Android Mobile OS

[Jeremy D. Scott]

So I feel somewhat silly posting this in General Discussion. It certainly doesn't apply to all and I'm sure only a small minority care. But this is where the tech talk happens, I guess.

In a couple of months I'll be again buying a cell phone. Until a couple of months ago, I thought it would be an iPhone (I currently have the first Android phone: HTC G1). But I may yet stick with Android. If I were to buy today, I'd likely go with the Vibrant, but I have a few months. The below video shows a great feature of the latest Motorola Droid X:



Now I know that tethering is nothing new, but wireless tethering? (And without breaking some kind of TOS?)

[Bud Pugh]

Well, if I remember what I think I've heard, the privilege of creating a personal mobile hotspot with the Droid X (or with the Palm Pre before it) will cost an additional $20 per month from Verizon. My daughter-in-law has the Pre Plus. It came with lifetime free hotspot but my Droid X did not.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

Well, if I remember what I think I've heard, the privilege of creating a personal mobile hotspot with the Droid X (or with the Palm Pre before it) will cost an additional $20 per month from Verizon. My daughter-in-law has the Pre Plus. It came with lifetime free hotspot but my Droid X did not.

Thanks...that is indeed something to take into account.

[Kevin Rector]

I like my Droid a lot.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

I like my Droid a lot.

I had forgotten that it was what you settled on. Which one did you get? The original, the Incredible, the X?

(Mike, same question...)

[Kevin Rector]

The original. I love it. Since I'm a long way away from new every 2 I have not even looked at the X to see what differences there might be.

[Gary Creely]

Well, if I remember what I think I've heard, the privilege of creating a personal mobile hotspot with the Droid X (or with the Palm Pre before it) will cost an additional $20 per month from Verizon. My daughter-in-law has the Pre Plus. It came with lifetime free hotspot but my Droid X did not.

The iphone does the same thing (at the same price-yuk)

[Rich Schmidt]

The iphone does the same thing (at the same price-yuk)

Actually, no. It doesn't. Hotspot is different than tethering.

The wireless hotspot thing creates a little wifi network that you can join with any wifi capable device, which then connects to the internet over 3G (or 4G, if you have the EVO 4G). I think some may be limited in the number of connections they can handle.

Tethering connects one device via bluetooth or a cable, and then connects that device to the internet over 3G.

So, for example, if you have a WiFi iPad, you can't tether it to the new iPhone, but you can connect to a DroidX's or Pre Plus's wireless hotspot.

[Gary Creely]

Actually, no. It doesn't. Hotspot is different than tethering.

The wireless hotspot thing creates a little wifi network that you can join with any wifi capable device, which then connects to the internet over 3G (or 4G, if you have the EVO 4G). I think some may be limited in the number of connections they can handle.

Tethering connects one device via bluetooth or a cable, and then connects that device to the internet over 3G.

So, for example, if you have a WiFi iPad, you can't tether it to the new iPhone, but you can connect to a DroidX's or Pre Plus's wireless hotspot.

Ya, seems the you are right for stock tethering. Since I am unwilling to pay extra for data I have paid for already I jail break my phone (waiting for Iphone for 4 jail break), and when you do that you can tether via ad hock wifi hotspot, USB, or bluetooth- for free. So the Iphone is capable of it. I don't know how that will work on the droid X, but with the iphone tethering with wifi really soaked the battery quickly.

[David Pettigrew]

I have ATT, the only reliable network where I live. Do any of you have ATT? What phone would have this feature? I'm in my upgrade period. I am thinking about iphone.

[Gary Creely]

The Aria is the att android option (what is interesting is how deeply you need to look in the specs to fing that out). I am not sure if they allow tethering via wifi on att.

The "Aria" goes by other names on other carriers, but is one of the better android phones.

When you have a good Att date connection it is fast, infact much faster than verizon. I regularly get 2-3+ megs down on Att. In fact I was at the philly airport yesterday and was getting 2.7 megs down.

IMO if you are already on Att the iphone 4 is the best phone going.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

So I have done a bit more in depth research and cost analysis. Thought I'd share my research. Keep in mind that the details are oriented for my wife and I (don't need texting, two lines). Except for Metro PCS and AT&T (iPhone), the phones listed are all Android.



I'm actually considering going with Metro PCS and using the savings for the next iPad, which I hope to be much better. This is especially attractive because there's no contract and I can pull out any time I want if I change my mind. The phones are cheap enough that it's not a hit at all to do that. There are weak rumors about an Android phone on Metro PCS. If that actually came out, I could re-evaluate.

