"Old Geezer" (78) needs advice on DROID ...Pls help

[Montana Griz]

:redface:Background info:
I am going to buy a Droid X to take on a 1600 mile trip back to IL for my 60th reunion in October. I presently use a Verzion Motorola 325i cell; a Verzion USB 760 Broadband connection for my LapTop and get my TV reception through DishNetwork via a signal from a Verzion Tower on the other side of the valley. (I live in a valley in RURAL western MT) and get almost 2 out of 3 bars signal strength on my cell and 1 to 2 bars signal strength on the Verzion USB 760 Broadband Modem for LapTop. I've never had a "smart phone", but I've been reading various reviews etc and think a DROID would take the place of me taking: my cell; my 5 MP camera and my Lap Top with me on my trip..............Oh, also please understand, I AM NOT very knowledgeable in this "electronic gizmo" stuff, know just enough to get by.

Questions:

1/ I'm, thinking of getting a DROID X. From what I've read (but don't fully understand), I want the "2.2" Froyo version. (I hope that is the way to phrase it).........(NOTE: Also from my reading, I don't want the DROID 2. I like the larger screen size & the 8 mp camera of the Droid X.)

2/ In order to get the DROID (as described above), it appears that I will have to wait until it is available to the buying public. Since I would like it by OCT 1st,,, does it seem "possible" that I could the one I want by then?? I realize anyone's answer is only a "guess"......

3/ Any suggestions as to where is the best place to place an order:.........
The local Verzion Store in my local town (Hamilton) population about
5000; on the Internet (ANY SUGGESTED SITES please); or with
Verzion direct here on the net.

4/ Also, I'm very willing to "Pre-order" ASAP, if that's the way to do it, and get what version and features I want. How do I do this?

5/ What's this term: "fully rooted" mean, as related to the DROID X, and/or "2.2", and/or "Froyo?"

6/ Does the term: "Android 2.2", and the term:"2.2 Froyo", mean the same??

ANY and ALL suggestions, comments and opinions will be greatfully received. :huh::unsure: .......Sorry I'm so dumb! I'd really appreciate your help.

 

[Tanknspank]

If you were to get the Droid X as is today, it would come with android version 2.1. In a couple months, it will get an update to android 2.2, so don't worry about that.

And yes, android 2.2 and 2.2 froyo mean the same thing. Each version of the OS has been named after a dessert. 2.1 is called Eclair, for example.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

 

[bigd73]

Hi there,

Please read my response below.

:redface:Background info:
I am going to buy a Droid X to take on a 1600 mile trip back to IL for my 60th reunion in October. I presently use a Verzion Motorola 325i cell; a Verzion USB 760 Broadband connection for my LapTop and get my TV reception through DishNetwork via a signal from a Verzion Tower on the other side of the valley. (I live in a valley in RURAL western MT) and get almost 2 out of 3 bars signal strength on my cell and 1 to 2 bars signal strength on the Verzion USB 760 Broadband Modem for LapTop. I've never had a "smart phone", but I've been reading various reviews etc and think a DROID would take the place of me taking: my cell; my 5 MP camera and my Lap Top with me on my trip..............Oh, also please understand, I AM NOT very knowledgeable in this "electronic gizmo" stuff, know just enough to get by.

Questions:

1/ I'm, thinking of getting a DROID X. From what I've read (but don't fully understand), I want the "2.2" Froyo version. (I hope that is the way to phrase it).........(NOTE: Also from my reading, I don't want the DROID 2. I like the larger screen size & the 8 mp camera of the Droid X.)

Frozen Yogurt or more commonly called FroYo 2.2 is the operating system DROID phones use and is not yet available for the DROID X. The operating systems are written by Google and tailored by the phone manufacture, Motorola in this case, and then sent to the phone provider for release. It has been hinted that it will be available for the DROID X before the DROID 2 is released via an Over The Air update(OTA). OTAs are sent to your phone either via your request or a predetermined time slot through the Verizon Wireless network. So the DROID X will probably not be shipped with FroYo installed for at least the remainder of this month and maybe a little into the next month, if not longer.

2/ In order to get the DROID (as described above), it appears that I will have to wait until it is available to the buying public. Since I would like it by OCT 1st,,, does it seem "possible" that I could the one I want by then?? I realize anyone's answer is only a "guess"......

I would call to find out, but it is possible. Some phones are being delivered earlier than the customers were told.

3/ Any suggestions as to where is the best place to place an order:.........
The local Verzion Store in my local town (Hamilton) population about
5000; on the Internet (ANY SUGGESTED SITES please); or with
Verzion direct here on the net.

I would call the Verizon Wireless Customer Service department. They'll be able to tell you when the earliest ship date is and it is always better to actually talk to someone when ordering something IMO.

4/ Also, I'm very willing to "Pre-order" ASAP, if that's the way to do it, and get what version and features I want. How do I do this?

No need to "pre-order" when you call and order they will give you a ship date.

