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Tech Reviews >> Summer 2010 >> Tech Review: Droid DOES. [by Jamal Brown]
Tech Review: Droid DOES
This is by far the most eager I’ve been to write a tech review since the inception of Desert Lifestyle magazine. This is because I’ve finally found a mobile device that simply does what it says it can do. And let me tell you, the “Droid Does” very well.
The Motorola Droid is offered exclusively by Verizon Wireless. The Droid was originally released in October of 2009, and by the time this article hits the stands, the Droid will be roughly 9 months old. Nine months is a fairly long time in cellular years considering new models are released yearly. However, because the Droid is such a complete device, I would imagine that consumers will be enjoying “Time Magazine’s 2009 Gadget of The Year” well into 2010.
Time Magazine’s 2009 Gadget of The Year
Yes, you read correctly, the Verizon Wireless Motorola Droid was named Time Magazine’s 2009 Gadget of The Year. Why all the fuss over the Droid? After all, at first glance, the device really doesn’t look like much. The design is simple and was clearly engineered from the minimalistic perspective that less is more. However, once it’s in your hands, you immediately feel the heftiness of the device and the word “quality” comes to mind. Make no mistake; the Droid is a big smartphone, weighing in at 5.96 ounces. The weight is well balanced and the contemporary design makes for a very portable device. To the owner’s advantage, much of Droid’s size is played into the display. The touch-screen display is pleasing to the eye and easy to view thanks to 3.7 generous inches, even larger than that of the iPhone. And unlike the iPhone, the Droid’s touch-screen display can slide up to unveil a full physical keyboard. Now, I will admit that the physical keyboard does take some getting used to. This is because the keys are fairly flat and offer no spacing in between. However, it doesn’t take long adjusting to the Droid’s keyboard and I personally appreciate having a physical keyboard on my device. Of course, the option to use Droid’s virtual keyboard is always present.
Droid plays your iTunes library
Aside from the physical keyboard, you will be pleased to find a 3.5mm audio jack on the top of the Droid to plug in an earpiece, but more importantly for use as an MP3 player with your favorite set of headphones. The Droid can play all of your previous downloads to include your music and podcast files from iTunes. There’s plenty of storage for your files too, thanks to the preinstalled 16GB MicroSD card. To help make your music experience more mobile, you’ll find a preinstalled Amazon Music Store application on the Droid. This app allows users to download music on the go. Other features of the app include top 100 albums, top 100 tracks, browsing by genre and of course the ability to search.
Droid - Great video, great sound
Other physical buttons on the Droid include a power/sleep button, left-side volume controls for voice and media, as well as a dedicated camera/video key. The camera on the Droid is 5 megapixels and has a flash, but don’t get too happy yet. Honestly, I’ve seen 3 megapixel cell phone cameras that deliver better picture quality. I’m not saying that the picture quality on the Droid is bad…I’m just saying. However, when it comes to video capture, Droid delivers the goods. The Droid takes amazing video and the sound is clear, loud and crisp. In fact, on the back of the Droid you will notice a very generous speaker that spans the width of the device. The sound from this speaker rivals any mobile device on the market.
Droid & Google
The Motorola Droid is the first device offering the Android 2.0 operating system and by the time you read this article, Verizon Wireless will have released a software update to help Droid owners receive even more functionality from their device. The Android operating system is fast and powered by Google. Because of this, the Droid integrates seamlessly with all things Google. You’ll be able to receive your mobile Gmail in real time on the Droid and your Google calendar and contacts all sync with ease. To get the most out of your Droid, you will need to visit the Android Marketplace from your device. You can do this using Verizon Wirelesses’ 3G network or by way of the Droid’s built-in Wi-Fi. The Android Marketplace is home to 20,000 plus applications that you can browse and download directly to your Droid. Many of the apps are free and you’ll see everything from 3D games to business tools to help tech you out.
GPS navigation system
One of the best featured apps on the Droid is the navigation. The Droid is a full-featured GPS navigation system that integrates with Google Maps. I could seriously write a tech review on the GPS functionality alone. When you snap the Droid into its car dock (sold separately) it will automatically convert itself into car mode. All of the features you expect from a top-of-the-line GPS system are now present and ready for your command. No need to type in directions as the Droid’s GPS boasts voice activated technology with voice guided directions. Simply speak were you want to go and the Droid will take you there. Did I forget to mention this service is FREE? Because of the Droid, I don’t even use my TomTom anymore.
The bottom line is this, the Droid is pretty much a gadget lovers’ dream come true. The Android operating system is smooth and intuitive. The Android Marketplace is full of quality apps that will bring out the best in your device while keeping you entertained and organized. Since I became a Droid owner, I don’t use my laptop as much, I don’t use my iPod touch as often and I completely stopped using my TomTom GPS. The Droid allows for deep customization and honestly, everything just works right on the Droid. I love my Motorola Droid and it can literally provide me with hours of entertainment. The Droid does have its faults; however its strengths far surpass its weaknesses. If you consider yourself tech savvy and love gadgets, then the Motorola Droid is for you. There once was a time when I envied iPhone owners, but seriously, those days are over now!
