The first Android-powered phone for Verizon Wireless, the 3G-enabled Motorola DROID smartphone offers a full package of powerful mobile connectivity--from easy access to all your social networks and viewing of full Web sites to spoken turn-by-turn directions thanks to the new Google Maps with Navigation Beta app. One of the thinnest full-QWERTY slider phones available, the Motorola DROID also features a high-resolution 3.7-inch touchscreen display and a virtual onscreen keyboard that auto-rotates depending on the phone's orientation. And you'll be able to capture high-resolution images and DVD-quality videos on the go with its 5-megapixel camera with flash.

The Motorola DROID offers the powerful Android 2.0 operating system, fast and reliable Verizon Wireless 3G connectivity, and a wealth of Google Mobile services--including the new Google Maps with Navigation app.

With integrated Google technology, the Motorola DROID brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by Voice, YouTube and Picasa. The DROID also provides easy access to both personal and corporate email, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail.

In addition to 3G connectivity, the DROID offers Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and business networks as well as hotspots while on the go and Bluetooth connectivity for both hands-free devices and stereo music streaming. Other features include memory expansion via microSD memory cards (a 16 GB card is included with the device), threaded text and picture messaging for seamless on-the-go conversations, Visual Voicemail capabilities, 3.5mm headset jack, and up to 6.4 hours of talk time.

Here are just a few of the things that the Motorola DROID can do for you:

• Zip through the Web: Access the Internet at 3G speeds via the nation's largest and most reliable 3G network or from any Wi-Fi hotspot. The multi-window HTML browser with a massive processor delivers the Web the way you expect.
• See it all in cinema-style: View the Web, email, Google Maps, videos and more in widescreen on a brilliant 3.7-inch high-resolution screen. Boasting a width of 854 pixels to reduce the need for side-to-side panning and more than 400,000 pixels total, DROID has more than twice that of the leading competitor.
• Run multiple applications at once: Customize your DROID with thousands of applications and hundreds of widgets available on Android Market. Toggle back and forth between up to six applications at a time to juggle the universe and your apps.
• Perform Google Search at the speed of sound: Simply tell DROID what you're looking for using voice-activated search, and it will serve up Google search results based on your location. If you want more, simply type what you're looking for into the search bar on the home screen and DROID will also search content on your phone, such as apps and contacts, and the Web.
• Capture moments: Snap digital camera-quality photos with a 5-megapixel camera loaded with the works, such as a dual-LED flash, auto-focus and image stabilization, or capture your friend's antics in 16 million colors with DVD-quality video capture and playback. Store it all on the included 16 GB memory card, so you always have it on hand.
• Multi-task like a master: Keep tabs on all your messages with integrated Gmail and Exchange email pushed directly to you, but don't let them get in your way. With the handy Android notification panel, go straight to the message or simply ignore it, and get back to the task at hand. And, a smart dictionary learns as you type and automatically includes your contacts.

  Other features include a 3.7-inch touchscreen, slide-out full QWERTY keyboard, real HTML web browsing, Bluetooth stereo music streaming, microSD memory expansion (with included 16 GB card), and access to both personal and corporate email (see larger image).

  See a schematic of all the controls.

• Get where you need to go with Google Maps Navigation (Beta): DROID is the first device with Google Maps Navigation, providing turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. It's powered by Google and connected to the Internet. Use voice shortcuts and simply say "Navigate to [your destination]," and you'll be on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device.

The Motorola DROID comes pre-loaded with a variety of Google and Verizon Wireless mobile services, including:

• Google Maps: With layers in Google Maps, view geographic information, such as My Maps, Wikipedia, and transit lines, right on the map.
• Gmail: Multiple accounts support and undo for common operations.
• YouTube: One-touch recording and playback from home screen widget or app, one-touch sharing with friends, and the ability to view your own uploaded videos and high-resolution videos.
• Google Talk: Easily switch between chats, search your chat history, and preview pictures and videos sent by links.
• Android Market: Browse and download applications created by third-party developers.
• Calendar: Ability to see who has R.S.V.P.'d to your meeting invitations.
• Amazon MP3 Store: Download the latest tracks over the air.
• Verizon Wireless Visual Voice Mail: Delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions.

