Motorola Droid Pro - the Android smartphone for ex-BlackBerry and Treo users

If you've been a long-time BlackBerry user and you're thinking about switching to Google's Android OS, it's time to seriously consider the Motorola Droid Pro on Verizon Wireless. This smartphone reminds me of the old Palm Treo because it has both a touch screen and a hardware QWERTY keyboard. This is not a slider. The keyboard will be familiar to many Blackberry users because the buttons and layout are very similar to those found on most BlackBerry devices.

I went to the Verizon store the other day and I played with the Droid Pro. I admit that I was more impressed than I thought I'd be. In fact, if I had to buy a new smartphone today, I'd probably get the Droid Pro. I currently use the Droid X and I like it, but it would be nice to have a QWERTY keyboard that I could use while the phone is in portrait mode. I rarely rotate the phone to use the on-screen keyboard in landscape mode. I think I developed most of my smartphone habits with one of my first smartphones: the Palm Treo. In many ways, the Droid Pro reminds me of a slim version of the Palm Treo.

Well, I'm not planning on selling my Droid X to get a Droid Pro. However, I will recommend the Droid Pro to those who are familiar with BlackBerry or the old Palm Treo. The Droid Pro is nice and slim and it's a World Phone for those of you who travel internationally. It's built like a pure business phone, but you'll still find some great multimedia features plus a 5 MP camera with a dual-LED flash.

Dell Venue Pro Windows Phone 7 Smartphone

The Dell Venue Pro Windows Phone 7 Smartphone is a very cost-effective option for those who want a hardware QWERTY keyboard along with a large 4.1" touch-screen.

Features include:

* The stunning 4.1-inch WVGA AMOLED capacitive, multitouch display enables easier navigation.
* With Office Mobile built in, you can operate on-the-go as seamlessly as you would at the office.
* Take your gaming experience on the road with the phone that lets you play games on Xbox LIVE.

At $99.99, it's hard to beat. Available through Dell.com (for the T-Mobile network)

Keyboard Buddy iPhone 4 Case

Do you wish your iPhone 4 has a hardware QWERTY keyboard? BoxWave has a nice keyboard case that allows you to add a QWERTY keyboard to your iPhone:

Clean and modern, the Keyboard Buddy Case appears to simply be a protective case when the keyboard is not in use. Combining ergonomic technology with sleek aesthetics, the Keyboard Buddy Case is a protective backing for your Apple iPhone 4 that also includes an integrated slide-out Bluetooth keyboard. The low-profile keyboard slides out smoothly, allowing you to easily transition between the Apple iPhone 4’s touch screen and a physical keyboard.

Keyboard Buddy Case Features:

• Form-fitting shell designed to snap on securely to perfectly fit your Apple iPhone 4
• Cut-out design for the touch screen so that you can keep the same tactile feel as using the Apple iPhone 4 without a case
• Conveniently designed to provide quick access to all of Apple iPhone 4's controls, features, camera, and ports
• Integrated slide-out Bluetooth keyboard allows you to switch from the touch screen to a physical keyboard as desired
• Includes a USB cable to charge the integrated keyboard
• Bluetooth keyboard on/off switch allows you to turn the keyboard off when not in use to conserve battery power
• Finished with a high-quality smooth coating making the case smooth to the touch
• Charge Duration: 45 days
• Bluetooth version 2.0
• Jet Black color

Learn more about the Keyboard Buddy Case on the BoxWave website.

On-screen keyboard vs. hardware QWERTY keyboards

I've had the opportunity to use a variety of different smartphones. Some have physical QWERTY keyboard buttons. Others are slates that only have an on-screen keyboard. As I've compared different QWERTY keyboards, I've found that some smartphones (like the Palm Pre) have tiny buttons that are literally impossible to push unless you have small hands. Others (like the Motorola Droid) do not provide enough tactile responsiveness. This has been changed in the Droid 2 - which has a much better keyboard compared to the original Droid.

My favorite QWERTY keyboard was the one found on the HTC Touch Pro2.

