My Droid Opinion (feel free to comment)

[Gliffix101]

I'm glad I'm not the only one.  I notice certain things move a lot faster but there are a few things I could do without:

1) I HATE TWITTER!  Moto, I know this is you, not Google!  Droid needs to find a way to allow me to remove Twitter.  This waste of space needs to get off my phone!

2) The text messaging slowness!  Loading a text message takes forever.  I installed the 2.2 update and NEVER have I experienced such slowness.  I also hate the fact that when I get a new text message and I click to go into the message through the "Notifications" drop down, it takes me to the main text window.  NO!  I want to go to that specific message, you jerk!

3) Customization!  I was really hoping they were going to open up the settings a little more.  I'd like to be able to control how the power distributes, new/more backgrounds options, new/more sounds, and even different option designs for the main menu (sort of what Windows will allow with the start menu).  Hopefully some day this will happen.

4) The Desktop Size!  I was REALLY hoping the desktop space would open up like Droid X and Droid 2 does.  I mean I was REALLY excited about having that extra space, but instead we got an extra column on each side.  What kind of room is that?  

Overall, I'm not thrilled with 2.2 so far.  I miss 2.1 and how responsive it was.  The message delays are SO frustrating, especially when we wait so patiently for 2.2 to be released.  We were told it would make us want to stick with our Droid, but instead it seems they're pushing us towards Droid X or Droid 2.  I guess that's why the Verizon store near me doesn't sell Droid accessories anymore.

[Cobjones]

I think I can help you with this one.

#1 download ADWLauncher (free). There is an option that allows you to hide unwanted apps from your drawer.

#2 this one I can't really help... you can try downloading third party messaging apps though. I hear Hanscent is good.

#3 the ADW app I mentioned earlier let's you control just about everything you mentioned minus sounds. For sounds try Ringdroid.

#4 ADW does this as well. It gives you an option for up to 7 screens. This replacement launcher is also faster than stock and again free. They also released themes for the launcher now, and a lot are free and pretty cool. I would look up the "paperless theme"... neatest one I have seen so far.

[scottshad]

I do not see any difference in the speed of texting! My is about the same. I don't text a lot, maybe couple 100 a week, but there is really no difference B.F. 2.2 or A.D. of 2.2

[AdkWoody]

Thanks for the tip with the Hanscent!

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Cobjones wrote:
I think I can help you with this one.

#1 download ADWLauncher (free). There is an option that allows you to hide unwanted apps from your drawer.

#2 this one I can't really help... you can try downloading third party messaging apps though. I hear Hanscent is good.

#3 the ADW app I mentioned earlier let's you control just about everything you mentioned minus sounds. For sounds try Ringdroid.

#4 ADW does this as well. It gives you an option for up to 7 screens. This replacement launcher is also faster than stock and again free. They also released themes for the launcher now, and a lot are free and pretty cool. I would look up the "paperless theme"... neatest one I have seen so far.

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[RGoudy]

Handcent is excellent.  I never use the native text message application.  It seems so many of us begged for 2.2 and now so many of us are unhappy.  I am actually content with it thus far...just cannot wait to get flash.  I doubt i will use it significantly but I think its more about the fact that it is an expected addition in which I now feel entitled...lol

[TheGreatOne]

I know someone else mentioend you can hide apps,but just so you know you cannot remove/uninstall preloaded apps. All android phones are like this with preloaded apps. I can't even uninstall preloaded apps on my T-mobile phone.

For texting other people mentioned to use another messaging app like HandCentSMS. HandCentSMS seems to be a smash hit. Everyone likes it. There is also ChompSMS,but I think HandCentSMS is more popular.

As for the power distributing download the app called Power Manager Full. That will give you more setting to adjust battery life. For backgrounds there is an app called Backgounds by stylem media. There are tons of backgrounds you can choose there. I downloaded a nice beach background. There is also this background app called WorldTour. You can set your background to a live web cam city. Like you can set it to New York, Time Square.  For sounds...if your are talking about ringtones check out the app called RingDroid. That is fantastic!

[Cobjones]

Don't forget to give kudos to those who help you.

Thanks

[RuthWT]

I just downloaded adwlauncher. How do I use it? And can I switch back to the default launcher?

[PJNC284]

Hit the home button and it should give you the option to choose the stock launcher or use ADW Launcher.  If you check the button to set it as default, you can go back to the stock launcher by going into Settings-Applications-Manage Applications and choosing ADW Launcher and hitting Clear Defaults.  Then when you hit the home button again, you'll get the option to choose.

As for deleting the bloat apps, you can but we can't really talk about it. 

[RuthWT]

Thank you pjnc284. I guess ill play with it. How does it give you 7 screens?

[PJNC284]

While on your homescreen, hit the menu button and choose ADW Settings and it should be under Screen Preferences.  Make sure to adjust the Default Screen too.  Weird thing is that I installed the latest version this afternoon and the option to change the number of home screens isn't there.  There's a lot of other settings you can change to improve speed, look, etc.  It has the SenseUI-like preview where you can pinch your fingers together on the screen and it'll show thumbnails of your desktop homescreen.  Also if you long press on the app drawer launcher (icon with a bunch of squares), it'll give you a shortcut drawer where you can drag icons.

[Cobjones]

@ruthwt

When you are at your homescreen press menu>edit> then hit the plus sign to add up to 7 screens.

There are tons of settings to help make it just how you like it.

[bigmiker73]

I'm not too happy about the bloatware that seems to be creeping on the phone either.

I especially hate that it can't be removed.  And yes, it's the twitter app that makes me most hate the bloatware.  I understand about marketing deals and such, but to prevent the user from removing the app is **bleep**.

[13lackcat]

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bigmiker73 wrote:

I'm not too happy about the bloatware that seems to be creeping on the phone either.

I especially hate that it can't be removed.  And yes, it's the twitter app that makes me most hate the bloatware.  I understand about marketing deals and such, but to prevent the user from removing the app is **bleep**.

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agreed

[scottshad]

When I went to lookup this launcher, it gave me 176 of them, and most of them were paid.
can you give a little more info on which one to pick?
thank you

[RonAnderson]

Adw launcher is what is being discussed, there are a ton of themes for it. I use the native launcher on my un~rooted d1. I like that there is no skin over my OS.

Just a side note, a third party launcher voids your warranty

[RonAnderson]

I forgot, i use launcher pro in my other d1