New Droid user with trouble

[Doctorjazz]

Hi-recently got the Motorola Droid (think it has a different name outside of US). I've been trying to get a handle on it-I've used Symbian (in it's early, Psion, incarnation), Palm (briefly), and recently Windows Mobile (PDA, not phone) for a few years now. The Symbian was the most usable out of the box, which was a good thing, since it also offered (at the time) the least 3rd party software. WinMo was fairly unusable when I first got it, but with the addition of some PIM software (Pocket Informant), database (HanDBase), and others (SPB Pocket Plus and Pocket Diary), it became very usable. Didn't do the internet or video things well (this was a Dell x51v, WiFi enabled, but generally I didn't find it worth the trouble), but for work activity it did OK. Now Droid-for one thing, it just died on me today (Verizon is supposed to send me a new one in 3-5 days), but I haven't found it able to duplicate what the Dell does. My impression is that the Market offers all sorts of small programs, free or inexpensive, but each one does it's own little thing, the notes application having little to do with the task application, etc. The WinMo software was definitely much more expensive, but I'd pay for it as it was designed in a much more professional, integrated, useful manner. I keep hearing about convergence of gadgets...now I carry my Droid, my Dell, and my iPod (haven't found either of the music programs in the other gadgets nearly as good). I certainly wouldn't rely on the camera-the few shots I've taken were pretty sad. I do love the GPS, however-won't be buying a standalone unit now.
Just felt like venting-gotta go
Jack

 

[jfritzs2]

Hi-recently got the Motorola Droid (think it has a different name outside of US). I've been trying to get a handle on it-I've used Symbian (in it's early, Psion, incarnation), Palm (briefly), and recently Windows Mobile (PDA, not phone) for a few years now. The Symbian was the most usable out of the box, which was a good thing, since it also offered (at the time) the least 3rd party software. WinMo was fairly unusable when I first got it, but with the addition of some PIM software (Pocket Informant), database (HanDBase), and others (SPB Pocket Plus and Pocket Diary), it became very usable. Didn't do the internet or video things well (this was a Dell x51v, WiFi enabled, but generally I didn't find it worth the trouble), but for work activity it did OK. Now Droid-for one thing, it just died on me today (Verizon is supposed to send me a new one in 3-5 days), but I haven't found it able to duplicate what the Dell does. My impression is that the Market offers all sorts of small programs, free or inexpensive, but each one does it's own little thing, the notes application having little to do with the task application, etc. The WinMo software was definitely much more expensive, but I'd pay for it as it was designed in a much more professional, integrated, useful manner. I keep hearing about convergence of gadgets...now I carry my Droid, my Dell, and my iPod (haven't found either of the music programs in the other gadgets nearly as good). I certainly wouldn't rely on the camera-the few shots I've taken were pretty sad. I do love the GPS, however-won't be buying a standalone unit now.
Just felt like venting-gotta go
Jack

Wow, Well I'd say ditch your PDA, you'll be surprised at what your Droid can do, just search the Market, you'll find what you need. Next, sell you iPod. Music apps -

RockOn

Pandora

MixZing

Last.FM

There are a ton more apps out there for music! Don't worry, Android take care of everything, and you Droid will be able to handle it all. Welcome to the forums!

Mixzing

 

[justjimjpc]

Hi-recently got the Motorola Droid (think it has a different name outside of US). I've been trying to get a handle on it-I've used Symbian (in it's early, Psion, incarnation), Palm (briefly), and recently Windows Mobile (PDA, not phone) for a few years now. The Symbian was the most usable out of the box, which was a good thing, since it also offered (at the time) the least 3rd party software. WinMo was fairly unusable when I first got it, but with the addition of some PIM software (Pocket Informant), database (HanDBase), and others (SPB Pocket Plus and Pocket Diary), it became very usable. Didn't do the internet or video things well (this was a Dell x51v, WiFi enabled, but generally I didn't find it worth the trouble), but for work activity it did OK. Now Droid-for one thing, it just died on me today (Verizon is supposed to send me a new one in 3-5 days), but I haven't found it able to duplicate what the Dell does. My impression is that the Market offers all sorts of small programs, free or inexpensive, but each one does it's own little thing, the notes application having little to do with the task application, etc. The WinMo software was definitely much more expensive, but I'd pay for it as it was designed in a much more professional, integrated, useful manner. I keep hearing about convergence of gadgets...now I carry my Droid, my Dell, and my iPod (haven't found either of the music programs in the other gadgets nearly as good). I certainly wouldn't rely on the camera-the few shots I've taken were pretty sad. I do love the GPS, however-won't be buying a standalone unit now.
Just felt like venting-gotta go
Jack

Welcome to the AF forums and enjoy your visits !!

 

[Doctorjazz]

Hi-thanks for taking the time to commend. I actually have spent much time in the Market, and various sites researching recommended apps. I've got Pandora and Last FM on the Droid (and my PC), and they are fun apps, though a bit predictable (I have learned about some new bands by creating a Fountains of Wayne station, one of my favorite bands). Still not the ipod-I put uncompressed files on my 80gb Classic, and can run it for hours on shuffle at the office, just great. I actually think HanDBase is creating an Android app, (they have iPhone and everyone else already), so I just have to be patient (am I the only one who finds database programs essential for the PDA/smartphone? I use them constantly, mostly work related, (I'm a pediatrician-I can enter my hospital visits, with all the relevant codes in seconds, find specialist information, and lots more...of course, I had to put these together myself initiallyThey are also is great for "wanted" lists, CD's, movies, books, or anything else). Anyway, since my phone crashed (the "tech" at the verizon store had no idea why-could it be too many programs downloaded? A virus off the internet? Programs that clash? The stars/planets misaligned?) I'm borrowing my wife's candybar for a few days.
OK-I can run on, I'll catch my breath for now.
Thanks-Jack