[myTouch 3G, Magic General] Caid444:
The problem windows faces with it's OS is that winmo is well understood. It's tried, tested, and true to it's followers. If they suddenly revolutionized the whole thing, people would get pretty angry. A lot of people who own winmo phones, own them for their business and development needs. These aren't the kind of people who want to **** around with sudden change to their previously solid operating system.

All that aside, I just moved from the Touch HD, to the Magic. I've gotta say, I love it. I'm an electronics enthusiast. I like to play with new technology. If you're all about trying something new, android is about as new as it gets. The best thing about it is, it's not some sort of gimmick, it's a real alternative to the way things are on windows mobile. That means that, while being completely different in a lot of ways, it can still do the same tasks.

Another thing to love about the android is how connected it is to everything via the marketplace. I do quite enjoy the selection of windows mobile software, but the method of buying it is very antiquated. Get out your credit card, shop around at a bunch of sites, find your app or game of choice, pay, download, install... So much trouble.

The Google Market feels solid, and is constantly updated with plenty of useful (or time wasting) apps. The best thing is, there's a huge selection of free apps. If you find something is missing from your phone, go to the marketplace (one click on the home screen) and do a search for it. You'll find something to solve your needs.

Another nice feature of Android devices is the ability to add widgets (or shortcuts) to your home screen. You also have three home screens available just by swiping your finger from left to right or right to left at the home screen. This means you can put all the apps, widgets, and shortcuts you want on the screen. AND you can arrange them in any orientation you'd like. Android IS customization at it's best.

The last thing I'll say about the Android platform is that thanks to the marketplace and the ingenuity of independent developers, you'll find apps that allow you to use your phone in ways you'd never even considered. Take the HTC Magic for instance, it's got a built in magnetometer (compass) that allows you to not only find yourself in google maps, but also see the direction you're facing and basically watch your phone while walking to your destination. You can SEE where you're going.

Another strange use of the magnetometer is done by an app called "Metal detector". I'm sure you can guess what it does. While I won't be out at the beach holding my phone out and searching for spare change, it's still kinda cool showing your office mates what your phone is capable of by identifying metal wiring in walls, or whatever.

What I'm trying to express with all of this is simple, the Android platform is a greatly different experience from winmo, if you're looking to crave some new tech, take the plunge. But remember, it's a whole other ball game, which means it takes a little bit to get used to.

I recommend doing what I did, get all excited about it before you pick it up, that'll ensure a lot of smiles when you turn your new Android device on for the first time.

Caid.

444.