Packaging

Let’s start with the packaging. The Griff was neatly and securely packaged in a thick, plastic folder-like packaging. I’ve taken note after several purchases from SGP that they take their packaging seriously. It may be just me, but I feel the presentation and packaging of the product is extremely important, especially as a first impression when consumers glance at the product before even making the decision to pick it up.

Inner lining

When I pulled it out, I could see and feel the craftsmanship. The leather was very soft and had a nice texture to it; what you would want when you handling something. The inside was padded in a soft, micro fiber. It gave me peace of mind knowing that the micro fiber would not scratch or scar the iPad’s back 2 as I carry it around in this case. It was a shame that no one would be able to see the lining once I put the case on.

Corner

Putting the case on was a piece of cake. It was not difficult to get the corners snugly fit; it was not loose nor did I have to fight with the case. The corners are snug, the case is sturdy, and the iPad does not move around in the case.

Buttons

The cutout for the buttons on the side and on top for the power are about perfect, making them easily accessible without any trouble. The cutout for the camera is also accurate so there would be no obstruction when taking pictures.

Headphone jack and cable plug

One small suggestion would be slightly more room above the holes/jacks (from the view above) to allow for slightly larger, third-party cables (although I only own Apple cables, which doesn’t cause me any problems). I could imagine someone owning a pair of third-party headphones that wouldn’t properly fit all the way.

Speaker protection

One of my favorite parts is the protection for the speakers, which a lot of cases I’ve looked at lack or don’t do a very good job protecting it. I just love the elegant look of it.

All in all, although I felt the $49.99 was a bit high, I was and still am very happy with the product. Best of all, it is the best companion for the Apple Smart Cover (I purchased the black leather one). Together, it gives my iPad 2 a very professional, portfolio look without adding the bulk of a majority of the portfolio/leather covers out there. A very solid product by SGP; probably my favorite purchases.

Get your Griff at www.sgpstore.com and make sure to follow SGP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/unitedsgp.

Case packaging

When I opened the box the case was shipped in, I was taken away; the case was packaged beautifully. A packaging that would make most anyone at least want to take a glance at what’s inside. It was evident SGP was meticulous in the packaging of this product, if not the rest of their products. The brown is a pretty, dark, smooth brown; like dark chocolate.

The feel of the leather wasn’t quite what I was expecting. It was a bit rougher and tougher than I had initially expected; would have expected a slightly smoother, softer leather. The inside of the case was not smooth like the outside. It’s a slightly rough-textured leather, especially the parts that covers the left and right edges of the phone. I would have expected a softer, maybe matted or rubberized inside.

Fit around the corners

When I put the case on, it seemed to fit fairly snugly around the phone. Although just slightly loose, I would feel pretty safe carrying the phone around in this case. I would just worry slightly about the lack of protection on the top and bottom front edges of the phone.

Fit Buttons

The cutout of the volume up and down buttons were rather precise. However the cutout for the mute button were not as accurate; however, I do own the Verizon iPhone 4 (CDMA). Looking at the location of the cutout, it would fit much better for the AT&T iPhone 4 (GSM). The cutout on the back for the camera was accurately placed as well.

My overall impression of the Just Leather case for the iPhone 4 was positive. The packaging, color, fairly snug fit, and rather accurate cutouts; however, my only opposing factor would be the texture and material used, especially the inside that gets direct contact with the phone. Though I feel that the $34.99 is a tad bit on the high side, I feel that for those that would be carrying their phones in a purse, bag, or a pocket with nothing else in it, it would be a good choice.

You can find this phone or other related cases by SGP at www.sgpstore.com or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/unitedsgp.

Jailbreak required

If your iPhone 4 is not jailbroken, jailbreak is required. My article “How to Jailbreak Your iPhone 4” will provide you with an easy-to-follow guide on jailbreaking your iPhone (compatible with both AT&T and Verizon iPhones).

Get apps for free

Let’s get you started!

