Motorola DROID X

Distcontinued
23rd June 2010

Destined for the US Verizon network, the Motorola DROID X follows on from the original Motorola DROID, and it represents a serious step up from the first DROID's already impressive specifications.

This is a CDMA/EVDO device, so it won't run on European GSM/UMTS networks.. however, the original DROID was quickly followed by a worldwide version, the Motorola Milestone, but we don't know if Motorola intend to sell a worldwide version alongside the original Milestone and the upcoming XT720.

Although the DROID X looks very much like the original DROID, the display has increased in size to a huge 4.3" touchscreen from 3.7" while retaining the same 480 x 852 pixel resolution. Inside is a 1GHz processor, which should be just as fast as anything else on the market. On the back is an 8 megapixel camera with LED flash, more of which later. This is a pure tablet style smartphone, and it doesn't come with the slide-out QWERTY keyboard of the original DROID.. probably no great loss to be honest.

Shipping initially with Android 2.1, the DROID X will receive an over-the-air upgrade to Android 2.2 ("Froyo") in the late summer. This new version of Android promises significantly improved performance, which is undoubtedly a good thing. There will also be a full version of Adobe Flash 10.1 available with the operating system upgrade, which will allow access to full Flash based multimedia.. but it may also make the Android platform vulnerable to security flaws.

The camera has autofocus and a dual LED flash in addition to its 8 megapixel resolution. The quoted rates for video capture are impressive as Motorola say that the DROID X is capable of 720p HD recording. It can also play back captured video via the built-in HDMI port or via DLNA.

Internal flash memory is a useful 8GB, plus a 16GB card in the standard sales package which can be swapped out for a much larger 32GB card if you want. The DROID X also comes with GPS, supports Google Maps and has turn-by-turn navigation.

Most types of multimedia are supported, and the DROID X also comes with Verizon's new V CAST system which allows access to TV shows via the Verizon data network. The DROID X is a CDMA/EVDO 800/1900 MHz device with WiFi connectivity, so it won't work on European GSM networks but it will work on wireless hotspots worldwide.

Android comes with a wide range of built in applications, including a web browser and email client and a range of preinstalled Google goodies. There's a huge range of applications available from the Android Market too, many of which are free or very low cost.

It's quite a large, heavy phone coming in at 155 grams (about 5.5 ounces) and 128 x 66 x 10mm (or 5.0 x 2.6 x 0.4 inches). In terms of size, it is partway between the original DROID and the new Dell Streak tablet. Talktime is quoted as being up to 8 hours with 9 days standby time.

If you live in the US, then you can pick the DROID X up from next month exclusively on the Verizon network for $200 when taken with an appropriate 2 year contract. For more information visit verizonwireless.com.

   |     Slashdot It      Digg this      Post to del.icio.us