Introduction

The sleek, touch screen handset runs on Google's Android 2.0 operating system and features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, removable battery and preinstalled 16GB microSD card.

The Wi-Fi-enabled phone also comes with preinstalled Google Mobile apps, including a GPS-enabled Maps app that offers voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions.

Users who text messaging but don't like paying fees will love the Google Talk app, which lets users to exchange instant messages with their Gmail contacts.

Capable of running six apps simultaneously, the Droid's 550MHz processor, high-speed 3G Internet and 3.7-inch screen make for a painless video-watching and Web browsing experience.

The Droid also features a 5.0-megapixel camera with LED flash, a mail app that integrates multiple accounts (including Microsoft Exchange) and Facebook and Twitter widgets that provide real-time updates -- performing like a small computer.

Design

By its name alone, the Droid inspires science-fiction visions of extra-terrestrials from faraway galaxies. The masculine, glossy black handset is chunkier than the iPhone, with a rectangular body and beveled edges. It's large, vibrant 3.7-inch screen takes up most of the front and toggles between horizontal and vertical view when the phone rotates -- all similar to the iPhone.

Designed with a minimalist flair, the Droid is slightly larger and heavier than the iPhone -- weighing 6 ounces compared to Apple's 4.8 ounce device -- for a solid feel.

Right next to the headset jack, the power button along the top edge of the phone also serves as a "wake" function. The volume rocker and dedicated camera shutter are located on the right edge. On the left side, a micro-USB port recharges the unit and connects it to a computer.

Four touch-sensitive keys sit just below the screen: "back," "menu" (with changing menu choices depending upon which screen is open), "home" and "search."

Users can type on the phone's on-screen keyboard in vertical or horizontal view -- or they can use the roll-out keyboard.

When the Droid is opened, buttons on the keyboard are "sticky" and require a firm push or press -- adding to the solid feel of the phone. White and brown characters on the keys glow with a backlight, making them easy to read.

The wide keyboard was built for big hands, but small thumbs. That's because the keys are flush with the surface of the keypad and hard to distinguish. Users will get used to the feel of the keyboard, but first attempts at typing are awkward.

The keyboard can also be programmed with shortcuts to functions. To the right of the keyboard a directional key with center select greatly enhances navigation.

The back of the device features a 5.0-megapixel camera lens as well as the battery and memory card. The battery cover is user-friendly and comes off easily.

Out of the box, the Motorola Droid comes with a standard Li-Ion Battery, USB/wall charger, 16GB microSD card and User Guide.

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