To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

OK, so I'm still rockin' my faithful Touch Pro2 (like it's been out that long), and have been "eager" to switch to Android for sometime now. I would have a hell of a time dropping my physical keyboard, so I think I'm ruling out the Droid X for the lack of a keyboard, and size in general. Put it this way, my history is XV6600 --> XV6700 --> XV6800 --> Touch Pro2.

My NE2 obviously (since the TP2 came out in Sept 09) isn't up until May 2011, but I'm not too worried about that whole $50 thing. If was a still $100, I might wait.

So, here's how I see it:

1. Keep my trusty Touch Pro2 until May 2011, at which point (according to Verizon) there will be "up to 5" LTE handsets available.

2. Go for the Droid 2 now, and upgrade to one of those LTE devices a year later, since Verizon will allow you to get 2 year pricing with their "Annual Upgrade" policy.

3. Hold out and see if HTC is going to bring a QWERTY to the table at some point in the next few months. The Touch Pro2 is fading in and out of stock at vzw.com, and there's no way you can tell me that HTC is going to be out of the QWERTY market with Verizon for the first time in 6+ years, but we're also not hearing anything rumored. Other than the Scorpion (aka Olympian) of course, but no mention of a QWERTY. I will admit that I am actually am a fan of Sense.

4. Wait until Q4 to see what some of these "superphones" look like (1.5ghz, 2ghz, etc), but there's no guarantee any of them would be LTE capable, which is why I think making the switch to Android now, would be better considering I should have a decent choice in LTE devices by the end of next summer.

Anyway, curious for your input, but I'll be curious to see what (if anything) is revealed about the Droid 2 on Wednesday. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if this was a Droid X event, since I'm sure Moto doesn't want to hurt sales of the Droid 1 with 2ish months until the Droid 2 release.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I still have the original touch pro. although i have a year or so left on my 3 year contract. yeah you guessed it i'm in Canada, the Droid 2 looks very inticing, especially since an LTE network in Canada is all but a tiny speck of dust.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Seems a little out of whack, 64 views and 3 votes.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

no one cares? j/k

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

It's funny that's there only one thread in the Droid 2 forum, when it's supposed to be coming out in about 2 months (or so the rumors suggest).

I've already kind of made the decision to see what's out by October 1, or what's rumored to be coming out shortly after.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I thought about the D2 but the X is coming out first.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I voted Droid 2, that's what I would do in your situation. Even if LTE devices come out this year are you a in a major market that's going to see the benefit in the first year? Plus even with the super phones coming, there will be super-duper phones next year. So it really it come down to when you want something new, everything gets outdated every year anyway.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

IMO, LTE phones are not involved in the decision, for they may be a year away from now.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

My market will likely be launched in the initial 30, possibly shortly after. I agree with the rest of everything though. Seriously wondering if I need a QWERTY anymore though. I've been thinking about it a lot, and practicing Swype on my Touch Pro2. While the size of the Droid X is somewhat scary, it will likely make typing far easier, especially with the multi-touch keyboard. I'm still thinking that I'll wait to sometime August/September-ish, and get whatever is best at that time. It's still gonna take a lot for me to ditch my physical keyboard though. I am a business user, and I've been using a real keyboard on a smartphone for 6 years now.

They actually are involved in the decision, somewhat indirectly. When I bought my Touch Pro2, Verizon has no Android line-up, and I would never have thought that they would be pushing the Droid brand as hard as they are. I bought the Touch Pro2 because Verizon had pretty much already said, "LTE devices will be out by May 2011", and since then, they've clarified further by saying "up to 5 by May 2011".

The point is, I use my annual upgrade now, and then I'll be able to use it again next summer when we should have a decent selection of Android LTE devices. I could obviously just hold onto my TP2 until next summer too, but I am WAY too eager to switch to Android, plus I can still get a decent price for my TP2 on eBay.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I see your reasoning. for me a D2 is not enough of a step up to upgrade when it comes out. Maybe the X is?

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

All depends what you're stepping up from I guess. In my case, the D2 would be a decent step up from the Touch Pro2, but I can see how it would only be a half step from the D1.

The again, doubling the RAM and almost doubling the processor speed might be enough for some D1 owners. Who knows what other goodies (if any) they may have thrown in there, which haven't been reported yet.

