I am new so please excuse my ignorance, but why do you say this?
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Bootloader Locked? Yup.
- Thread starter 8-Bit-Soldier
- Start date
I am new so please excuse my ignorance, but why do you say this?
JoJoCal19
Member
I hate that Motorola has to lock the bootloader. I absolutely hate MotoBlur in any iteration and want to run whatever ROM I want, mostly a vanilla Android ROM. The thing is Motorola is superior to HTC with regards to radio quality and battery life. So if I get the Thunderbolt then I have to deal with lower specced hardware and inferior battery life or go with the Bionic and have better hardware and battery life but an inferior UI and software experience.
Being that I'm looking to get an Android phone for development/tinkering purposes, it only makes sense to go with the Thunderbolt.
Being that I'm looking to get an Android phone for development/tinkering purposes, it only makes sense to go with the Thunderbolt.
djkeller3
Android Enthusiast
That is precisely the dilemma. Since I can't live without CyanogenMod, I've decided to get a Thunderbolt. The hardware seems to be a step up from the Incredible, and that's good because having come from an OG Motorola Droid, I don't like the plasticky, creaky form factor at all. So I feel better with regards to the Thunderbolt.
Have you seen the video floating around that shows the Thunderbolt being un-boxed? Apparently, they're getting benchmarks in Quadrant that are exceeding those of the Bionic (despite the single-core processor), and it allows for simultaneous voice and data on 3G. That really sealed the deal for me, along with the upgraded hardware.
JoJoCal19
Member
That is precisely the dilemma. Since I can't live without CyanogenMod, I've decided to get a Thunderbolt. The hardware seems to be a step up from the Incredible, and that's good because having come from an OG Motorola Droid, I don't like the plasticky, creaky form factor at all. So I feel better with regards to the Thunderbolt.
Have you seen the video floating around that shows the Thunderbolt being un-boxed? Apparently, they're getting benchmarks in Quadrant that are exceeding those of the Bionic (despite the single-core processor), and it allows for simultaneous voice and data on 3G. That really sealed the deal for me, along with the upgraded hardware.
Yes I saw that this morning actually and was very impressed with how smooth and fast it is. I have had the original Droid, Droid X and just sold my Fascinate (for an iPhone 4 as primary) and even with the 1Ghz hummingbird proc, the Fascinate was nowhere near as fluid as the TB seemed. I've also messed around with my co-workers Evo and that phone is so smooth and fast. I will never own another Samsung phone after waiting for and still not getting 2.2. I'm willing to bet Sammy wont even upgrade the Fascinate further just to push people to their new flagship Android device.
That is precisely the dilemma. Since I can't live without CyanogenMod, I've decided to get a Thunderbolt. The hardware seems to be a step up from the Incredible, and that's good because having come from an OG Motorola Droid, I don't like the plasticky, creaky form factor at all. So I feel better with regards to the Thunderbolt.
Have you seen the video floating around that shows the Thunderbolt being un-boxed? Apparently, they're getting benchmarks in Quadrant that are exceeding those of the Bionic (despite the single-core processor), and it allows for simultaneous voice and data on 3G. That really sealed the deal for me, along with the upgraded hardware.
The Bionic was getting 2200 Quadrants at CES, and it was only running one core at the time. the max the Thunderbolt was getting was, what, 2100?
YankeeDudeL
Android Expert
As a Droid owner, I don't see the Thunderbolt as a great option for me. I love the masculine form factor. HTC phones (and most other phones for that matter) just seem like toys compared to it. I understand that's not likely to be a determining factor for most, but it def something that matters to me. To be quite honest, even the Droid Bionic seems to be getting away from that look with it's rounded edges. I'd much prefer the straight lines of the Droid X(2).
But to me, I just like the function of the Droid line than HTC and other manufacturers. There's an ease of use that when I'm playing with other phones, "Why did they add extra steps?" When I play with my g/f's Incredible, it angers me at times. And while it's def a great phone, at times it makes me feel like it's a jumbled mess. It's phone app is a prime example.
And as mb01 pointed out in another thread, why on Earth is it the same garbage battery? The Incredible and Evo battery life is simply atrocious. I can get pretty good life out of my Droid, and from what I hear, the dual core of the Bionic will actually use less battery b/c the phone won't have to work as hard. And there's the 1400 vs 1900 comparison.
