Hiddennode

I spent the morning fidgeting with my phone again. Did I mention I have a new phone? It’s the Motorola Droid, running Google’s Android operating system. Let me tell you, I’m loving this device. So much that I’ve stopped carrying around my iPod touch completely.

Just a quick review of what the Droid is before we start: The Droid with Google Android OS is part of the growing trend towards smart phones for consumers these days. There’s an app store, touch screen capabilities, and many other useful functionalities. It’s available through Verizon for $199.99 with a two year contract.

Last year I made heavy use of my iPod Touch (purchased 10/08 for $200.00 for 8GB at Best Buy) but while the PDA functionality and app store were great the lack of consistent internet was annoying. I wanted an iPhone but I did not want to switch to AT&T. Had the iPhone been useable with Verizon without all the jumping through hoops and jail breaking, I’d have happily bought it (and by proxy probably more Apple digital products). And not to use the ad campaign, but the Droid does do what I need it do. Would I rather an iPhone? Right now I’m either/or. Both are great but the Droid is on my carrier. iPhone isn’t.

The apps I’ve found so far in the android market have been great. Lots of useful tools and services. Additionally, there’s a number of great games I’ve found, both native as well as rom emulators. I’ve started using Gmail and other Google services even more because of the easy integration. I’ve signed up for Google Voice and Google Reader. Even started listening to the Gmail podcast because of the new tools I’m using.

My only complaint regarding the Market is the lack of a certain app I want. Where’s my Kindle app Amazon? Maybe I need to look for another reader app. All I’ve heard is a lot of public domain books and similar items available. That’s nice and all… but I want NEW books to spend money on. Older or public domain books are great, but most of the content I want to read isn’t free.

Now there are some things about the phone that make me go “bleh.” The sliding screen gets annoying when it moves when I want it to stay still. The back of the battery case comes off often enough for me to have to check it each time I get up or sit down. The lack of native multi-touch on most apps (The droid can do multi-touch, Google just didn’t build the functionality into most apps).

The Weight is also very noticeable. This thing really stands out in weight compared to my iPod Touch. I’m used to it but it’s still awkward. Not a problem in normal use, but when the phone is opened to reveal the keyboard, the weight is quite noticeable.

Also, the OS has a habit sometimes of “locking up.” Typically if I’m closing or opening a new program, but it’s still a hassle when the only way I can use my phone is after pulling out the battery and rebooting. Even when I jail broke my iPod touch, it never locked up like this.

There’s still many more features I’m learning and getting used to, but more and more I love this device. Admittedly I’m hesitant to call the device a phone. That’s probably the least used feature of the Droid I use. In fact, if Skype could hurry up and make a full version of their App, I’d be using that as well for more services.

Despite the flaws, I love the phone. Probably would love any smart phone really, but I’m happy with the one I have, so much that we’re considering getting one for my wife when she’s up for a discounted renewal late this year.

Obvious question is obvious: So do you have a smart phone? Which one? How are you using it? Have any cool apps you’d recommend?

nulloperations

After a long delay, I’ve finally taken the time to install Google Analytics. Brief overview: GA basically allows folks to get really good reporting on their website. I’ve had it up a few days and I’m already seeing results. Why do I have it installed? Well, a few reasons. Firstly, I can better understand why and how people are coming to my site. I can also see where they go from my site (if they take links to leave the site). It helps with the ad thing and the building up thing.

Hey this site is for my writing business after all and as such I do have to take the time to make it efficient for me.

That said, something else is coming soon as well. I’ve signed up for Amazon and Google Ads. As the theme I make use of is right widget bar only, that’s where things are going to show up. Not sure what Google will show but Amazon will show links to things I talk about in the blog. Yes, that means once I talk about something, it’ll be easier for you to buy it. Makes sense right? A little “pimpage” when talking about something and getting a kickback if you readers buy it. And no, this blog isn’t going to become a big product review site. I’m going to talk about what I use, not what others want me to use. Expect mostly book links and other similar items. There will be no pressure to buy or click links. For one, that’s shady. For two, it’s against the Terms of Service I signed up for with Amazon and Google.

And personally, I don’t want Amazon and Google not liking me.

Jdiehl