Guess we'll find out soon enough though. Still considering the X and D2, but for the first time, I might actually wait until their both in store to play with.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I know this is technically a Motorola forum, but if you want to hold out for a high end android slider you should keep and eye on the Samsung Galaxy S Pro.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Once you go Swype you won't go back. Unless you do an unusual amount of number and symbol typing, Swype makes you forget the keyboard, at least it did for me. That's why I am doing Droid X and I have a more urgent reason to upgrade.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I'll definitely pass on almost anything Samsung, unless they really blow my mind. Between their horrible customer service and even worse UI, I just can't do it.

Honestly, I do A LOT of number and symbol typing. I just loaded Swype on my Touch Pro2 about a week ago. It is awesome, and I'm not used to it yet, but the numbers kill me. I wonder how speech to text would do with "two hundred sixty-two thousand dollars". Seriously, I don't know, but I guess I should find out.

The keyboard on the Droid 2 leaves something to be desired. It's on a way lesser level than my Touch Pro2, but it's probably not a whole lot different than my XV6800 keyboard. I did just fine with that for 2 years.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Agreed, TP2 keyboard is best ever.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

It just doesn't seem, in my opinion, that there is enough of a drastic obvious difference in ability and speed between the Droid and Droid2 to justify the credit card slide.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I don't think you'll see too many upgrading from the Droid 1 to the Droid 2, as they won't even be eligible for Annual Upgrade. For those of us jumping from the Touch Pro2 (or anything purchased 10+ months ago), it is a considerable jump in specs.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Good poll. I'm in just the same situation as you. I detest the D1 keyboard, and have my doubts that the D2's will be good enough to make me switch from my TP2's great KB. One thing I hate -- no dedicated number keys. Yet I'm itching for a good Android slider.

Saw photos at brighthand.com today of the HTC Vision, which is supposed to be a 1GHz Android slider. Keyboard looks like my TP2 one -- except they left out the dedicated number keys as well! It's like a conspiracy ;-)

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Ohhhh yikes... I never realized there weren't any dedicated number keys. It isn't a massive deal breaker by any means, especially since I'm so attracted to Android, not to mention their forthcoming 3.0 Gingerbread ROM should be out by year's end - but I have to admit, the keyboard on my TP2 is nothing short of legendary.

Why don't more manufacturers (or any, for that matter) take a page out of the TP2 keyboard handbook!?

I will admit though, I am stoked in a BIG WAY about finally making the switch to Android after YEARS UPON YEARS with Window's mobile... it just seems to intuitive and clean/powerful and expandable. The day HTC (or a solid quality manf) releases a Verizon version of a Froyo+ ROM with 8mp camera and 720p+ video capture and a 1ghz+ processor along with a user friendly sliding keyboard... HE'S MY CREDIT CARD MR. SALESMAN! Unfortunately... when will that be :(

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Well I do have a Touch pro 2... but still, even considering the slight jump in specs, I don't feel I would experience a "WHOA, this is awesome!" amount of excitement in using the Droid2. The TP2 has been a decent phone, and I AM READY to upgrade to something else, preferably Android 99.9%, but I just don't see anything that would amount to a 'quantum leap' in design, power, and functionality in the market right now (see my above post of what would constitute a game changer for me). Thanks :)

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Honestly, I don't think the Droid2 is a quantum leap in design over the Touch Pro2, in fact, I think it would be a slight step backward. However, I do think it would be a large step in terms of processing speed. The RAM alone would be a HUGE improvement, and Android Market would be something else we haven't really had the pleasure of experiencing. Windows Marketplace in its current form is a joke in comparison. Last but not least, I always wished the TP2 had a compass. Droid2 obviously does.

All in all, I do think the D2 would be a big improvement (spec-wise) over the TP2, but I am really hoping that HTC brings a Touch Pro2 style device with Android to the table this fall/winter for Verizon. If I don't hear about anything by mid-October, I'll pick whatever is currently available, which may be the D2.

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.7 (WindowsMobile; PPC; Opera Mobi/35267; U; en; Presto/2.1.1))

Haven't heard much about this device... will it be Froyo or Gingerbread? I am only interested in Verizon devices. Thanks.

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.7 (WindowsMobile; PPC; Opera Mobi/35267; U; en; Presto/2.1.1))

I really like HTC devices... I had not heard of this, but am very intrigued. Dedicated number keys would be VERY nice, but not a deal breaker. I am typing this on my TP2 keyboard, and it just reminded me how awesomazing it is!

