Android device for OS course

[cbienia]

Hi,

We're thinking about buying Android devices for use in the operating system course that is taught at our university. During the course the students would have to modify the Android kernel according to their homework assignments and install it on the device. We are looking for recommendations for suitable devices.

This is what we need from an Android device:

* Hackability. It is obviously necessary that we can hack the device without any restrictions. That means no locked-down bootloaders, SIM card, requirements to sign applications, etc.

* No phone carrier cost. We would like to avoid having to buy cell phone contracts for each Android device. We don't want to use the device to make phone calls.

So far the only suitable devices that we have found are the Android dev phones offered by Google. Does anybody have any other recommendations for us? Any form of experience / insight that would help us make our decision will be highly appreciated.

Thanks a lot in advance.

Best,
Chris

 

[anon(19758)]

Nexus One or perhaps the Motorola Droid from Verizon. I'm newish to Android, but I seem to remember reading that the Droid did not have a locked bootloader. And of COURSE Verizon would love to sell them to you for the unsubsidized price, if they still have enough.

 

[Brett]

i would reccomend a nexus 1 if you are looking at using it for developing purposes. the original droid is a great phone (i own one) but at this point it is seeing it end of days since it comes stock with a 550 mghz processor while the N1 has a 1 ghz. they both come loaded with vanilla (plain) android OS which is great. i mean the droid might be good for you guys depending on what you are looking to do but it will not have meet a lot of minimum requirements once newer devices come out with 1 ghz + processors.

another good option might be the t-mobile g2 when it comes out. it is replacing out dated g1 and seems to be loaded with a lot of great features and is rumored to have vanilla android as well. this might be your best bet but i dont know what the ETA is for it