Apps Sorry for the NOOB question, but ...

[Gneechee]

I'm hoping to start developing Android Apps ... already have Eclipse and the SKD installed and running just fine - without a phone. Now it's time to buy one

I have been waiting for the Droid X ... but since Motorola has locked and/or restricted their phones, I don't know which phone to go with ...

I have a question I can't seem to find an answer to ... that is - does your phone have to be rooted to develop apps for it using the SDK Google provides? Is root access required for that?

I read something about "sideloading" - how does that relate to the new Droid not allowing packages from unknown sources?
To quote Motorola's comment ...

"... At this time, Motorola Android-based handsets are intended for use by consumers and Android application developers, and we have currently chosen not to go into the business of providing fully unlocked developer phones. ..."

They specifically say intended for use by application developers.

Am I missing something here?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[cp1]

You don't have to be rooted to run applications on your phone. I think the Droid X is just restricted in that you can't reflash it. You should be able to use eclipse to run apps on it normally -- check the forums and see if you can load regular .apk files onto it.

Anyway I have an Incredible and it works fine without rooting.

 

[JiMMaR]

Droid X has a locked bootloader , means you cannot change the kernel [unless you work for motorola]
but I never heard that they locked apps from unknown sources , so you should be fine with that