Key Features and Specifications

• Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV–DO, Rev A network
• Powered by the Android 2.0 operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market. Built-in GPS with turn-by-turn directions provided by Google Maps and voice prompts using the Google Maps Navigation (BETA) app.
• 3.7-inch touchscreen with 480 x 854-pixel resolution and 16 million color depth
• Full slide-out QWERTY keyboard with familiar layout lets you type messages easily without scrolling for the letter you want.
• 5-megapixel autofocus camera also includes multiple scene modes, white balance settings, image quality choices, macro setting, multiple color effects, and geotagging capabilities.
• DVD-quality video capture at 720 x 480-pixel resolution and up to 24 fps capture; up to 30 fps playback
• Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
• Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
• Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB (16 GB card included).
• Multi-format digital audio player with dedicated Amazon MP3 Store app for over-the-air downloads. Includes compatibility with MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, and WMA formats and the capability to create and manage playlists on the phone.
• YouTube app for streaming video over 3G and Wi-Fi connections.
• Real HTML Web browsing provides more pages and better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone (Android Webkit HTML5-based browser).
• Standard voice mail and compatibility with Verizon Visual Voice Mail (subscription required), which enables you to delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.
• Email: Corporate (Exchange 2003 and 2007), Gmail, IMAP, POP3, Attachment and browser document viewer (Microsoft Office and pdf)
• USB 2.0 connectivity
• 3.5mm Headset Jack
• Bilingual Interface: English/Español
• Cortex A8 processor with dedicated HW Acceleration
• Memory: ROM: 512MB; RAM: 256MB
• TTY compatible
• Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3/T3

Vital Statistics
The Motorola DROID weighs 5.96 ounces and measures 4.56 x 2.36 x 0.54 inches. Its 1400 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6.4 hours of talk time, and up to 270 hours (11.25 days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV–DO, Rev A 3G frequencies.

What's in the Box
Motorola DROID handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 16 GB microSD card, quick start guide, user manual

Android 2.0-powered smartphone with 3.7-inch touchscreen and slide-out full QWERTY keyboard
Access a wealth of Google mobile services including Google Maps with Navigation for voice prompted turn-by-turn directions, Gmail, Google Talk, Calendar and more
GPS-enabled for location services; Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g); 5-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; microSD expansion (16 GB card included)
Up to 6.4 hours of talk time, up to 270 hours (11.25 days) of standby time
What's in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 16 GB microSD card, quick start guide, user manual

Nice alternative to iPhone (4.0)

My company develops mobile software for a number of phones, including iPhone and now Droid - and this gives me a chance to work with lots of phones, including the Droid.

I suppose comparisons with iPhone are inevitable, so since I use both every day, let me get a few of those commends out of the way first. In my opinion, Droid wins in a head-to-head compare against iPhone in these ways:

1. About the same size, but Droid includes the slide-out keypad. I don't like systems only having touch-screen (such as iPhone) because my aging eyes and fingers find physical keypads easier to work. For whatever reason, once you get used to it, the Droid seems marginally faster to use, and I find the mix of touchscreen and physical buttons to be about ideal - as well as having the option to slide out the keypad.

2. For some reason, the Droid screen seems more readable for text. Apple does a terrific job on usability, as everyone agrees, it's just that basic text and email seems much easier to read on the Droid.

3. Droid includes 16GB, and it can be replaced by the user if you want more, and same goes for the battery. Apple tends to build this stuff into iPhone, so you need to buy a whole new unit if (say) the battery dies.

4. The Droid has a few hardware features (Bluetooth, built-in camera) that the iPhone lacks.

5. The GPS function and Google Maps with Turn-by-Turn voice directions are very good.

6. Integrates really well with Google's Gmail service, if that happens to be your email provider. Others work, but not quite as well...secure Microsoft Exchange Server (corporate) email seems notoriously difficult to configure, which is a deal-breaker for many.

Where I'd say Droid loses to iPhone is:

1. Battery life. For example, using it as a media player, I get about 16 hours between charges on iPhone and only about 12 on Droid (except of course it's possible to have multiple batteries on Droid...a big plus).

2. iTunes integration and the ability to play podcasts, etc from Apple's community, all built right in. There are similar apps available for the Droid (Google Listen, for instance), but you'll probably find most of them less integrated than iTunes is with iPhone, and of course, the iTunes store is a big convenience. DoubleTwist is a popular way to sync iTunes with Droid, but as good as it is, it's still an add-on.

