Current Blackberry / Outlook user, possible change.

[takeshi]

I'm not sure the Battery life is connected to the Android phones. I really think it's the hardware, most android phones have huge screens and a screaming processor. That said my storm like my android phone never made it through the day without a charge.

It's a combination of factors. Displays can chew through battery. The GPS receiver will chew through the battery when actively used. Frequently polling or heavy syncing can also kill your battery. Browsing on 3G and playing games can kill the battery. Poor coverage can kill the battery. Each user really has to analyze his/her specific usage to figure out what the major battery hogs are and address them.

If you read the post you quoted the person wasn't saying that this was Android-specific. In fact, you quoted this yourself:

I doubt there is a smartphone out there where everyone doesn't complain about the battery life.

On BB, I was able to set my email (I own my own website and have my own branded email with my domain ex:webmaster@website.com) and I was wondering if I will still be able to configure such on the Droid, and if so, will it require me purchasing an app.

It's highly unlikely that you wouldn't unless your domain uses very non-standard email protocols. There really aren't that many types of email accounts that BIS (what your BB used to connect to your email accounts) supports that you wouldn't be able to find an Android equivalent for. If you want a definitive answer then find out what protocols your domain supports for email. As stated above, POP and IMAP are the most common but "my own domain" really doesn't tell us enough.

In my case, my own domain uses Exchange, for example. Other domains use entirely different mail servers/protocols.

The latest ones allow for ActiveSync (MS Exchange Server) sync as well.

Older ones do as well. ActiveSync support isn't brand new to Android by any means.

 

[TEP#AC]

This Kik app you mention, does it offer group chats like BBM? I am looking for something cross platform that has group chatroom feel.

Not yet but that is one of the features that they say they are going to be adding. They also say they are going to be adding something that nobody has done before either. All I know is that it comes very close to BBM as it is now and I can talk to all of my friends regardless of the platform.

 

[Bru1ns]

Thanks guys. Yes, I am using a server farm and access my email via POP. So I will take a look at K9, altho that sounds like an app for dog lovers LOL. You both answered the question that I had. Thanks.

 

[TEP#AC]

You can. I posted this earlier in this very thread:
Home | syncdroid.net - because Androids need a good Outlook sync


The standard $29.99 data plan gives you that ability as well. It's what I use for my Exchange account with ActiveSync. It's a common misconception that the corporate plan is required.

No kidding. I wondered. I know you needed the corporate plan for BlackBerry's if you wanted to activate your phone wirelessly with BES. I just got the misses a Droid X with the $29.99 plan. I will check it out. If I can save a few bucks and keep the same functionality, why not. Thanks!

 

[aweber1nj]

Thanks guys. Yes, I am using a server farm and access my email via POP. So I will take a look at K9, altho that sounds like an app for dog lovers LOL. You both answered the question that I had. Thanks.

K9 or MailDroid are probably your best bet, but YMMV.

Good luck!