Motorola DROID X Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)

395 Comments

1. Knowledge Forest says:

   August 7, 2010 at 10:22 am

   Review by Knowledge Forest for Motorola DROID X Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)
   Rating:
   I’ve own many of the Verizon Wireless (VZW) smart phones including the Treo, Moto Q, XV6700, Saga, Omnia, Touch Pro, Blackberry Curve, Storm1, Tour, etc. I also owned the first Droid (D1) and thought at the time it was the best VZW phone I’ve ever owned. Well, Droid X (DX) has changed all of that. The DX is now my favorite phone of all time. But is it actually “better” than the D1?!?!?!? Check out my review.

   PROS

   - The DX’s X-tra large screen is beautiful. The touch interface is very responsive. I feels like a powerful computer in your pocket.

   - DX is big but I don’t think it’s too big. I could actually “do” a 5 inch phone if VZW ever sold one. I use the DX one handed but I have big hands. YMMV, however.

   - The screen size also makes typing on the screen easier. I usually hate virtual keyboards but I like this one.

   - Web browsing on the big screen is a great experience. I can see myself not using my iPad as much now (I would take it along to the barber, doctor’s office, etc.). When the DX gets Flash support, the iPad might be going to eBay.

   - HD Video recording capability is super great.

   - I actually like the new version of Moto Blur. The re-sizable widgets are cool. Plus you can remove anything you don’t want to use. I guess this wasn’t the case with the original Moto Blur. They just need to add a “close” button (or swipe to close) to the widgets so I don’t have to reach down for the back button.

   - Battery life seems pretty good, much better than the Incredible.

   - FM Radio is actually pretty good.

   - DLNA support will allow you to browse media stored on your computers, wirelessly.

   - The DX is V Cast compatible.

   - The DX has all of the standard Android functionality including the best, free voice activated GPS known to man. Need directions to “123 Main Street”? Simply press the search button and say, “Navigate to 123 Main Street”. Want to know where the closest Pizza place is? Say, “Map of Pizza”. Google voice navigation is unbelievably good.

   - The DX includes full Microsoft Exchange support. I’m not sure if it includes remote wipe or other security features that were missing from the initial D1 release.

   CONS

   - I usually prefer physical buttons but the ones on the DX aren’t that great. They feel cheap. Plus they are all the same height so you can’t easily press the button you want without looking at the device. This takes away one of the biggest advantages of having buttons.

   - Like many smart phones these days, DX doesn’t have Send or End buttons. I don’t understand why companies make PHONES that don’t include buttons for starting and ending a PHONE call!

   - Unlike D1, the DX power button is in the middle-top of the phone. This probably helps out the lefties (the D1 power button is on the top-right). However, I don’t like the extra reach for the power button. I’m already reaching over a much larger device.

   - Motorola has locked/encrypted the boot loader on the DX. Thus, it will be harder or impossible for third party developers to create custom roms for the DX. I think this is a mistake. Custom roms is one of the biggest reasons why the D1 was so popular. The d1 put Android on the map.

   - “Free” wifi tether is not available at this time but hopefully soon.

   - The syncing software that comes with DX is nothing to write home about. Syncing music, photos, and video to Android phones still remain a hassle. Google needs to develop something like iTunes ASAP. I read that they are working on a music service though…

   - I find it hard to put the DX in its desktop doc.

   - Haven’t tried the camera much yet…

   VS BLACKBERRY

   I read that the growth of Android is more likely to hurt Blackberry (BB) than iPhone and I believe it. I tried many phones and always went back to the BB for it’s reliable and efficient email experience. The keyboard, trackball, shortcuts, sleep case and more kept me very productive. Unfortunately, some of the BB advantages like push email, MS Exchange integration, unlimited messaging, etc. are now available on other platforms. Add to that, the BB doesn’t have many of the nice features or apps offered on other platforms.

   If 90% of what you do is send email and text messages, the BB is for you. Other than that, I can’t really recommend a 5.0 BB device anymore. Hopefully BB OS 6 and the new web kit browser will change that.

   VS INCREDIBLE

   The INC has a nice screen but it’s hard to see in day light. The INC also has incredibly bad battery life lol, possibly due to questionable signal strength. I have to laugh when I read about people disabling stuff on their INCs just to get the battery to last a day.

