QBall45’s Android Journey updated 10-11-11

This is an account/journey/dateline of sorts. I will try to keep it updated with what’s going on as I move to Android and attempt to learn a new language. Stay tuned this should be interesting.
—@QBall45

October 11, 2011

I can’t believe ita been this long since I’ve updated this. I guess I’ve been way to busy learning all things android. Lets see… Back early in July root access was gained on this Inc2. Since then the whole world of android has been opened to me. I’ve played with a multitude of different roms. My preference is still those based on sense. Currently running the Skyrider sense 3 rom with custom splash, boot animation today is the nexus prime boot & a custom down animation. Really the only thing I have yet to attempt is cooking up my own rom. Not sure if I really wish to go there just yet. Though adding modifications to an existing rom doesn’t dother me too much.
Till next time…

July 2nd, 2011

I’ve rapidly become comfortable with the touch screen.   I was worried about this.  However, I really think I like it.  My wife was right,  There’s an app for everything.  I love all the help I am getting from my friends.  Any time I find I have a question I’ll post it on Twitter and very shortly I the answer appears.  Its been nice.

June 28th, 2011
My new phone made it to Minnesota early this morning. Just a few minutes to 9 it scanned on the truck for delivery. The wait begins again.

Well, my HTC Inc2 arrived about 30 seconds before I ere the brakes at the house. After a second or two panic looking. For what appeared to be a missing battery my new device was powering up for the 1st time. Talk about a struggle to get the battery cover snapped in place. I made my call ln to activate and get things going. I felt like a total rookie. Activating a BlackBerry is simple compared to Android. Or, was this just a new experience? New experience I think. Email setup went smoothly. As did email, contacts sync. Very much the same as my experience with Blackberry. Get it started and forget about it. The first order of business after taking care of emails and contacts was to get a few frequently used apps installed. First up was a Twitter client. Simple choice, start with Issimo. Dropbox, Foursquare, Facebook, and Angrybirds quickly followed.

A few apps installed, now it was time to figure out how to move things around and change the screen to suit me. A little trial & error and my device started to transform from boring stock HTC to a style more fitting for QBall45.

This new device comes with a fair learning curve for me having been a Blackberry abuser. I am taking the approach to this as it a totally new device (which naturally it is for me) rather than a replacement for my Blackberry. Going from a non touchscreen full keyboard device to a touchscreen only device would be challenging enough never mind adding in a different operating system also. I look forward to the challenges that I now will come. Something new and different.

June 27th, 2011
Finally got a FedEx tracking # for my box. Now the fun of watching the barcode scans as it moves across the country from PA to MN

June 26th, 2011
I just called to check the status on my Inc2 order. I waited all night for an Email with shipping info which never came. I’m a little aggravated that I was told it would ship out Saturday overnight for Monday delivery. I was just told it would be shipped out overnight on Monday for Tuesday.

June 25th, 2011
Placed order over the phone for the HTC Inc2 with free overnight shipping. I should see this new device on Monday the 27th. I’ll know shortly if my early upgrade exception override is really approved or not. It better be after having sat on hold forever a week & a half ago while the rep checked with her supervisor. I will update again later when I get shipping confirmation.

June 23rd, 2011
Returned to the VZW store to take a look at the HTC Incredible 2. I’m impressed with this one.

Also looked at the iPhone4 simply so I could see what all the fuss and hype is all about. Unimpressed. Screen size is small. Physically it feels like a square box. Mandatory iTunes account for activation? Thx but I’ll pass. The iPhone4 is certainly not an iPod Touch in form, fit nor finish. (I love the feel of the iPod Touch in the hand) I can now offically say the iPhone4 is not for me.

June 20th, 2011
Monday brought out two interesting pieces of information.
#1. VZW leaked plans to change their current Unlimited $30/month Data plan to a Tiered Plan. Some searching turned up nothing in the way of an official press release.
#2. VZW pushed down a price drop on the HTC Incredible 2 bring it from $199 to $149 on a 2 year contract.

To say the least, both of these pieces of news really got my mind thinking “I should get this switch to Droid done soon.”

More research and conversation shows me that I will be very well served by the HTC Inc2. I think I’ve made up my mind.

June 12th-19th, 2011
After asking for opinions from some well respected mobile tech gurus on Twitter I wanted to have a look at the Samsung Charge. And so early in the week I went “hands on” with a live Samsung Droid Charge. A very nice 4G LTE device. My only real hang up is its a 4G device. Currently where I live & generally where I travel for work 4G service will be not available for some time yet.

Sunday brought around the topic of the HTC Incredible 2. The successor to the highly regarded HTC Incredible. A small amount of research shows some fine specs.

Well, now my brain is filled with specs on three new devices.

June 11th, 2011
Stopped in to the VZW store to visit. Ended up looking at the Motorola Droid X2. Love the screen size.

The wheels in my head started to turn. A die hard BlackBerry user begins the mental struggle of letting go and embracing a new mobile device platform.