i4 or part of me feels like switchin' and getting a Sprint EVO. at&t needs the competition, I wonder if Verizon will be able to 'give' them that comp.

Genesia said:

I'm trying to figure out whether I want to get this right away - or hang onto my Droid 'til there's a 4G, LTE version...

I personally wouldn't lock into a long term contract halfway through a products life cycle. iPhone 5 will be released in a matter of months.

Oh and Android is still better than iOS

Droid Thunderbolt 4G on Verizon in this biaaaatch with it's LTE and dual-core processor

Militant said:

Genesia said:

I'm trying to figure out whether I want to get this right away - or hang onto my Droid 'til there's a 4G, LTE version...

I personally wouldn't lock into a long term contract halfway through a products life cycle. iPhone 5 will be released in a matter of months.

Oh and Android is still better than iOS

Droid Thunderbolt 4G on Verizon in this biaaaatch with it's LTE and dual-core processor

I have a Droid Eris that I got about a year ago. At first, I loved it. But I updated the OS last summer and since then, I hate this damn phone. The system "upgrade" made the browser start crashing randomly and the whole thing's been hinky ever since.

Genesia said:

I have a Droid Eris that I got about a year ago. At first, I loved it. But I updated the OS last summer and since then, I hate this damn phone. The system "upgrade" made the browser start crashing randomly and the whole thing's been hinky ever since.

Updated to what? 2.1 (Eclair)?

I have experience with a whole bunch of Android phones (currently rocking a HTC Vision/T-Mobile G2). I can definitely say that the problems with the Eris are a one-off. My friend who had an Eris actually called up Verizon to complain and they replaced it with a Motorola Droid and he's been happy ever since, had at least 2 major updates since then and no complaints.

I know it's a little disillusioning, but it's nothing to do with Android. Just my own close family, there's people that have used the G1, G2, HTC Desire, HTC Hero, Sony Ericcson XPERIA X10, Samsung Galaxy S, and Nexus One.... all have had at least one (in some cases two or three) major system updates with no problems whatsoever.

A lot of people I know with the iPhone 4 have had the antenna issues and can barely make calls half the time. But I'd tell them the same thing, not to get disillusioned with the operating system in general because the chances of them having similar problems with a future device are slim to none.

If I were you, I'd check the Verizon store in about a month, when the Thunderbolt should have demo units in store and then compare that the iPhone 4 demo unit they'll have. Verizon also have the Droid Bionic coming out soon, which is also a dual-core processor, but not LTE.

There's also the LG Revolution coming to Verizon:

This one doesn't have a dual-core processor, but it IS 4G/LTE.

Frankly, since all these three phones are new products at the cutting edge, I'd take any of them over the 6-month-old iPhone 4 which was originally developed over a year ago.

If pricing isn't an issue, I'd go with the Thunderbolt. If pricing is an issue and the Bionic and Revolution are $100 or more cheaper than the Thunderbolt, I'd go with one of those, because the specs on them are still pretty killer. Lightyears ahead of the iPhone 4.

Damn it, I shouldn't be thinking about new phones yet, but I like the look of those Droids...

Militant said:

I personally wouldn't lock into a long term contract halfway through a products life cycle. iPhone 5 will be released in a matter of months.

Based on history, probably this summer, right?

I wonder how long we have left on our ATT contract since we have Verizon triple-play (or whatever it's called) for everything else.

Militant said:

Oh and Android is still better than iOS

I've heard that the 'app store' doesn't compare to Apple's and that purchasing apps isn't as easy. True?

PurpleLove7 said:

at&t needs the competition

Stern's always bitching about how AT&T drops a ridiculous number of calls. I've read that there are problems with their NYC coverage - I don't know if there are problems elsewhere.

Militant said:

Genesia said:

I have a Droid Eris that I got about a year ago. At first, I loved it. But I updated the OS last summer and since then, I hate this damn phone. The system "upgrade" made the browser start crashing randomly and the whole thing's been hinky ever since.

Updated to what? 2.1 (Eclair)?