   VS IPHONE

   I think the DX is one of the best alternatives to the iPhone, if not the best. However, the advantage the iPhone has over the DX is really about the OS advantage. iOS offers better apps, better developer support, better integration with the desktop, and better overall user experience. The fact that Google leaves android owners to fend for themselves to sync data from the desktop is an epic fail. Sure, I can troll web forums, try several Market downloads, and get something to partially work. iPhone users don’t have to do that. Within 10 minutes of getting their new phone home, iPhone owners can sync music, video, apps, photos, files, video podcasts, video rentals, files, etc. to their phone.

   Also, custom roms are nice (DX doesn’t even have this yet) but I don’t think most consumers care about that. Flash might be a big differentiator but for all we know, Apple may soon allow flash to run on iPhone 4.

   Until Google offers better desktop integration, the iPhone will maintain a significant advantage over Android phones.

   VS DROID 1

   This is a tough one… For me, it really comes down to how much you value the bigger screen over custom roms and/or having a keyboard. Some people may be interested in the DX’s HD video recording as well. I can’t say which is better because it comes down to what features are most important to you. I have to lean toward the DX being “better” at this point. The bigger screen and faster processor makes it better than the stock D1. If you hack the D1, all bets are off. However, if the DX gets custom roms, overclocking, etc., I think it will become the clear winner, at least until Droid 2 comes out.

   BOTTOM LINE

   I think the Droid X is best stock VZW phone available. Its big screen makes it really a computer in your pocket. The HD video recording capability is great. DLNA support is great. I didn’t even know an FM radio was included- nice! Battery life so far has been really good, especially considering its big screen. The DX offers just about anything you need in a phone sans the front facing camera. This one device may replace a standalone mp3 player, gps, camera, camcorder, netbook, and possibly, an iPad. The Droid X simply does it all.

   Is it the best Android phone on any carrier? I haven’t used the EVO so I can’t say which I would like more. VZW’s voice network and customer service are better than Sprint’s so the EVO loses in that respect. The Incredible was crippled with poor battery life so that’s a no-contest. The only real, current competition is a hacked Droid 1, if you care about hacking your phone. I personally don’t care about custom roms. For these reasons, I think the DX is the best Android phone to date. However, the current champ may lose its belt to one of the many great phones that are coming out soon. But at the end of the day, the real winner is the Consumer. There will be many great devices to pick from and that’s always a good thing.

   TIPS

   - Hitting the home button twice brings up the voice dial app.

   - For free USB or blue-tooth tethering to your laptop/netbook, try PDANet.

   - You can tether to your iPad! You have to jailbreak the iPad and install the blue-tooth dial-up networking. Search one of the iPad forums for details.
2. Manuel Pubillones says:

   August 7, 2010 at 11:21 am

   Review by Manuel Pubillones for Motorola DROID X Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)
   Rating:
   07/31/10; UPDATED REVIEW. First, thanks for the consumers who have found my Initial Review helpful and classified it as such in Amazon. Has been two weeks using the Droid X as my only means of communication besides Skype. Overall, it is an excellent device with amazing customization capabilities but have found that the Droid X may have an even more limited customer market. As amazing as the Droid X is, IT IS NOT A PHONE FOR PERSONS WHO ARE TECHNO OR COMPUTER CHALLENGED, at least for now, if they want to get the most of this marvelous Moto engineered toy. Otherwise, there are many simpler phones that will not complicate your/their life(s).

   THE BAD: First issue, being such a new device, not many vendors have the accessories for it and even though I received the ordered seven in one package from Amazon, still, no one has manufactured the proper case for the phone. See last photo below.

   Second, the Verizon website offers plenty of features to customize your phone and play with it; messages, ringtones, etc. But it does not work with 64 bit computers. And after downloading and installing the software, you get a message that it does not support computers running 64 bit OS.

   Third, there is not much information on the Web and most of it relates to the original Droid which is not compatible with the new X version. After following advices posted to load ringtones, videos and photos, noticed that most were wrong and had to erase all the OS system.

   THE GOOD: Reception, battery life and call quality continue being amazingly good for a device with such a large display and now that I have been playing with some Multi Media features, can give you an update on these. Besides, the phone has become the center of attention of some persons; from a Security Officer at the local Airport to friends that have noticed the change from my Blackberry look alike old Nokia (E-71) to this MONOLITHIC 2001 SPACE ODYSSEY Movie alike icon.

   Unlike other devices that limit MM features, if you work around, you will be able to customize caller IDs with JPGs (not animated graphics like some Samsungs), from your favorite characters to recent pics of your kids and/or significant persons. The Photo Gallery even included the date of the pictures you uploaded. The audio is OK with a single rear facing speaker unlike other devices which have two speakers. The only limitation encountered is loading videos. Have tried at least 10 different movies to be converted from VOBs into compatible and reasoably small formats but unable to load these on the X-device.