Now that I'm mainly using the Motorola Droid X which lacks a physical QWERTY keyboard, I'm finding that the large 4.3" screen provides plenty of room for a great on-screen keyboard that is very easy to use when I hold the device horizontally and type using two thumbs. The Droid X also provides the option to use Swype so that you don't have to lift your fingers or thumbs off the screen as you enter text. Which input method do you prefer?

The DROID Pro reminds me of the Palm Treo

Some of you lived in the era of the Palm Treo. I did. Well, the upcoming DROID Pro is a candybar smartphone running Android 2.2 (Froyo) and it has a hardware QWERTY keyboard that looks like the types of buttons you would find on a BlackBerry. So, if you're thinking about switching to Android, this could be the device for you if you're a former Treo or BlackBerry user who really wants to have a QWERTY keyboard that doesn't slide out.

Have you tried the BlackBerry Torch 9800?

I think the BlackBerry Torch 9800 may be the best BlackBerry smartphone yet. I've used the Bold, the Storm, and many other BlackBerry devices. The Torch combines the best of both worlds: a touch screen with a hardware QWERTY keyboard. I'm not sure why they chose the vertical slider orientation as opposed to the horizontal slider. Maybe they felt that the majority of their users would prefer the vertical orientation.

Personally, I'm a big fan of the vertical slider. Why? You can type you're holding the device in one hand. All you need is a single thumb that can move across that QWERTY keyboard. You can try that on a horizontal slider, but you'll have some difficulty balancing that phone if you're only using one hand.

If you're a former Palm Treo user, the BlackBerry Torch 9800 could remind you of the old Treo (except the Treo wasn't a slider). 

It's too bad that the Torch is only available on AT&T.

Slider vs. Slate?

If you've had several different smartphones over the years, perhaps you've owned a slider (slide-out QWERTY keyboard) and a thin slate that only offers an on-screen keyboard. We're seeing fewer candybar designs like the Palm Treo or BlackBerry that includes a smaller screen combined with a small QWERTY keyboard on the bottom.

So, slider vs. slate? If you're a Verizon customer and you're thinking about getting an Android smartphone, that decision could boil down to:

Slider: Droid 2
Slate: Droid X or Droid Incredible

If you do a significant amount of typing on your device, then it's imperative that you test the keyboard on each of the devices and physically try them out. Before I picked up the Droid 2, I thought I'd be relatively happy with the QWERTY keyboard. After playing with it for 5 minutes, I realized that I'd probably end up using the on-screen keyboard over the physical QWERTY buttons. So, if that's going to be the case, then why should I get a slider?

The large on-screen buttons on the Droid X are easy to use because the screen is so large. The Droid X is larger (wider and taller) than the Droid 2, but it's actually lighter.  5.47 ounces for the Droid X vs. 5.96 ounces for the Droid 2.

Motorola CHARM running Android

The Motorola CHARM is an atypical Android smartphone.Why is it atypical? It looks like a BlackBerry, it has a QWERTY keyboard, and it also has a touch screen. It's rather square and blocky, so people probably won't mistake the CHARM as a BlackBerry.

If you're thinking about an Android smartphone but you don't want to rely on the on-screen touch keyboard, then maybe you should visit your local T-Mobile store or kiosk and see what you think about the Motorola CHARM.  The CHARM runs Android and also includes MOTOBLUR.

The Droid 2 is coming

Although Motorola has announced the new Droid X, there are rumors of an updated version of the Motorola Droid. This new "Droid 2" will be very similar to the current Droid, but it will have a larger, friendlier keyboard. So, if you want a slider that includes a usable QWERTY keyboard, the Droid 2 could be the device for you.

All the other major Android smartphones are being designed without a physical keyboard. If you can't stand the on-screen keyboard, then the Droid (or the Droid 2) could be your device. Current rumors seem to suggest that the Droid 2 will be released in August on Verizon Wireless. It should come loaded with Android 2.2 (also known as Froyo). 

Impressions of the Motorola Droid (Android)

I'm not going to write a review about the Motorola Droid. You can read plenty of great reviews on sites like Engadget, CNET, PC Magazine, and others. I'm just going to share a few of my impressions of the Motorola Droid.