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I have had my tp 2 since last year. Im on my 10th and speaker keeps blowing and other problems with cheap HTC plastic. I did my ne2 this week. I wanted the incredible people said its a solid phone. I used it for 2 days speaker blow. They asked me if I would try the moto droid and I'm in love with the phone. I will be getting the droid 2 , when it comes out. Moto droid is made super solid and does not feel cheap. It feels like a benz and htc now feels like hyundai.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I agree Droids, by and large, are made with superior industrial-esque construction, and guts to match; but I've never heard much of a fuss over HTC's quality and build. Although some of their earlier phones weren't exactly anything to garner awards and survive being steam rolled without crumbling into a million pieces, I have always thought there were the best models available all things considered.

I have been 100% problem free for a year now with my Touch Pro 2; aside from some hard resets I've had to perform and daily soft resets of course since it runs Windows Mobile - but the build and feel are substantial and weighty.

Now... I have been reading a lot about the Droid X that just 'landed,' and aside from the comments pertaining to the crippling effect Motorola's tired and sluggish user interface renders, the guts are UNMATCHED and rival/surpass even the current king of the cellular castle, Evo. If the Droid X had a sliding keyboard, I would literally be in line when the store opened tomorrow.

Once a true power-house, like the Droid-X is released, with full Froyo (or in 2011 Ginger 3.0) with a well designed hardware keyboard, OTA auto updates, HD video capture and an extremely accurate photo sensor complimented with an 8mp+ spec rating - I'd easily and readily hand over my paycheck for a device like that...

WHEN, OH WHEN WILL IT BE SO!?

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I seriously doubt you're on your 10th Touch Pro2, especially considering the fact that you said you were on your 4th about a month ago in another thread. First of all, Verizon has a 3 strike rule, on the 4th replacement request, they almost always automatically offer a different model. From my personal experience though, the Touch Pro2 is the 4th HTC device I have owned over 6 years. I have literally only had to request a replacement device 3 times over that 6 years, but not once yet for my TP2, which I got on launch day. I have dropped my Touch Pro2 on a hard surface at least 5 times, from no less than 3 feet, and it's still running like a champ, and barely even has a cosmetic flaw.

Did you use your NE2 on a different line this week, because your Touch Pro2 line wouldn't even be eligible for another 10 months (assuming you got it on launch day)? How did you get an Incredible, since they've been backordered for how long now, and aren't expected to replenish for another 2.5 weeks?

Sorry to get off track, but I'm the OP, and I do not want future readers to get the impression that HTC handsets are crap, which is far from the truth. I am still seriously considering the Droid2, and will probably go that route due to my yearning to switch to Android. However, I can easily see myself going with something HTC (via Annual Upgrade) 12 months later. I have always loved HTC, but their lack of options right now gives me no choice.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Agreed - BIG TIME! HTC is a very solid device with quite a stable history of releasing capable and attractive phones, and they have only gotten better and better. I love Droids, though, because of the availability of apps and the entire open platform (sort of) philosophy driving the series.

I'm still not exactly sure how the "Droid" product line works... does Google manufacture phones, or do they simply offer up hardware to HTC and others, who then product the devices for them and use their branding?

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

No, the term "Droid" has little to do with Google, aside from shortening the word "Android". Droid is Verizon branding of Android devices made by HTC and Moto. Obviously it's still so new, that no one really knows how far the Droid branding will extend. Obviously the Samsung Fascinate is not part of the Droid branding campaign, and neither was the LG Ally. So, at this point, it's safe to say HTC and Moto are the only two manufacturers included.

Honestly, I do think it was a good branding idea by Verizon, however, it will become as diluted as Kleenex. By this, I mean the public will start using the word "Droid" to refer to any Android handset, whether Verizon likes it or not. Just like people who now say they need Kleenex, and pick up a box of Puffs brand. At first it was great for Kleenex, but now the term has just been diluted. Eventually, Droid will end up in the same boat....probably.

- Former Ad Agency guy.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Pretty interesting... The Droid 2 will be launching on August 12th at Verizon http://gizmodo.com/5591941/droid-2-l...-r2+d2-edition

I am so anxious to get a new phone... I guess the Touch Pro 2 is great, or good enough to get me through until a truly powerful mind-bending phone is released from Verizon running Android 2.2+ out of the box with the aforementioned qualities/camera specs I mentioned earlier.