   Thus, after using the Droid X for two weeks is still a KEEPER that fulfills my needs as for a device that can make calls, browse the web, get e-mails, messages and use a GPS w/o paying the extra $10.00 monthly fee usually charged by Carriers.

   Now, if for whatever reason the Droid X was not the ideal phone for you, my advice is:
   
   1. If you would consider other Carrier, try the HTC Evo from Sprint. The 4-G capability is not available everywhere.
   
   2. If you want to use VZN but the X version of the Droid id too big a device, consider the Incredible.
   
   3. If you want to use ATT, try their version of the Samsung Galaxy but be ready for dropped calls.
   
   4. If you need to have T-Mobile, check their Sammy. It is thicker due to the slide out mechanical keyboard and their amazing Nexus One has been discontinued.

   UPDATED CONCLUSSION: The big, bad, mean new toy AKA the Droid X is for consumers who want or need the essential things from a Smartphone including good quality phone calls, e-mail & internet browsing. And the persons that will most enjoy it are those that have the interest and the time for of customizing it.

   Hope that this review helps you deciding on which phone to get this summer. If you want to wait until January 2011, several new devices will be available operating at twice the speed of the Snapdragon & Hummingbird processors. But let’s see what FroYo [Android 2.2] brings to these Droids in the next couple of weeks.

   Several photos of the Droid X have been included and sorry that these have not the best resolution/quality. Here are descriptions of them:
   
   1. Comparing the size of the I- Pod Touch (32GBs) with the Droid X and the Nokia e-71.
   
   2. Main screen of the Droid X with the Galaxy wallpaper (included on the phone).
   
   3. Comparing how an e-mail looks like between the Droid X and the I-Pod Touch.
   
   4. Comparing the Weather Bug application in both devices (I-Pod has not been updated as for location).
   
   5. A more detailed view on how the Weather Bug looks in the Droid’s huge display.
   
   6. Cases; the one on the I-Pod is a cheap one from E-Bay, the one on the Nokia is Boxwave’s Designio case (not yet available for the Droid X) but the best I have found.
   
   7. Holster; too large for even this big toy.

   Keep tuned for my re-evaluation once I receive the HDMI cable and compare the X-Droid’s A/V capabilities with the TV native sound/video resolution.

   ———————————————-

   O7/26/10: INITIAL REVIEW: I have been using the Droid X for ten days already. Uncertain if it was the device that fulfilled my needs, conducted several “home tests” to evaluate three key things; battery life, reception and call quality. The Droid has many other features but these were not relevant for my decision if keeping the new Moto device since I regularly use other devices for said purposes; a Zen Vision for video playback & music, a Camera for pictures, etc.

   As documented by others, the Droid X is a big device, even taller than the HTC-Evo. Its back is metal covered by a rubberized textured material which prevents slipping from sweaty palms and fingers. On the Left Lower corner has the slot for a Lanyard which I hooked at the store. Not many phones have kept Lanyard slots nowadays and it was a nice design detail from Moto especially for a big device. Is not as heavy as you will anticipate and the mechanical camera shutter bulge is convenient for proper grasping.

   The phone has been customized for my needs and preferences, from the animated wallpaper of a Galaxy (not the Sammy Galaxy Phones) to the icons on the seven screens. Yes, has seven different screens unlike the original Droid which came with three. When turned on it shows the I Phone alike unlock bar which is not the most convenient way. Nokia phones are unlocked by pressing two keys in sequence. The screen is bright for almost all places except under direct sunlight. Nevertheless, screen brightness can be increased.

   The operating system is the quite familiar Android 2.1 with nothing spectacular or unique on it. Applications load quickly and I have not experienced freeze-ups even with multitasking. The thing I like most of the OS is that it allows you plenty of customizing and even monitoring battery use per components; cell standby, display, voice calls, phone idle and Bluetooth as well as an indicator of elapsed time since you last unplugged the device. There is also the capability of turning on / off the Bluetooth, the Wi-Fi, the GPS and Airplane mode trough colored icons in one of the main screens.

   For purposes of my evaluation if the Droid X was a phone to keep or pass and wait for the Samsung Galaxy next month, I tested the reception going into places where I knew that signal strength would be minimal. This is just a comparison that has limitations and the most important variable is the change of Carrier from ATT to VZN. Tested and compared with results with prior performance using the Nokia E-71 with ATT. Not very fair but the Nokia is the device I have been using for more than two years.

