Help me choose VZW Android phone

[trackstar]

Hello, I'm about to purchase my first ever smartphone. My anticipated uses are pretty simple: gmail, occasional google searches for food, etc, a few apps to manage my calendar and passwords. I'm definitely going to stick with VZW, as I have an existing family plan and they are the only carrier with good service in my area.

So I'm torn between the Droid and the Eris. I've researched the crap out of them and am well aware of the hardware/software differences. My two concerns are: 1) Will I be disappointed with Android 1.6, i.e.is it insufficient for my needs? 2) The keyboard issue. My (limited) experience with touchscreen keyboards (some iphone use, garmin gps's) has left me less than thrilled. But the Droid keyboard does not look very easy to use.

The droid is $50 right now on amazon, and the eris is basically free, so I don't think I'm going to want to shell out $ when the N1 finally comes to VZW.

What say you guys?

 

[grainysand]

The keyboard issue shouldn't concern you. There are many keyboard replacements on the market and you are bound to find something you're comfortable with. If all else fails, there is always Swype, Shape Writer and similar that are, imo, superior to most hardware keyboards speed wise.

Otherwise, Android 1.6 will serve you fine for the needs you mentioned. Plus, the Eris will get an update to 2.1 in a month or two anyway.

 

[trackstar]

The keyboard issue shouldn't concern you. There are many keyboard replacements on the market and you are bound to find something you're comfortable with. If all else fails, there is always Swype, Shape Writer and similar that are, imo, superior to most hardware keyboards speed wise.

Otherwise, Android 1.6 will serve you fine for the needs you mentioned. Plus, the Eris will get an update to 2.1 in a month or two anyway.

Just to clarify, when you say "keyboard replacement," we're talking about the soft keyboard on the Eris, right?

 

[grainysand]

Yep, that's what I meant.

 

[trackstar]

Thanks. I guess the Eris is actually running 1.5 according to VZW website. Dunno if that makes a difference.

Also how is the trackball on the Eris? BB users seem to universally hate their trackball. Granted it's probably a little different, but...

 

[grainysand]

Not sure about the Eris' trackball, but the one on my Nexus One serves me well enough (as in it hasn't fallen off or malfunctioned or anything, and in general is usable/does what it's supposed to do). It's probably the same make too, since both phones were manufactured by HTC.

 

[trackstar]

Well I went to the verizon store today to play with both models. The Droid keyboard sucks. For me, at least. I actually found the Eris soft keyboard easier to use. (They also had a Devour there, I liked that keyboard but the phone is enormous). So I'm strongly leaning towards the Eris now.

 

[grainysand]

Yeah, the HTC soft keyboard is generally quite well-liked (especially when haptic feedback's turned on).

Devour doesn't tick the boxes for me, plus it comes with MotoBlur, a rather hideous custom UI over stock Android that doesn't serve any purpose but to slow the phone down.

 

[TheSultan]

Wait a little while and get the HTC Incredible!

 

[trackstar]

Ehh, there is always something bigger and better around the corner. If you are always waiting for something better, you'd never pull the trigger.