HTC DROID Eris Cell Phone Verizon

by HTC

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.2 x 0.5 inches ; 4.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B002VJJZ0Y
• Item model number: Droid Eris
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (72 customer reviews)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Combining performance and functionality in one sleek package, the ultra-slim HTC DROID ERIS brings the power of the Android platform and the fast, reliable Verizon Wireless network together. Powered by the open-source Android operating system, it offers an intuitive interface with an easily customizable home screen and the ability to personalize it with a wide selection of free and paid downloadable apps via the Android Market. It also includes HTC Sense, a user interface overlay from HTC that makes it easy for you to create an individualized mobile experience tailored specifically to your needs.

The 3G-enabled HTC DROID ERIS runs on the fast, reliable Verizon Wireless network and is powered by the customizable Android platform, with 1000s of apps available to on the Android Market.

Customizable apps.

The 3.2-inch touchscreen interface features zoom capability and a virtual QWERTY keyboard, and it's paired with a trackball for easy navigation. In addition to 3G connectivity, the HTC DROID ERIS offers Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and business networks as well as hotspots while on the go and Bluetooth connectivity for both hands-free devices and stereo music streaming. It also offers integrated GPS for navigation using Google Maps and other location services, as well as a digital compass with a sensor that enables the phone to know what direction it is facing.

With integrated Google technology, the HTC DROID ERIS brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by Voice, YouTube and Picasa. The DROID ERIS also provides easy access to both personal and corporate email, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. Other features include a 5-megapixel auto focus camera with video capture capabilities, memory expansion via microSD memory cards (an 8 GB card is included with the device), threaded text and picture messaging for seamless on-the-go conversations, Visual Voicemail capabilities, 3.5mm headset jack, and up to 3.5 hours of talk time.

The HTC DROID ERIS comes pre-loaded with a variety of Google and Verizon Wireless mobile services, including:

• Google Maps: Get turn-by-turn directions and instantly view maps and satellite imagery, as well as find local business. And Google Maps Street View enables you to explore cities at street-level virtually while on the go.
• Gmail: Multiple accounts support and undo for common operations.
• YouTube: One-touch recording and playback from home screen widget or app, one-touch sharing with friends, and the ability to view your own uploaded videos and high-resolution videos.
• Google Talk: Easily switch between chats, search your chat history, and preview pictures and videos sent by links.
• Android Market: Browse and download applications created by third-party developers.
• Calendar: Ability to see who has R.S.V.P.'d to your meeting invitations.
• Amazon MP3 Store: Download the latest tracks over the air.
• Verizon Wireless Visual Voice Mail: Delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions.

Key Features

• Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV–DO, Rev A network
• Powered by the Android 1.5 operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
• HTC Scene overlay: Create and switch between Scenes that reflect different moments in your life, helping you design your perfect weekend, travel or pure play phone.
• 3.2-inch touchscreen with virtual QWERTY keyboard (320 x 480 HVGA resolution; 262K color depth)
• 5-megapixel camera with auto–focus and video capture
• Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
• Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
• Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 16 GB (8 GB card included).
• Multi-format digital audio player with dedicated Amazon MP3 Store app for over-the-air downloads. Includes compatibility with MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, and WMA formats and the capability to create and manage playlists on the phone.
• Real HTML Web browsing provides more pages and better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone; supports Flash Lite 3.7.1.
• Standard voice mail and compatibility with Verizon Visual Voice Mail (subscription required), which enables you to delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.
• Text, Picture and Video messaging with threaded messaging feature
• Organizer tools including calendar, tasks, alarm, notes, stopwatch
• Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
• Integrated Google, Exchange and Facebook contacts
• Speakerphone
• 3.5mm headset jack
• TTY compatible
• Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3/T3
• Memory: ROM: 512 MB; RAM: 256 MB

Vital Statistics
The HTC DROID ERIS weighs 4.23 ounces and measures 4.45 x 2.19 x 0.51 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.5 hours (214 minutes) of talk time, and up to 373 hours (15.5 days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV–DO, Rev A 3G frequencies.

What's in the Box
HTC DROID ERIS handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 8 GB microSD memory card, quick start guide, user manual

Product Description

This close cousin of the Hero also features HTC's Sense, which tweaks and improves the Android interface throughout. Key features include a large capacitive-touch display, 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with video capture, Wi-Fi, EVDO Rev. A data, 3.5mm headphone jack, memory card slot, and voice memo.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

123 of 127 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great functionality and sleek interface., November 10, 2009

By 

J. Hartlove "Infinity" (Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HTC DROID Eris Cell Phone Verizon (Wireless Phone)

Well here we have it. The HTC Droid Eris from Verizon Wireless. This phone was openly criticized on electronic review sites such as [...] because it's going to be released with the Motorola Droid when the Motorola Droid offers Android OS 2.0 and this HTC model only offers 1.5. After owning both the phones for about a week and switching back and forth (yes, Verizon hates me), I'm overly satisfied with the HTC Droid Eris too. The phone does everything you could ever want with a very large app store and overall beautiful interface. The only 2 negative notes on the HTC Droid Eris would be that it could have a slightly faster processor and the battery life isn't exactly the best. When it comes to the comparison between the Motorola Droid and the HTC Droid Eris, the operating system shouldn't be a major concern because HTC does plan to offer a free upgrade to Android 2.0. The major differences are the processor speed, the amount of RAM, and the battery life. All of those categories the Motorola Droid slightly edges the HTC Droid Eris. They're both very good options, but if you're looking for something simpler and you're not going to be using your phone constantly throughout the day the HTC Droid Eris is for you!