1. Open up the “Loader” app.
2. Click “Cydia” to install it. Wait till it finishes.
3. Open up the “Cydia” app. It will take a few minutes to initialize.
4. If this is your first time opening up Cydia, it will prompt you for 3 options: Essential, Hacker, or Developer.
5. Choose what you want (I chose “Hacker”) and let it do its thing until it finishes.
6. Press the home button and open up “Cydia” again.
7. On the bottom icon row select “Manage” then select “Sources.”
8. Click “Edit” on the top right.
9. Click “Add” on the top left.
10. Enter “http://cydia.hackulo.us” and click “Add Source.”
11. Once it has been added, select “Hackulo.us” under “Entered by User.”
12. Select “AppSync for 4.0+”
13. Select “Modify” on the top right and click “Install.”
14. Go back to Hackulo.us by clicking “Hackulo.us” on the top left.
15. Scroll down to and select “Installous 4.”
16. Select “Modify” on the top right and click “Install.”
17. Once it has installed, press the Home button on your iPhone.(You should see a new icon labeled “Installous.”)
18. Open the “Installous” app.
19. Click “Search.”
20. Search for an app and select what you want. (for example, Keynote Remote)
21. Select the “Download” button.
22. Choose one of the sources to download from (i.e. filedude, appscene.org)(If one doesn’t work, you can always go back and try another.)
23. Select the proper link to download.(Some may require you to confirm with a CAPTCHA/security phrase.)
24. Once the download finishes, select “Downloads” on the bottom icon row.
25. Select “Keynote Remote” or the app you downloaded and select “Install.”
26. Once the app has been installed, click the Home button on your iPhone.
27. Voila, your app should be installed!

Contribute to my coffee fund

If you would be so kind as to donate, I would greatly appreciate it! I’ll be sure to take more time to post future iPhone-related articles to improve your phone!

Enjoy!

Enjoy your phone! Let me know how the process went! I’d like to know.

Why jailbreak?

If you are unfamiliar with what jailbreaking is, let me explain. Kind of what root is to Android, jailbreaking to iOS allows you freedom to install and download custom apps, customize your phone with themes, and access files you originally would not be allowed access to, and more!

A reminder to some, a disclaimer to most

Making unofficial software and firmware changes to your handset violates the warranty of your phone; therefore, if anything goes wrong during this process or in the future, you will be unable to return the phone for a replacement unless you are able to return the phone back to its original, factory settings. In addition, if something does go wrong, there is a chance you can “brick” your phone. Basically your phone becomes nothing more than a brick, a paperweight. Therefore, if you are not confident or skeptical in any way, I advise you not to continue.

Install the latest version of iOS

In order to properly jailbreak your Verizon or AT&T iPhone, you must be running the proper version of iOS. To check what version you have:

1. Connect your powered-on iPhone to your computer.
2. Open up iTunes.
3. On the left sidebar, select your iPhone under “Devices.”
4. Within the “Summary” tab, you should see your software version listed. For Verizon iPhone owners, make sure it is 4.2.6. For AT&T iPhone owners, make sure it is 4.2.1.
   
5. If it is not version 4.2.6, update your phone by clicking “Update.”

Jailbreak your iPhone 4

This jailbreak method is compatible with both the Verizon and AT&T iPhone running iOS 4.2.6.

1. Download and unzip the latest version of Greenpois0n jailbreak (version RC5 b4):
   Download for Mac | Windows
2. Make sure your iPhone 4 is connected to your computer.
3. Turn off your iPhone and exit iTunes.
4. Run Greenpois0n and follow directions.
5. Wait till you see “Complete!”
   
6. Wait until your iPhone restarts.
7. You’re done!

Contribute to my coffee fund

If you would be so kind as to donate, I would greatly appreciate it! I’ll be sure to take more time to post future iPhone-related articles to improve your phone!

Congratulations!

Congrats! You have successfully jailbroken your iPhone 4! To confirm that you indeed have successfully jailbroken your iPhone, check to see that you have a “Loader” app icon.

Get apps for free on your iPhone

Now that you’ve jailbroken your iPhone, you’re ready for the next step! Learn how to get apps for free!