Part of the reason we wanted the new iPhone was to use it exclusively for photos and video (we need not anything else really...we want to capture memories, not win contests). Our current digital point-and-shoot is on its way out. We'd just not place it. In addition, I was looking forward to each of us maintaining our own iTunes libraries, as our current iPod serves as both of ours as well as the kids' as well as our movie bank for travel. Having iPhones would allow us to use the iPod (the first video one) for travel movies only. But the lack of Verizon/T-Mobile and the two year contract might be enough for me to wait even longer for the next iPad.

I'm just hashing this out here...sorry...I'm not a good decision-maker with these things, which may be why Metro PCS is the way to go. Thoughts?

(By the way, after posting the video above that began this thread, I didn't even include that feature in the cost analysis. I'm not paying $20/month for that.)

[Kevin Rector]

So I have done a bit more in depth research and cost analysis. Thought I'd share my research. Keep in mind that the details are oriented for my wife and I (don't need texting, two lines). Except for Metro PCS and AT&T (iPhone), the phones listed are all Android.

One thing to consider is that if you switch from T-Mobile to another carrier - like Verizon they may have a new customer incentive. When I got my Droid Andrea could have gotten one free (we opted not to because she didn't need or want data at $30 a month).

I just checked verizonwireless.com and you can get a Droid X for $200 not $225. Also if you will settle for the same Droid I have you can get it for $150 with a buy one get one free deal.

I'm just hashing this out here...sorry...I'm not a good decision-maker with these things, which may be why Metro PCS is the way to go. Thoughts?

I feel you, I remember the anxiety I felt before deciding on my phone.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

I just checked verizonwireless.com and you can get a Droid X for $200 not $225. Also if you will settle for the same Droid I have you can get it for $150 with a buy one get one free deal.

I had to put the "one-time activation fee" somewhere. It was $35 for the first line and $25 for the second, so I just put it with the phone column. I think I could probably get those waived if I went into the store.

[Rich Schmidt]

So I have done a bit more in depth research and cost analysis. Thought I'd share my research. Keep in mind that the details are oriented for my wife and I (don't need texting, two lines). Except for Metro PCS and AT&T (iPhone), the phones listed are all Android.



I'm actually considering going with Metro PCS and using the savings for the next iPad, which I hope to be much better. This is especially attractive because there's no contract and I can pull out any time I want if I change my mind. The phones are cheap enough that it's not a hit at all to do that. There are weak rumors about an Android phone on Metro PCS. If that actually came out, I could re-evaluate.

Part of the reason we wanted the new iPhone was to use it exclusively for photos and video (we need not anything else really...we want to capture memories, not win contests). Our current digital point-and-shoot is on its way out. We'd just not place it. In addition, I was looking forward to each of us maintaining our own iTunes libraries, as our current iPod serves as both of ours as well as the kids' as well as our movie bank for travel. Having iPhones would allow us to use the iPod (the first video one) for travel movies only. But the lack of Verizon/T-Mobile and the two year contract might be enough for me to wait even longer for the next iPad.

I'm just hashing this out here...sorry...I'm not a good decision-maker with these things, which may be why Metro PCS is the way to go. Thoughts?

(By the way, after posting the video above that began this thread, I didn't even include that feature in the cost analysis. I'm not paying $20/month for that.)

It looks like you're being pretty thorough!

It also looks like you're committed to getting the 32GB iPhone 4 for both yourself and your wife. The 16 GB is $200 instead of $300. And, if you find you're not using much data, you can switch to the cheaper data plan ($15/mo for 200 MB) without extending your contract.

BTW, I just ordered my iPhone 4 last week. Looks like it won't be delivererd until the end of August. Stupid popular phone that everybody wants....

[Gina Stevenson]

I feel you, I remember the anxiety I felt before deciding on my phone.

Oh, glad to know it's not just me ... with "picking-a-phone-for-the-next-several-years" anxiety! Big decision, considering all the things I store on a phone! [yeah, my old one that's quit on me kept telling me I was low on memory, but had only how-many MB's on it ... forget now, it was Nokia 6102i, anyway]

NOW, I've got a USB data cable for it on the way ... something I was thinking about how-long ago & didn't get around to. NOW that I can't use the buttons to get this stuff out manually, I'm hoping that what I read on-line re the cable [w/Nokia Suite] being able to get info off the phone, in spite of its not working so long as it can be turned on, etc, I'm hoping that what I read was right! The cable was just a total of $6.99, so hoping it works .......

