Palm Pre Plus & webOS: A Commitment-Phobe’s Journey 

Today I am the proud owner of my first smartphone – a Palm Pre Plus.  In the past, I had openly coveted the smartphones of others and obsessed about owning one of my own, but couldn’t get passed the idea of renewing my contract.  This contract commitment phobia led to a sub-par relationship with the same basic cell phone for the past three years.  Whether you are a techie, the average user or somewhere in between, you have probably taken advantage of upgrade offers and the opportunity to get something newer and better at a low price.  Yes, I passed up at least one upgrade in those three years, but I was paralyzed by the thought of taking the bait and renewing my contract.  What if I later decided that I wanted a new carrier?  What if I upgraded just as an even better phone was set to release right around the corner?  If I was going to make the leap with my current carrier and solidify our relationship for another two years, I couldn’t waste my upgrade on a passing fad or a phone that wouldn’t live up to my expectations.  

Part of my problem was also that I couldn’t find the smartphone that held that special spark for me.  The iPhone seemed like a great option, but could I really switch to AT&T from my trusty Verizon? My fears about AT&T were readily confirmed during my family’s Christmas vacation to Walt Disney World, where we experienced AT&T’s version of the “Cell Phone Tower of Terror.”  After narrowly surviving half a day of “Can you hear me now?” moments and dropped calls on my parents’ AT&T phones, my family swapped cell phones around so that when we divided up at Disney, each group had a non-AT&T cell phone at all times.  I looked briefly at BlackBerrys, but once I tried their Web browser I found myself wanting more.  I even flirted with the idea of a Droid, but quickly decided that its masculine look and flimsy keyboard weren’t right for me.  I began to wonder whether I would ever find “the one.”  Why wasn’t there an eHarmony for smartphones that could match me with my dream phone based on our 29 dimensions of compatibility?

Then everything changed with the launch of the Palm Pre Plus and the webOS 1.4 update.  For weeks Palm had been popping as I searched for my perfect smartphone, and the release of webOS 1.4 drove home the decision to go with the Pre Plus. 

Funny, I can’t help but laugh every time I write the terms “webOS” and “webOS 1.4." Until a few weeks ago I had never heard of either.  Truth be told, I am no techie.  I am just an individual who enjoys technology - all the extraordinary possibilities that it creates and enables - in theory, but really only utilizes it on a mainstream level.  I didn’t even realize that Palm was still a contender in the smartphone market before I came across the Pre Plus.  Very few of the stores I had been to during my search even carried Palm, and my only “experience” with a Palm was a sweet but short-lived relationship with a Palm Pilot back in 2000. 

So why the Palm Pre Plus, especially when theres so much Verizon-faithful hype surrounding the Droid and other Android-based smartphones? webOS and I have a spark between us, plain and simple (The phone's stylish look and physical keyboard were great selling points, too).  webOS is super slick – its multitouch capabilities and ability to swipe applications in and out of view are just fun, while also smooth and practical.  It’s also very satisfying to swipe away an application that I no longer want on my screen.  Intuitive and cool – what could be better?  

Multitasking with webOS is phenomenal.  I cannot operate in just one application or screen while doing my work as an administrator for, ironically, a software company. I often will read an email that requires me take action via other programs or documents, or need to refer to an email while doing another task or two (or three).  I need to be able to move between open screens seamlessly and simultaneously, and I can do it with webOS.  An in-store demo of the previous version of webOS left me feeling like it was a little slow when opening applications.  This was frustrating and something of a deal-breaker for me.  The 1.4 update makes opening applications faster - and more satisfying since I can now see the system working on my request before my eyes. 

webOS also has an outstanding notification system.  As a part-time telecommuter and full-time stay-at-home mom of a seventeen month-old, I am not always in front of my computer, but still need to know when emails come in and things need to be done.  Instant notifications of new emails on my Pre Plus - both on-screen and via notification light - has been a life-saver.  I now know that as long as my phone is near, I can play with and take care of my daughter without missing a beat, work-wise.

The Palm Pre Plus won me over, and I am sure this is only the beginning of a great relationship.  Is my contract commitment-phobia cured?  Maybe, maybe not.  I guess we'll have to wait and see two years from now.