Unroot your Incredible

Running RUU (Rom Upgrade Utility) is your easiest and safest way to get your Incredible back to stock. Although you may come across other methods, I feel this is the safest route to go. However, RUU requires you to be running a Windows machine so try to get your hands on one or run a virtual machine using Parallels or VMWare Fusion.

If you are not on Windows or can’t get your hands on one, I have an alternative method.

If you are running Windows

1. Make sure you have the proper drivers for the Incredible so your machine recognizes your device.
   If you are unsure, download and install HTC Sync from http://www.htc.com/us/support/droid-incredible-verizon/downloads/, which should install the proper drivers on your computer.
2. Download and run RUU at http://jonsuh.com/downloads/htc_droid_incredible/http://www.jonsuh.com/downloads/htc_droid_incredible/RUU_Incredible…2k4k_NV_1.70_PRL58006_release_152016_signed.exe.
3. Follow the simple prompts.
   (If during the RUU process it times out after “Waiting for Bootloader…”, click Exit, do not unplug your phone, restart RUU and follow the prompts again.)

If you are not running Windows

1. You need to make sure you have the stock radio (2.15.00.07.28). If you do not or don’t know, download and flash http://jonsuh.com/downloads/htc_droid_incredible/PB31IMG-radio-2.15.00.07.28.zip.
2. You next to first achieve S-ON. Download and flash Unrevoked’s S-ON at http://jonsuh.com/downloads/unrevoked/unrevoked-forever-son.zip.
3. Make sure your SDCARD is formatted to FAT32.
4. Download the stock image at http://jonsuh.com/downloads/htc_droid_incredible/build-3.26.605.1-release-152016-baseband-2.15.00.07.28-hboot-0.92.0000_PB31IMG.zip.
5. Copy the file to the root of your SDCARD and rename it to PB31IMG.zip.
6. Power off your phone and power it back up in HBOOT with Volume Down + Power.
7. Wait for the prompt for the upgrade and select “Yes.”
8. Once the process has completed, reboot!

Donation appreciated

A lot of time, research, and work goes into writing and compiling these articles. A donation would greatly be appreciated Thanks in advance!

Back to stock

Voila! Your phone should be back to stock and ready to return without any problems.

What is root?

The term “root” is a common terminology and almost a prerequisite in the world of Android development but seldom is it thoroughly explained.

To “root” basically means to gain administrative privileges to your phone, which allows you to perform things and access files that would typically be restricted or inaccessible.

Rooting your phone is not illegal.

Disadvantages of root

Although there are advantages to root and the things you can do after you obtain root, there are disadvantages, and I thought I’d break out the bad news first.

Root voids your warranty. First and foremost, one must understand that when you root your phone, you are voiding your warranty. For example, if you root your phone and you come across a manufacturer’s defect (trackball gets stuck, phone stops charging), you should not take your phone back with root.

The good news is that there are relatively simple ways to unroot and fully restore your phone back to factory state. I have written articles on unrooting devices; search for “unroot” on my blog.

You could brick your phone. Although most people do not brick their phone while rooting, most people do so by making changes to their firmware, radio, kernel, etc. Bricking your phone basically means to screw it up so bad that it becomes nothing more than a brick, a paperweight. I will say this, most people that brick their phones do so by following directions or downloading and flashing files from places that are disreputable or untrustworthy.

What makes me reputable or trustworthy? That’s your call; however, I do not put up directions unless I have tried it myself. The reason I don’t have articles on how to root 10 different phones is because I have not tried rooting 10 different phones. Always read my articles and the corresponding comments before you try anything.

Advantages of root

Now that I’ve scared you half to death, let me say this; If I had 15 Android phones, they would all be rooted. Why?

Root gives you privileges. Root allows you to do things that would normally be restricted. “Like what?” you ask? With root, you can change the ROM (think of a ROM kind of like a Windows theme or operating system), the kernel, the radio, etc. You can also change, move, or remove the contents of system-only files and folders.

You’ll also be able to change the boot screen image/animation, boot sounds, etc. with the proper files and process.

What can you do with root?