You see, when trying bluetooth how-long ago [when I found a $10 gizmo to plug into the computer, then tell the phone to transfer in that mode], I learned it only transferred the contact name/one number; if you had other #'s under that name, address, notes, etc, it did not take those at all! I could not transfer calendar into, other files/notes, either. Supposedly with this data cable, and the Nokia Suite software you can get all this "stuff" off the phone. HOPE SO !!!

[EDITED to add that I now wonder if I'd had Nokia Suite back when trying bluetooth if I could have picked off other things, after all, in spite of not being connected via a cable ... but no one had told me re Nokia Suite back then ... now it's too late to try, unless I should happen to find a phone that's Nokia now, too. Sure find this phone-picking a hard thing to do!]

Phone anxiety ... definitely a real thing ... I don't want to get a phone, have trouble [probably why I held onto my working one for four years, instead of the usual 2-year trade-in I'm told is usual], and then have to go without again/decide again ....

[Gary Creely]

So I have done a bit more in depth research and cost analysis. Thought I'd share my research. Keep in mind that the details are oriented for my wife and I (don't need texting, two lines). Except for Metro PCS and AT&T (iPhone), the phones listed are all Android.



I'm actually considering going with Metro PCS and using the savings for the next iPad, which I hope to be much better. This is especially attractive because there's no contract and I can pull out any time I want if I change my mind. The phones are cheap enough that it's not a hit at all to do that. There are weak rumors about an Android phone on Metro PCS. If that actually came out, I could re-evaluate.

Part of the reason we wanted the new iPhone was to use it exclusively for photos and video (we need not anything else really...we want to capture memories, not win contests). Our current digital point-and-shoot is on its way out. We'd just not place it. In addition, I was looking forward to each of us maintaining our own iTunes libraries, as our current iPod serves as both of ours as well as the kids' as well as our movie bank for travel. Having iPhones would allow us to use the iPod (the first video one) for travel movies only. But the lack of Verizon/T-Mobile and the two year contract might be enough for me to wait even longer for the next iPad.

I'm just hashing this out here...sorry...I'm not a good decision-maker with these things, which may be why Metro PCS is the way to go. Thoughts?

(By the way, after posting the video above that began this thread, I didn't even include that feature in the cost analysis. I'm not paying $20/month for that.)

I have several thoughts (surprise, surprise)

In terms of your chart you have not counted one variable, the phone subsidy. For instance the Iphone is subsidized $400, my guess is the subsidy for Metro is less than $50.

I think the Metro PCS idea is bad - 1. their phones are awful 2. having a smart phone as a pastor is indispensable, going back to a regular phone will be a real let down.


I noticed you have $300 for your wifes iphone, I don't know if that was intentional. My thought is the extra space is not worth the extra money- especially when the base is 16 gigs. You can have a ton of stuff with 16 gigs.

The other thing not factored in was the fact att has rollover minutes, which is a great way to live comfortably on a lower minute plan.


I also wanted to address the "bad" about the 2 gig limit. I don't know your exact use, but I use my phone alot, occasionally tether it (unlocked-free) and have never used more than a 1 gig. Lots of people brag to me that the are grandfathered in to the unlimited plan ($30), but the reality is they are paying $5 extra bucks for no reason. On my plan we have 4 Iphones, average use per phone is 200-600 megs. This should not even be a factor in you decision.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

Remember that I listed the options and made the chart with our needs in mind.

I have several thoughts (surprise, surprise)

In terms of your chart you have not counted one variable, the phone subsidy. For instance the Iphone is subsidized $400, my guess is the subsidy for Metro is less than $50.

I don't care about the subsidy...just what it cost me (you'll note that I priced out an unsubsidized phone with T-Mobile, but that it barely saves any money if I actually used it for two years).

I think the Metro PCS idea is bad - 1. their phones are awful 2. having a smart phone as a pastor is indispensable, going back to a regular phone will be a real let down.

What I'm about to say is of my own view of my own situation: it is not a judgment on others's decisions. As Meghan and I continue to try and live more simply, this is just another way that we're considering need versus want. For sure, I need to have a phone as a pastor. But all the other "stuff" simply makes my life only slightly easier. Very rare is the day when several hours go by and I don't have access to a computer. I don't need to check my email 24-7. Especially as I consider using the savings to get the next iPad, this is more and more attractive to me. (I will miss the turn-by-turn directions that I currently get. Actually, I hadn't thought about that yet - does the iPhone give turn-by-turn directions using Google Maps? I would miss that from Android.)

