Motorola Droid stands in for glamorous photo shoot

What a difference two months make. It was late July when we first saw a render and spy shot of Motorola's "other" Android devices, the Verizon-bound Droid, a.k.a. the Artist Formerly Known as Sholes. Boy Genius Report has been teasing the handset for the better part of the week, and now it's giving us the full monty of the hardware, including its 5 megapixel autofocus camera on the back, and various Eclair-powered screens. Boy Genius himself notes that it's the fastest Android device he's used -- thank goodness for an authentic OMAP3 -- is "slightly" thicker than an iPhone 3GS, runs that Android 2.0 we've been hearing so much about, and includes a desktop cradle that turns the Droid into a glanceable display with weather and the like (sounds like a miniature Hub in a way, doesn't it?). Anyhow, you want all to see the whole show? You know just where to click.

[thejuiceman Posted Oct 19th 2009 11:51AM]

I have had both the original iPhone and the 3g. It's been a great device even though it has short cummings that make me still want more.. I don't understand why people are so loyal to one company or another. They are not paying you, you are laying them. Anyway, I go wherever the best new device is. This droid looks very, vert promising so I may end up with verizon and motorola. It's as simple as that. If apple come out with something better in the future which they will...maybe I'll switch back who knows. No loyalty for me. It's all about which device is the best.

[thejuiceman Posted Oct 19th 2009 11:56AM]

And as you can see using a phone without a keyboard has it's problems. Loook at all the mistakes I made!

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2009 7:15PM]

you're laying them?
Damn, no wonder people are so loyal!

Must be damn good sex. LOL :P

[starkruzr Posted Oct 19th 2009 12:21PM]

There are a lot of children posting in these comments, aren't there?

Anyway, as for looks, I don't understand the complaints. The whole thing is a slab of metal and glass. It's not unattractive.

As for specs, it beats everything else currently available. Its specs EXCEED - that's right, exceed - the 3GS and Pre because the OMAP3430 core doesn't have that SGX GPU built in. The GPU is separate and very, very fast. It's the equivalent of having a discrete GPU in a laptop.

This has the potential to be an incredible device. If VZW keeps their mitts off the software, I will sell my 3GS and snatch it up in a heartbeat.

[gsmsosv Posted Oct 20th 2009 2:32AM]

Er. . . what? Pre, n900, Droid, they all use the the same 3430 SoC, so they all have the same GPU on board. You can't just take things out. Where are you getting this discrete GPU nonsense from? And since Android is Java-based, the Droid is still going to be slower than any equivalent hardware running native applications, such as the n900 or iPhone. Even if the bit about the graphics were true, it'd be a moot point.

Have yourself a look:
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=pdamaster&posted=1&cpu=a3430

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2009 12:32PM]

Please please PLEASE be only $99... That alone will kill the iPhone.

[br4nd0nh347 Posted Oct 19th 2009 12:57PM]

I'm sorry to say this, but this is the best looking (hardware and aesthetically) hardware keyboard phone verizon has. I'm tempted.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2009 2:54PM]

I've been following this phone for months now and have been holding off a purchase, and switching from my AT&T Blackberry for way too long. So for those that might be in the know... a couple of questions:

- If it's "available" on 11/6 as the rumors are now stating... when would it be likely that an actual average joe might be able to have one in his hands?

- Any ideas on what a current AT&T subscriber might do, to get towards the top of that list? I assume it will be scarce at first. Would it be worth going to a Verizon store and pre-completing an application or anything?

- Any other words of wisdom on how I could be an early purchaser of this device, rather than waiting 2 months after the supposed "launch" before I'm actually able to have one?

Thanks,
R

[SexMurderArt Posted Oct 19th 2009 5:29PM]

FUGLY

[togusa Posted Oct 19th 2009 6:32PM]

Does the droid only have 512mb of ROM and comes with a 16gb sd card ? I already had planned to buy a 16gb micro sd card, so to have 32gb total... Sigh

I wish the keyboard had letters a la pc keyboard, ie not in a vertical row.

Otherwise, great spec'ed mobile phone.
I want it in france yesterday ! with virgin mobile please :>

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2009 6:49PM]

what is a d-pad?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2009 6:52PM]

What is a d-pad?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2009 7:06PM]

four-way D-irectional keypad.

up down left right

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2009 7:03PM]

in addition it's a google experience phone..
so Verizon's not allowed to touch it, basically.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2009 7:41PM]

Decisions... I've grown fond of my G1 on T-Mobile. No complaints at all. Except one - NO 3G in Albany, NY!!! The phone is fine..but Droid is panning out to be nice. I love the fact it has a QWERTY keyboard.