   RECEPTION:
   
   First test; on an Inside Elevator, doors closed floor 8 (in a 20 story building). None of the phones were able to make a call. Calls initiated before entering the elevator were dropped (with both devices).

   Second test; Underground Parking. Nokia dropped calls and was not able to initiate any calls. Droid X, calls not dropped but voice quality deteriorated.

   Third test; a street downtown between tall buildings. While the Nokia was not able to initiate calls, the Droid X was able to do them even though the communication was interrupted.

   Variables were minimized calling the same persons, representing the four main cell phone carriers; ATT, VZN, Sprint and T-Mobile. I am aware that this test is more of indicative of different Carrier coverage and signal strength than differences in the phones as such.

   CALL QUALITY:
   
   After each call (made or received) I told the person who I talked with that I have changed my phone and wanted his/her opinion if they heard me better, the same or worse than before. Half of them responded that voice quality was the same and half said that it was better. No one said that it was worst and the Nokia’s are well known for their good mike & speakerphone. Worth mentioning that calls were made under multiple settings such as windy places, a noisy shopping center and also in the silence of my office. Perhaps, the key factor for the Droid’s performance it’s the multiple microphones it uses, one for cancelling environmental noise.

   BATTERY LIFE:
   
   Perhaps, the most important factor in my decision to keep or exchange the Droid X. Nokia phones have an excellent battery life and my E-71 was charged for an hour every other day or even every third day with regular use. Regular use for me is from five to ten short calls a day, checking e-mails and browsing the Internet a couple of times a day. Wi-Fi is always on receiving e-mails and Bluetooth always enabled with either headphones or even the car stereo.
   
   The Droid X allows users many configurations regarding battery use and which applications features are on or off as well as how illuminated you want the screen. It becomes even more user customizable with third party applications but I decided to run the battery duration tests with the three settings that Moto offers. Worth reminding that on a device with such a big display, most of the battery will be used by it.

   To conduct this test you just go into Settings/ Battery Manager/Battery Profile. There are three native options; Performance, Smart and Battery Saver Mode. The results with my “regular use” were:
   
   Performance: After overnight charging, using the Performance Setting (with the brightest display illumination) battery lasted an average of 28 hours.
   
   Smart Mode: Same use after overnight charging, the battery lasted an average of 36 hours on three trials.
   
   Battery Saver Mode: Similar use & charge, battery is lasting over 40 hours with at least 50% of the charge left according to the device battery meter (with said setting). On this mode, the battery use by the Display shows only 29% compared with 34% use for the Cell Standby, 19% for Voice calls, 11% for Phone Idle and 9% for the Bluetooth. This mode allows you also to configure specific settings for Peak hours and Off-peak Hours as well as individual display brightness. I have not tried yet the phone over 40 hours without recharging, afraid that might have a dead phone at some time.

   CONCLUSIONS:
   
   I am aware that this initial review might be subjective, has variables outside my control but though of publishing it to help consumers that are not decided on what device to get in this revolutionary summer of new smartphones. It will be very useful if others can compare the Droid X with similar devices using the same carrier; VZN. As for my needs, the Droid X does fulfill the three main ones and seems that it is a keeper.

   SOME RECOMMENDATIONS:
   
   Due to its size, the Droid X might not be for everyone. Definitely not for kids, petite persons or those who are technologically challenged. In ten days I have been able to spend hours “playing” with the device and customizing it for my needs and likes. One of the features I like most is that when I receive a call the phone “speaks” the name or number of the caller, shows the assigned avatar, image or photo followed by a short vibration and if I do not answer the call, the designated ringtone starts to play.

   Being the Droid X a new device, not many vendors (or even Verizon) have the accessories for it. Thus, I am using the Lanyard from my old Nokia, a Screen Protector from a full size Garmin GPS and an old case from a large camera which had a belt clip. The only place where you can get accessories (for now) is through the major website seller and I ordered a seven in one pack which includes the HDMI cable.

   During the following days I will test the Multi Media capabilities as well as it’s Internet, e-mails and social media features. Meanwhile, I hope that this article is useful for those of you that still have not bought their new smartphone. Have fun researching which one is best for your specific needs!
   
