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Motorola DROID A855 Android Phone (Verizon Wireless) | 
| Brand: Motorola Category: Wireless
List Price: $499.99 Buy New: $49.99 as of 3/13/2010 19:05 EST details You Save: $450.00 (90%)

New (1) Used (1) from $49.99
Seller: Amazon.com Rating: 138 reviews Sales Rank: 15
Media: Wireless Phone Shipping Weight (lbs): 0 Dimensions (in): 0 x 0 x 0
Model: A855 UPC: 723755811560 ASIN: B002UUTCKC
Release Date: October 14, 2008 Shipping: Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping Promotion: Data not available Terms and Conditions Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Android 2.0-powered smartphone with 3.7-inch touchscreen and slide-out full QWERTY keyboard | | • | Access a wealth of Google mobile services including Google Maps with Navigation for voice prompted turn-by-turn directions, Gmail, Google Talk, Calendar and more | | • | GPS-enabled for location services; Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g); 5-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; microSD expansion (16 GB card included) | | • | Up to 6.4 hours of talk time, up to 270 hours (11.25 days) of standby time | | • | What's in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 16 GB microSD card, quick start guide, user manual |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Product Description The first Android-powered phone for Verizon Wireless, the 3G-enabled Motorola DROID smartphone offers a full package of powerful mobile connectivity--from easy access to all your social networks and viewing of full Web sites to spoken turn-by-turn directions thanks to the new Google Maps with Navigation Beta app. One of the thinnest full-QWERTY slider phones available, the Motorola DROID also features a high-resolution 3.7-inch touchscreen display and a virtual onscreen keyboard that auto-rotates depending on the phone's orientation. And you'll be able to capture high-resolution images and DVD-quality videos on the go with its 5-megapixel camera with flash. 
The Motorola DROID offers the powerful Android 2.0 operating system, fast and reliable Verizon Wireless 3G connectivity, and a wealth of Google Mobile services--including the new Google Maps with Navigation app. | With integrated Google technology, the Motorola DROID brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by Voice, YouTube and Picasa. The DROID also provides easy access to both personal and corporate email, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. In addition to 3G connectivity, the DROID offers Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and business networks as well as hotspots while on the go and Bluetooth connectivity for both hands-free devices and stereo music streaming. Other features include memory expansion via microSD memory cards (a 16 GB card is included with the device), threaded text and picture messaging for seamless on-the-go conversations, Visual Voicemail capabilities, 3.5mm headset jack, and up to 6.4 hours of talk time. Here are just a few of the things that the Motorola DROID can do for you: - Zip through the Web: Access the Internet at 3G speeds via the nation's largest and most reliable 3G network or from any Wi-Fi hotspot. The multi-window HTML browser with a massive processor delivers the Web the way you expect.
- See it all in cinema-style: View the Web, email, Google Maps, videos and more in widescreen on a brilliant 3.7-inch high-resolution screen. Boasting a width of 854 pixels to reduce the need for side-to-side panning and more than 400,000 pixels total, DROID has more than twice that of the leading competitor.
- Run multiple applications at once: Customize your DROID with thousands of applications and hundreds of widgets available on Android Market. Toggle back and forth between up to six applications at a time to juggle the universe and your apps.
- Perform Google Search at the speed of sound: Simply tell DROID what you're looking for using voice-activated search, and it will serve up Google search results based on your location. If you want more, simply type what you're looking for into the search bar on the home screen and DROID will also search content on your phone, such as apps and contacts, and the Web.
- Capture moments: Snap digital camera-quality photos with a 5-megapixel camera loaded with the works, such as a dual-LED flash, auto-focus and image stabilization, or capture your friend's antics in 16 million colors with DVD-quality video capture and playback. Store it all on the included 16 GB memory card, so you always have it on hand.
- Multi-task like a master: Keep tabs on all your messages with integrated Gmail and Exchange email pushed directly to you, but don't let them get in your way. With the handy Android notification panel, go straight to the message or simply ignore it, and get back to the task at hand. And, a smart dictionary learns as you type and automatically includes your contacts.

Other features include a 3.7-inch touchscreen, slide-out full QWERTY keyboard, real HTML web browsing, Bluetooth stereo music streaming, microSD memory expansion (with included 16 GB card), and access to both personal and corporate email (see larger image). | 
See a schematic of all the controls. | - Get where you need to go with Google Maps Navigation (Beta): DROID is the first device with Google Maps Navigation, providing turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. It's powered by Google and connected to the Internet. Use voice shortcuts and simply say "Navigate to [your destination]," and you'll be on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device.
The Motorola DROID comes pre-loaded with a variety of Google and Verizon Wireless mobile services, including: - Google Maps: With layers in Google Maps, view geographic information, such as My Maps, Wikipedia, and transit lines, right on the map.