I have experience with a whole bunch of Android phones (currently rocking a HTC Vision/T-Mobile G2). I can definitely say that the problems with the Eris are a one-off. My friend who had an Eris actually called up Verizon to complain and they replaced it with a Motorola Droid and he's been happy ever since, had at least 2 major updates since then and no complaints.

I know it's a little disillusioning, but it's nothing to do with Android. Just my own close family, there's people that have used the G1, G2, HTC Desire, HTC Hero, Sony Ericcson XPERIA X10, Samsung Galaxy S, and Nexus One.... all have had at least one (in some cases two or three) major system updates with no problems whatsoever.

A lot of people I know with the iPhone 4 have had the antenna issues and can barely make calls half the time. But I'd tell them the same thing, not to get disillusioned with the operating system in general because the chances of them having similar problems with a future device are slim to none.

If I were you, I'd check the Verizon store in about a month, when the Thunderbolt should have demo units in store and then compare that the iPhone 4 demo unit they'll have. Verizon also have the Droid Bionic coming out soon, which is also a dual-core processor, but not LTE.

There's also the LG Revolution coming to Verizon:

This one doesn't have a dual-core processor, but it IS 4G/LTE.

Frankly, since all these three phones are new products at the cutting edge, I'd take any of them over the 6-month-old iPhone 4 which was originally developed over a year ago.

If pricing isn't an issue, I'd go with the Thunderbolt. If pricing is an issue and the Bionic and Revolution are $100 or more cheaper than the Thunderbolt, I'd go with one of those, because the specs on them are still pretty killer. Lightyears ahead of the iPhone 4.

What about things like music and buying/renting movies? Are the selection and ease similar to the iTunes Store?

Ace said:

Militant said:

Oh and Android is still better than iOS

I've heard that the 'app store' doesn't compare to Apple's and that purchasing apps isn't as easy. True?

False. Apple fanboy propaganda.

Here's a video for you. As far as purchasing, you can use Google Checkout or bill them to your cellphone bill in some cases.

Music, you have the AmazonMP3 store right now, and Google Music is launching in a matter of months (which is going to completely change the music industry and kill iTunes).

Renting movies.... Netflix, Blockbuster, et al.

Great YouTube app also, and you can use the "YouTube Remote" app also to control YouTube on any web-enabled TV, computer or Blu-Ray player.

Ace said:

shootindabreeze said:

I have the Droid X but this will likely be my new phone if it has a front facing camera

The iPhone 4 has camera lenses on both the front and back.

and that is a very useful feature too! I've taken pics of real strange scary people behind me to share, and they think I'm looking at my phone.

Militant said:

Ace said:

I've heard that the 'app store' doesn't compare to Apple's and that purchasing apps isn't as easy. True?

False. Apple fanboy propaganda.

Here's a video for you. As far as purchasing, you can use Google Checkout or bill them to your cellphone bill in some cases.

Music, you have the AmazonMP3 store right now, and Google Music is launching in a matter of months (which is going to completely change the music industry and kill iTunes).

Renting movies.... Netflix, Blockbuster, et al.

Great YouTube app also, and you can use the "YouTube Remote" app also to control YouTube on any web-enabled TV, computer or Blu-Ray player.

A quick google tells me the App Store has 300,000 apps to Android Market's 100,000.

How is GM going to change the music industry and kill iT?

And how does the YouTube app compare with iPhone's? And why would you need a remote for YT?

ufoclub said:

Ace said:

The iPhone 4 has camera lenses on both the front and back.

and that is a very useful feature too! I've taken pics of real strange scary people behind me to share, and they think I'm looking at my phone.

Ace said:

A quick google tells me the App Store has 300,000 apps to Android Market's 100,000.

How is GM going to change the music industry and kill iT?

And how does the YouTube app compare with iPhone's? And why would you need a remote for YT?

Actually, Android Market crossed the 200,000 app threshold on the 29th December.

http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-crosses-the-200-000-apps-barrier-918459

But regardless, it's about quality and not quantity.