Depending on what phone you have and what you change, results may vary; however, these are the typical results I have been able to obtain through testing and development.

Can increase overall power and speed. Many people are drawn to rooting by being able to make their phone faster and more powerful by overclocking it. Overclock a phone? Yes. For example, the Droid Eris harbors a Qualcomm 528-MHz MSM7600 processor. With root, I was able to overclock it to 700+MHz, although overclocking does drain your battery a bit more.

Can increase battery life. Rooting can also open the possibility of being able to increase your battery life. Running apps, flashing custom kernels, or downclocking your phone gives you the potential to increase battery life, but most of the time I recommend getting an extra battery or an extended battery.

Change the look and feel of your phone. Probably the most popular reason why people root is to be able to run custom ROMs. As I had mentioned, think of a ROM like a Windows theme or an OS (although you won’t be replacing Android). For example: the Motorola Droid X runs MotoBlur, the HTC Incredible runs HTC Sense, the Nexus One is AOSP. Every ROM has a different look and feel and different widgets.

Same phone, different ROMs

Replacing your ROM with a customized one will give you a different experience with your phone.

Block ads. I hate ads, and when I say I hate ads, I mean I hate ads. A good majority of ads on your phone from apps can be blocked by editing the hosts file on your phone. (Article coming soon about how to block ads on Android)

Delete unwanted apps. Most phones come with their collection of “crapware.” Carriers are notorious for taking Android and stuffing it with unnecessary apps like Verizon’s VCast, CityID, or Blockbuster app, Sprint’s Nascar or Sprint TV app. (Article coming soon about how to delete crapware/bloatware on Android)

Wireless tethering. Rooting your phone will allow you to enable wireless tethering, making your phone a mobile wireless hotspot. A great feature especially if you have a WiFi-only iPad or tablet.

How do I root my phone?

Typically the rooting process is different for every phone running the Android operating system (OS), but the logic of the process for each phone is similar. Depending on the phone and the process that have been discovered for it, it may be easy or difficult.

Because I have owned the Droid Eris and the Droid Incredible, I have written articles to help you get root. Run Android 2.2 (Froyo) on Your Droid Eris and Root Your Droid Incredible! (AMOLED & SLCD).

Have questions?

Feel free to ask any questions by commenting below, and I’ll do my best to answer your question to the best of my knowledge.

Why root?

The question is, why should you not root? Do you want to be able to customize your phone? Do you want to increase your Incredible’s performance? Rooting allows you to do some remarkable things to your phone like running custom performance-enhancing apps and flashing custom ROMs.

A reminder to some, a disclaimer to most

Making unofficial software and firmware changes to your handset violates the warranty of your phone; therefore, if anything goes wrong during this process or in the future, you will be unable to return the phone for a replacement unless you are able to return the phone back to its original, factory settings. In addition, if something does go wrong, there is a chance you can “brick” your phone. Basically your phone becomes nothing more than a brick, a paperweight. Therefore, if you are not confident or skeptical in any way, I advise you not to continue.

Backup

Make sure you backup everything you need on your phone (contact list, applications, etc.). A full wipe is recommended when installing a custom ROM, which will wipe the existing data from your computer (this does not include the files in your sdcard). You can find many backup utilities on the Android Market.

Before you continue…

You need to determine what type of Incredible you have to prevent yourself from bricking your phone and gaining proper root.

• There are 2 different Incredibles (AMOLED and SLCD screens).
• You need S-OFF to root, but your device is S-ON.

Is my Incredible AMOLED or SLCD?

A majority of the devices out there are AMOLED; however, if you recently purchased a new Incredible in the last couple of months, it may be SLCD. To check:

1. Turn the phone off. Walk into a pitch black room.
2. Turn the phone on.
3. If you see ‘light’ coming from a black screen as the device turns on, you have SLCD. If you don’t see any light from the screen until you get images, you have AMOLED.

#1 Root and get S-OFF

Updated January 5, 2011 Thanks to the Unrevoked team, you can easily obtain S-OFF and root on your Droid Incredible in a matter of seconds! The Unrevoked team has made it possible in version 3.31 to provide the proper recoveries for AMOLED and SLCD owners. Rooting is now easier than ever.