5/ What's this term: "fully rooted" mean, as related to the DROID X, and/or "2.2", and/or "Froyo?"

Rooted in it's simplest way of explaining is hacking into and getting administrative privileges for the phone so you can delete and install anything you want. The phone comes locked by default to prevent people from messing up their phones and forcing them to use the standard operating system so that technical support can help you with any problems you have. You can still install apps from the market place, but you do not have complete control over your device.

6/ Does the term: "Android 2.2", and the term:"2.2 Froyo", mean the same??

Yes, FroYo is the codename for the Android operating system version 2.2.

ANY and ALL suggestions, comments and opinions will be greatfully received. :huh::unsure: .......Sorry I'm so dumb! I'd really appreciate your help.

 

[thelion]

Hi!

None of the Droid X currently has 2.2 Froyo, yet. But they all will soon. If you get one, one day you will get a notice on your phone asking you to update. You will accept the update and when your phone restarts, you will have 2.2 Froyo!

I would call Verizon to see what their ship date is. It is highly likely you can get one well before October 1.

I think you will love this phone. It is not so complicated as it might seem at first. Make sure you have a gmail account and put all of your phone contacts into that account (there are some great tutorials online if you need help, or just come here!) that way your phone will auto add all of your contacts when you first set it up.

Good luck! And enjoy!

 

[kevroc]

:redface:Background info:
I am going to buy a Droid X to take on a 1600 mile trip back to IL for my 60th reunion in October. I presently use a Verzion Motorola 325i cell; a Verzion USB 760 Broadband connection for my LapTop and get my TV reception through DishNetwork via a signal from a Verzion Tower on the other side of the valley. (I live in a valley in RURAL western MT) and get almost 2 out of 3 bars signal strength on my cell and 1 to 2 bars signal strength on the Verzion USB 760 Broadband Modem for LapTop. I've never had a "smart phone", but I've been reading various reviews etc and think a DROID would take the place of me taking: my cell; my 5 MP camera and my Lap Top with me on my trip..............Oh, also please understand, I AM NOT very knowledgeable in this "electronic gizmo" stuff, know just enough to get by.

Questions:

1/ I'm, thinking of getting a DROID X. From what I've read (but don't fully understand), I want the "2.2" Froyo version. (I hope that is the way to phrase it).........(NOTE: Also from my reading, I don't want the DROID 2. I like the larger screen size & the 8 mp camera of the Droid X.)

Based on your level of technical knowledge (no offense meant), I don't know why Android 2.1 wouldn't work for you. Yes, 2.2 will eventually be better, but in ways that may not really affect the average user. If you buy your Droid X now it will have 2.1 and later will be upgraded to 2.2.

2/ In order to get the DROID (as described above), it appears that I will have to wait until it is available to the buying public. Since I would like it by OCT 1st,,, does it seem "possible" that I could the one I want by then?? I realize anyone's answer is only a "guess"......

We all hope that the 2.2 Update would be here by October 1st, but there have been delays before, so who knows...

3/ Any suggestions as to where is the best place to place an order:.........
The local Verzion Store in my local town (Hamilton) population about
5000; on the Internet (ANY SUGGESTED SITES please); or with
Verzion direct here on the net.

Online directly through Verizon might be best, unless you want to find the absolute cheapest price. If that's the case you may want to look at places like Amazon, Wirefly, Letstalk or Dell Mobile. They are usually cheaper than Verizon direct after a month or two.

4/ Also, I'm very willing to "Pre-order" ASAP, if that's the way to do it, and get what version and features I want. How do I do this?

Again, probably best through Verizon.

5/ What's this term: "fully rooted" mean, as related to the DROID X, and/or "2.2", and/or "Froyo?"

Rooted means "hacked". There are some advantages if you are highly technical and need capabilities that the phone doesn't provide as sanctioned by the manufacturer or Verizon, but you void your warranty and can cause your phone to stop working, so I would advise against it in your case.



6/ Does the term: "Android 2.2", and the term:"2.2 Froyo", mean the same??

Froyo (aka Frozen Yogurt) is the Code Name for Android 2.2

ANY and ALL suggestions, comments and opinions will be greatfully received. :huh::unsure: .......Sorry I'm so dumb! I'd really appreciate your help.

I would also point out that people claim the reception on the Droid X is really, really good. If you live in a marginal coverage area than you should be pleasantly surprised by the good reception. Not knowing how your current phone is rated though leave a question mark. The other thing to keep in mind is that the Droid X is a power hungry phone and typically in marginal coverage areas the phone has to work harder to keep a decent signal locked in so battery life "may" be an issue. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[soba1]

Well this I can definitely you. U will love the big screen. Im fifty and the screen size does help. Especially with the dial pad.
What I would recommend to once u get it. Come here ask questions just like u are doing; as well when u initially get it. If you buy it from a store make the salesman earn his money. Also u can go to tech support in store as time passes and they will gladly help u. Go for it and enjoy I think its great.

