Switching from Symbian to Android: One User's Experience

Recently I switched from a Sony-Ericsson P990 running Symbian UIQ to the T-Mobile G1 running Android. 

I have used PDA’s for years (and still play around with a couple), and have had a smartphone since 2003.  My first one was a Kyocera QCP 6035, which I loved, but was bulky and did not have a color screen.  My next smartphones were all by Sony-Ericsson and ran the UIQ Symbian interface.  I started with the P800, then a P900, then the P990, which the G1 replaced. 

I really liked the UIQ interface, but it was still limited to some degree by being tied to the PC for installing new applications.  With the G1, I finally have achieved complete freedom from a PC. 

This is not a review of the G1 specifically, but more about my experience switching from a stylus-centric PC-connected smartphone to a finger-touch wireless-only smartphone

Day 1
I got home from the T-Mobile store after spending a little more than I planned.  The phone was $129 with a 2 year service contract upgrade, but there was an $18 upgrade fee, and I bought a car charger.  The salesperson almost had me talked into a bigger SDHC card, but I held off. 

Also, my current data plan had to be upgraded, which I hadn't expected, but was necessary which I will explain later.  I had the $9.99/mo 50 MB plan, but the G1 required a $24.99 unlimited plan. 

The salesperson basically set it all up for me by switching my SIM card and logging into Gmail, which then synced all of my Google data.  Once I got home and I pried it from my daughter’s hands (she was playing bubble wrap), I started exploring. 

It took a few minutes to get used to the finger touch interface.  I kept trying to use my fingernail since I was used to doing that with my old device when I didn’t want to grab the stylus.  After realizing I needed to use my finger, I quickly got the hang of touching and swiping.  The hardest thing for me was aiming.  I had a hard time getting used to hitting the exact spot I wanted to on the screen.  I think I finally have the hang of that now. 

I spent the rest of the first evening browsing the Market, which is the Android app store.  I really like the App store, and went a little crazy with all of the free apps.  My first app was a Monty Python quote app.  There is virtually an app for everything you can think of.  Simply click on the app you want, and it will give you a description, a couple of comments from users and a rating.  This helps when there are multiple apps that are similar.  If you want to install the app, simply click on install. 

Another nice feature of the app store is the “My Downloads” area.  There it shows all of the apps you downloaded and installed, and whether there is an update available.

Day 2
Now I needed to decide what I needed to sync with my work data.  I was using RoadSync by Dataviz on my P990, and was happy to find there was a beta version for my G1.  I installed that, and was quickly syncing with our Exchange Server.  Set up took less than two minutes! 

I also started to go through the built in apps to see what I may need from the Market.  The next few apps were mainly apps for fun such as Facebook, Twitter, and a few Google apps.  I also picked up the Documents To Go reader.  I will probably purchase the full version soon.   I also spent some time setting up some RSS feeds and Podcasts that I like to listen to.  

I also grew to love the flip out to reveal the keyboard.  This is the first keyboard I really enjoy using.  I was able to type out emails with ease.  In the past I would mainly check email, and only reply if it couldn’t wait until I got back to my PC.

Day 3
This was about the time that I started to realize my old habits needed to change, and why the unlimited data plan was a good idea.  After just a couple of days, I had burned through about 40 MB of downloads, much of which were apps I didn't really need. 

See, in the old days I would download and install apps and games in case I needed them some day or if they looked interesting.  Most of the time I would never use them, or I would use them once or twice.  I would install them to the memory card and forget them. 

Well, with Android, you can’t install apps to the card, so I quickly ran low on space.  Since there is such easy access via the market for any app you could think of (most free), I decided to install just the apps I really needed, and install anything I needed later when I was going to use it.   Did I mention I really like the market??? 

Anyway, Day 3 was spent uninstalling apps I would probably never use.  I also tried duplicate apps I downloaded to see which I liked the best and just kept the one I liked.  Now I was back to having ample space. 

I will say that the lack of ability to install apps to a card is the only drawback I have found with android so far.

Day 4, 5, and 6
I took a trip to visit my parents in Wisconsin and the always connected features really made me appreciate what I had, and the location-based services really came in handy. 

I like the fact that whether I have an email from Gmail, Yahoo, a text message, or a Twitter update, it was all on the top of the screen, and all I had to do was drag my finger down to access them all. 

I used the location-based services using the built-in GPS (or cell tower location if indoors) and an app called Sherpa to find a local coffee shop, and a couple of nice restaurants.  My parents are staying at a VA home, and we don’t know the area well. 

The only thing I wish I had was a TV guide to see what was on Cable TV in the Hotel room.  There is probably an app for it, but I honestly didn’t look very hard.

Day 7
Back at work, I think I have everything configured the way I like it as far as apps, event notifications, and update frequency.  I decided that an hourly email update is adequate since I am at my computer most of the time and can check manually if I am not. 

I haven’t decided on a holster yet since the G1 fits nicely in my pocket.   I also need to resist the urge to pull it out of my pocket every time I hear my phone chirp with a new message.  Especially in meetings! 

Now that I have settled in with my new device, I really appreciate what the Android OS can do.  I look forward to version 2 if it is available for the G1.  Now maybe I will look for a good Wine Guide!

Summary
Generally I had an easy transition considering the change in the user interface and input methods.  The hardest thing for me was the aim for my finger, especially with the on-screen keyboard in portrait mode.  Overall I think I am finally getting the hang of it, but I still will flip it open to use the physical keyboard most of the time. 

Installing apps I would probably never use "just in case" was also a change for me. 

I also used to be a maniac when it came to keeping my screen clean, but with the new finger touch devices, I will have to lighten up a little. 

The only thing left for me is filling the memory card with music, which is the only thing I need the USB cable for so far.