1. Download and install Unrevoked for your OS (Operating System) from www.unrevoked.com/recovery. *NOTE: If you are running Windows, you must uninstall HTC Sync if you have it installed and install HBOOT drivers at http://www.unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php?id=public:windows_hboot_driver_install.
2. Disconnect your phone from your computer.
3. Make sure “USB Debugging is enabled.” (Settings > Applications > Development > USB Debugging)
4. Run Unrevoked.
5. If you own an SLCD Incredible, please follow these directions. If you own AMOLED, skip to step 6. If you don’t know, read “Before you continue.” 5a. Download the custom recovery mod for SLCD at http://anyhub.net/file/13db-cwm-mod-dinc-slcd.zip. 5b. Unzip the contents of the file. 5c. In Unrevoked (On your computer, not your phone), go to the menu > File > Custom Recovery and select “recovery.img” from the .zip you extracted.

1. Connect your phone to your computer and follow directions to root your phone.

#1a Blank Recovery screen

There have been people having trouble getting into Recovery and mentioning that the Recovery screen is blank/black. Do not boot straight into Recovery using Volume Up + Power. Make sure you boot into HBOOT first by Volume Down + Power. Then highlight and select Recovery.

#2 Your kindness would be appreciated

Spent many hours researching, testing, and writing this article. Any contribution would help in my development and writing of future Android-related phones! Thanks in advance.

#3 Enjoy

I realize there are that many people out there who have been frustrated by the Nov OTA and have lost root or have been unable to root their device. Now you should be good to go!

Let me know how it went

Were you able to successfully get S-OFF and root? Let me know how it went.

What is Dropbox?

Taking files with you everywhere you go has never been easier and simpler than with Dropbox.

Dropbox, once installed, creates a folder on your computer. Any files you put into this folder will immediately be available on the other computers you have Dropbox installed. In addition, because these files are backed up on Dropbox’s cloud storage, these files are also accessible on your mobile devices with the proper app and also on the web.

Plans

Dropbox provides 3 types of plans:

• Basic – 2GB, Free
• Pro 50 – 50GB, $9.99/month or $99/year
• Pro 100 – 100GB, $19.99/month or $199/year

Sign up for Dropbox

Since Dropbox provides a free service, you can sign up for your free account here.

Features

Dropbox interface

Dropbox comes packed and loaded with features!

Compatibility

Finding the right tool and system to synchronize your files can be difficult because of the compatibility issues. However, Dropbox is one of the most compatible systems available out there.

• Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
• Apps for Android devices, the iPhone, the iPad, and BlackBerry.
• Accessible on the web by your favorite browser and mobile device.

File sync

Dropbox syncs any types of files of any size. New files and file changes are automatically detected and synchronized.

Offline access

Dropbox doesn’t require you to be online to access your files on your computer. Changes and new files will be automatically synchronized when an internet connection is detected.

File sharing

You can share folders within Dropbox with other users that have Dropbox. All you need to know is his/her e-mail address and invite him/her to the folder of your choosing to give him/her access to the folder. You will also be able to remove users from folders you no longer want to give access to.

There is also a Public folder that anyone can access.

Notifications

Dropbox notifications

When a file is changed, added, or removed, Dropbox provides desktop notifications to let you  know what’s going on.

Online management

Dropbox account overview

Keep track of how much space you have used and have left.

You can link computers and devices to your Dropbox account by installing and signing into Dropbox. You can choose to unlink a device by logging onto the Dropbox website.

Security & privacy

Dropbox takes priority in the security and privacy of your files. Dropbox’s servers are inaccessible without your account password and are encrypted (AES-256).

History, undelete, and restore

Dropbox history

Logging onto Dropbox online provides you with access to the history of your Dropbox account (new files, changed files, deleted files).

Dropbox gives you 30 days of undelete history for files that have been deleted and file restores for previous file versions.

Apps

Dropbox-compatible devices

Dropbox provides mobile access to your Android device, iPhone, iPad, and BlackBerry.