3. The iPhone app store is more mature than what you find on Droid today. As Apple says, there's an app for nearly everything on iPhone, and although Google and the open-source community are likely strong competitors, it's just not quite there yet in my opinion.

4. Hardware add-ons. You can find all sorts of docking stations, speakers and other add-ons for the iPhone...even many high-end car companies build-in iPhone integration that only works with the Apple devices today. Yes, Droid has Bluetooth and so it's possible to get phone functions...but today, there's much better integration with iPhone than Droid in many vehicles. I have an Infiniti, for example, and when I connect my iPhone to it, the display in the car lets me search for music, navigate through my playlists, charge my iPhone and so on. Although I can connect the Droid as a Bluetooth-compatible phone, I don't get all these extras.

Okay with that out of the way, let me say that I really, really like the Droid. Setup is simple, and basic phone functions seem to work better where I live (Long Island, NY) than AT&T. I'm sure there are people who would say the opposite, but for me, I seem to get better coverage and signal quality with Verizon, and this shows up as more consistent and better performance on the Droid. I've been able to pair the Bluetooth parts with Windows PCs as well as two or three different cars and a few Bluetooth headsets, so that part works great too.

If you like Google's apps, the Droid is also great. Getting my Gmail account setup only took a few moments, and it works about as well as my Blackberry (my long time favorite email device). I tend to get a lot of mail - often 500 a day - and the Droid seems to have no trouble keeping up.

The keyboard is solid with keys that are about the right size and feel. There's what amounts to a touch-stick type of pointer device included...anyone who has used IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad computers will feel right at home with it. I tend to use the keypad about half the time...generally, if I'm just reading email, I don't need it...only when I'm replying do I resort to it.

The Droid connects to your PC (or Mac) via a simple USB cable, and once connected, you can simply see it as a connected drive. This lets you copy various files music, photo or other files to it just by dragging and dropping. There are starting to be some third-party apps that also work this way - install on PC, and it copies whatever content you need over to the Droid. You can also connect to your network using the built-in 802.11 client on the Droid, if you like.

One thing I'll give Motorola credit for is the charger. I used to have a Motorola phone that had a mini-USB connector, but software in the phone would verify that the charger was an authentic Motorola part...imagine my surprise when I plugged my Motorola phone into a Blackberry charger (which also used mini-USB) and got a message on the phone about "Unauthorized Charger". Well, I'm happy to report that the Droid has none of this, and I can use the micro-USB charger from even my Amazon Kindle with Droid.

If you happen to be a software developer, the Droid is also pretty cool to work with. The SDK is comprehensive, and since it's Linux underneath, many of the skills you have from that environment transfer pretty directly, making it easy to be productive right away.

Bottom line is that if forced to choose just one device for all my needs, today I'd probably choose the Droid as that device (shhh!).


Definitely recommended.

love it (5.0)

This is my first smart phone. it is easy to master. absolutely worth the money. google calender and astrid apps keep me organized.

Will the Google Phone replace this? (5.0)

That was the question for me - should I just wait for Google's phone? I mean, it has nearly twice the processing power (1GHz, vs. 556 MHz). I'll explain below why I went ahead and picked up the Droid. (Likes/Dislikes/Contrast with what others have said/Etc).

LIKES:

- I LOVE the screen. It's mentioned in the description of the product that it can take DVD quality video - it also displays that video on an incredibly glossy and surprisingly large screen. I don't want to sound melodramatic, but it even feels amazing to the touch. Also, contrasting with my recent HTC Touch, when you make a call, and bring the phone to your cheek, it blanks the screen. That's fantastic because... well, it saves power, which is nice, but more importantly, you don't start making random phone commands because your face is touching the screen! ARGH that used to drive me crazy on the HTC. Not sure if the Eris does this or not, but it was enough to keep me from ever looking at an HTC again.

Additionally, when you bring the phone away from your face, the screen on the Droid turns on again, so that you can hang up the phone. Very intuitive, and such a relief! I used to have to manually turn the HTC back on again (it would blank after 60 seconds) and by then, I could never tell if I was hanging up, or what.