From now on, every Thursday we shall give you at least one Top 5 list for your reading, commenting, and arguing-about pleasure. Hide the neighbors, tell the kids, and tweet it from your pockets: Top 5 Thursdays are here on PhoneDog.com!  

This week it's my current Top 5 phones - that is, the Top 5 that are currently available for purchase and use in the U.S. Since I didn't get to Barcelona for MWC this year, I haven't hand my hands on several newly launched devices that might otherwise have made the list. The HTC Desire and Legend, Samsung Wave and i8510, Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro and a few others come to mind. Hopefully I'll get to paw them in a few weeks at CTIA (when I go to Vegas I paw phones ... isn't that what you paw when you go to Vegas? Right, thought so.), and can hit you back a few Thursdays from now with an updated list.

But that's all in the future. Let's live in the moment, shall we?

Noah's Top 5 Phones - March 11, 2010

1. Google Nexus One (Unlocked / T-Mobile)

Yes, on paper this slot would rightly go to the HTC Desire, a slightly upgraded, HTC Sense-ified Nexus One that made its debut at MWC last month and is rumored to be hitting Verizon as the "Incredible" in the coming weeks. But no matter, you can't buy Desire in the US just yet and so Nexus One it is.

C'mon, it's not like a put a slouch of a phone in the #1 slot or anything. Nexus One is easily the best Android experience I've had to date, even accounting for the fact that it lacks HTC's supremely nice Sense UI. Why? Power, speed and grace. N1's Snapdragon processor and Android 2.1 OS make a snappy duo that's easy on the eyes and quick through app launches and menu scrolls - and it's all the better now that Google finally gave in (or whatever) and enabled pinch-and-zoom on the stock Browser.  Put that experience on a huge, gorgeous display and build it all in a sleek, thin body with rounded corners that go easy on the hand and you've got the best smartphone on the market - or at least the best one you can currently buy in the US. 

And, oh yeah: Free turn-by-turn navigation including voice command. Crazy.

2. Apple iPhone 3GS (AT&T)

Nexus One may be the best smartphone around, but there's good reason that Apple's line of iPhones has been so popular for so long. 3GS is still dead simple, easy on the eyes, and fun to use. iPhone OS 3.x is getting long in the tooth as compared with the sophistication of Android 2.1 and webOS 1.4, and so I'm expecting big things from Apple with iPhone 4.0 this Summer. Luckily there are tons of apps to mess around with in the meantime. 

Lest you think I was kidding, I'm not. For all the flack the App Store gets from haters and those with legitimate reasons to criticize Apple's approval process, it's still pretty amazing how many fun, useful, or fun and useful pieces of software you can buy and run on an iPhone OS device. My latest find? Abvio's Runmeter, which is shaping up to be a very worthy competitor to my beloved Runkeeper Pro. That, and Fun Mail, which isn't new, but to which I've become happily re-addicted lately.

3. Palm Pre Plus (Verizon)

Palm's in a bad way right now, which makes me sad because a Pre Plus running the new webOS 1.4 is a pretty seriously great device to have with you. The system update brings video recording and sharing, enhanced contacts and messaging functionality, and much needed speed and battery life improvements to Palm's wonderfully elegant platform. Pre Plus itself is basically the device I wish Palm had initially launched on Sprint: A Pre with a Pixi's superior keyboard grafted on to it, and double the internal flash memory to boot. 

webOS still lacks a desktop media sync client, an official soft QWERTY and some other goodies, and I for one think Palm really needs to break tradition and launch a thin, keyboard-less, all touch device, but the platform itself rocks. Here's hoping Palm and their carrier partners can retool their (awful) marketing campaigns and get something to market that will really grab consumers' attention before it's too late. webOS is too bright a star to burn out just yet.

4. HTC HD2 (Coming soon to T-Mobile)

I'm cheating a tiny bit here, as the US version of the HTC HD2 won't be available until March 24th or thereabouts. Then again I had an unlocked European HD2 in my possession long enough to fall in love with the thing. Mainly I fell in love with the hardware and the HTC Sense portion of the software - there's a reason Microsoft won't be supporting WinMo 6.5 much longer, after all.

Still, the HD2 is to me perhaps the only true superphone on the market. Nexus One is cool and all, but it's not that wildly different from a few other devices that preceded it. HD2, on the other hand, literally blew me away with its insanely large capacitive display and sleek, chic tablet-style form factor. Not everyone will want a device this large in their pocket every day. But not everyone is from the future, either.