I noticed you have $300 for your wifes iphone, I don't know if that was intentional. My thought is the extra space is not worth the extra money- especially when the base is 16 gigs. You can have a ton of stuff with 16 gigs.

I think you're right, my wife would not need the extra space. That would save $100.

The other thing not factored in was the fact att has rollover minutes, which is a great way to live comfortably on a lower minute plan.

For some reason, I saw that the 700 minute plan was the lowest, but just now I see that there's a 550 plan. I suppose we could try that and move up if we had to. Key in all of this is that we will not have home phones. These cell phones will be our only ones. If we went with AT&T though, it would help that my wife's main phone calls go to her parents, who have iPhones and AT&T (Yes, my 62-year old in-laws have iPhones. I don't know anyone who's a bigger fan of Apple than my father-in-law (Naz pastor), and he has been from the very start).

I also wanted to address the "bad" about the 2 gig limit. I don't know your exact use, but I use my phone alot, occasionally tether it (unlocked-free) and have never used more than a 1 gig. Lots of people brag to me that the are grandfathered in to the unlimited plan ($30), but the reality is they are paying $5 extra bucks for no reason. On my plan we have 4 Iphones, average use per phone is 200-600 megs. This should not even be a factor in you decision.

I really have no way of knowing. You're the second person that's responded to me about how much they use. My other friend told me on Sunday that he doesn't think 2GB is enough for him (he's had his phone less than a month, so he's going on that). When I first considered it, I factored in that we'll be using the phone for family pictures and video and counted those things in. However, I neglected to think about how those can by synced outside of the 2GB. (I'm somewhat surprised that there is no unlimited option, even for an extraordinary amount...because many people would still pay for it. But then again, perhaps AT&T is doing this because they have no choice but to get people to limit usage on their overloaded network.)

Another consideration is that I would be using the navigation quite a bit. Doesn't this take a lot of downloading?

Thanks for helping me think through all this. One thing is for sure (and somewhat surprisingly to me): when it comes to smart phones, it sure appears that when all other things are equal (personal preference, coverage, etc.), the iPhone is actually cheaper.

We have four months on our current contract to go and decided yesterday that we will use those four months. We thought we might have to pull out because someone on the plan is doing so in the next week or so, but found out yesterday that we don't have to as well. So who knows what will happen in those four months. T-Mobile is rumored at a huge project. It may be the next Google phone (not simply Android), especially noting that the Nexus One is already off the market (can you believe it?). And it's a stretch, but who knows what may happen with the iPad in that time.

(By the way, as much as I'm right now preferring the MetroPCS-iPad route, when I talked about it with Meghan, she disagrees. I'm only one of two in this decision. )

[Gary Creely]

What I'm about to say is of my own view of my own situation: it is not a judgment on others's decisions. As Meghan and I continue to try and live more simply, this is just another way that we're considering need versus want. For sure, I need to have a phone as a pastor. But all the other "stuff" simply makes my life only slightly easier. Very rare is the day when several hours go by and I don't have access to a computer. I don't need to check my email 24-7. Especially as I consider using the savings to get the next iPad, this is more and more attractive to me.

Just put the ipad on your christmas list, I sure Jeff would get it for you.

(I will miss the turn-by-turn directions that I currently get. Actually, I hadn't thought about that yet - does the iPhone give turn-by-turn directions using Google Maps? I would miss that from Android.)

Give, no. You need to get a GPS app. The phone does have google maps and shows you where you are on the map, and writes out the directions. This is a genuine android advantage.

I really have no way of knowing. You're the second person that's responded to me about how much they use. My other friend told me on Sunday that he doesn't think 2GB is enough for him (he's had his phone less than a month, so he's going on that). When I first considered it, I factored in that we'll be using the phone for family pictures and video and counted those things in. However, I neglected to think about how those can by synced outside of the 2GB. (I'm somewhat surprised that there is no unlimited option, even for an extraordinary amount...because many people would still pay for it. But then again, perhaps AT&T is doing this because they have no choice but to get people to limit usage on their overloaded network.)

Pandora soaks bandwidth, most other things don't (like maps). Any streaming audio or Video is what uses alot. The reason they put limits on it was for people who who just stream all the time. An other consideration is the overage fee is not that high $10 per gig. About overloaded networks, if Verizon ever got the iphone (which they may), I anticipate it would cripple their network (already slower than att), I have listen to several expert predict this. . Att has beefed there data network up pretty well, and it just might be the best data network (6.4 million bandwidth sucking iphones).

