Motorola Milestone becomes eXpansys UK's 'fastest selling gadget'
By Chris Ziegler 
posted December 11th 2009 1:59PM
posted December 11th 2009 1:59PM
Call it a pent-up demand for WVGA Android devices, call it Droid jealousy, call it an unnatural love for the sweet, doughy goodness of a just-baked Eclair -- but whatever it is, early indications suggest that the British love their Milestones. Retailer eXpansys (which is big enough to actually produce some meaningful sales trend data, we suspect) is reporting that the just-launched Droid clone for GSM became "the fastest selling gadget in the website's 11 year history, even more successful than the iPhone" when it sold out inside of three hours on its site on top of the roughly 1,000 preorders they had taken prior to the 10th. This might be a case of double-speak -- we're trying to establish just how many phones were sold during those three hours, because what we really need is a sales rate, not a time span alone -- so we're cautioning Moto not to bust out the champagne glasses just yet, but it's certainly looking like a promising start. Schaumburg hasn't had a lot of success in Western Europe in recent years, of course, but if we can use eXpansys as a barometer here, we'd say that a little cautious optimism is well justified.
I always figured it would become the Fastet [sic] selling device.
@PapaSmurf
Right in the headline, too!
@PapaSmurf
Why are they calling this the Milestone? Don't they mean "Millstone." If you buy it, you hang it around your neck and jump in the pond, never to come up. Why all the excitement over a Motorola product? They only build products that fail miserably.
@PapaSmurf have they ever made typos in the headline that DIDN"T get fixed?
@Average White Boy
I'm no moto fan boy - I think their UIs are dreadful, but there is no way you can say they build products that fail miserably, that's just plain incorrect. The StarTAC sold over 75 million units, the RAZR V3 over 50 million units. How many iPhones have been sold ? 30 million so far?
@AWB
fail bruz, motorola been kicking mobile ass for decades. Nokia's the upstart. Apple the clever and petulant child.
@gallois in addition, the whole shitty UI argument cant be made with the droid because moto didn't do a thing to it. Say what you will about the CLIQ (the ui sucks), but motorola really landed on free parking with this one.
Droid revolution imo :)
@Flowah Fail. Droid is Verizon's branding. It's Android revolution, and it's started with the G1, not the droid.
@pika2000
Or... the Droid is the one selling in these numbers, not the G1. Making it a Droid revolution. Android is just along for the glorious ride.
Nice try!
@Flowah Again, you just don't get it do you.
1. Droid is Verizon's brand. This is the Milestone
2. If you want to talk about Droid, then you should refer to the Eris too, since it's also under the Droid brand.
So, still fail.
for AT&T users...you can actually get an unlocked Milestone through these guys (eXpansys) for $699. not sure if it'll work on AT&T's 3G network, but isn't that what wifi is all about?
@overdoer
It's not like you'll miss AT&T's 3G coverage, anyway. ;)
@Gad Get
truth
@overdoer It will work on ATT as a std 2.5g device (Edge data only), the one on expansys's site supports 900/2100, ATT uses 850/1900 for 3g.
There is apparently a Canadian version of the phone coming out sometime in the future that will use 850/1900, but no time frame on that.. and I want one damnit, and I refuse to use verizon, I hate them, only slightly more then I hate ATT, but atleast on ATT I can use my phone in Africa and Europe, where I travel too on occasion.
@overdoer I was considering doing this, since I could sign up for an iPhone 3GS and sell it for $700 to pay for it, but the lack of 3G kills me. Their coverage isn't great, but I haven't had 3G in years (first gen iPhone to unlocked G1) and I really want it on my next phone. I'm just being patient (as hard as that is!) until AT&T or Telus comes out with something good. I actually have some issues with the droid. I'd love some physical keys on the front, and the keyboard is nasty. I want to see what HTC comes up with next.
-Taylor
@ljvb - Yea, I don't understand why they just don't add the blasted 850/1900Mhz frequency for 3G on all of these phones. Hey phone makers, if you really want to take a bite out of the fruit make that happen already! YOU ARE LEAVING MONEY ON THE TABLE WHEN YOU DONT! I was a c-hair away from buying an HD2 from eXpansys but damn if I'm gonna get the Bugatti of phones to drive it in the EDGE sloooow lane!! Frack that!!
@Frankenstein Black I agree, what is the cost of adding 850 and 1900? I'd be all over an Android phone with ATT 3G, ATT won't offer it until their Apple contract runs out. I love my G1 on ATT but I would like 3 G speeds (where it's available at least).
Just pure awesomeness.
Now where are the folks saying that Android would be sinking by now and the Droid is too ugly for people to want.
Funny thing is...while working at Best Buy I've honestly seen more females with it (one being my coworkers) than I have males.
Guess some people just want a phone that just works, lol.
@iDavey
Its that sexy ass screen and the crazy customization.
@xFenixKnightx
When I asked my coworker she said the exact same thing (minus the customization).
She was like she just loves the screen. And she likes playing with the lil icons, lmao.
Another lady who came up to me in Customer Service had a Hero for Sprint and was getting ready to return it because it was slow and camera was wonky.