3. G. Young says:

   August 7, 2010 at 12:01 pm

   Review by G. Young for Motorola DROID X Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)
   Rating:
   Got this phone last Friday and have been messing with it all weekend. It’s my first “smart phone” since the days of Windows Mobile 6 or so. This thing is a mini laptop. It’s amazing all the things that it can do, and do them so well. Almost anything you can think of (and some things you hadn’t, but are just as cool anyway) is available to run on your phone. The display is huge and amazing. Battery life could be a bit better, but that comes with the huge processing power and screen. I’ve read that this phone does better than most in its class in that regard too. Really nothing bad about it at all. If you’re on Verizon and you’ve even considered this phone, get it as soon as possible because they’re going fast and they’re better than you can imagine.
4. E. Agarwal says:

   August 7, 2010 at 12:17 pm

   Review by E. Agarwal for Motorola DROID X Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)
   Rating:
   I’m a big believer in people using technology in ways that are customized to their needs. I don’t think it’s smart to just follow the herd and buy the latest device if what it’s good at isn’t what you need the most. While the latest crop of smartphones try to be do everything perfectly, they don’t. They still have strengths and weaknesses, and here’s where I want to outline each. I’ll compare these phones because 1. I’ve used both extensively 2. Most people are probably debating between these.

   Round 1: Battery life (X wins, because it can be replaced)

   I think battery life is a considerably underrated aspect of most phone reviews. When I owned the iPhone 3G, my battery would die every die by about 3pm. I used all the tricks under the sun, including keeping my brightness low, turning off wifi/bluetooth, etc. I got so frustrated that I went to the Palm Pre, which had a replaceable battery.

   Simalarly, I like the Droid X for this Round because it’s battery can be replaced. The biggest draw for any phones battery is the screen, and you would think the huge screen on this would destory the battery life. It does hurt it, no doubt. But on the iPhone, when your battery dies, you’re stuck until you get to charge. On my Droid X, I just pop in a freshly charged one ($12 with shipping on eBay. Make sure you don’t buy it from Verizon for some ungodly markup).

   However, if you are the type of person who is not a heavy user, then don’t worry about this category. The iPhone 4’s battery life is better than the 3GS, and if you just do light browsing, a few phone calls, and a bit of email, it should get you through the day no problem. For heavy users, X is the way to go.

   Round 2: Screen (iPhone wins)

   Much has been said about the iPhone’s new “Retina Display”, and here’s why: it really is incredible. I can’t believe that just 4 years ago a color screen was considered impressive, and now it’s come to this.

   Back to my theme: it depends on what you use your screen for. If you watch a lot of movies on your phone or look at high quality pictures, there’s no doubt that you should go for the iPhone. If, however, you use your phone more for email, web browsing, music, and phone calls, a top notch screen is less important.

   The resolution of the iPhone screen is better, but if that’s not a factor, then ignore this category too.

   Round 3: The Operating System (Droid X wins)

   This is perhaps the only category where it matters for everyone, regardless of how you use your phone.

   I’ve spent a considerable amount of time researching and testing both operating systems and trying to analyze them for different types of users, and I believe Android OS (even before 2.2) is superior to iOS4.

   Here’s why: Android is more open, and that just makes it more useable.

   Round 4: App store (Believe it or not, Droid X wins)

   People love comparing numbers, as if volume has anything to do with quality. Yeah, the iPhone App Store has more apps. By a few multiples. But how many calculator apps are there? How many apps that tell you the weather? How many apps that can do note taking or calendar work? If there’s 36 apps that do calendars, do I really need a 37th?

   I completely ignore the numbers aspect, because I think it’s an illogical and useless argument to have.

   Rather, I think it’s more important to judge the utility of the App store, and on that front, Android market wins. Why? Since Android is completely open, you can just do more stuff with it.

   On my Droid, I have an app that allows me to download any mp3 for free, right away. I have an app that allows me to tether my phone to my laptop for free, through either Bluetooth or USB, using my unlimited data plan. I have a Google Voice app, that gives me free text messaging, and free calling. I have a Divx app, that allows me to watch movies in AVI format (good luck, iPhone owners.)

   None of these apps are available on the Apple App store.

   Just to be fair, let’s talk about my recurring theme. If you are the type of person who wants to play some simple games and needs a good notetaking application, then either store will be just fine for you. If, however, you are an advanced user and are looking for some more advanced features, the open Android market is the way to go.