Mighty ROM just released a new ROM a few weeks ago based on the new Verizon ROM, so until something comes out that knocks my socks off... I am going to continue to try and restrain myself from upgrading 50%, when by this Christmas I'm sure I can make the desired quantum leap in cell phone device upgrade!

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I'm actually thinking a little differently. I think the Droid 2 will be able to tide me over for a truly mind-bending phone.

I personally don't see the manufacturers breaking out the big guns until LTE is deployed in more than just the initial 30 markets. I think we'll see a very cool selection of LTE devices next summer/fall.

So, I think I'll pick up a Droid 2 on September 14th, which is my Annual Upgrade date, unless I can convince Verizon to do it earlier. I'll have my 30 day exchange thing to keep an eye on the rumor mill. By late-September, there would definitely have to be an FCC filing of a new device hitting Verizon before the end of the year. In my opinion though, there won't be another keyboard device on the market this fall. I actually think the rumored HTC Scorpion will be a Verizon EVO, which I'm not interested in. The Droid Pro (or whatever you want to call it), who knows when the heck that thing will be out, and what it will even be like. Regardless, we'd still have to see some leaks pretty soon for me to believe it's coming out before 2011.

PS - The TP2 is still going for between $175-$215 on eBay, but that won't be the case when WP7 comes out, and Android keeps gaining strength. That's another part of my thinking.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckeegan (Post 1880221) I'm actually thinking a little differently. I think the Droid 2 will be able to tide me over for a truly mind-bending phone.

Thanks for your insight, I am still undecided though. I guess it just comes down to dollars and cents. The TP2 is still very capable and enjoyable, and it would be hard for me to give it up and replace it with something that doesn't give me chill bumps. I was forced into Verizon, with the Alltel merger; so I am still not familiar with Verizon's whole update and upgrade process and timing. $200 isn't a fortune by any means, but still $200 for a phone that is a slight step up from the TP2 might not be wise. Although, the native free GPS and expanded apps, improved camera (although the Drois 2's camera is quite lackluster, specs-wise, only a megapixel jump) and larger more detailed screen might make up for the difference and give me another two solid years to enjoy the phone until its upgrade time.

If there are any spelling or typing errors, I wrote this from my TP2 ironically enough. Oh, I should mention... the entire reason (well, not entire but a major factor) why I am so bent on upgrading to something stellar, is because we have a vacation at the end of September, and I AM NOT CARRYING another point and shoot around again, what an annoyance! I just want something with an excellent camera, sensor, and software to match in order to produce stunning true-to-life pictures and videos that I can easily upload and archive to Face Book and Photo Bucket (and GPS tagging would be cool as well).

So any suggestions... I'm like Dumbo... all ears! If the Droid2 is truly the most powerful device with Android and a keyboard offered by Verizon by September - should I go for it? :)

Sent from my HTC smartphone

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I honestly don't think you'll find a smartphone to replace your point and shoot in the near future. There are always drawbacks to doing so, and I don't see that changing anytime soon since most manufacturers aren't going to put priority on picture quality. It will always be secondary.

I also don't think I will ever have a phone for 2 years again, unless Verizon does away with their Annual Upgrade policy (unlikely). The original Droid is still going for $250-300 on eBay, and even if it dropped to $225 at Droid 2 launch, you'd still come out $25 in the positive. You could literally upgrade for free every year if you wanted to. Believe me, I've been doing it since I sold my HTC Harrier for my Apache, but back in those days smartphones cost $300+ (2-year price) and only refreshed every two years.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I don't know why I thought I had to wait 2 years with every device to get the discounted pricing; maybe that was Alltel, and I'm not familiar with Verizon yet. So August 12th, I am now 80% certain I will be getting the Droid 2. Will it come with Froyo 2.2 built in, and does anyone know if it will be root-able yet? THANKS! :)

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Alright, I just signed into my account on Verizon, and it says "New Every Two," in which case my TP1 can be upgraded on 9/9/10, and the TP2 not until Spring of 2011... so how do I qualify for the annual upgrade pricing that was mentioned earlier?

Also... looks like the Droid 2 will be out for sure either August 12 or 23 according to ever report I've read. 8gb internal storage with a 16gb micro SD pre-installed and a 1ghz processor with built in wifi tethering.

Here is a nice recent article from June 10th, Engadet: http://moretechnews.com/news/tech-in...-in-august.htm

PS: Pre order is expected to hit in the first week of August - I'll keep my eyes peeled, I am all but certain about buying this phone now! :)

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Once you hit 12 months, you'll hit "upgrade my phone", log in, and it will tell you that you're not eligible for NE2 until..., but when you hit "next" it should populate a list of all the current smartphones and the annual upgrade price (2 year price).