But to me, I just like the function of the Droid line than HTC and other manufacturers. There's an ease of use that when I'm playing with other phones, "Why did they add extra steps?" When I play with my g/f's Incredible, it angers me at times. And while it's def a great phone, at times it makes me feel like it's a jumbled mess. It's phone app is a prime example.
And as mb01 pointed out in another thread, why on Earth is it the same garbage battery? The Incredible and Evo battery life is simply atrocious. I can get pretty good life out of my Droid, and from what I hear, the dual core of the Bionic will actually use less battery b/c the phone won't have to work as hard. And there's the 1400 vs 1900 comparison.
djkeller3
Android Enthusiast
Don't have any idea. I'm only going by what the guy said when he unboxed it (in the video). I don't really care. Anything over 1800 is an insane speed, and whether it's scoring 2100 or 2300, I certainly won't be complaining.
djkeller3
Android Enthusiast
That's why if you buy an HTC phone, you need to root it. Like you, I had the OG Droid and got hooked on AOSP ROMs and, like you, I don't like manufacturer-installed firmware, like Sense. I have learned that some people do... I do not. I played with Sense for a week to see if I could get used to it. I got used to it, but hated it. I rooted and installed CyanogenMod 6.1 and I had the EXACT same UI as I had on my OG. Now I have CyanogenMod 7 (Gingerbread), and my Dinc is very fast, speedy, Sense-free and bloatware-free. I think you would like it.
Yeah, on this I completely agree. I have to use 4 batteries at times just to get through the day... granted I am an extremely heavy internet streamer.
I'm a DX user. I have a locked bootloader. I've promised myself, never again. I'll never own a phone with a locked bootloader. I love Motorola quality, but if they are going to shut me out of my phone then I'm going over to HTC for my next phone.
I want full access to my phone's kernel. I'm a power user, root user, rom flasher and overclocker. The Bionic looks great to me, but not great enough if the lock the bootloader.
I want full access to my phone's kernel. I'm a power user, root user, rom flasher and overclocker. The Bionic looks great to me, but not great enough if the lock the bootloader.
YankeeDudeL
Android Expert
That's why if you buy an HTC phone, you need to root it. Like you, I had the OG Droid and got hooked on AOSP ROMs and, like you, I don't like manufacturer-installed firmware, like Sense. I have learned that some people do... I do not. I played with Sense for a week to see if I could get used to it. I got used to it, but hated it. I rooted and installed CyanogenMod 6.1 and I had the EXACT same UI as I had on my OG. Now I have CyanogenMod 7 (Gingerbread), and my Dinc is very fast, speedy, Sense-free and bloatware-free. I think you would like it.
Yeah, on this I completely agree. I have to use 4 batteries at times just to get through the day... granted I am an extremely heavy internet streamer.
I did root my g/f's DInc, and I def prefer it w/o Sense. It's not a bad phone by any means, I just think the Droid is laid out better. If I had to get used to it as my phone, I'm sure I could learn to tolerate it better. It's def a fast phone. And I'm sure the Thunderbolt is going to be even better. Considering upgrading the girlie's DInc to it. But do want to see what the new LG and Samsung are going to be like and when they're going to drop. She's not a fan of the masculine Motorola look.
djkeller3
Android Enthusiast
djkeller3
Android Enthusiast
YankeeDudeL
Android Expert
I def hate that it's a locked bootloader, I hate to be restricted in anything. I respect anyone for not tolerating that, especially when they decline on a superior device. I hope there's enough of a stance that it will eventually make a diff with them, but I def doubt it.
I don't think the locked bootloader is going to be all too much of a disruption for me, as most functions will be available. And I rarely flash CM, so I doubt I'll miss that. Will def miss it as an option, though. But I dunno. I could really use the HDMI mirroring and profiles that it'll offer. I'm not sure if I really need 4G. Might wait on the DX2 since it's going to have dual core. We'll see.
I don't think the locked bootloader is going to be all too much of a disruption for me, as most functions will be available. And I rarely flash CM, so I doubt I'll miss that. Will def miss it as an option, though. But I dunno. I could really use the HDMI mirroring and profiles that it'll offer. I'm not sure if I really need 4G. Might wait on the DX2 since it's going to have dual core. We'll see.
cybercruiser
Android Enthusiast
Ok, I'll show my ignorance, exactly why do you guys all want an unlocked bootloader?? What exactly are the benefits that you want to do, that apparently the Mfg doesn't want you to be doing??