Sign up for Dropbox

If you haven’t signed up for Dropbox, what are you waiting for! Register for your free account.

Tabbed Finder

If you open up as many Finder windows as I do on occasion, you would agree that it gets annoying clicking through the Finder windows to find the one you need. TotalFinder allows you to organize all your Finder windows by adding Tabs to Finder.

TotalFinder Interface

If you want to drag a tab out to create a new Finder window, simply mousedown on the tab, drag it out of Finder, and let go. You can also drag a tab back into Finder! If you want to reorganize your tabs, just drag it to the left or right.

But wait, there’s more!

Dual mode

TotalFinder Dual Mode

Dual mode allows you to view two tabs side-by-side if you ever want to view them simultaneously. Simply press CMD+U or double click a tab and it will toggle dual mode with the tab to the right of it. The hotkey to toggle dual mode can be configured to something different.

Visor

TotalFinder Visor

When visor is enabled and the hotkey is configured, Finder will slide up from the bottom of your desktop instead of opening a window when you need it. When you’re done, simply press the hotkey again and it will slide down and disappear.

Some other features

Show system files

Allows you to see the hidden and system files that Finder, by default, hides. Can be toggled by a hotkey you can set.

Folders on top

Keeps Finder on top. Can also be toggled by a hotkey you can set.

Always maximize

When enabled will always maximize Finder when launched.

.DS_Store management

Keep your folders clutter free by preventing Finder from creating .DS_Store files in local folders.

Soon-to-come features

TotalFinder is currently working on the ability to choose Safari-like tabs (for those who hate the Chrome-like tabs), cut & paste (another major feature missing in Finder), and making Finder communicate properly with Terminal.

You can find out more at http://totalfinder.binaryage.com.

Requirements

TotalFinder requires OS X 1.6 Snow Leopard (Sorry).

License

TotalFinder costs $15/license, but provides a 14-day free trial for those who would like to try TotalFinder before purchasing it. (Personally, $15 is well worth it!)

Simply go to http://totalfinder.binaryage.com for more information about TotalFinder. If you would like to watch a video about TotalFinder, click here.

Installation and uninstallation

Installation of TotalFinder is a piece of cake. Mount the TotalFinder .dmg, launch “TotalFinder.mpkg,” and follow instructions.

The .dmg also includes an uninstaller (“TotalFinder Unistaller”) that you can launch if you would like to uninstall TotalFinder.

Summary

 
Stop waiting and start using your free trial of TotalFinder, today! It will revolutionize your Mac. Go to http://totalfinder.binaryage.com and download your free trial of TotalFinder.

Decide on a carrier over a phone

A majority of people make the mistake of picking a phone over the carrier (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.). Do not make that mistake! Although you may think the smartphone you’re getting is going to increase your productivity exponentially, save your life, and get you girls, a phone’s first and ultimate purpose is to make phone calls.

For example, if you decide to get an iPhone because you’ve always wanted an iPhone, remember that currently the iPhone is only available on AT&T; however, if you live in an area where AT&T’s service is not as good as Sprint’s or Verizon’s, you probably shouldn’t get the iPhone no matter how much you’ve wanted one. You can have all the games games, apps, and wallpapers, but if you can’t make phone calls, what’s the point of getting a smartphone?

Do your homework and research the best services in your area, then compare the prices. I realize some services are more expensive than others and that you may not be able to afford the best service, but do your homework.

Data plans

99.9% (if not all) smart phones require you to sign up for an additional data plan on top of your voice plan. Data plans range from $10-30/month, depending on the service and the bandwidth allowance. Bandwidth on data plans tell you how many megabytes you’re allowed to transfer per month (i.e. the iPhone’s $15/month data plan is capped at 200MB while Verizon’s smartphone data plan allows unlimited bandwidth). After you go over the allotted amount, there are overage charges.

If all you do is check e-mail and read and send text messages, you probably don’t need much; however, if you spend a lot of time surfing the web, watching videos on YouTube or listening to music on Pandora, you’ll probably want the highest bandwidth allowance your provider allows (unless you can’t afford it).

