Android on At&t

[soliloquist]

Hey there, I am an original iPhone 2g owner that is trying to switch over to Android. I am new to the google platform so any info you guys can give would be helpful.

I am not planning to switch providers, not that AT&T is that great, but because of my location and family plan switching just isn't really an option.

I saw that there is an HTC Aria, but never see anyone talk about it. Is it any good? It seems that it is running the 2.1 OS, will it get the 2.2 Froyo treatment? I have heard that some devices will not support 2.2 and that Froyo is supposed to provide some significant improvement.

Are there any other Android phones that work on the AT&T network (without rooting them)? If so which are the best.

Thanks for the help.

 

[neonmonkey]

There is the Samsung Captivate, which is just as powerful as the Droid X, Evo 4g and Nexus one, when the Aria is a decent amount slower but not sluggish by any means. It also has a very powerful GPU which beats all other androids.
The Aria is $130 with a 2 year contract and the Captivate is $200 so it is really up to you.

 

[soliloquist]

Thanks for the info, just read some reviews about the Captivate and it does seem to be the best Android phone available on AT&T at the moment. The only thing holding me back now is AT&T's desire to restrict apps from unknown sources. Having never used and Android phone, what is available in the marketplace, and what would I be missing out on by not being able to download 3rd party apps.

 

[soliloquist]

Best answer selected by soliloquist.

 

[neonmonkey]

There is around 60,000 apps currently on the android marketplace.