HTC DROID Eris Android Phone
Tuesday, 9. March 2010
- Android 1.5-powered smartphone with 3.2-inch touchscreen and easy access to your Favorite contacts, YouTube and Facebook
- Access a wealth of Google mobile services including Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions, Gmail, Google Talk, Calendar and more
- GPS-enabled for location services; Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g); 5-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; microSD expansion (8 GB card included)
- Up to 3.5 hours of talk time, up to 373 hours (15.5 days) of standby time
- What’s in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 8 GB microSD memory card, quick start guide, user manual
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
 |
Toddler Mom Says:
Although I am trying to change my 8 year old phone (that barely does texting and doesn’t even have a camera) to a modern Droid Eris phone, I am decently tech knowledgeable.
It takes about 2-3 button pushes to even get to the phone function of this phone so that I can dial or use my phone contact list. I also have to tap the home/menu functions several times because it’s not very sensitive to touch.
On the other hand, the contact list is way too sensitive to touch. While scrolling through my contacts, I am frequently calling people that I don’t mean to call. Very, very annoying.
It’s great to have the Internet at the tips of your fingers, but I really need to use a phone quickly and hassle free and this phone just is not working for me.
Plus, the battery life really sucks. I haven’t used my phone for very long nor very often and it has zero charge after skipping 1-2 days of charging.
I’m going back to Verizon tomorrow to find another phone.
Addendum: The Blackberry Tour (which does NOT have a touch screen) is soooo much easier to navigate and to use than the Droid Eris and doesn’t have the irritatingly inappropriate reactions to touch. Good to know that I am not a complete tech idiot and that I was able to send my first text message without needing to read any manuals.
Rating: 1 / 5
S. Smith Says:
I’ve had this phone for about three months. It was fine until about 3 weeks ago when the touch screen becomes unresponsive at random moments. Sometimes it freezes several times a day and oddly it can go for a several days without incident. I may be on a call or trying to make a call. Yesterday it became unresponsive when the phone was ringing so I couldn’t answer the call. the techs at Verizon aren’t helpful; they are giving out useless advice that doesn’t solve the problem such as using a task killer or doing a hard reset. This is a widespread problem with this model of phone and is being discussed in online forums. don’t buy this phone, wait until either HTC or Verizon does the right thing and solves the defect in these devices.
Rating: 1 / 5
Paul McGhee Says:
The voice dialer is hopelessly non-functional, and insists that you confirm your voice command with a tap. What’s the point? Blue tooth integration is barely there, though you can answer a call without tapping the phone. It’s just not safe to use this phone while you’re driving.
So far, I can only hook up my blue tooth headset to the phone audio, so I can’t use blue tooth at the gym. I’m sure there’s probably something I can buy to make this work, but I’m getting pretty tired of that.
Good luck using internet mail other than gmail. I’ve never got Yahoo! mail to work well.
The device has a GPS, but no decent on-board navigation software. You can buy navigation apps, but judging by the reviews none of the GPS apps are very good. My Nuvi isn’t going anywhere for a while.
I never would have bought this thing, it was a gift. The internet access seems good and the browser is pretty functional. Still, the software gives the short-shrift to the device’s role as a cell phone. If you love compromises, the Eris is for you. I miss my Motorola Razor.
Rating: 3 / 5
Oliver Moffat Says:
The Eris is the most underrated phone out there right now. It feels great. Solid. It’s backed by the Verizon network and it rocks the HTC Sense UI. I prefer it over the Droid.
Plus it’s cheap. Great phone for the money.
Rating: 4 / 5
Adrian Says:
This was my first ever smartphone and I was very happy to get the HTC Droid Eris. My aunt and I both got the HTC Droid Eris because of the buy one get one free promo. It’s a great phone, very nice interface and easy to use.
Now the negatives…
The second day after my purchase, the phone FROZE! What the heck! All I was doing was listening to Pandora. I was forced to remove the battery. After it booted, I went onto Youtube and watched some music videos. But oh wait, it FROZE again! I was AGAIN forced to remove the battery. It wasn’t just me, my aunt’s HTC Droid Eris also FROZE while she was on the phone talking to a friend. Wow, we are both very unsatisfied. Also, the battery life flat out SUCKS. I have to charge the phone everyday at night time. I feel so stupid now having my aunt buying this phone for both of us because I thought it would be an improvement to our old flip phones. My aunt even said she would still rather use her 2005 Motorola flip phone. My aunt and I are thinking of going to the Verizon store, returning the HTC Droid Eris and getting the Motorola Droid or Blackberry Storm2. I do not recommend this phone to anyone unless HTC/Verizon fixes these problem.
I really wish I could keep this phone, but I can’t live with the constant freezes and a fast draining battery.
**EDIT** 01-23-10 HTC and Verizon released an Over the Air update concerning the freezing issue. The freezing issue is now fixed. This is actually a great phone once you get used to it. Also, the Droid Eris will be receiving Android OS 2.1 in the coming weeks.
Rating: 4 / 5