Droid X

Apparently taking jabs at Nokia, RIM, and HTC at a recent Apple press conference wasn't enough for Steve Jobs; now he's added Verizon's Motorola Droid into the mix. The Droid X is now one of the featured phones on Apple's site displaying how the "death grip" affects all phones, not just the iPhone 4.

After an extremely successful first day of sales — the Droid X sold out online — the device has been receiving many favorable reviews, save one screen issue for which Motorola has already offered a fix. It's even received it's first over-the-air update bringing users new features and improved usability. So, what gives, Apple? After offering bumper refunds and free cases, I figured Apple would quietly improve the iPhone 4's reception for its next release. Apparently not so . . . and Apple is not going to be quiet about it. Is any phone safe?

See what the Droid X "death grip" looks like after the break.

It was a big to-do when AT&T switched to a tiered smartphone data plan structure, and Verizon could be adopting the same strategy as early as July 29. There are no details or confirmations yet, but it's becoming clear that the new batch of do-it-all smartphones that we all know and love — like the iPhone, Droid X, and EVO 4G — can easily suck down the data if you aren't careful. In fact, a Verizon representative says that Droid X users are consuming five times the data of other cellphone users on its network.

Worried yet? You already know how to check the data consumption on an iPhone, but do you know how to check your usage on a Verizon phone? Find out an easy way after the jump.

It seems that the Droid X isn't exempt from its own version of Antennagate, only this time it's with the handset's screen. Some new Droid X users are experiencing problems with the phone's large 4.3-inch display — reports of banding (white and black strips running vertically down the display) and wild flickering are the two main issues. Although this problem seems to be contained to a small number of users, Motorola and Verizon are quick to squash any potential PR nightmares and have already issued a statement and fix. Find out what to do if you're experiencing these problems after the jump.

Looks like good news is on the way for Droid X and Droid Incredible owners — an over-the-air update is set to hit your handsets starting today that adds new features to your devices and improves upon existing ones. Android 2.2 is still a ways off (it'll be coming to smartphones later this Summer), but there are plenty of benefits to downloading this new software update. For Droid X customers, you can expect:

• Preloaded Kindle app for easy book reading on the go
• Enhanced Bluetooth connections
• A fresh design on your weather widgets
• Improved 3G Mobile Hotspot sync capabilities
• Improved battery charging indicator
• Faster visual voicemail loading
• Smoother camera and camcorder functions

To see what Droid Incredible owners can look forward to, just keep reading.

The Droid X launch proved to be quite a success — it's already sold out online, with the next shipments being sent out on July 23.

It's likely that you can still pick up your Droid X at Verizon and Best Buy (since there hasn't been any word of sell-outs there), but just be prepared to shell out an additional $100 in lieu of the mail-in rebate. If you don't mind waiting until July, hop on the Internets and get an instant $100 online discount, bringing the cost back down to $200. If you got your hands on one today, don't forget to download some awesome apps, and dispose of your old phone properly!

Getting a new smartphone is so exciting, but loading it up with apps? Well, that's serious business. There are a lot of crap apps out there, but mixed in are some truly helpful and handy ones that you should download as soon as you break your new Droid X out of the box. For example, these five apps that will have you rocking and rolling long after the new gadget glow wears off.

• Google Goggles — I can't say enough good things about Google Goggles, since it not only helps you translate foreign languages, but you can even search the Internet using photos instead of words. I'm speechless.
• Kindle for Android — Get all of your downloaded books sent to your Droid X so you can read on the go. How can you not — it's free!

See the rest of my list after the break.

If you've been waiting anxiously for the new Droid X ($200), good news — the wait is finally over! If you haven't already preordered yours from Best Buy, you can still get in on the Droid action today by swinging by a store, or logging in online to purchase. Find out where you can get your hands on a Droid X below!

• At Verizon stores nationwide
• On Verizon's website.
• At Best Buy locations
• On Best Buy's website

When the iPhone 4 launched a few weeks back, I gave up my old handset to a family member who was in desperate need of a smartphone upgrade. If I hadn't, I would have found a place to recycle, or donate it to a charity. With the Droid X arriving tomorrow (and the Samsung Captivate following closely behind on Sunday), what will you early adopters be doing with your tired phones? Instead of tossing them in the trash or in the back of your closet (where they'll do no good to anyone), might I make a few suggestions?

• Donate in-store — Verizon has partnered with the HopeLine charity and is stocking its stores with donation bins so you can do good before you leave the store. Ordering online? Just print the postage-paid label online and send off your phone to benefit victims of domestic violence.
• Drop it off at Best Buy — Picking up your new phone from Best Buy? On your way out you can toss your old phone in one of its new recycling bins, along with any other computer or component items that are just lying around your house. A clean house is a happy house.

See the rest of my suggestions after the break.

We've pitted several of the latest phones against each other to see whose features would come out on top. Although I use an iPhone 4 myself, I'm not ashamed to say that I'm crushing on the Droid X pretty hard right now — it has some amazing features, plus it's due to get the Android 2.2 update, which will make it even smarter.

But the Droid X and iPhone 4 aren't the only smartphones on the block. Wondering which phone is right for you? Check out my feature comparison chart, and take a look back at all of our vs. posts after the break.