If you'd read the thread you would know. Start reading.
rushmore
Extreme Android User
You really think Moto is the only company smart or powerful enough to implement a locked bootloader onto their phones? HTC has not gone this route for a reason, hence why I said Moto is against open source community for this lock while other manufacturers still ALLOW it, simply do not CONDONE it.
SirKronan
Android Expert
So what do I choose? I want video out. I'd like to stick it to them on the bootloader, too. But we are so limited to good android phones right now, especially if my two other lines have a long time left on the contract before I'm able to leave verizon, and even if I could, they still have the best reception by far in areas I frequent.
I would simply get another Fascinate on the cheap if they had video out. Gosh, it's a great phone, but no video out. The EVO had video out. why'd they get rid of it for the Thunderbolt?? Arg.
So I'm stuck with a locked bootloader then, because only the Moto's are fast android devices that also have HDMI output. What do I do? LG, come to verizon faster and SAVE ME PLEASE!!!
I would simply get another Fascinate on the cheap if they had video out. Gosh, it's a great phone, but no video out. The EVO had video out. why'd they get rid of it for the Thunderbolt?? Arg.
So I'm stuck with a locked bootloader then, because only the Moto's are fast android devices that also have HDMI output. What do I do? LG, come to verizon faster and SAVE ME PLEASE!!!
I will just point out that, there isnt another manufacturer that has a phone locked the way moto does, however, there are phones that are locked. The rest of your post is speculation.
rushmore
Extreme Android User
Just for reference, look at the amount of posts for this device verses Thunderbolt. If I were a Moto marketing person, I would be taking stock of this and doing what could be done to strike up interest. An April launch and locked bootloaders are not good ways to initiate sustained interest in the device.
Sure, most folks do not care about rooting their device, but the sample of interest is still over 4 to 1 compared to Thunderbolt's thread. Anecdotal- true, but still the post level at these forums does appear to correlate to popularity of the device through sales.
Sure, most folks do not care about rooting their device, but the sample of interest is still over 4 to 1 compared to Thunderbolt's thread. Anecdotal- true, but still the post level at these forums does appear to correlate to popularity of the device through sales.
I'm still sitting here with an original Droid and I've come to some solid conclusions:
1. Like I'd always experienced, Moto builds tanks. I've manhandled this thing, dropped it, beat on it. It just keeps working.
2. I thought I had to have a real keyboard. The HORRIBLE keyboard on this forced me to adapt and now I no longer want a physical keyboard. Just too bulky. Virtual is just fine as I find I type about the same speed with or without.
3. I run Cyanogen Mod on this and I can't see going back. It's so nice to be free of the anticipation of fixes that takes months on end. All the speculation. All the missed dates. Then there's the great additional features. Just being able to choose the type of boot....
4. Not sure of the cause technically but Launcher Pro often reloads on my Droid and I'm left to assume this is due to the 256MB of RAM so more RAM should be good. 512MB sounds pretty good right now from here.
5. A bigger screen would be a good thing now. The size of this one is good but I'm 46. Larger would be better. Droid X didn't seem that big to me. Thus a Bionic or a Droid X2 would be potentials if they ever fix the locked ROM situation.
6. A friend has one of the new Samsung's from Sprint, though I forget which one but it's screen is simply stunning to look at. Wouldn't mind that.
So given all of that, what are the options out there that are coming up?
1. Like I'd always experienced, Moto builds tanks. I've manhandled this thing, dropped it, beat on it. It just keeps working.
2. I thought I had to have a real keyboard. The HORRIBLE keyboard on this forced me to adapt and now I no longer want a physical keyboard. Just too bulky. Virtual is just fine as I find I type about the same speed with or without.
3. I run Cyanogen Mod on this and I can't see going back. It's so nice to be free of the anticipation of fixes that takes months on end. All the speculation. All the missed dates. Then there's the great additional features. Just being able to choose the type of boot....
4. Not sure of the cause technically but Launcher Pro often reloads on my Droid and I'm left to assume this is due to the 256MB of RAM so more RAM should be good. 512MB sounds pretty good right now from here.
5. A bigger screen would be a good thing now. The size of this one is good but I'm 46. Larger would be better. Droid X didn't seem that big to me. Thus a Bionic or a Droid X2 would be potentials if they ever fix the locked ROM situation.
6. A friend has one of the new Samsung's from Sprint, though I forget which one but it's screen is simply stunning to look at. Wouldn't mind that.
So given all of that, what are the options out there that are coming up?