We are carful and my wife is doing fine with the 200meg plan.

Another consideration is that I would be using the navigation quite a bit. Doesn't this take a lot of downloading?

No.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

Give, no. You need to get a GPS app.

Do you use one? What do you like?

An other consideration is the overage fee is not that high $10 per gig.

I didn't realize that. That really isn't too bad.

[Gary Creely]

Do you use one? What do you like?

I don't use them, but they look good. They are subscription based ( $25 a year)

[Ryan Scott]

Jeremy, you should try calling T-mobile and getting in touch with the customer loyalty department. I was ready to switch to Verizon today and they mysteriously found a loophole that allows me to get Katelynn a free backberry and myself a free shadow 2 while forgoing the mandatory data plan (we'll be paying the same 59.99 a month for two lines sharing 750 minutes). Apparently if you don't want the data plan and are willing to leave the company over it, they'll waive the requirement that you get it.

I'm guessing those "customer loyalty" people have a lot of power to do this sort of thing - I'm not sure if they could waive the contract requirement, though - you'd have to be a heck of a negotiator to get that done - or have been a customer since 1995 like my dad; he gets everything he wants.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

So I'm typing on the iPhone right now. There is no doubt that this experience blows away my g1. The multitouch is key. Bit I'm just not sure that I need this experience on my cell phone. I'd rather have it on a portable tablet like the iPad.

[Gary Creely]

So I'm typing on the iPhone right now. There is no doubt that this experience blows away my g1. The multitouch is key. Bit I'm just not sure that I need this experience on my cell phone. I'd rather have it on a portable tablet like the iPad.

Does this mean you own one? or are you just at the store, or using somebody else's?

[Jim Chabot]

I finished up my long painful and confusing phone search yesterday. I settled on the droid x. I need to stick with Verizon, it is the only network that works at both houses. I couldn't justify the $20 for the hotspot and I have no need for texting. I finished out at about $90 per month for 600 minutes and five unlimited numbers plus the data plan. I got a couple of different cases for different uses, the obligatory extra chargers and cradles and a bluetooth earset. I'm thinking that if the earset works out the increased productivity should pay the whole phone bill.

The phone is supposed to ship in a week, hopefully it will work out. It's been six years since my last change, I miss my startac!

[Gary Creely]

There is no doubt that this experience blows away my g1. The multitouch is key.

The one thing that makes the iPhone so appealing is what a fantastic piece of hard ware it is. Many reviewers say it is the nicest made, and I would tend to agree. I realize that the network and the i
Os are big factors too, but just based on hardware it is hard to beat the iphone.

The hardware is not the whole story, but to hold next to other phone (even some of the really nice droid phones it just feels like better quality. The screen and multi touch are industry leading. Also the camera is an industry leader (in quality, not megapixels).

@Jim- I will be interested to see how you like your droid x. Looks like a compelling phone.


Ps - I typed this on my iphone

[Jeremy D. Scott]

Does this mean you own one? or are you just at the store, or using somebody else's?

I was using my mother-in-law's.

[Jim Chabot]

The one thing that makes the iPhone so appealing is what a fantastic piece of hard ware it is. Many reviewers say it is the nicest made, and I would tend to agree. I realize that the network and the i
Os are big factors too, but just based on hardware it is hard to beat the iphone.

The hardware is not the whole story, but to hold next to other phone (even some of the really nice droid phones it just feels like better quality. The screen and multi touch are industry leading. Also the camera is an industry leader (in quality, not megapixels).

@Jim- I will be interested to see how you like your droid x. Looks like a compelling phone.


Ps - I typed this on my iphone

I'm interested to see how I like it also! This is my first foray into the more than just a phone market. I wish that verizon offered the iphone because it does look like an incredible piece of hardware, but ATT won't work up north.

I'm already slightly disappointed, but hopeful. According to what I can read, the hdmi output is limited to showing pics and movies from memory space only. The display in the store made it look like one could watch internet content on an hdmi capable tv.

[Rich Schmidt]

So I'm typing on the iPhone right now. There is no doubt that this experience blows away my g1. The multitouch is key. Bit I'm just not sure that I need this experience on my cell phone. I'd rather have it on a portable tablet like the iPad.

I'm guessing (but don't really know) that typing on a Droid Incredible or Droid X would blow away your G1, too.