Technically I shouldn't be eligible for Annual Upgrade until 9/14, but I'm going to call on Droid2 launch day and see if I can get it done. I know they've let people do it at 10 months in the past, so it's worth a shot. I did hear they're being more strict on the 12 month thing now though.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Thanks so much for your help... I Emailed Customer Service, and received this reply:

"Dear ***** *****,

Good morning. I apologize for any confusion as to when each of your lines of service can upgrade again. My name is Laura and I have confirmed that wireless number ***-**** can upgrade now to any device with a new two-year contract agreement. This is with our Annual Upgrade Program. You are more than welcome to upgrade to any handset once it is available. Wireless number ***-*** does need to wait until August 3, 2011 to upgrade again too. Currently we are not offering any pre-orders for any device at this time. If this does change, you are more than welcome to process the request online.

We do have some great handsets available at a discounted price. If you are interested in upgrading to a new device, you may view your promotional pricing and to process your order by signing on to My Verizon using your Account Owner Number and click on the "Upgrade to a New Phone" link located under “Quick Links” on the right side of the page. You also have the option of visiting your local Verizon Wireless store or contacting us directly at 1-800-922-0204.

I thank you for taking the time to reach out to us to upgrade your handset. Enjoy shopping for a new phone! We appreciate your business and thank you for using Verizon Wireless.

Sincerely,

Laura
Verizon Wireless
Customer Service

If you have received this e-mail in error or are not the intended recipient, please notify us immediately by replying to this e-mail and deleting it and all copies and backups thereof. If you are the intended recipient and are a Verizon Wireless customer, this response is subject to the terms of your Customer Agreement"

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

Just received the response to my questions a moment ago...

"Dear ***** *****,

Good afternoon. I certainly understand your concern regarding the Annual upgrade and the phone switch on your wife's line. My name is Rebecca and I am delighted to assist you today with both matters. Our New Every Two Program requires you to complete at least 20 months from the date of the last upgrade to purchase a new phone at a discounted rate with the applicable credit. However, as Verizon Wireless understands that the needs of our customer’s change and their interest to stay updated with the current phones, we offer the Annual Upgrade Program. When subscribing to a calling plan with a monthly access of $49.99 or higher, the line may upgrade into a new phone every 12 months from the date of the last upgrade. The New Every Two credit does not apply. Moving onto the phone switch, once the new phone is activated onto your line, you may activate the Touch Pro 2 phone on ***** line (***) ***-****. With this, your wireless numbers will not be affected. With any equipment purchase from us, the device has a 30 day Worry Free Guarantee. With our Worry Free Guarantee, you may exchange or return your wireless equipment, for any reason, within 30 days of purchase. A $35.00 restocking fee applies. Below I have explained the exchange/ return process.

When exchanging or returning your device, please be sure to ensure you return the original phone in the original box, including the UPC Code, intact with all components (phone, charger, battery, instructions, etc.). All components must be in like-new condition. All returns must be accompanied by the original receipt and will only be granted to the actual purchaser whose name appears on the receipt. At our discretion, we may decline your return or charge you a fee for missing items or items that we determine are damaged or require service. If we accept your equipment return within this period, we will refund your equipment purchase price.

I hope that the information that I have provided regarding the upgrade options was helpful to you. We appreciate your business and thank you for being a valued Verizon Wireless customer. I hope you have a wonderful week.

Sincerely,

Rebecca
Verizon Wireless
Customer Service"

$35 restocking fee....... ugh.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I've returned a smartphone to Verizon before, and I've never paid a restocking fee. Both times the smartphone was purchased either online or through telesales. Granted, policies can change.

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

That's somewhat reassuring... just not sure why they would have made a point to clearly state the fee in the Email correspondence? I'm sure if someone was a knuckle head and tried to return a phone on day 29 that was beat up and scratched into oblivion, this fee would be totally justified - but why would I pay $35 just to 'see' if I like the Droid-X rather than simply buy the Droid 2 when it launches in two weeks?

I just want the camera from the Droid X... put into the Droid 2 :(

Re: To Droid 2, or not to Droid 2; that is the question.
 

I personally don't think the camera on the Droid X will be much better than the Droid 2. Honestly, higher megapixel count is worthless.