5. I Have No Idea

Seriously, I'm not sure what phone comes in at #5.  So here are some contenders:

- Motorola Droid (Verizon): Some people would rank this Numero Uno since it's Verizon's flagship Android device. Me, I don't like the keyboard or the styling on the thing. But I hear ya.

- HTC Droid Eris (Verizon): My personal favorite Android phone save Nexus One. Droid Eris feels a wee tiny bit old compared to N1 and everything else that runs Android 2.0, but it's still a very slick, pocketable device that runs HTC Sense.

- HTC Touch Pro 2 (Various): The best physical QWERTY board available on a mobile phone right now, save perhaps for the BlackBerry Bold. But is that enough to overcome the death sentence that is buying a WinMo 6.5 device right now? Touch HD2 made the list, but like I said it's totally from the future, man.

- Palm Pixi (Sprint): Probably the webOS device I would carry, even though it's specs are totally outclassed by the Pre Plus. So why would I carry it? The form factor is insanely nice, it has a pretty good physical QWERTY and it runs webOS, that's why. Also, Pixi on Sprint is cheaper each month than Pixi Plus on Verizon.

- Nokia E72 (Unlocked): I flirted with Nokia's Maemo-powered N900 for a few weeks, but it's user interface is just to bizarre to commit to. While I have serious reservations about recommending a Symbian S60 phone to a US consumer, there's no denying E72's beauty and power. If you like you some business-class Symbian, you'll love you some E72.

It’s time for your daily mobile phone news update compliments of the Morning Mobile Minute where we break down all the top news stories hitting the mobile world every Monday through Friday. Starting things off in mobile phone news this morning is Sony Ericsson’s latest Symbian S60 5th Edition handset, the Vivaz, which has just received an update that enhances the camera and core functionality. The Vivaz, which packs a 12 megapixel camera and big 3.5 inch display has had software problems since launch. All About Symbian is reporting that despite the update a number of bugs remain. You can download the update at sonyericsson.com/update.

A video explanation of the exclusive partnership between Skype and Verizon Wireless has just hit YouTube compliments of the Verizon Wireless channel. After Skype was pulled from the US Ovi Store without warning it seems that Verizon is cashing in on the news.

Once again Microsoft has confirmed the HTC HD2 will not be upgradable to Windows Phone 7 Series. This news comes after ZDnet editor Mary Jo Foley received an email from Microsoft confirming that “excess buttons” would prevent the upgrade. The official statement reads”For Windows Phone 7 Series we are enforcing a strict set of hardware requirements to ensure a consistently great experience for end-users and developers”. Unfortuantely that isn’t so great news if you own or will soon own the HTC HD2.

A new leaked OS build for the BlackBerry Bold 9700 has been released – version 5.0.0.545. As always with a leaked OS we advised you to proceed with caution. But if you do decide to take the plunge feel free to report back with any changes or improvements you find on your device.

Xbox owners brace yourselves. Gears of War is coming to the iPhone in the distant future. This news comes after Pocket Gamer dot com reported that Epic’s Josh Adams spoke of their intention to eventually bring the massively popular shooter series Gears of War to iPhone. It is unclear whether a separate higher-resoulution version will be coming to the iPad.

BGR has just published their T-mobile HTC HD2 unboxing photo gallery. For those of you that can’t wait for the March 24th release date this should calm your nerves quite well. Head over to BGR for the full gallery.

Andrew Kameka from Androinica is reporting that T-Mobile managers all over the U.S are being briefed on the new handset. Current rumors are that T-mobile USA will be released the HTC Desire, think Nexus one plus HTC’s Sense UI.

Last up this morning is news from HTC. The HTC Smart, HTC’s first Brew-based phone which is coming to India in late March has just been awarded a $1 million dollar marketing budget. HTC is banking on the concept of an ultra affordable semi smartphone running BREW and their Sense UI. The Smart packs a 2.8 QVGA display, HSDPA, accelerometor, bluetooth, push email, FM radio, 3.2 megapixel camera, 256MB ROM and RAM and microSD card support. It’s priced at about $220 USD and in April it will be heading to Europe first on the O2 network.

That wraps up the mobile phone news for Wednesday March 10, 2010.

