DROID vs DROID

You’ve heard plenty about the famous DROID phone, so named because it runs the Google Android operating system. But did you know that there were TWO of them? Yes, not only are there 2 DROIDs, but they are manufactured by two different companies to different specifications. So, which DROID is the DROID you have in mind?

The first DROID is build by Motorola for use on the Verizon Wireless network. It’s a touchscreen QWERTY smartphone running the Android 2.0 operating system. It’s so innovating, that it won Time.com’s “Top Gadget of 2009” award.

This DROID is the top of the line model, with a 5.0 Megapixel digital camera that doubles as a camcorder. It offers geo-tagging, auto-stabilization, a camera flash and on-board picture editing tools. You can take print your pictures or shared them online or via multimedia messaging.

Intended as a direct competitor to Apple’s iPhone, the Motorola DROID is two phones in one. Closed, it has something of an iPhone appearance, also sported by a wide number of touchscreen phones today. The large 3.7 inch color touchscreen display gives you complete command of thousands of apps that you can download from the Android Market.

Slide out the full QWERTY keyboard and you have a messaging machine that should please the fastest texting aficionado. Connectivity is 3G wireless where available on the Verizon Wireless network plus WiFi for use at home, work or in cafe and other WiFi hotspots. Surf the Web, email, SMS text, IM or multimedia text those you want to stay in contact with.

The alternate DROID phone is the DROID ERIS build by HTC, also for the Verizon Wireless network. This one runs the Google Android 1.5 operating system, sports a 3.2 inch color touchscreen display and offers a virtual keyboard rather that the slide-out set of buttons. In this respect, it is more like the iPhone than the Motorola DROID.

You still get the 5.0 Megapixel digital camera that is integrated with GPS services. The DROID ERIS also connects to both the 3G Verizon Wireless cellular network and WiFi hotspots.

So why would you pick one model of DROID over the other? It’s personal preference, mostly. If you like the more industrial look or want a physical keyboard, Motorola DROID is your choice. It also runs the more advanced Android 2.0 operating system and can handle larger memory cards. If you like the more rounded look, are happy with an on-screen keyboard, prefer the HTC Sense display presentation, and like the separate phone control buttons, you may prefer the HTC DROID ERIS. In fact, these phones are more alike than different, so carefully read the specs and look at the pictures for each phone to help make your decision.

You should also know that, as of this writing, the DROID ERIS is available free after instant online discount and the DROID is available at a deep discount of just $49.99. Those deals are always changing, so check out the complete selection of smartphone special offers and learn more about the HTC DROID and Motorola DROID ERIS for Verizon Wireless now.

You can also shop by cellular carrier or view today’s special deals on dozens of deeply discounted and free cellphones, smartphones and wireless modem aircards at Cell Phone Plans Finder.