- Gmail: Multiple accounts support and undo for common operations.
- YouTube: One-touch recording and playback from home screen widget or app, one-touch sharing with friends, and the ability to view your own uploaded videos and high-resolution videos.
- Google Talk: Easily switch between chats, search your chat history, and preview pictures and videos sent by links.
- Android Market: Browse and download applications created by third-party developers.
- Calendar: Ability to see who has R.S.V.P.'d to your meeting invitations.
- Amazon MP3 Store: Download the latest tracks over the air.
- Verizon Wireless Visual Voice Mail: Delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions.
Key Features and Specifications - Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV–DO, Rev A network
- Powered by the Android 2.0 operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market. Built-in GPS with turn-by-turn directions provided by Google Maps and voice prompts using the Google Maps Navigation (BETA) app.
- 3.7-inch touchscreen with 480 x 854-pixel resolution and 16 million color depth
- Full slide-out QWERTY keyboard with familiar layout lets you type messages easily without scrolling for the letter you want.
- 5-megapixel autofocus camera also includes multiple scene modes, white balance settings, image quality choices, macro setting, multiple color effects, and geotagging capabilities.
- DVD-quality video capture at 720 x 480-pixel resolution and up to 24 fps capture; up to 30 fps playback
- Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
- Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
- Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB (16 GB card included).
- Multi-format digital audio player with dedicated Amazon MP3 Store app for over-the-air downloads. Includes compatibility with MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, and WMA formats and the capability to create and manage playlists on the phone.
- YouTube app for streaming video over 3G and Wi-Fi connections.
- Real HTML Web browsing provides more pages and better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone (Android Webkit HTML5-based browser).
- Standard voice mail and compatibility with Verizon Visual Voice Mail (subscription required), which enables you to delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.
- Email: Corporate (Exchange 2003 and 2007), Gmail, IMAP, POP3, Attachment and browser document viewer (Microsoft Office and pdf)
- USB 2.0 connectivity
- 3.5mm Headset Jack
- Bilingual Interface: English/Español
- Cortex A8 processor with dedicated HW Acceleration
- Memory: ROM: 512MB; RAM: 256MB
- TTY compatible
- Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3/T3
Vital Statistics The Motorola DROID weighs 5.96 ounces and measures 4.56 x 2.36 x 0.54 inches. Its 1400 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6.4 hours of talk time, and up to 270 hours (11.25 days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV–DO, Rev A 3G frequencies. What's in the Box Motorola DROID handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 16 GB microSD card, quick start guide, user manual
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 138
not very good March 13, 2010 Christopher A. Haley (Florida) Bought the Droid and used it for 3 weeks and I was not impressed. Just for the record, I have owned previously an iPhone 3g. Here is the breakdown
Pro's:
- After upgrading to the current Android OS version, the GPS application is STELLAR! Outperformed my Garmin Nuvi, and the voice input for addresses and for destinations is really cool. GPS data was very accurate (as long as you maintain a data connection with Verizon. If receiving a voice call, GPS doesn't work too well.
- Substantial feel (due to weight) of the device far outweighs the lightness of other "plastic" phones.
- Google Voice. Did I mention Google Voice? Really cool, really handy and works really well (as long as you have a data connection.
- The screen is just flat out gorgeous. Nice sharp, clear text. Brilliant colors, and wonderful brightness and contrast. Does get washed out somewhat in the sunlight.
- Contact list integration with social sites. Facebook contact information will automatically update, assuming that you have entered the person's name exactly as they have on Facebook. While this is really neat, you cannot edit the Facebook information on your device.
Con's:
- Phone construction is whacky. Keyboard slider won't stay closed while in your pocket. Power on button just floats. Volume up/down button is always in the wrong place and inadvertantly gets bumped, changed, etc. I found that my phone would go from full volume to mute without me knowing it through the course of doing different things on the phone.
- Touch screen glass is a fingerprint, face print magnet. This is a key point where Apple has gotten it with their special coatings to eliminate or to reduce smudges. The Droids glass front also has too much friction which makes swiping on the screen difficult or inaccurate at times.
- Ear piece. On mine, I could hear the static that you would typically hear in old radio broadcasts. Very annoying.
- Half of the calls I made or received, the other party only heard a mumble, not me.
- Apps. The Marketplace is a total and utter joke. Can't find what you need when you need it. Too much junk loaded in there. A good majority of the apps won't work properly or will crash the phone. Even verizon "recommended" apps crashed the phone.
- Applications running in the background. Nothing like having to force quit applications 3-4 times though out the day. If you don't, be prepared to charge your battery a couple times through out the day
- Sync. No good options here, unless you use GMAIL. Even that is limited. I was able, however, to get my calendar to sync natively with my Macbook Pro. Cool! There are some half baked options out there for sync, such as missing sync. I am sure they will get better over time.