Google Music is basically an integrated music solution consisting of three functions:

1. Your standard music purchasing store. However, unlike iTunes, it doesn't require proprietary software. It operates fully through any standard browser. Also, unlike iTunes, it syncs wirelessly with multiple devices, over the air. So, there are all types of Android devices, from phones, to Google TV, to Personal Media Players, to Tablets, to In-Car Entertainment Systems. Google Music can synchronise with all of these things wirelessly and at the same time.

2. Synchronisation of your existing music library to all these devices. They already demonstrated this last year at Google IO. Basically, you download a plugin that works with whatever music database program you use on your computer. They demonstrated it with iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. You simply install the plugin to your computer and BOOM! Your entire music library appears on the Android-based device, and plays instantly, wherever you are.

3. Streaming service, a-la Spotify/Rhapsody. As I understand it, you pay $xx per month for instant streaming access to the music databases from all the major labels. This is how Spotify works, and I currently pay £10 a month for it. I'd have no qualms giving that money to Google for a similar or superior service.

The YouTube app for Android, as well as Maps, are superior to the iOS versions because of course, Google owns them, and can build these apps into the operating system are core, native functions..... not third party applications which is what they are on iOS. They have more functionality, superior interfaces, simple interaction with all other parts of the system, etc. For example, you can record and upload a video to your YouTube channel with two button presses on Android. Your Google account is at the heart of the way Android works in terms of synchronisation, and therefore your YouTube channel is, too.

The remote is for the new version of YouTube called YouTube Leanback which is aimed at turning curated content based upon your interests into a more traditional paradigm like the way you view any other TV channel. Like, making YouTube work better on a flat-screen TV, for instance. You can check it out at www.youtube.com/leanback - but you'll find that it works best on a large TV rather than a computer monitor.

Militant said:

Ace said:

A quick google tells me the App Store has 300,000 apps to Android Market's 100,000.

How is GM going to change the music industry and kill iT?

And how does the YouTube app compare with iPhone's? And why would you need a remote for YT?

Actually, Android Market crossed the 200,000 app threshold on the 29th December.

http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-crosses-the-200-000-apps-barrier-918459

But regardless, it's about quality and not quantity.

Google Music is basically an integrated music solution consisting of three functions:

1. Your standard music purchasing store. However, unlike iTunes, it doesn't require proprietary software. It operates fully through any standard browser. Also, unlike iTunes, it syncs wirelessly with multiple devices, over the air. So, there are all types of Android devices, from phones, to Google TV, to Personal Media Players, to Tablets, to In-Car Entertainment Systems. Google Music can synchronise with all of these things wirelessly and at the same time.

2. Synchronisation of your existing music library to all these devices. They already demonstrated this last year at Google IO. Basically, you download a plugin that works with whatever music database program you use on your computer. They demonstrated it with iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. You simply install the plugin to your computer and BOOM! Your entire music library appears on the Android-based device, and plays instantly, wherever you are.

3. Streaming service, a-la Spotify/Rhapsody. As I understand it, you pay $xx per month for instant streaming access to the music databases from all the major labels. This is how Spotify works, and I currently pay £10 a month for it. I'd have no qualms giving that money to Google for a similar or superior service.

The YouTube app for Android, as well as Maps, are superior to the iOS versions because of course, Google owns them, and can build these apps into the operating system are core, native functions..... not third party applications which is what they are on iOS. They have more functionality, superior interfaces, simple interaction with all other parts of the system, etc. For example, you can record and upload a video to your YouTube channel with two button presses on Android. Your Google account is at the heart of the way Android works in terms of synchronisation, and therefore your YouTube channel is, too.

The remote is for the new version of YouTube called YouTube Leanback which is aimed at turning curated content based upon your interests into a more traditional paradigm like the way you view any other TV channel. Like, making YouTube work better on a flat-screen TV, for instance. You can check it out at www.youtube.com/leanback - but you'll find that it works best on a large TV rather than a computer monitor.

My contract with Verizon is up in a couple of months, so I will be looking for a new phone. I will keep Verizon because they do have the best service (and I've had just about all providers). I'm sure Verizon will have some great deals on non-iPhone phones once they start offering the iPhone. I, for one, will NEVER buy an iPhone. I refuse to buy into the hype.