First, the pros:

• It's a very fast device and I really like the large capacitive touch screen. Great overall performance. Compared to other Android phones like the HTC Droid Eris, the Droid has exceptional performance.
• The Android OS is very easy to use for both beginners and seasoned smartphone users.
• The device is very thin and still has respectable battery life. In fact, this device is only barely thicker than the iPhone.
• The voice recognition built into Google search and Google Maps works really well. Loved using the spoken turn-by-turn GPS navigation. No need to purchase 3rd party GPS navigation software.
• You can tether. Can't do that (easily) with the iPhone.

Now, the cons:

• The slide-out QWERTY keyboard buttons are small and shallow. Not great for heavy typing if you have large fingers.  My HTC TouchPro2 has a much better keyboard.
• The camera was only mediocre, although the camera button is easy for anyone to use. I liked the built-in flash.
• Sorry international travelers, but the Droid is not a World Phone.  CDMA only. No GSM.

So, if I had to buy a new smartphone on the Verizon Wireless network, which one would I get? I'd get the Droid.  What if the iPhone became available on Verizon? I'd still get the Droid. What about the HTC Google Nexus One? Hmm, now I need to think about that one.

I want to thank the folks at Epocrates for lending me a Droid so that I could test the beta version of Epocrates.

Motorola CLIQ XT on T-Mobile

It's great to see that Motorola is getting back into the mobile phone market with its Android smartphones. The Motorola CLIQ XT will be coming to T-Mobile fairly soon. Are you a T-Mobile customer? If you wait an Android smartphone that also includes a hardware QWERTY keyboard, then you should get the Motorola CLIQ (unless you want to get the old G1).

If you want something thin and light (that lacks a physical keyboard), then the CLIQ XT will be a nice option.

Soon, all the Android smartphones on T-Mobile will say: "Touch Screen with On-Screen Keyboard"

Images of the BlackBerry "slider" smartphone

It looks like BlackBerry is finally coming out with a slider. This one slides vertically (like the Palm Pre) and features a full QWERTY keyboard. Imagine taking the BlackBerry Storm 2 and adding a hardware QWERTY keyboard that slides out. That's what this new device looks like. At one time, Samsung also made a few Windows Mobile smartphones that featured this type of form factor.

Why make a vertical slider instead of a horizontal slider? If you're going to browse a web page, you probably want your smartphone to be in a horizontal position so that you can effectively view web pages. However, if you tend to use your smartphone using one hand, then it really helps to have a vertical slider so that you can access the keyboard buttons with a single hand.  The problem with a horizontal slider is that it's difficult to type on those buttons using a single hand.

Image from Gadgetell.

HP iPAQ Glisten

One of my first PDAs was an HP (Compaq at the time) iPaq. It was a revolutionary device, but it wasn't a smartphone. It ran Windows Mobile (Pocket PC at the time) and it was considered a "state of the art" piece of technology.

Today, we live with so many smartphone options. My wife and I both used to have a Palm Treo and I still see that many health care professionals are using the Treo. Well, if you like the Treo form factor (touch screen plus QWERTY keyboard in a "candybar" model), then you may also like the HP iPaq Glisten on AT&T. This 3G smartphone runs Windows Mobile and it resembles a BlackBerry. However, the touch screen feature makes it easy to navigate on this device.

If you're a former BlackBerry user and if you're switching to Windows Mobile, this may be the device for you.

Motorola BACKFLIP with MOTOBLUR

The Motorola BACKFLIP with MOTOBLUR appears to be a really innovative new smartphone running Google Android. What's so innovative?

First, this device will feature a BACKTRACK navigation panel behind the screen. That's right - behind the screen. Even though the BACKFLIP will include a touch screen, the BACKTRACK navigation panel adds an entirely new dimension of usability. I guess you really have to try it to see for yourself.

MOTOBLUR will also give you easy access to your favorite social media outlets: Facebook™, MySpace and Twitter Direct Messaging

Speaking of the Motorola BACKFLIP, I actually saw one the other day when I was out and about. At first, it looked like a QWERTY slider, but then I noticed that it was a clamshell. It's not your traditional "front flip" clamshell design. That's why it's called the BACKFLIP. The QWERTY keyboard actually sits on the external back side of the phone instead of on the inside of the phone.

