Comments on: Why It’s Hard to Love Android

By: jainer123

jainer123 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:17:22 +0000

For those that haven’t seen it, with the availability of a one click rooting solution, a bunch of the G1′s ails can be solved by using a custom rom image, like cyanogen’s. I just performed this hack, and fell in love with my G1 all over again. The OS responds much quicker, the camera and vidcamera functions are improved, and just overall, its a much more enjoyable experience. I can live with the headphone jack and whatever, but, if android can up the ante with features, and better apps (i wish iphone app devs would become android app devs), and the hardware can be built to support it, it truly will be the winner.

By: Gina Trapani

Gina Trapani — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:07:56 +0000

@infovore: Here's a list of Android apps I like (a little dated, but still pretty on).

By: infovore

infovore — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:33:35 +0000

@Gina

I switched recently to Android (Samsung i7500 Galaxy). I’m enjoying the experience so far. I think an article on Android apps might be interesting. I’d really would like to know what are your favorites, specially when it comes to productivity.

By: grimmy

grimmy — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:35:29 +0000

I have had a HTC Magic (G2?) for some time now (UK Vodafone) and I love Android. I just wish the touch screen was as responsive as on my iPod Touch. I sometimes wish it had a keyboard.

I think my ideal device would be an Android phone with the form factor of the HTC Touch Pro 2, or the Nokia N97 – fast processor (as the rumoured Sony Android device) and the touch screen of the iPhone/iPod Touch.

Battery life isn’t too much of a concern, as long as it will last a whole day of normal use (My Magic generally does).

A trackball like the Magic has would be a bonus.

By: Dr.Jeckyl

Dr.Jeckyl — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:46:57 +0000

@Gina: Are there any Android devices coming out that got you excited? I’ve got my eye on the XPERIA by Sony Ericsson.

By: AJ Robins

AJ Robins — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:20:31 +0000

Perhaps it’s just me, but I happen to find the Google mobile web versions of gmail and greader perfectly usable on the iPhone. Yes, the iPhone’s built-in mail app blows, but the mobile web version is fine for me. It’s not always accessible (e.g., on a plane), but I can suffer with the Apple mail app for those rare times.

While the iPhone has a number of issues, I’m happy with the mobile web gmail and greader.

By: Barron Fujimoto

Barron Fujimoto — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:09:59 +0000

I wish the G1 had more space for apps (without rooting it). If I get below 15MB free, the phone gets sluggish. And the music player skips a bunch too. There’s so many cool things to like about Android, but it seems the hardware can’t handle it sometimes. I don’t like the fact that I have to pick and choose what apps to keep, and what I must remove in order to save space. I do still love my phone though. And the physical keyboard is great.

By: Gina Trapani

Gina Trapani — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:00:40 +0000

For the record, I love the physical keyboard too. But lately, the w key isn’t as responsive as it used to be–often takes a second, harder press to get it to work.

By: UnMicD

UnMicD — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:37:03 +0000

HTC Dream and Magic hit Canada (start of July, if I remember right). I haven’t been hands-on with the Magic, and haven’t owned either one, but just perusing the official materials on HTC’s site, it looks like the Magic (which doesn’t have the physical Qwerty keyboard) has a slightly longer battery life, and specifically claims stereo audio via Bluetooth. No mention of a standard headphone jack, looks like the same extUSB port at the Dream. To be honest, I think I’d be hard-pressed to give up the physical keyboard for any enhancements the Magic appears to (maybe) offer. That’s a matter of personal taste, granted.

By: ffolliet

ffolliet — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:59:17 +0000

@Dan Giancaterino

have you tried DroidSans TweakLite for the swapping orientation?

for the SMS thing- if you use a secondary SMS client you must disable notification in the primary SMS client. also some conflicts can occur in things like dgAway.

as for the keyboard- i love it. i can write on that half as fast as on a computer but a whole lot faster than anyone of a softkeyboard.