She just didn't know about the OTA Sprint pushed out. I did that...took off the pointless widgets to save battery life, showed her the Messages widget for easy access.
She said I just guaranteed them a life long Android lover, lol.
I've switched people from iPods to Zunes, BB to Androids. One by one we will grow!
@iDavey
lol
@iDavey Calm down there kid. The Milestone is available from one supplier. And they probably need to sell 100 a week for it to be it's top selling phone.
Eat that Iphone!
@pukerocket
I'm just saying. Many people around the launch of G1 was claiming that Android would be dead by now...it wouldn't have took off.
Now...we have it in E-readers, PMP's, many phones around the world, photo frames. I mean...it's doing some things.
The fact that it is gaining ground at this level is very good. I'm not into the "X company is better than Y company and sells more phones".
Android Market has what I need, contrary to there not being 100,000 apps...the OS is flexible and I love the cloud...and as long as they stay in a profitable margin on the handsets...Android will be around. I don't need them to be number one. I just need them to sell so I can forever have an Android phone.
@iDavey
This is hardly the story that proves your theory. It's not selling in the UK, not cos no one wants it, but cos no one is selling it.
The problem with the Droid is that it doesn't 'just work'. It's underpowered, the software needs some major tweaking. It's not been launched properly in the UK. It'll probably go the way of the Pre.
@pukerocket
You are really comparing the droid to the pre??? You sir are a fucking moron and your bias is clearly showing.
Tell me, can you really honestly compare Palm, which is pretty much a startup at this point, to Google??? It is likely that the Droid will trigger the start of the Android explosion. And even if the Droid hype fizzles out, there will still be another droid phone to take its place. The rise of android will be much more at a slower pace than the iphone but it will eventually overwhelm and it will be on many products and not just phones. Think 20+ years ago at the start of the desktop war with Windows vs Mac. Eventually, a more open OS with multiple hardware carriers will win. Its only a matter of time.
Im no Google fanboy and I do have my reservations about them as a company, but if you cant see this, then I dont know what to say. It looks all too familiar. Google is planning a knockout of MS Windows proportions on Apple. Just watch and see.
@kb24istrash
WTF? Are you confused? Are you talking about the Droid / Milestone or Android?
Droid is Motorola's brand, Android if the Google OS.
Work out the difference between Droid and Android then come back.
And Droid (ie this phone, not the OS. Got it?) will go the way of the Pre. Think it'll still be selling in 12 months? Bullshit.
@pukerocket
My point is what the fuck does it matter if the droid goes the way of the pre? Frankly, I believe it wont due to Google backing. It aint about being the iphone killer you fucking moron. Its about what OS takes market share. Apple will eventually get killed in that department.
You dont think I know the difference between droid and android you fucking troll. Fuck off. learn to fucking read. is it any wonder that so far, no one on engadget likes you? Dumbshit.
@pukerocket
Let me clarify even further you dumbshit troll. Whether one phone beats the iphone or not, it doesnt matter. You can honestly say that the Macbook might outsell any one model of any Windows powered laptop. Colectively speaking, however, those Windows machines far outnumber macbook owners which lead to larger marketshare, more apps, more userpace, blah blah blah. This results to the 20% or less marketshare that Apple has. Now apply that to smartphones. I believe it will eventually lead to the same thing. Thats my opinion. It aint so hard to understand now isnt it? shithead.
When you think about it, Apple doesnt matter. Most people run Windows. Most businesses run Windows machines. It doesnt matter unless you are an a sheepish douche who validates himself though the things he purchases. It doesnt matter unless you are so insecure with yourself that you must show yourself to be better than the masses so you identify yourself with a fucking computer brand.
If you like the product then great, but dont be so fucking condescending. I own many apple products, but its fucking assholes like you that make me want to hate apple. oh yeah, PS, Fuck off
@kb24istrash
Dude. You're not making much sense. You obviously got your little self all confused with the Android / Droid issue.
My point is what the fuck does it matter if the droid goes the way of the pre? Frankly, I believe it wont due to Google backing. It aint about being the iphone killer you fucking moron. Its about what OS takes market share. Apple will eventually get killed in that department"
See, you're still confused even after I tried it clarify it for you. Separate the phone from the OS. You silly boy.
@pukerocket
I know youre talking about the Droid and how it will fizzle out. I say it dont matter bc its all about the OS and marketshare. Now youre just reiterating what you said earlier to act as if I cant make the distinction between phone and OS. You exactly know what the fuck Im talking about...
@kb24istrash
But you can't though. You got all angry cos you thought I was comparing the Pre to Android OS. Didn't you?
You should STFU going on about market share like you're some industry insider that those figures matter to. Apple has a 5% share of the desktop, and their machines and OS kick the shit out of comparable Windows machines. You know this to be fact. Their desktops ain't going away.
You should just admit your error and walk away the bigger man
@pukerocket
You are clearly a fucking moronic troll. I hope your children (or future children) has more of their mother's IQ bc you clearly have a stupidity disease.