A side note about patents:

Lately, I’ve been wondering if the problem is actually with companies suing each other. Just maybe, the #Fail lies in the weaknesses in our patent laws that allow frivolous or meritless cases.

From the US Patent and Trademark Office website:

A patent for an invention is the grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the Patent and Trademark Office… The right conferred by the patent grant is, in the language of the statute and of the grant itself, “the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” the invention in the United States or “importing” the invention into the United States. What is granted is not the right to make, use, offer for sale, sell or import, but the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, selling or importing the invention.

The site defines an invention as:

any art or process (way of doing or making things), machine, manufacture, design, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, or any variety of plant, which is or may be patentable under the patent laws of the United States.

Well that’s vague. “Art or process” doesn’t seem very well defined, which leaves several general concepts open to patenting. (I have a “way of doing” things, like serving dinner. Can I sue any restaurant that dares to serve paying customers using the same fork/spoon combo move I use?)

I’m no patent expert (and if you are, please weigh in here), but it seems like so many cases are based on pretty feeble claims. And instead of companies investing their resources in R&D, they waste precious time and money suing each other over these concepts. Then what happens? Innovation suffers. Not just because these companies distract themselves and each other with this. But because laying claim to an idea that others could actually take further might also be what’s keeping us from speeding forward. And I’m not just talking about mobile phones or consumer technology — there’s medicine, pharmaceuticals, assistive devices, automobiles… things that could drastically improve the quality of life for people.

I once stood staunchly behind the idea of, “Let no man take what is yours.” Now, in light of current patent laws, I’m really not so sure. If you sit on a good idea or concept, is it fair to prevent anyone else from bringing it forward?

Today has been a rumor-filled day for those of you who follow the Android scene.  And we like rumors, so here's another one to tempt your palate.

BerryScoop today claimed that a reliable source informed them of Verizon's future plans for the Droid Eris.  The source mentioned that Eris' end of life (EOL) would be April 1st of this year and that the HTC Incredible would be launching around that same time.  Additionally, they mentioned that despite speculation of the Nexus One coming to Verizon retail stores, that this is unlikely and Verizon is viewing the Incredible as their token superphone.

Now, to make things a little more interesting, the folks at Phandroid got wind of the rumor, and seem to think it's preposterous.

"Let’s just say I would be incredibly surprised if this actually happened and the fact that the source of this rumor is BerryScoop – a non-Android site with little proven history – I can’t say I’m very confident in the potential they nailed this rumor."

They suggest that it doesn't make sense for the Eris to be phased out now, as it was only released in November.  Additionally, they mention that the Eris and Incredible are two different phones for different demographics and that removing it from Verizon's smartphone lineup would be a hindrance to the selection of phones they offer.  

Let's not forget that all of this is just a rumor, and there's nothing to confirm on either side as of yet.  I will say this, though - if I were in a position of power, I would put a buying freeze on all Android devices for the next few months to prevent an uproar of buyers remorse.  Sound off in the comments!

Via BerryScoop, Phandroid

Here's what's going on right now on PhoneDog Media's network sites: Today's iPhone, BBerryDog and DroidDog.

Top 10 free travel apps

Is iPhone getting "Bing'ed?"

Video: TiPs & Tricks - Map Tips

RIM's Twitter for BlackBerry and LinkedIn coming soon!

OS 5.0.0.545 leaked for BlackBerry Bold 9700

How-To: Installing third party applications

Pershoot's 2.6.32 Kernel (Tutorial)

Malware found on HTC Android phone - really?

Is Bravo headed for T-Mobile US?

Powered by Sprint 4G

Check out the video below, and let me know what you think!  Is it worth waiting for, or are other Android-powered devices (Desire, Incredible, Bravo) far more exciting?

{Widget type="youtube" id="tOKZpvSUd4s&"}

Via PhoneArena
Powered by Sprint 4G

Though the Brigade isn't officially on the market just yet, a lucky member over at HowardForums has been able to score his hands on one.  This isn't an irregular happening - as seen in cases in the past, a quick call to telesales and a bit of begging can do wonders in some cases.  The device isn't available online just yet, but a few retail stores here and there have reported having it in stock.  Be prepared to spend $249.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and new two-year agreement.

Given the fact that the Brigade is $250 after rebates and requires a data plan, I'll stick with my smartphone.  For those that need a workhorse, however, this might be your phone.  Anyone interested?