What's the best Windows Mobile phone?

The best Windows Mobile phone is still a Windows Mobile phone (meaning that it's not an iPhone or an Android smartphone, so how good could it really be?)

Do you agree with that?

I've been a loyal Windows Mobile user for many years. I've had numerous opportunities to switch to a different platform and I even made the jump and tried the BlackBerry Storm for a few weeks. I ended up going back to Windows Mobile.

Now, if I had to get a brand new Windows Mobile smartphone today, which would I choose? What's really the "best" Windows Phone out there?

I have two in mind:

1. If you want a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, then go with the HTC Touch Pro2 (also called the Tilt2 on AT&T). This is a great smartphone, but it lacks a capacitive touch screen, so you won't get any multi-touch gestures on this device.
2. If you don't need a physical keyboard, do you want a device that has a large capacitive touch screen? Then get the HTC HD2.  A 4.3" screen is very large compared to the 3.5" screen found on an Apple iPhone.

If you're not interested in the 2 above, then wait.  Consider a smartphone that doesn't run Windows Mobile.  OK, maybe I'm being too harsh on Microsoft (and I hope my friends and relatives who work for Microsoft don't take offense). Wait for a smartphone running Windows Mobile 7. We may see some this year. Get a smartphone that has a capacitive touch screen that is capable of multi-touch gestures like "pinch to zoom." Remember that you're probably going to replace a smartphone every 2-3 years, so don't spend too much money on a smartphone or its accessories.

Top keyword: "android vs iPhone "

Recently, the top keyword that has been driving people to this website has been: "android vs. iPhone"

Which is better? Among health care professionals today, the Apple iPhone is much more popular than the Google Android OS. However, I don't think this trend will continue forever. In fact, as more smartphone manufacturers build devices that run Android, we'll see more physicians and medical students using Android devices. Mobile carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and even AT&T will soon offer affordable Android smartphones. So, even though the Google Nexus One (made by HTC) hasn't created the same type of buzz that was generated when Apple released its original iPhone, Google will make its mark in 2010. I'm confident that we will see more Android smartphones in the hands of health care students and professionals this year.

Will Apple release different models of the iPhone that include features like slide-out QWERTY keyboards and different sized screens? Will Apple announce some new iPhones next week?

What types of information are you finding when you type "android vs iPhone" into Google or Yahoo?

Motorola Droid vs. HTC Droid Eris?

If you're on Verizon and you're thinking about purchasing a smartphone running Google's Android operating system, you may be asking the question: Motorola Droid or HTC Droid Eris? Maybe you're even planning on waiting for the Google Nexus One to show up on Verizon.

Here's how I would make the decision: consider the pros/cons and these important points:

• Remember that an average smartphone only lasts approximately 2-3 years. So, you're not investing in something that you'll be keeping "long-term." The Motorola Droid is $199 and the HTC Droid Eris is now only $79. The delta is $120 and I'm sure you could use that cash somewhere else. You could even save that towards your next smartphone!
  
• If you're dependent on a physical keyboard (or thumb board) to type and enter text, then get a smartphone that has a physical QWERTY keyboard. The Motorola Droid is the only Android smartphone on Verizon that currently has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
• If you plan to watch videos, movies, and TV on your smartphone, then get the device that has the larger screen (Motorola Droid). 
• Are you a power user? Do you need a super-fast processor? Then get the Motorola Droid.
• Want a small and slim smartphone that you can easily place in your pocket? Go for the HTC Droid Eris.
  
• Plan to use your smartphone as a GPS navigator? Currently, the Motorola Droid offers turn-by-turn navigation through Google Maps and we don't know if this feature will become available on the HTC Droid Eris. (you can always purchase third-party GPS navigation software for any Android smartphone)
  

Some people spend way too much time trying to decide on a smartphone. I think it's more important to choose your operating system wisely. If you have limited finances (e.g., medical student or resident), then I would suggest the HTC Droid Eris. If you're an attending (or you have some other source of wealth), then go with the Motorola Droid. Of course, if you're a Mac lover like my wife, then you may be waiting for the Apple iPhone to come to Verizon.