- Intuitive interface. Without using a manual (and I'm a huge manual reader!) I was able to navigate, check my email, make phone calls, open up the GPS, all within about the first three minutes of having the phone in my possession. The GPS is gorgeous, btw. I'm still learning things about the phone, as I've only had it for two days. I'll be updating this review at a later date.

- Apps. No, it doesn't have 140k apps are 3 billion downloads like the Iphone. But, as mentioned by others, it's not locked down like other Verizon phones. I've worked for a government agency that has been struggling with Verizon for YEARS to get a GPS on their BlackBerries. And now, voila, here it is. I imagine it would take someone with the leverage of Google to insist with Verizon to allow this type of functionality. Also, the Marketplace (where you find apps for the Android OS) is easy to find, navigate and purchase from, if you desire any non-free applications. It's right on your home page, and you'll be downloading and installing apps within seconds.

Recommended Apps. There is one called KeyRing, which is free, (with a link to a Youtube video with surprisingly succinct instructions on that beautiful screen!) that holds all those plastic UPC things that various stores want you to carry around with your car keys. The camera takes the picture, identifies the UPC code and gives you the choice of over 650 retailers to choose who the UPC code works with. Very neat!

There are also apps to lock down files (I am using one called Hide and Seek). If you want to show off your Droid, you may not want to let kids/friends/family see every last thing on your phone. An app allows you to expand your desktop from three screens to nine. (That's a big desktop! And extremely easy to navigate.)

- Keyboard. Okay, I know it's flat, it's small, and may take some getting used to, but it's a friggin keyboard! The new Google phone doesn't have one, neither does the Iphone. I guess I'm just one of those people who have to have the tactile keyboard to type efficiently. The keys (as well as other buttons) are a rather classy looking gold color. The keyboard itself has a very easy to read and intutive layout. I do have to admit that I couldn't find the "?" key for a while. ;) On this keyboard, you don't need a shift or the alt/function button to find it. The /, ?, @ are all standard buttons, requiring no shift or additional keypress.

The mouse thingy (for lack of a better term) looks like a fingerprint authentication device on the side of the keyboard. (If you're looking at pictures of the Droid, it's that gold square on the right side of the keyboard.) Also, very easy to use, very handy to have there (beats the heck out of arrow keys on so many other keyboards) and you can press the gold center to select items.

- Durability. Also, something I haven't seen mentioned, and perhaps I'm more sensitive to the fact since my last phone was the recently reduced in price HTC Touch Diamond (or Pro). For whatever reason, the last two HTC phones I had (I tried the Ozone for several days as well) both seemed SO FLIMSY. The back (very cheap feeling) covers on the phones would just fly right off. When I'd slide the top on the HTC up to start typing on the keyboard, it was just so slippery. And while I'm on the HTC - that was the first phone I ever had that I would make multiple accidental calls per day. Drove me crazy! More a function of the screen, but still.

Well, the Droid just feels tough. I mean, when you slide the top up to reveal the keyboard, it feels like you'd have to really struggle to break it and it snaps in place with an encouraging click. People have commented on the weight, but like others, I feel like I'm carrying around a computer in the palm of my hand; I can handle the extra ounce or two. I even use a belt clip (body glove case) and it works great. Very well balanced on my hip; hasn't fallen off yet.

- Sound quality. Fantastic. I had an ENV2 from Verizon in the past, and it actually had stereo speakers which gave great sound. Well, this (over?) two inch bar on the back of the phone delivers surprisingly loud sound. I'm glad for that, since (sorry HTC!) but the HTC Touch Pro - you could barely hear someone on speaker phone. We all know how important that can be while driving without a headset. Also, the 3.5MM jack is convenient.

DISLIKES:

There are few, since I gave it five stars.

- Manual. There isn't one enclosed! It's a good thing it's easy to get going on this phone, as that would have been enough to make me bring it back. I've yet to actually need one, but I'm sure there is a lot of functionality on this phone that I'm still missing.

- Phone button. I too wish there had been a hard-wired phone button. Not a big deal, as it's easy to navigate to, and if the phone's ringing, it's right there, but still.