127 of 132 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My highly opinionated review for a nearly flawless phone., November 24, 2009

By 

D. Fawson "music and game junkie" (Lehi, UT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HTC DROID Eris Cell Phone Verizon (Wireless Phone)

I had been watching the Droid for a while, and so when I received an Email notifying me of it's release, I headed on over to the Verizon Store on launch day. All of the employees were wearing shirts that said, "Droid does," and there was a small, but significant crowd in the corner right beside the entrance. There I saw a stand where some redneck was eying this blocky, shiny black phone. Abandoned, on the same display set-up, there was a lonely, small, much sleeker, touch screen phone I did not recognize. Still eager to take my turn with the Droid, I decided to play with this other one to pass the time.

It was not long at all before I realized that the unadvertised, un-hyped Droid Eris was vastly superior.

Let me start by comparing it to the Motorola Droid (MD) (Motorola Droid A855 Phone (Verizon Wireless)). The MD Has hard edges, corners, and an unfriendly box shape. It has a thin slide-out keyboard, the keys of which have very little tactile feedback, and the rows aren't offset like a real keyboard. Also, on this slide-out panel, is a d-pad, which is almost completely unnecessary given the touch screen. The entire phone has a shiny smooth finish, making it really susceptible to scratches and fingerprints. The tech specs are a little better, with a faster cpu and a beautiful high resolution screen. Also the camera has a flash.

The Droid Eris (DE) on the other hand, is quite smaller, and has rounded edges (much like the iPhone.) It uses only the on-screen keyboard, which is not the best of all input methods, but most problems are averted by its handy correction feature. Also, like the iPhone, you can turn it on its side to enlarge the keyboard, making the problem of hitting the wrong key nearly disappear. The DE has a trackball, much like the Blackberry Pearl (BlackBerry Pearl 8130 Phone, Pink (Verizon Wireless),) and while this almost never comes into play, it's much nicer and has less of a primitive feel than the MDs d-pad. You can also have it light up for notifications. The phone has a silky smooth rubber coating on the back. That combined with the rounded edges makes it much easier to hold. The tech specs aren't on the mark with the MD, but thus far, I have yet to encounter any serious problems with speed. And, while it would be nice to have the higher resolution screen, this one does the job just fine.

They both run on Verizon's network, which, from what I've heard, is the best. Both use Google's Android OS, which is fantastic and wonderfully customizable. Although the MD uses a newer version, the DE is going to be supporting it soon.

These are the only problems I have run into with the Eris.

>The battery life isn't so great, especially if you are constantly browsing the internet and stuff, like I did the first couple of days. It's never gone out on me though, even once when I didn't charge for two days. But I recommend charging every night.
>The cracks around the edge of the screen seem to attract little bits of dirt, crumbs etc. which can take away the beauty of the phone, and it's hard to get them out.
>The music system isn't the best. Especially considering the battery life. Keep your iPod.

These are the things I LOVE about the phone:

>Accelerometers detect the orientation of the screen.
>Browse the internet anytime. Also, browser supports pinch zoom.
>Electrostatic (finger electricity detecting) touch screen much better than the pressure sensitive ones seen on cheap touch screen phones.
>Move icons on main screen anywhere. Put exactly what you want on main and sub screens and nothing else.
>High quality camera. With the highest settings, the picture is too high quality to send in a mms message. No flash, but hey. I didn't get this phone for the camera.
>Hundreds of free apps in the store (that can be made freely by anybody) to keep me entertained forever.
>My screen still has no scratches, despite being dropped into and pulled out of my pocket countless times since I got it release day.
>Although the port looks different, a standard Mini-USB will fit it. This means it is easy to find a usable cord for it, if you lose the provided one.

There's probably more, but why don't you find out for yourself? Buy it. You won't be disappointed.

55 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent phone for the money, November 15, 2009

By 

Chad Adams (Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HTC DROID Eris Cell Phone Verizon (Wireless Phone)

I got 2 of these phones, one for me and my wife. I am extremely impressed with the ease of use with this phone, being able to use widget's to display information is an excellent tool to have. I can check my email, remotely control my desktop, or use the phone as a free modem. All using apps within the Android Market, and all for free.

I am the tech savvy one, but my wife doesn't have any issues using this phone. She is able to check her Facebook account regularly, take pictures and upload them with the touch of a button.

The Android OS combined with the Verizon Network just cant be beat.

I would strongly suggest getting a case & a screen protector. Screen protectors are easy to apply and do wonders to protect your screen.

Battery life is a little weak, but as long as you are not using applications for several hours a day you will be fine. As long as you charge your phone every night, you should have no problems.

Some of the programs are not compatible with the OS of this phone. Same with the DROID. When downloading applications at the market, be sure to read the reviews of the software. Most of them tell you compatibility issues.

NO TURN BY TURN GPS :( - The current OS of this phone does not support turn by turn GPS. This is being addressed in a patch, to be released before the end of the year.


Pros:
Ease of use
Functionality
Replaces every other gadget

Cons:
NO Turn by Turn GPS (being addressed soon)
Battery Life is a little weak