The Droid X ($200 with a Verizon Wireless contract and rebate), is the newest Smartphone in Verizon’s stable. Sporting a 4.3-inch touch screen, speedy processor and an 8-megapixel camera in a matte black package that runs Google’s Android operating system, this Smartphone blurs the line between Smartphone and PC tablet.
Is it a PC tablet or a cell phone?
At 4.3 inches diagonally, the Droid X screen is enormous for a cell phone. For comparison, the Apple iPhone 4’s generously sized screen is 3.5 inches and the original Droid phone, which Motorola released late last year, is 3.7 inches. The screen isn’t just large; it’s crisp and bright as well. Watching videos on it is really fun. The screen supports a new application from Blockbuster Inc. that lets you rent or buy movies right on the phone. Verizon is including this on the Droid X. There aren’t a lot of movies yet available, but Blockbuster promises more to come.
The Droid X runs version 2.1 of Google’s Android operating system, which makes it easy to navigate. You can also use it as a wireless hot spot for connecting other phones or computers to the Web, but will have to pay an additional $20 to Verizon for this feature.
The Droid X’s camera (8-megapixel) includes a bright dual-LED flash. You can also take high definition video and use its HDMI port to connect the phone to a TV and watch your cinematic creativity on a bigger screen. How cool is that? You can also download an app that turns that LED flash into a flashlight—my personal favorite app.
The Droid X does have certain drawbacks. The screen makes the phone fairly large and not very comfortable for holding to your ear for calls. The size also makes it uncomfortable as a “pocket” phone. (Of course this may mean less “butt calls.”) When watching a video, the phone really needs some sort of stand so you don’t have hold it. The speaker is on the back side of the phone so laying the phone flat to watch a video can interfere with the sound.
All in all, the Droid X is fabulous! I can hardly wait for July 15th, when Verizon will have it for sale. Are you excited too? Or are you going to hold out for Verizon’s iPhone in January?