 

[xlinth]

As for the fully rooted question: this is probally something that you would not be concerned with at this time. It allows you to do advanced things with your phone that you may not find necessary considering your needs. Stock froyo ( when dX gets updated) will have most of the things u need ( including wifi hotspot). "Rooting" allows you to put custom versions of android on your phone that may or may not be stable. Keep the phone stock for at least a couple of months at least so that you can get used to how the phone works. There are many things that you can do to customize it without root. So dont worry about root right now and enjoy the wonderful alternative to the icrap.

Sent from my Moto Droid using Tapatalk

Btw: The only dumb question is one that is not asked

 

[Lightninrod]

And I thought I was the oldest X owner(will arrive in a day or two--ordered from VZW's online store on 7/22) having just turned 71. Ya got me beat.

You've gotten good answers and yes, you will certainly get a X before October.

I too am uncertain about using the X's capabilities and features so I read the forums daily and occasionally ask a question. Hopefully both of us older fellas will do okay with this great, new technology.

 

[maxnicks]

One thing to consider before rushing out to buy a Droid X is that it only has an on-screen keyboard. There's nothing wrong with an on-screen keyboard. Using Swpe for me is actually about as fast as a regular laptop keyboard, BUT there is a learning curve. If you decide you'd prefer a standard phone keyboard you may want to wait until the Droid 2 comes out.
Good Luck!

 

[fibermick]

A Geezette replies

Like the new word? I'm a 74 year old female and on my 2nd Android phone. I had the Palm operating sytem for years and it was a steep learning curve going to all things Google and Android. I still have lots and lots to learn and am learning new stuff every day. The forum has been great and very helpful. My approach has been to read, play with phone, read, play with phone, ask questions and then read some more. Good for our aging brains. It also impresses the heck out of your 20 something grandchildren that you have such an up to date piece of technology. I'm about to switch from my Droid Incredible back to the Droid X (as soon as my husbands dumb phone is up for new every 2 in mid-August (unless someone has a way for me to do it earlier?). I absolutely can't stand sense UI and didn't know it. My hands are small but I think I can make it work. The Dinc has a lovely screen (I'm an artist and I like colors) but I feel like HTC is controlling my experience. I don't have any intention of rooting and really wish the forum would just stick all the root stuff into a seperate forum so I could get through the days posts faster but I can see the attraction for the younger members.

Get your phone as soon as you can so that you'll be up and running (or in our case maybe walking quickly) by October. Have fun, I know I have.

 

[Claudia P]

Like the new word? I'm a 74 year old female and on my 2nd Android phone. I had the Palm operating sytem for years and it was a steep learning curve going to all things Google and Android. I still have lots and lots to learn and am learning new stuff every day. The forum has been great and very helpful. My approach has been to read, play with phone, read, play with phone, ask questions and then read some more. Good for our aging brains. It also impresses the heck out of your 20 something grandchildren that you have such an up to date piece of technology. I'm about to switch from my Droid Incredible back to the Droid X (as soon as my husbands dumb phone is up for new every 2 in mid-August (unless someone has a way for me to do it earlier?). I absolutely can't stand sense UI and didn't know it. My hands are small but I think I can make it work. The Dinc has a lovely screen (I'm an artist and I like colors) but I feel like HTC is controlling my experience. I don't have any intention of rooting and really wish the forum would just stick all the root stuff into a seperate forum so I could get through the days posts faster but I can see the attraction for the younger members.

Get your phone as soon as you can so that you'll be up and running (or in our case maybe walking quickly) by October. Have fun, I know I have.

At what age does geezer or geezette apply?

I'm a 62 year old female about to get my first Android phone, it's scheduled for delivery Wednesday).
I've been squinting at a BlackBerry Tour for the last year wishing it had a larger screen so I could actually see it without being nearly blind when I was done.
I agree with you about all of this keeping our brains in shape. My grandkids are already impressed since I know way more about computers than they do...lol

I'm also an artist and am really looking forward to my Droid X.

 

[Uprangewilly]

I would also like to point out that if you chose to you could also use your Droid X as your modem while your at home. There are at least two APPs that I know of that will allow you to do this, PDAnet and Easytether.

This could save you some money on your monthly bill.

 

[woosung]

Well other people answered the questions above but I just want to say that for 78 year old person to use a "smartphone" is awesome!! Hope you enjoy your Droid!!

 

[MWM]

Hey Griz - the background you gave and the questions you asked indicate you understand this electronic gizmo stuff a lot better than you give yourself credit for. Since you got your answers, welcome to the Android Community - order the X and blow everybody away at your reunion!

 

[Montana Griz]

One thing to consider before rushing out to buy a Droid X is that it only has an on-screen keyboard. There's nothing wrong with an on-screen keyboard. Using Swpe for me is actually about as fast as a regular laptop keyboard, BUT there is a learning curve. If you decide you'd prefer a standard phone keyboard you may want to wait until the Droid 2 comes out.
Good Luck!

I probably would.....except that the DROID 2 will have a smaller screen and only a 5 MP camera. I really like the larger screen & 8 MP.