Verizon's version of Android

[steveh0]

I have an old Palm Treo, and I'm looking at replacing it with an Android phone.

However, I've heard several things that give me pause.  The first is that I've heard that Verizon shoves a bunch of crapware onto the various Android phones available.  Also, I have been told that one cannot put apps onto the phone, that don't come through the app market.  I've written some apps for my Treo, and I would be very upset to find that I am unable.

Can anyone give me an owner's perspective?

[Wildman]

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steveh0 wrote:

I have an old Palm Treo, and I'm looking at replacing it with an Android phone.

However, I've heard several things that give me pause.  The first is that I've heard that Verizon shoves a bunch of crapware onto the various Android phones available

What device do have you ever bought that didnt load their own software, all devices do this and I do not see this being changed but in my opinion it really isnt a big deal because the software really doesnt effect the device at all.

 Also, I have been told that one cannot put apps onto the phone, that don't come through the app market.  I've written some apps for my Treo, and I would be very upset to find that I am unable.

You can install applications from other sources other than the Market without any issues, but the apps from your Treo will not be compatible with Android.

Can anyone give me an owner's perspective?

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[budone]

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steveh0 wrote:

I have an old Palm Treo, and I'm looking at replacing it with an Android phone.

However, I've heard several things that give me pause.  The first is that I've heard that Verizon shoves a bunch of crapware onto the various Android phones available.  There are apps that are permanent, but you simply hide the icon. They do not use resources. Also EVERY cell company does this to reduce the price of the phone. Also, I have been told that one cannot put apps onto the phone, that don't come through the app market.  I've written some apps for my Treo, and I would be very upset to find that I am unable.I do know the Inc has a box to check to not accept apps from unknown sources, so I am sure you could add one.

Can anyone give me an owner's perspective?

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[kschaub]

Yes. You can install apps that are not offered in the market. But if it messes up your phone, you can't blame anyone -- except perhaps the 3rd party company you downloaded from. One example of a non-market app you can download is Firefox's beta mobile browser.