Via Engadget, HowardForums
Powered by Sprint 4G

When I was working with the BlackBerry Storm2, I noticed that the lower left hand corner was noticeably harder to push than anywhere else on the unit.  At the time, I thought it was my device, but it appears that the problem was a bit more widespread than I thought.  According to a leak obtained by BerryScoop, Verizon retail stores have been directed to return their existing stock of Storm2 devices for replacements that use improved "silicone actuators."

Once the fix is in place, it is said to "improve touchpad perfornace."  Unfixed handsets must be out of stores by March 11th, so if you're having issues with yours, you should be able to visit your local Verizon Wireless store and get it swapped out.  On that note, is anyone else experiencing issues with the accuracy of their Storm2?

Via Engadget, BerryScoop
Powered by Sprint 4G

There is much speculation surrounding the CDMA version of the Nexus One, which is slated to hit Verizon by Spring 2010.  Early last week we reported that the N1 had cleared the FCC, and that sources were suggesting a March 23rd launch date (which lines up with CTIA 2010).

BGR is now reporting (and when I say reporting, I mean sharing the rumor love) that based on a few emails exchanged between "some curious customers and some rather knowledgeable [Verizon] reps," it's reasonable to believe that Verizon has started training employees on the N1, and in addition to being sold online by Google, it will also be sold in Verizon retail stores.

If the rumors are true (and I'm hesitant to say Google is ready to jump ship this early in the game), this is a considerable deviation from Google's original plan to change the way consumers purchase cell phones.  On the other hand, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that in recent news, Goldman Sachs reported to WSJ that:

"Google's initial sales figures were disappointing and that it is expecting Google to sell just 1 million Android-powered Nexus Ones this year. That's down from the original 3.5 million in sales the firm first projected."

If ever there was a reason to change a plan, I suppose the prospect of failing to meet forecasted sales is a good one.  Perhaps (and again this is assuming that the rumor is in fact true) this is Google's way of offering an option that will please both consumers and shareholders, in an effort to eliminate any possible "disappointment."

We're not far away from the rumored Nexus One launch date; that being said, are you gearing up to make your purchase then?  Sound off in the comments!

Via BGR, MobileBurn

Our brethren over at DroidDog caught wind of an interesting and potentially exciting rumor that's just begging to be spread (and confirmed, of course). If there was an official scale of rumors (let's say 1-5 to make it easy), I'd have to give this rumor a two.  Wondering why?  You'll see as you read further.

According to Andrew Kameka of Androinica, there are three separate accountings from various contacts at T-Mobile that give reason to believe the HTC Desire is coming to Magenta.  The contacts' stories are similar in that all say their managers attended training for phones coming down the pike and they "strongly suspect that the HTC Desire was one of those devices."  The statements are the only "facts" we have, however, it was said that the phone is "awesome and it was Android," and that "it was all touchscreen and large." 

What it breaks down to is that we really only know one thing (and this isn't particularly earth shattering news in itself) - that T-Mobile will be getting another Android device in the future.  We also know that just about every carrier in the UK will be getting the Desire.  Specifically, T-Mobile UK will be launching the Desire on March 26th, and while T-Mobile UK (or any other Deutsche Telekom variant) doesn't always carry the same phones as T-Mobile USA, we can certainly hope that the Desire will be one phone shared among siblings.   

You gotta love the rumor mill.  It may not churn out facts, but it's the source of much hope for us phone geeks.  How would you rate this rumor on the rumor scale?  Become a statistic below!

Via DroidDog, Androinica

As I explained in last week's column, I'm using the HTC Droid Eris utilizing HTC's Sense UI with the Android operating system (currently Android version 1.5).  This week, I'll focus on customization options with Android vs. other operating systems that I've used, as well as the apps and widgets that I use most with my HTC Droid Eris.

