Early this week I wrote about my adventures in iPad shopping in the US. While some of the comments on the post made reference to me being an Apple fanatic, today's entry will prove you wrong. Although I have used Macs for the past few years, I don't own an iPhone. I am a diehard BlackBerry user, have been for some time now. However, this past month I tested out a new device that might make me question my loyalty to RIM.
The new gadget in my purse is the Motorola Milestone, which is known as the Motorola Droid south of the border. This smart phone runs Google's Android operating system. It's now available from Telus for $149.99 for a 3-year term. Here are a few of my favourite features, and some areas where I think the device falls short.
Great Google integration
If, like me, you spend a lot of your life using Gmail, Google Calendar, and other Google features, when you set up the Milestone it's a breeze to sign in with your credentials, meaning your Google-related communications are always in sync (of course, you can also easily set up other e-mail accounts that exist outside the Google world).
Handy full keyboard
As much as I like typing on a touchscreen, there are times when I like the keyboard experience. With the Milestone, you can choose either. Not only does this allow for quick messaging and searching on the 3.7" touch screen, but if you have a long e-mail to write the keyboard comes in handy.
Growing Android Marketplace
Although there are more than 100,000 iPhone apps available now, the Android app store is growing quickly. There are already thousands of useful downloads, such as Twidroid for managing your Twitter account and Facebook for Android. Like iPhone apps, these are paid and free.
Sturdy and functional design
You will have to use it to believe it, but there is something nice about the way the Milestone fits in your hands. It lends itself to an experience that is more like a tiny netbook that sits in your palms than a phone.
Slow start-up and camera load
One of the biggest complaints I have about the Milestone is that it takes a while to start up. When you turn it on, don't expect to make a call within the first 15 seconds because the device is just warming up. Also, the camera is a little clunky. Although this smartphone flaunts a 5 megapixel camera, I found it is also a little show to activate and the image stabilization is not great.
Will I give up my BlackBerry entirely? Well, not yet. However, I have no doubt that my next phone will be an Android-based device like the Milestone.