- Customizable buttons. There aren't any, that I've found. Externally, you have volume, camera, on/off, home, search, back, and menu. On a BlackBerry, there are several buttons you can define for yourself, which is very handy on a PDA. Allows you to pull up email, your desktop, or whatever you like with one external press of a button. I miss that. Having said that, this isn't a BlackBerry. ;)

- No Itunes. Yet. Someone's working on an app already, though. Based on Steve Jobs' recent Google rant, I doubt Apple will make the app, despite it making business sense.

- Picture Gallery. Not thrilled with it. There's an app that will hide the folders for you, but as it stands, it's not particularly intuitive on how they organize it as shipped.

Contrast with what some others have said:

- I mentioned the keyboard. I actually am ecstatic that it has one! Could be better, but sheesh! You should see the size of this thing. It's actually a surprisingly slim phone for what it offers. Frankly, I find the phone to be quite elegant.

- The Camera. I like it. 5MP? Yowza. Very easy to use, and faster (though not stand-alone-camera-like) than any other phone I've used.

- Google vs. Apple. I haven't read all 100 reviews, but I haven't heard the companies themselves brought up yet. Fact is, Google has a tradition (if you call a ten-something year old company as having traditions) of giving things away for free. Apple does not. I think it's important to note that Apple put the same OS on their new tablet - which gives them a bottleneck for charging for every little bit of content on their device. Essentially, it's a computer set up to be a closed-end device. Google's "marketplace" is almost a misnomer, since so many apps are available for free. As much as Google may be the next "Big Brother" - so far, they give most of their stuff away.

- Google vs. Microsoft. One of my beefs with the HTC I just ditched was that it used Windows Mobile 6.1. I thought after seeing my wife's Omnia that I'd love it. BOY was I wrong. It crashed all the time, was slow as mollasses and was the case-book example of being a lot harder to use than other competing OSs, just like Microsoft has been since the days of DOS vs. the Macintosh. (Sorry to geek out, but have been a Microsoft user since 1991ish.)

I've already added more applications in two days with the Android OS than I did with 6 months on Windows Mobile. Oh, and I've already updated the Android OS. You can't even go from Windows Mobile 6.1 to 6.5 w/out changing phones. OUCH.

ETC:

Love how much memory is shipped with this thing. 16GB? WOW.

Video looks awesome. Can't wait to try streaming music with Pandora. (Yep, there's an app for that. And programming DirecTV? Yep, there's an app for that too. With apologies to IPhone. ;) )

Hey, it's Verizon's network, which is just plain awesome.

The Iphone isn't due out until Summer, from what I understand, and who knows when Verizon will get Google's phone.

I love Gmail and I love the integration (which is to be expected) between Android and Google's apps (like Google Docs, etc). Gmail looks plain awesome on this phone.

Long story short: If you were looking for an Iphone with a keyboard, this will do the trick. If you want a great phone that runs the Android OS, this is what you want.

To answer the question I posed in the title: No, I don't think it will. Here's why: Motorola has been making phones for a long, long time. I believe Motorola's expertise in the field and their consciousness of features, durability, battery life, touch screen technology, WiFi and all the rest - will simply outshine Google, at least in their first rendition. Keep in mind, even when Apple first put out the Iphone, it was hardly ideal. The 4GB IPhone was discontinued after less than 3 months.

Plus, the Google Phone doesn't ship with a QWERTY keyboard. ;)

Droid really does (4.0)

I normally have a phone through the office so I have not had to have a personal phone in years. This has changed recently due to new data plans and the availability of thinks like MSN and Yahoo chat on these phones in addition to internet and other applications. I was going to buy the iPhone, but because of a billing dispute with them over when my contract expired 6 years ago, they wanted an eight hundred dollar deposit. I chose to look at the droid instead. I am sure glad I did.

I purchased the Droid in December and have used it for 2 months now.

Some of the high points: The screen is amazing. It is amazingly clear and sharp. The app selection is also impressive and nearly everything you could think of needing is already there. From grocery apps, to mileage logging, internet radio, ringtones, workout aides, games, etc. Many are free and the ones that aren't are fairly low priced. The speaker is loud and the phone works well. Gmail and in fact all Google apps sync perfectly and e-mail setup is a breeze. Basically everything that is available through Google on the internet syncs up with the phone. (watch how many contacts instantly import, it's amazing!) Google navigation and maps are free and the GPS works amazingly well. My only compalint about that would be that the scrolling doesn't seem quite as fast as the iPhone. However, the navigation offers traffic problems, photos, and street level views. Who needs another device for navigation when you have the Droid.. AT&T claims how fast their network is, but my girlfriend has an iPhone and I have a droid and there are areas where she gets no reception and I have no problem. I'll take the droid any time.