   Round 5: Typing (Droid X wins, not because of native keyboard, but because of Swype)

   For those of you who haven’t heard of Swype, it’s a new text entry method developed by the same guy who came up with T9. You slide your finger across the screen, pausing and changing directions at the letter you want, and it guesses the word for you. It it undoubtedly the most effective data entry method I’ve ever used.

   Android is more open and allows you to install Swype as your default keyboard.

   This one doesn’t matter for different people. Whether you only enter 160 characters at a time or re-write War and Peace, easy text entry is important.

   [...]

   Round 6: Media (a tie.)

   Here, it really really depends what you’re looking for.

   If you have already downloaded most of your movies/TV content through iTunes, then go with Apple. It’s still a phenomenal iPod, and as I mentioned previously, the screen is second to none. Movies look bright and crisp, the controls are smart and helpful, and it’s a good looking media player.

   If, however, you download most of your movies/TV shows in AVI format, then stick with the X. As I mentioned, there are apps that play AVI format (it’s a HUGE pain in the butt to convert everything from AVI to mp4).

   Music is music. Either player will work fine. Apple’s is probably a bit easier to use since most of us are used to it, but the X’s isn’t bad.

   Round 7: Aesthetics

   Let’s face it: the iPhone 4 is an incredibly good looking device. Sleek lines, nicely outline buttons, metal, glass, incredible display, they really thought this one out, and they hit it out of the park.

   The Droid X isn’t that. I would say though that it is the best looking Android phone out there. Yes, the screen is big and personally I like it. But it’s very, very thin. Very thin. And that makes a huge difference when putting it in your pocket. For women who carry it in your purse, I guess it’s not that big of a difference.

   If aesthetics are a primary concern of yours, go with the iPhone. I can’t argue with that. If you are looking exclusively for utility, go for the Droid X. I can say this with confidence because I bought the original Droid, which is one of the ugliest phones I’ve ever owned, but it worked SO well I just didn’t care.

   —-

   Summary: It all depends on what you use your phone for. If you are looking for a better version of a Blackberry OS, in the sense that you do a lot of work on your phone all day long, you type a lot, like the openness of the OS, send tons of email, and rely on your phone as your life, then go for the Droid X.

   If you use your phone mostly for texting and phone calls and to listen to music, play the occasional game and do light browsing, go with the iPhone.

   I’m an iPhone to Anroid convert, and couldn’t be happier. You’ll have to make that choice for yourself.
   
5. William B. Partridge says:

   August 7, 2010 at 12:48 pm

   Review by William B. Partridge for Motorola DROID X Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)
   Rating:
   This could have been the best Android phone available, at least for now and probably to come for a few months, but Motorola’s attempts to distinguish themselves over HTC and Samsung had to spill over into the software.

   Hardware wise this phone is amazing, if there’s anything to fault it might be that the form factor isn’t right for you, but it really is just a winner. Where it starts to go wrong is in Motorola’s customizations to Android, either added or replaced.

   A prime example, Android supports sync with Facebook and Twitter through the official applications. In doing so you can sync all your contacts OR just those you have as google contacts, thus not polluting your contact list. You can also set which picture to use for a contact (google, facebook, or twitter) on a per user basis. Motorola saw fit to remove this functionality and replace it with their own means which results in not only all of your contacts being dumped into your phone from each source but also you being forced to choose for all of your contacts as a whole which source to use for contact pictures (facebook or twitter, you can’t default back to google). This further introduces bugs in that the picture displayed isn’t always the same one (the phone randomly switches them) and that with some contacts it will display the twitter user name instead of their actual name.

   Another example is the gallery, gone is the elegant display with Picasa account syncing, instead you’re treated to a cover flow like representation of your images on the phone alone. And another being the loss of the weather and news application/widget in favor of Motorola’s very ugly weather widget and ugly rss reader.

   It’s stuff that’s just baffling. Kudos to Motorola for improving this version of their custom UI over motoblur, but it’s still bad/buggy and with the exceptions of the multi-touch keyboard, cursor dot/magnifier (like on an iPhone), and options to delay the security lock for the phone (which are all very nice additions) the changes seem to be for the worse, to replace the Android improvements post 2.0 with their own implementations.

   Pros:
   
   + Amazing screen
   
   + Fast, just bloody fast
   
   + Feels very solid in construction, not cheap
   
   + Great camera

   Cons:
   
   - Little buggy (Exchange support, notifications not going)
   
   - Tons of bloatware (MyVerizon, Kindle, NFS, 3G Hotspots, My Accounts, etc)
   
   – Motorola’s customizations (contacts, account sync, gallery, weather widget replacement)