Android is the most user friendly mainstream operating system available right now in terms of its ability to customize the homescreen, especially because it allows widgets.  The Blackberry OS is probably the least customizable on the market, and in my opinion lacks the ability to capture the imagination of ordinary non-business oriented consumers.  Blackberry does not support widgets, and in fact limits the number of app shortcuts available on the default homescreen. Blackberry's only advantages over other operating systems are the speed with which apps open and its mastery of email, which is no small feat.  Similarly, the Windows Mobile phones I've used offered no widget support (except for Samsung's Touchwiz UI, which was excruciating to use on the Omnia), and default homescreen customization options were very limited.  I am very much looking forward to Microsoft's next generation Windows Phone 7 Series in the second half of this year, however.  I really think Microsoft will be back with a vengeance to challenge Android and Apple. Palm's webOS is very good looking, but also lacks customization options. If Palm can make some improvements in this regard and with respect to webOS' overall speed, they could really gain respect as a viable competitor to Apple and Android.  

For the unfamiliar, here's a brief explanation of the difference between apps and widgets. Android supports the ability to place application shortcuts on the homescreen panels so that you don't have to search through all of your apps each time to find the one you want.  This is very similar in concept to shortcuts on a PC desktop.  When you tap an shortcut icon, the application it's linked to opens for use.  Widgets, on the other hand, are active application interfaces that live on your homescreen panel.  They can be designed to pull data from an app, or they may be "freestanding," without the need for any other software installed on the phone.  I love widgets because they make data available at a glance without the need to dig into full apps.  Not all apps in the Marketplace come with widgets, but many do.  

A few examples of great apps and widgets that I've found in the Marketplace: First, the Radiotime app is the single most exciting app that I have to tell you about. I will definitely be writing more about Radiotime in a subsequent column, but here's a preview.  Radiotime gives me access to literally thousands of streaming radio stations throughout the country (ClearChannel Stations are available only through the iheartradio app, however) and I can easily find most any genre of music, or classification of talk radio programming, including  syndicated radio programs, at any time of the day.  I actually use the auxiliary jack in my car to listen to radio programming using my Droid Eris and Radiotime on the way to and from work.  This works so well, I plan to cancel my XM Radio subscription and use this exclusively going forward. I'm a talk radio junkie and commute at least an hour per day to and from work and am able to listen to most all of the same programming that I've been used to with XM Radio.  (Note: My car's factory radio did not include an auxiliary jack or iPod adapter, but I found a great aftermarket module that gave me both, which I'd be happy to share about as well in a future column if there is interest.)

One of the most useful widgets I use is Android Agenda Widget, which places a list of my calendar entries for the current day and upcoming several days, as many as will fit within the customizable widget size option that I have chosen. It updates itself at a user-defined interval by pulling data from the calendar app.  

There are a couple of messaging apps that I use all the time.  First, the Hancent SMS app. HTC's messaging app (which comes pre-installed on Droid Eris) is great, but not quite as good as the Handcent SMS app.  Handcent is infinitely customizable, from the ability to change the look of the app through different themes and conversation styles to the ability to enable popup notifications of new SMS and MMS messages.  The main reason I use Handcent is the popup feature.  With popups enabled, upon arrival of a new SMS text message a popup will appear that allows me to read and quickly reply to the message without having to open the app itsef (the app may be used to view older messages and threaded conversations).  I've disabled notifications in HTC's messaging app and have removed its shortcut from the homescreen panel in favor of Handcent and the experience is now seamless.  Its as if Handcent came with the Eris instead of HTC's app.

The other great messaging app is Google Talk, which is an instant messaging app that allows you to send messages to other Google Talk users without using your wireless carrier's SMS data.  I communicate with my wife via Google Talk to avoid using up our pre-paid SMS allowance each month.  Verizon has a crappy way of charging users for sending and recieving SMS and MMS messages to other Verizon users - even to other phones on the same family share plan.  I know, you can pay $10 extra per line for unlimited SMS and MMS messages between Verizon phones, but I don't want to have to pay that extra money if I can avoid it.  My wife and I use the $5 SMS and MMS add-on which allows 250 messages before you a $0.20 charge for every subsequent message sent or received.  My wife and I used to send and receive lots of texts, but now with Google Talk we can communicate without message length being an issue and without worrying about going over our monthly messaging allowance.

About two weeks ago, I discovered the Touiteur Twitter app and it has quickly become one of my favorite new apps.  I don't have room to go into it now, but suffice it to say Touiteur is the best Twitter experience I've had on the Droid Eris to date. Maybe next time I'll get into Touiteur and some more killer Android apps.  Let me know in the comments what your favorite apps are, and also some suggestions on what you'd like to see in future columns.