The low points: The battery life when using the internet for applications such as radio is poor, and if you are sending messages with the screen on, the battery goes even quicker. The phone does tell you how much battery life is used by each app and the screen used approx 85% at last check. The other problem I had for quite some time is getting Yahoo e-mail to sync up. Some days it worked and other days it never did. They may have fixed that problem however as my Yahoo e-mail has worked perfectly for 2 weeks now. The other glaring problem I have is the virtual keyboard size. The screen seems somewhat narrower than an iPhone and so the keyboard on the iPhone is actually a bit larger. For people like me with fat fingers, this does make a big difference. I rarely use the slide out keyboard as the virtual one does work well. In all, these are about the only problems I can think of.

Now that I have used the droid for 2 months, I would recommend it to anyone. Also, the fact that Verizon has now reduced the unlimited plan costs, really helps, even if they won't give you a company employee discount on the unlimited plan anymore.

Droid Does Is Right (5.0)

The Motorola Droid is my second smartphone. My first was the HTC Fuze running Windows Mobile, and at the time, I was very happy to both get away from Verizon's 'app oppression' as well as their generally poor choice of phones. I've owned two RAZRs (a v3m and a v9m) and were happy with both, so even after the joy of HTC hardware and the disdain for AT&T's network, I was rather happy to return to a Motorola phone.

There are many important parts surrounding any cell phone purchase. One of the most important, is service. Verizon is currently the only carrier with the Droid in the United States. With that said, they also have some of the best coverage, as everyone by now is well aware of by their ad campaigns - and don't let AT&T fool you, at least where I live, Verizon is definately superior. And now that Verizon owns Alltel, there is even better CDMA coverage all around, especially where I am. Even though AT&T had just turned on 3G in my area a few months before I switched, I only had my Fuze for 9 months before dropping it for Verizon. And I was definitely not disappointed.

The phone. Many in the technical crowd know Verizon is notorious for locking down their phones, even Blackberries and Windows Mobile phones, locking app support and GPS capability in lieu of their own paid applications. However, the Droid is one of the first phones I can honestly say Verizon hasn't touched - the Marketplace has their own recommended app list, but there's nothing here holding the Droid back. Full application support, open GPS, open marketplace. This makes me happy to say I'm a Verizon customer.
On the phone side of the phone, the large display is absolutely beautiful, and more and more applications are supporting the large screen. The lack of call and hangup buttons still throw me off a little, but having the four basic 'buttons' on the screen make it simple and uncomplicated. The keyboard itself is another matter - I'm still a little disappointed with how flat the keyboard is, especially coming from such a wonderful one on the Fuze, but I've gotten used to it. Android has suprised me by how well the onscreen keyboard actually works, and while I can't shed the real one just yet I find myself able to use the onscreen keyboard rather often.
Service, 3G speed, and sound quality all excel on this phone. After having four different phones on Verizon I can definitely say this is one of the best I've used. I've never had a problem with my wireless, and contrary to a lot of discussion when the phone came out, Exchange sync works just fine even with the $30/mo. data plan.

I've also purchased the car dock, which brings me to Google Navigation. With my Fuze I used TomTom, which was very nice, despite having a hard time getting a signal with the GPS itself sometimes. However, in the Droid, I've almost always gotten a lock within 30 seconds even while stationary, and almost immediately while moving. Google Navigation has the most stylish design and the ease of use integration of Google Maps, and personally I think just the best looking maps all-around. My only problem with it is it's not for 'hardcore navigationists', that is, I've had it route me down a silly road when there was a better route I know I could take, but there isn't really a way to tell it to take that route. Of course, since it's just an application on the phone, there's no reason Google can't improve this in the future. I also enjoy using this for streaming audio, which works great in the car, or with Bluetooth headphones. I use the Motorola S305 Bluetooth Stereo Headset (Black) which I got from Verizon, and it works extremely well with this phone.

I am most definitely happy with my purchase, and it was totally worth the ETF to go from AT&T to Verizon.