I have a GalaxyS and absolutely love it. Even though I am a Mac user, I have no interest in an iPhone.

Militant said:

Ace said:

A quick google tells me the App Store has 300,000 apps to Android Market's 100,000.

How is GM going to change the music industry and kill iT?

And how does the YouTube app compare with iPhone's? And why would you need a remote for YT?

Actually, Android Market crossed the 200,000 app threshold on the 29th December.

http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-crosses-the-200-000-apps-barrier-918459

But regardless, it's about quality and not quantity.

Google Music is basically an integrated music solution consisting of three functions:

1. Your standard music purchasing store. However, unlike iTunes, it doesn't require proprietary software. It operates fully through any standard browser. Also, unlike iTunes, it syncs wirelessly with multiple devices, over the air. So, there are all types of Android devices, from phones, to Google TV, to Personal Media Players, to Tablets, to In-Car Entertainment Systems. Google Music can synchronise with all of these things wirelessly and at the same time.

2. Synchronisation of your existing music library to all these devices. They already demonstrated this last year at Google IO. Basically, you download a plugin that works with whatever music database program you use on your computer. They demonstrated it with iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. You simply install the plugin to your computer and BOOM! Your entire music library appears on the Android-based device, and plays instantly, wherever you are.

3. Streaming service, a-la Spotify/Rhapsody. As I understand it, you pay $xx per month for instant streaming access to the music databases from all the major labels. This is how Spotify works, and I currently pay £10 a month for it. I'd have no qualms giving that money to Google for a similar or superior service.

The YouTube app for Android, as well as Maps, are superior to the iOS versions because of course, Google owns them, and can build these apps into the operating system are core, native functions..... not third party applications which is what they are on iOS. They have more functionality, superior interfaces, simple interaction with all other parts of the system, etc. For example, you can record and upload a video to your YouTube channel with two button presses on Android. Your Google account is at the heart of the way Android works in terms of synchronisation, and therefore your YouTube channel is, too.

The remote is for the new version of YouTube called YouTube Leanback which is aimed at turning curated content based upon your interests into a more traditional paradigm like the way you view any other TV channel. Like, making YouTube work better on a flat-screen TV, for instance. You can check it out at www.youtube.com/leanback - but you'll find that it works best on a large TV rather than a computer monitor.

Copy and save.

Poiple said:

My contract with Verizon is up in a couple of months, so I will be looking for a new phone. I will keep Verizon because they do have the best service (and I've had just about all providers). I'm sure Verizon will have some great deals on non-iPhone phones once they start offering the iPhone. I, for one, will NEVER buy an iPhone. I refuse to buy into the hype.

I fell for the hype and got burned. I ended up having to pay so much $ to get out of my 2 yr. contract w/ AT&T because I was over the I-Phone...all the updates drove me nuts and I wasted so many of my rollover minutes. I just brought an Android phone and I love it so far.

expect a new iphone on at&t very soon.

Just a quick infographic for those looking to get a new phone on Verizon soon:

Click here, I tried to embed but the dimensions came out weird.

[Edited 1/16/11 16:34pm]

Militant said:

Just a quick infographic for those looking to get a new phone on Verizon soon:

Click here, I tried to embed but the dimensions came out weird.

[Edited 1/16/11 16:34pm]

Wow, great graphic. Thanks for that, Militant. Looks like the iPhone ain't got a whole helluva lot going for it other than the fact it's got a gyroscope (just what I've always wanted! WTF?), it's smaller (is that necessarily a benefit?), and is a little lighter. And I, for one, don't give a shit about the number of apps. This further demonstrates why I won't buy into the iPhone hype.

JerseyKRS said:

expect a new iphone on at&t very soon.

Yeah, the iPhone 5, I cannot upgrade til August of this year. Kinda pisses me off becuz my wifey needed a new phone a few months before the iPhone 4 came out. I may just switch to Sprint and get that EVO, that's a hot lookin' phone and I cannot tell you the last time I used the iPod that is interfaced on my iPhone (3GS). Tax returns give you options.

at&t is not the only competitive company in town ...