OK, with a teacher discount I pay $63 after tax/fees. 1000 min, unlimited Web, 450 messages.

Now is there a plan on Verizon that comes CLOSE to the amount I'm paying on T-Mo?

And due to confusion after returning a BBerry Pearl early in my first contract, and a computer error, I never paid anything for my G1. So the price of the phone wouldn't bother me. I guess I'm due to pay something. So...should I switch to Verizon???????

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2009 8:47PM]

I love reading post unveiling chatter :D. The thing is that multitasking is great, but unless it has a revolutionary task management system that allows common folk to utilize it, then this thing will be like every other android, winmo, and palm pre. We nerds like figuring out how to streamline our phone os, but the common folk only care about 4 things when it comes to a smartphone. Surf internet, phone calls, text messaging, taking pictures. The flash is nice! Can't see why apple can't get that right...not like they would be cutting into camera sales! Megapixels on a phone don't really mean crap anymore because you don't take your phone to an event where you want to take pictures all day. Phone cameras are the equivalent to polaroid cameras. But even polaroids have a flash! YOU GET THAT APPLE!! Let me repeat! EVEN POLAROIDS HAVE A FLASH!! You guys think they heard? 3mp are more than enough. I'm glad the design isn't final because it looks like bootay. Verizon plastering their ugly logo on it doesn't help either. Not hatin on the big V, but man they have got one ugly logo. The motorola logo is cool though. I hope this works for them. I had an E6 for a long time and I still miss that phone. I have high hopes for this one. P.S. Flash playing ability will be nice too!!

[thejuiceman Posted Oct 19th 2009 9:21PM]

See! I typed that post on an iPhone! Maybe I do need a physical keyboard...lol Oh, and this is at Steele Froggy.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2009 11:07PM]

I want a GSM version so that I can use this in Asia! Screw CDMA

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2009 11:13PM]

WOW, talk about accomplishing what I thought would be impossible
--->Nothing sexier than a thin slider...

Go Moto!

I really thought that it would be the WebOS that would stop my wait on WM7, but with this... it looks to be Android. Can't wait for some comparison shots between this, the HD2, and iPhone 3GS.

[shawman Posted Oct 19th 2009 11:30PM]

Why dont HTC or Motorola put more memory into these units. Samsung/Nokia etc mostly put huge amount of memory into their phones(8-32GB), plus have expandable microsd. Another thing is lack of AMOLED screen. Other than that this looks really promising.

[atrain2787 Posted Oct 19th 2009 11:30PM]

jumping on the keyboard comment train here. i just hope they bring back the dedicated row for numbers from earlier leaked pics. its much more functional IMO.

[dmax Posted Oct 19th 2009 11:31PM]

I don't remember a Motorola product catching my attention, this one did.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 19th 2009 11:32PM]

And I was considering going to Verizon from T-Mobile after hearing about Verizon having a new Android phone. This Verizon phone is hideous. Reminds me of a hand held game from the 80s.There is no doubt in my mind now that I am going with the T-Mobile Cliq. It looks better than this by a long shot.

[TrollXer Posted Oct 20th 2009 11:29PM]

best thing about this phone are the commercials!
They really had my full attention until I layed my eyes on this year 2001 looking device.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 21st 2009 2:29AM]

This looks like a prop out of a 'futuristic' '80s B movie!
Phone = Fail!

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 1st 2009 10:05AM]

I'm honestly not impressed...but then I have never really liked Verizon phones that much, despite the great service the company gives. I do like Android though, so hopefully this phone is more appealing and interesting to me if I take the time to look at it. But from this picture...I don't like the way it looks, but it may function well...at least I hope it does.

The d-pad makes me think of the Motocliq, and that phone didn't look so great to me. I used to have the G1 (but the battery sucked) and now I have a Blackberry, but I miss Android...and for some reason not many Android phones have a keyboard...which is disappointing. I may be getting the Mytouch, but the lack of a keyboard bothers me a little...and the Cliq's keyboard isn't so great to me. Oh well...hopefully the designs of these phones becomes better.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 1st 2009 10:01AM]

I'm honestly not impressed...but then I have never really liked Verizon phones that much, despite the great service the company gives. I do like Android though, so hopefully this phone is more appealing and interesting to me if I take the time to look at it. But from this picture...I don't like the way it looks, but it may function well...at least I hope it does.

The d-pad makes me think of the Motocliq, and that phone didn't look so great to me. I used to have the G1 (but the battery sucked) and now I have a Blackberry, but I miss Android...and for some reason not many Android phones have a keyboard...which is disappointing. I may be getting the Mytouch, but the lack of a keyboard bothers me a little...and the Cliq's keyboard isn't so great to me. Oh well...hopefully the designs of these phones becomes better.