I'm a big fan of delayed gratification, so if you're willing to hold off on a new smartphone and wait for iPad 2.0, more power to you. Since I'm still using iPhone 1.0, I went ahead and ordered an iPhone 4.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

I'm guessing (but don't really know) that typing on a Droid Incredible or Droid X would blow away your G1, too.

Of course...I used a Samsung Vibrant last week and it's an experience in and of itself.

I'm a big fan of delayed gratification, so if you're willing to hold off on a new smartphone and wait for iPad 2.0, more power to you. Since I'm still using iPhone 1.0, I went ahead and ordered an iPhone 4.

Now I'm reading rumors of a smaller iPad coming out as early as December or the beginning of the year. I guess you just gotta jump in at some point. Yet with all the shifting of things after the initial release (Android tablets, etc.) my hope is that iPad 2.0 will be quite the thing. FaceTime should be much better on an iPad than on a phone.

[Rich Schmidt]

I guess you just gotta jump in at some point.

Yep. With the understanding that, no matter when you jump in, the next year's model will always be better/cheaper than the one you purchased.

Or, in the case of Android, the next month's model... At least with Apple you usually get to feel good about your purchase for a whole year!

[Gary Creely]

Jeremy,

I came across this article that is pretty objective and informative-

http://foreign.peacefmonline.com/bus...1008/67973.php

[Rich Schmidt]

Jeremy,

I came across this article that is pretty objective and informative-

http://foreign.peacefmonline.com/bus...1008/67973.php

The original article is from Yahoo.com and can be found here: http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/y...ate-vs-evo-4g/

I'm not sure why that peacfmonline.com site felt free to copy and paste so much of it on their site.

[Jon Twitchell]

Can we talk about Android Apps?

I know that there are LOTS of things that I can do with a smartphone... and I know how to find the Android marketplace... but it's a bit cumbersome to view.

Wondering what apps y'all have... productivity? communication? just plain cool?

[Jeremy D. Scott]

Can we talk about Android Apps?

I know that there are LOTS of things that I can do with a smartphone... and I know how to find the Android marketplace... but it's a bit cumbersome to view.

Wondering what apps y'all have... productivity? communication? just plain cool?

This is one of the things about the Android Market (a common complaint): that it's too hard to find the good apps. It's not that there aren't plenty of them, but that the market is inundated with junky ones. The other complaint that I have is that on my current Android phone, I can't download most of the now-good ones because I'm on an older version of the OS. I could root my phone...but it's not made to carry the new OS. In the last week, as I've thought more about it, this is definitely a plus for the iPhone as while it will indeed be outdated in two years, it wouldn't be nearly as outdated as the Android phones have been. And trading up the iPhone seems to be easier and a bit cheaper. My father-in-law, a year or so into his contract on the iPhone 3GS ended up only paying $80 for the new one. While this ups the contract to two years again (I believe), I think it's worth it.

So I'm not a great person to ask because of my archaic Android phone, but Swype is one of the apps I would look forward to using if I get a new Android phone. I also find the Google Voice app invaluable. I use the Bank of America one quite a bit. Other than GV, the Google Maps/Nav app is probably my most used one. Not-so-important ones that I use include Facebook, Foursquare, and I use TweetCat for Twitter, though I haven't taken the time recently to find a better one for Twitter (and I surely hope there are better ones). KeyRing is pretty cool.

[Jon Twitchell]

What can you do with the BofA app? Can you take a picture of your check and deposit it into your account?

[Jeremy D. Scott]

What can you do with the BofA app? Can you take a picture of your check and deposit it into your account?

No. I check/transfer balances and find ATMs. You can also pay bills, but I do that online.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

This is intriguing. Very cheap no-contract plans for Android.

[Daniel Hamlin]

Too bad it's on the Sprint network. If it were with Verizon I'd be on it in a heartbeat.

[Gary Creely]

This is intriguing. Very cheap no-contract plans for Android.

Here is an other difference with Android phones when compared to the iphone, and a point that often gets lost. Some android phones are lousy, some are ok, and some are really nice (iphone level). The fact that a phone is an android phone does not automatically make it nice.

The iphone is a hardware and software package, so people kinda assume android phone are similar in that regard. The truth is android phones vary wildly, at there best they are as good as the iphone, but in others they are very poor. The actual cost of an iphone is $700, and the better android phone are not much less. My point? A $250 android phone is not going to be anything to write home about.

What is interesting is it is the iphone that has galvanized the idea of the hardware/software package in the mobile space, and I get the sense people transfer that onto the android platform. An other difference is that on android the carriers are able to make significant changes to the os.