- Android. The operating system is not intuitive and has the feel of being just slapped together, much like the Pontiac Azteck car. Tap here, swipe there, pull the shade somewhere else. It is customizable... sort of. The operating system is also laggy in spots, and fluid in others. This is where I truly miss the Apple iPhone experience, where everything worked as it should, and wasn't laggy in the least. Other issues are with screen elements disappearing (swipe to answer) at times, calls not able to be answered or hung up.
- Phone cases... at least the Droid case I had, it would interfere with using the slide out keyboard, interfered with the car windshield mount, and prohibited you from selecting items that were near the edge of the screen.
- Micro USB is not a good solution for power on a device that may need to be charged while in the car. you have to really pay attention to be able to plug it in. The car windshield mount doesn't power the unit, so you have to plug in the micro USB to the phone before docking it in the mount. It would be nice to have a powered dock to just snap the phone into, like most GPS units.
Overall, I feel this phone should never have left the drawing board, as it is painfully obvious to me that it is not complete. It has promise, but still has a long way to go for me to want to try again.
To be fair to Motorola, most of the big issues are not with the handset, but with the Android platform. With that said, the Droid is NOT a sexy design in the least, but that should not be the basis for a "bad" functional review. It isn't streamlined, it looks clunky with the sharp corners and the not quite the same size top slider as the bottom slider.
Bluetooth Voice Dialing DOES NOT work March 12, 2010 R. Szeto (USA) Let me start with the positive first. This phone has some really good apps and the large screen makes it a true iPhone killer. Here is the bad. Bluetooth voice dialing does not work and Motorola does not seem to care!!! This is a serious safety feature that is a must have in many states. In NYC, if you are caught using a cell phone while driving without using a hands free device, the violation ticket will set you back $135. I can't imagine a cell phone which does not support hands-free voice dialing! Until Motoralo wakes up and puts resources into fixing this product gap, I would suggest people NOT to buy this phone.
A worthy alternative to the iphone March 12, 2010 KAL-EL (Philadelphia, PA) I actually owned an iphone (for about 4 days) had to take it back due to poor AT&T reception in my home. I thought that phone was the best user friendly phone I had ever owned. I hated having to take it back. At least intill I started using the Motorola Droid that is. The call quality on this phone is second to none as far as I am concerned. The screen is spacious and the speaker is fairly loud and more importantly, CLEAR! I dont normally keep the volume all the way up, but when I do, I feel a very minimal amount of distortion. As many others here have already mentioned, the physical keyboard is well, not very good. To me it feels very cramped. Doesn't help that the keys arent raised either. I am coming from a Blackberry Curve so the physical keyboard to me is a bit of a downgrade. it might not be so bad for others though. I am however slowly getting used to it though. its the physical keyboard that is actually holding me back from giving this phone 5 stars. Still, I wouldnt say the physical keyboard is a dealbreaker by any means. All of the phones pros far out weigh its major con (to me at least) Also have to admit the major reason I decided to get the Droid was because of Amazon's price, which as of this review is still $49.99 with a two year contract. All my local verizon stores still sell it for $199. I think its really great that there are now cheaper alternatives to buying phones at local stores for higher costs. is this phone perfect? No, but it is damned near close!
awesome March 12, 2010 Linna E. Mccarthy (Olympia, Wa) I love this phone it is great I have had it for several months now and continue to be amazed.
High hope. Very disappointing after a while. March 11, 2010 Phoebe Sam (NY, USA) Pros:
1. it's Verizon. Signal's strong everywhere I travel to.
2. very good GPS with Google Map.
Cons:
1. WARNING: NOT GOOD FOR EMAILS! It's been a very frustrating experience so far. I get Force Close error messages for almost all my email accts on this phone. First, it's the IMAP acct, then POP, now even my exchange account stopped working. It almost impossible to use this phone for business if you travel a lot because you CAN'T GET EMAILS. And when it worked, it doesn't recognize meeting invite, it sometimes confuses PDF attachment as video and won't open it, and it doesn't save attachment... Compare to this, my old Blackberry about 100 times better with emails. Anther thing: it doesn't work with Mac's Entourage very well, every email I SEND from this phone looks like an empty email when sync to my Entourage.
2. compare to iPhone, the UI is not as user friendly.
3. speaker sound quality is not as good as it claimed.
4. pictures taken from the 5 mp camera doesn't look as good as the ones taken from iPhone.
Overall, it's very disappointing. It's not worth the high price (i got it at $199 from Verizon store). There are so many important features don't function properly, it should be released to public after more testing.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 138
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