Android vanilla vs Modded Versions

[xraptorx]

Hello guys
I will be getting an android in the next few week. I was actually thinking of going with the Sony Xperia X3 once it comes out. I saw on the forums here that it is heavily modded from standard OS. I guess that is the same with the HTC Hero and the Motorola Motionblur android phones.

But what does that mean exactly? Does a modded OS from the maufacturer mean I cannot run all apps or that only certain apps run on that fone? Does it mean I cannot update the OS without going to the manufacturers website (we all know that HTC does not update all thier older phones with the newest versions of software).

I guess I want to know the pros and cons of the Xperia, Hero or any modded OS before buying the phone

 

[transic]

You can run all Android applications on a modified version. It is still the same base but the UI is modified.

 

[cdstour]

You can run all Android applications on a modified version. It is still the same base but the UI is modified.

Does a modified version of Android have the built-in Google sync (i.e. Calendar, push Gmail)?

 

[kasperknop]

Does a modified version of Android have the built-in Google sync (i.e. Calendar, push Gmail)?

My Hero could sinc with everything from google yes =) - the calender is just a new look for the gmail calender and you can choose to either use HTC mail widget with your google account or just the standard gmail app - both come with the phone.

I just sold it though.. getting a Droid and have one question as well... The Hero (with the sense UI) has the possiblility to scroll to the side giving more homescreens (7 in total). Does the android OS have this feature as well or are you left with only one screen which means no room for widgets?XD

 

[Matenrou]

Does the android OS have this feature as well or are you left with only one screen which means no room for widgets?XD

Android "vanilla" has 3 homescreens.

 

[kasperknop]

Android "vanilla" has 3 homescreens.

Thanks =) That's ok I guess =) used all 7 on my hero but that was just to fill it all out inserting full screen widgets that might as well have been shortcuts.. thinking about it 3 is a good number, and it will always be at least just as fast to get to anything.