Why Android?

[pablo3d]

Carrier support aside, what are the main features or value adds that would drive the end user/consumer to choose an Android handset over iPhone or Blackberry? I'm in the process of designing an app for the Android platform and want to make sure to leverage what users find special about Android.

[constellanation]

open source operating system. Not apple. those are my two biggies.

[scrannel]

I'm still waiting for the answer to that question. Open source doesn't ring my bell. Want to have a look at this new batch of Nokias coming out. For me the hardware as important as the software. I want a physical keyboard, so sticking with my G1 for the time being.

[sstair]

I too like a physical keyboard, but the differentiator from the iPhone is the open platform (not open source). The idea that I'm buying this device, but Apple gets to control what apps I can install...that's a deal breaker.

[onestoploser]

I don't like the fact that Apple locks you down as far as apps and such with the iPhone. I have been a long-time smartphone user and have used many platforms (Symbian, WM, Blackberry, the old Palm OS) but have settled on Android. I like Android because it is open-source and has a lot of community support. The fact that I can root the OS and install new ROMs so easily is a definite bonus for me also (I know that's easy to do with WM phones too, but I was never a big fan of the WMOS).