Pick your weapon

There are many Apple fans who will tell you without hesitation to get an iPhone; however, there are many Android fans that will tell you faster than a New York second to get an Android phone. I’ll try to give you the most neutral, objective breakdown of both and help you, not your friend, ultimately make the decision.

Features

Apps

One of the top reasons people buy smartphones are for apps. From games, guides, and productivity apps, Android and the iPhone have them. The Apple iPhone has the App Store and Android devices have the Android Market.

Apple's App Store vs Android Market

The Apple Store is known to house some of the best, highest-quality apps out there. However, Apple is also known to have a strong chokehold on the App Store, making it difficult for some developers to get their apps approved. In early September, Apple released the App Review Guidelines to help speed up the approval process for developers but also stated, “we don’t need anymore fart apps.”

The Android Market, on the other hand, is very open. Almost anybody that has some knowledge of how to create apps can create and submit one and have it available on the Android Market in a matter of hours! This allows developers everywhere to be able to contribute their work and apps to the Android Market. The negative to this is that one can and more than likely will at one time waste time scrolling through useless apps.

Operating System

The operating system for the iPhone is iOS where the operating system for Android devices is Android.

Android

Google’s Android OS is very versatile, flexible and even “hackable.” Google promotes Android’s open-source policy; therefore, hacking the phone, although it is not promoted, is not frown upon. As a result, Android devices are very customizable and getting into Android devices and manipulating them are a piece of cake. However, one of the frustrations of many customers is the inconsistency of Android platforms out there.

As new Android devices come out, the manufacturers must choose what version of Android to put on the device. However, because of the variety of types of phones manufacturers, sizes, and types, most each device must get their own customized version of Android. As more phones roll out and later versions of Android are released, it makes it even more difficult for manufacturers to update older devices to the latest version.

Upgrade timeline for the "Droid" phones

As you can clearly see, while Google was going crazy upgrading Android from 1.5 to 2.2 in 13 months, it took Motorola 4 months to upgrade the Droid 1 from 1.5 to 2.1 and HTC 6 months, not to forget that both Motorola and HTC skipped Android 1.6 for these devices.

It seems that manufacturers are starting to keep up with Android as they release their devices, but with so many Android devices being released, my recommendation would be to suck it up and buy a high-end Android phone or else support for your device may be dropped, like the Droid Eris.

iOS

iOS, the platform that runs Apple’s iPhone, has improved tremendously from the first-generation iPhone. With multitasking, folders, facetime, and the high-quality retina display, the iPhone 4 is a device that is highly lusted after. Also if you own a Mac, the iPhone can become a great tool with its ability almost seamlessly connect and/or sync with your Mac and its various applications (Things, ToDo, Keynote, etc). You also won’t have to worry as much with the operating system upgrades like Android because Apple has been better at providing their latest OS for devices (iPhone 3G or newer gets iOS 4).

The negative is that iOS is more restricted than Android; hacking the OS is frowned upon. Although it is not impossible, you can do less to the iPhone compared to devices running Android.

Some of the best phones now

The following is a list of the top 4 carriers and my opinion of their top Android/iOS phones available (in the US):
(Please keep in mind that this list is based on my personal opinion)

Statistics

Top 3 operating system share from January to August 2010 - Nielsen

Nielsen recently reported that Android was the most popular operating system in US among recent smartphone buyers.

Top smartphone platforms from April to July 2010 - comScore

comScore released smartphone marketshare numbers comparing April of 2010 to July of 2010.

Try before you buy

Before you decide to buy a phone, go to the nearest store and play with the phone(s) you’re interested in for a little bit. Allow a sales representative to help you and ask questions, but don’t become a pushover. Remember, you make the decision. Don’t let the sales rep make the decision for you–the phone is yours, not his.

If you own a Mac, you may feel and have a tendency to lean more towards an iPhone because of how compatible it is with Macs, that’s fine. If you are a Google fan, you may feel that an Android phone would be the way to go, that’s OK too.

Good luck!

Picking a phone is not always easy, but getting a new phone is always nice!