An Apple Fanboy and His Droid

It started with the iPod Touch.  For years, I’d resisted Apple products, but about two years ago, I began to soften because of my experiences with the iPod Touch.  Since then, I’ve been advocating their use in schools and soon we’ll be seeing the iPad (a learning window?) in district classrooms.  Yes, I’ve been dubbed an Apple Fanboy, and it might be warranted.

So, the time arose for me to upgrade phones, and for a few months, I’ve been watching the smartphone market closely.  Now for someone who’s a gadget-loving freak, this is no easy decision these days.  It seems like nearly every week a newer, faster phone enters the market, and going from a basic voice plan on a flip phone to a data plan (plus voice) is a big leap for educators on a tight budget.  And, a two-year contract is a major commitment in a rapidly evolving sector.  Now, the assumption is that someone who’s an Apple sell-out would obviously go for the new iPhone 4, but I’ve resisted that.  Professionally, AT&T isn’t a viable option for both voice and data coverage in our district as I do quite a bit of travelling from school to school, and I’m already a Verizon customer.  So, I began researching Android-based phones.

I made an appointment at a local Verizon store for July 15th, the launch date for the Motorola Droid X, and picked one up.  I’ve been using the phone for just over a week, and so far, I love it.  Everything I’ve thought I’d want to be able to do with a smartphone I’ve been able to do.  Facebook, Twitter, Email, and FourSquare all work perfectly.  The GPS functions well with turn-by-turn directions.  The 8 mega pixel camera takes great pictures and can record HD-quality video (720p).  I’ve used a free app called DoubeTwist that works just like iTunes for syncing media to the phone (pics, music, videos and podcasts).

I’m really excited to hear about other folks in our district using Android-based phones, too.  With over 70,000 apps available, and strong marketing from carriers like Verizon and Sprint, Android-based phones are catching up to the iPhone (and will likely overtake it in the number of users before the end of the year).  So, for those of you out there using the Droid, the Incredible, and others, I’m learning with you!  That said, I want to end by sharing some resources for those who are new to Android.  If you’re used to Blackberry or, like me, the iPhone operating system, the Android experience is different (in a good way).  Here are resources to help you get started:

Android Central – a blog and podcast devoted to all things Android.

Phandroid – a blog devoted to the Android.

Android.com – the official Android website (including the Android Market).

Android Community – another blog/news site devoted to Android.

It’s exciting to see Android maturing.  That means competition in the market and that’s usually a very good thing for consumers.  It also means that more development money is pouring in which means we’ll be seeing more and better products.  That’s good for education.  Work has already begun on several Android-based competitors to the tablet arena.

Also, just a reminder… If you’re a Pender County Schools employee and a Verizon customer, you are eligible for a significant discount on phones, accessories, and your monthly bill!  Just take your ID and a pay stub into your nearest Verizon store.  Other local carriers may offer this too, so ask!

-Lucas