[Motorola Droid X2] Barnabas96:
I don't know what site would be the best place to post this, but this site seems reputable because of its co-development with Ubuntu on Ubuntu Touch. If there would be a better place to ask this, please make suggestions.

Sorry that this is so long. I tried to include the minimum while still including info that would help others best answer my questions.

My Mobile Technology History

I got my first 'smartphone' in 2005. It was the Verizon XV6700 which ran Windows Mobile 5. I decided to get one after carrying around two devices - my cellphone and my PDA. I've had a cellphone since 1989 and got my first PDA in 1999. I've had every kind of cellphone from an old 'bag' phone, to a 'brick' phone, to a candybar phone, to a flip phone, to a smartphone. For PDAs, I've had the Handspring Visor (running a modified Palm OS) and a few Dell Axim X5s (running PocketPC).

My Technology Experience Summary

(NOTE: The only reason I am sharing this in this post is because that although my primary use and first priority for my smartphone is everyday use, I also would like to do some app development with my smartphone. If money was no object, it's obviously much wiser to have a separate device for everyday use and another for developing apps, but that isn't an option right now.)

I have a BS degree in Computer Engineering Technology and worked 15+ years in the Aerospace-Defense industry. Although my degree is both hardware and software, my experience has been mainly software. Although the majority of that was Windows development (applications, libraries, and device drivers), I also have some experience with Unix and Linux. As for languages, my experience is mainly with C/C++ but I also have some Java and some scripting languages. The only mobile development experience I have is with Windows CE and PocketPC (both applications and libraries).

Because of having extensive Windows desktop software development experience and some CE software development experience, at first I thought I'd stay with the Windows OS. However, after having to stop working due to health reasons, the resources once available to me for developing for the Windows platform are not available to me right now. So, I've since changed my mind and decided to go with Android platform because (1) it costs the least to develop (no annual developer fee, free developer tools, etc.); (2) it's popular; and (3) apps are developed in Java (so since I'm new to developing and marketing my own apps, I can make the most use of the code base with the least amount of effort).

My Current Situation

I bought my first two Android devices around Christmas 2011 - an Amazon Kindle Fire and a Motorola Droid X2. My experience with my Kindle Fire has been great. Although there are things about the UI that I don't like or care for and there are certain features that I wish it had, it has been very stable for a first generation device. Unfortunately, my experience with my Droid X2 has not been as great. Here are some problems that I have been having.

sluggish response

duplicate text messages

Google Services not automatically syncing in background

battery quickly dying despite using battery saver app and doing hardly anything

battery showing as critical then showing at 50% after reset

random reboots

wallpaper changing back to default

After I do a factory reset, all the problems go away and the phone runs great and performs as I would expect. My phone has the most recent updates through Verizon. I've searched the web to see if others are experience the same problems and if any solutions are offered with no success. I've tried running an anti-virus app but that seems to make no difference. I don't install a lot of games and only install well rated apps (using both number of downloads and number of people giving a rating into consideration).

Although I've never had an iPhone or any other Apple product for that matter, I know that they are known for user-friendliness. Three of my children and my daughter-in-law have iPhones and I've never heard them complain. Being the fact that this is one of my first Android devices, I don't know if the problems I'm experiencing are issues with:

all Android devices and versions

this version of Android

just Android smartphones

all Motorola Android devices and versions

just Motorola smartphones

this particular Motorola smartphone (whether hardware and/or software)

Decisions, Decisions!

My current 2-year contract on my Droid X2 ends January 2014. I have a family plan with some phones under contract so changing carriers is not an option right now. Currently, Motorola is offering up to $100 for trading up to a Jelly Bean device. Money is a little tight right now so I can't spend a lot of money on another phone. I would prefer to stay with Android because I would like to start developing some apps.

With all this said, these are my courses of action as I see them:

Keep my Droid X2 with it factory ROM because there resolutions to some of its issues.

Keep my Droid X2 and install a more stable ROM that make the phone more reliable.

Trade in my Droid X2 for either a Razr M or Razr Maxx HD and get the $100 Verizon gift card. By doing so, I can get the M for free with $50 left over, the Maxx HD for $50, however, I'd have to use one of my Verizon upgrades and sign another 2-year contract.

Just deal with your Droid X2 for now, however, when the right time comes, ditch Motorola smartphones and go with a different smartphone manufacturer.

None of the above.

If I choose action 3, I don't want to trade one set of problems for another set. Obviously, there are going to be problems with any phone for no phone is perfect, however, my current set of problems are such that my phone becomes practically unusable. I can deal with a few annoyances, but I need a reliable phone. I am in a wheelchair and spend a considerable time alone, whether home or traveling, and so reliable performance is a necessity.

If I choose either of the last two actions, these are the features I use/need and those I'd like to have:

NEED: phone

NEED: text messaging

NEED: email

NEED: web browsing

NEED: music

NEED: GPS and navigation

NEED: videos

NEED: microSD card expansion

NEED: camera (photos and video)

LIKE: face camera (for Skyping)

So my questions are:

Which courses of action above would be recommended?

If action #1, any tips, tricks, helpful hints, or recommendations in troubleshooting and resolving my Droid X2 its issues?

If installing another ROM on my Droid X2, which ROM(s) would be recommended?

If trading up to either a Razr M or a Razr Maxx HD, which would be recommended? Any notable issues with either of these to take into consideration?

If going with another phone, any recommendations?

The End!

Thanks for taking the time to read this and hopefully respond with some helpful info and suggestions.

John