5 things I would change about the Apple iPhone

The Apple iPhone is a great smartphone, but it's not perfect. The latest version (3GS) adds considerable functionality with the increased speed and improved video capabilities, but I'd like to see Apple make some drastic changes to future models. Otherwise, the iPhone 4G will look just like the 3G (or 3GS).

If you had a chance to change the Apple iPhone, what changes would you make?

Here are the five things I would change:

1. Removable battery. I'm still bothered by the fact that an average consumer can't replace the internal battery on the iPhone.  Once you offer a removable battery, consumers can choose between a standard battery vs. a thicker extended capacity battery. Right now, you're stuck using an external battery pack or a battery booster.
   
2. Offer an iPhone Pro with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Give users the option to choose a "Pro" version that's thicker and that includes buttons. I think most will still choose the thinner version that lacks a physical keyboard.
3. Expand beyond GSM. I know that Apple is talking with Verizon about releasing a CDMA version, but when will this happen? Will it also be available on Sprint?
   
4. Offer a smaller size option. Call it the iPhone Mini, the iPhone nano, or the iPhone junior. The current iPhone is a nice size, but a slightly smaller version would be ideal for many users who want something a bit more portable.
5. Add a microSD slot. This way, if users want to expand storage space, it's easy! You can add a 16GB card (and soon we'll have 32 GB microSD cards).
   

This is obviously not meant to be an exhaustive list, but these are 5 things I would change. How many of these will Apple implement in the near future? Probably only two (my guess would be #3 and #4). Hence, I continue to wish and dream.

The Best Windows Mobile Phone Yet

According to PC World, the HTC HD2 may be the "best" Windows Mobile smartphone yet. Wow! That's quite a statement. In fact, the editors at PC World include the HTC HD2 as part of the "Best of CES 2010." This is how they describe the HTC HD2:

superslim design, a 4.3-inch display, and a powerful 1GHz Snapdragon processor.

With a screen size of 4.3" and a slim form factor, this is almost like an Apple iPhone that has been stretched a bit. So, if you don't need a physical QWERTY keyboard and you really like the Windows Mobile platform, then you may want to get your hands on an HTC HD2. Make sure you have large pockets because this phone may be thin, but it's bulky in a different way because the device is so tall and wide.

Engadget describes the phone like this:

The massive, full touchscreen device boasts impressive specs: a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, a generous 4.3-inch, 800 x 480 capacitive WVGA touchscreen display, a 5 megapixel camera, GPS, and lots of other bells and whistles.

We're not used to seeing large smartphones like the HD2, but maybe 2010 is the year where we'll see a wide range of sizes so that each user can choose his/her optimal size. Some may prefer the smaller form factor, while others may prefer larger font and larger screens.

My HTC Touch Pro2 feels HUGE compared the the HTC Droid Eris

Wow, my current HTC Touch Pro2 feels HUGE compared to the slim HTC Droid Eris. The HTC Droid Eris has a slightly smaller screen and lacks a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, but it's still a great size for a smartphone. In fact, I think that if I were buying a new smartphone today, I'd get the HTC Droid Eris.

On that point, I just ordered an HTC Droid Eris for a family member. It's sad to see that Verizon really hasn't been promoting the Eris very aggressively. The Motorola Droid is a nice phone, but I personally think the HTC Droid Eris is a better phone for my needs. In the past, I used to prefer having a device that included a hardware keyboard. However, as I get more accustomed to touch-screen typing, I'm realizing that I don't need buttons to type.

Although I like my current HTC Touch Pro2, I don't think I'll buy another smartphone that has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard in the future unless the device is really small and thin. A device like the HTC Droid Eris is probably the "optimal" size for an average business smartphone user. My prediction is that over the next year or two, we'll see such a wide variety of smartphone sizes. Some will be quite large with 5" screens and others will have a nice 3.2" screen.