You compared the phone to the pre, I said it doesnt matter bc its all about the OS, but then youre sticking to your talking point as if I dont know the distinction between phone and OS. Ok so maybe I might not be clear in my first response yet I cleared it up and you still bring up the fact that I dont know the difference, which I obviously do. You still have not response to what I said. You really need to fuck off.
@pukerocket
And now youre bringing up an opinion on how Apple is superior. I have stated no preference other than the opinion that Apple will lose market share and you got all defensive. You are clearly an apple fanboy with no capacity for reasonable discourse. Talking to you is like talking to a religious zealot. FUCK YOU
@pukerocket
You're an idiot. He never confused the two, you just didn't understand him.
Learn how to read and then comment again.
@pukerocket
You're the kind of person who is so stupid, it baffles me how you even managed to turn on your computer. Did you have someone put a giant sticker next to the power button that says "PRESS HERE"? Please end your life before you manage to take more people out with you through your own stupidity.
@kb24istrash
I barely know what you're talking about, but this was awesome.
@Abe
Yeah, reading back on those comments, I could have been a bit more clear on my thoughts but my anger was affecting me and I got all nuts. But the jokes on me I guess. That troll got what he wanted out of me. Never again...haha
@kb24istrash
You sir, are the moron. It makes me lol at how people froth at the mouth and go all crazy when a device with android as it's OS has anything bad said about it.
As this article is to highlight the sales of the Motorola Milestone, it has NOTHING to do with android OS and it's market share, it's about Motorola gaining market share you idiot.
I personally couldn't give a shit about the OS on the phone. For me, it's all about the device, as that's what you'll be stuck with for up to 2 years at a time. If it so happens the phone has android, osx, win mo, symbian, whatever, as long as it fits the needs of the user on a mass scale then it'll sell by the millions.
Android fanboys are becoming the worst fanboys of all lately.
@iDavey Your right...every female I have shown the DROID to wants one. Go figure...
@GmanC
Hey fuckhead. I obviously know this article is about the sales of the Droid in the UK, where does it say I have to stick to the talking points on the article? Does everyone do on a comment thread on the internet.? Is this a fucking test where all discussions have to be completely relevant to the topic? You are a fucking moron of epic proportions.
Pukerocket was commenting on how it will go the way of the pre. I got wind that he is a apple fanboy. So I brought up the importance of the OS and marketshare. These are hardware companies selling phones and it is the OS that matters. Thats great that you dont care about the OS. How about you buy a Nokia with symbian? Yeah, the OS is date but their phones are excellent. Thought so you idiot. Quit trying to make an argument for yourself.
Also, how can you imply Im a Android fanboy just because I predict they will take the marketshare??? Shithead.
@kb24istrash
Erm, I thought since you're commenting about a particular ARTICLE, it kinda makes sense to comment about said article. Sure, there are no 'rules' to say you must stay on topic, this just makes you a TROLL.
Like every moronic, unhinged fanboy, YOU have to turn it into a battle for Android marketshare. THIS is why you're the fucking fanboy.
Tosser
I'm sorry, I love Android, I'm happy Motorola is making a comeback, but I don't understand the hype and satisfaction with the Droid. It's solid, it's ok looking, but that keyboard is the worst keyboard I have ever used in my life. I'm sure, as with most things, when you get used to it it gets better but the keys are so flat, the buttons blend into eachother and pressing them is a chore.
I much prefer the Cliq's keyboard, and I'm genuinely surprised that the majority are satisfied with the Droid's.
@JONNNathannn People like it because it's simply the best Android device "all around" to date. The reviews are generally great and it's the best alternative to the iphone available; consumer wise.
You have to remember that not everyone buy a phone because of one feature.
With a ton of phones even better than the droid just around the corner, it's clear that android is about to take over.
@JONNNathannn
Maybe they've just decided not to use it. I've never seen anyoe at work actually open the device, lol.
And with it being as thin as it is, it's not like it's a bulky addition that's crowding up their pocket. They barely even remember it's there.
@JONNNathannn
For me, all it took was one look at the screen. SOLD.
@JONNNathannn
The keyboard is painful to use so for typing, I pretty much use the on screen keyboard. But for games like SNESoid and Gameboid, it is boss! Unlike with the iphone, you can take advantage with the full screen without having to deal with an on screen controller. Just for the games, I can forgive the keyboard.
@joe23521
That's exactly why I bought HTC's HD2 : 4.3" of pure VGA delight.
But now that I have used it for a few weeks I know that it's got plenty of other great reasons to recomand it.
I also have an HTC Hero (android) which I plan to substitute with a Milestone/droid when it will finally will come to the rest of Europe, and a nokia N97 with the latest (2.0) Rom and fixed up by Nokia repair shop (and they really DID fixed it up, belive me) but still the HD2 is the best phone I have ever tried.
Besides the 3 phones I have now I had an iPhone 3gs, an Omnia (i900) and an OmniaHD, HTC HD(1) , but what HTC managed to do to revive the defunct Win mob platform is nothing short of a miracle; and that screen man... that screen...
@Plexus
Why in the world do you need so many phones at the same time?
Worst keyboard evar.