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Hey, y'all, Well, since the new Android 2.0 DROID drops today, we thought we should devote some time to the new release, looking at what's good and what's bad. We know--we're feeling very magnaninous.

First Impressions
At first glance, you get the feeling that this device doesn't need handling with kid gloves. It looks really rugged and the combination of the touch screen and a slide out QWERTY keyboard means that you can still have fun with high end technology while enjoying the feel of actually depressing buttons. The screen, while a nice size, doesn't have the same clean look as the iPhone, but its brightness and clarity--apparently--make up for it. (We're not convinced!)

According to Time.com "The camera is horrible. Probably the worst of any phone on the market." We know-you're not thinking of buying this thing to replace your digital camera, but if you want a quick snapshot with this sucker you're out of luck. Battery life is as expected with any smartphone device, but we've saved the real kicker for last.

Nickles and Dimes
The DROID will soon be capable of tethering, and it can access your Microsoft Exchange email...but boy, will it cost you. An "unlimited" data plan that's actually only good for 5GB of data a month is mandatory and is $30. If you want to be able to tether? Another $30, for another "unlimited" 5GB. If you want to access your office Exchange email? Another $45 for an "unlimited" 5GB. That's $105 per month on top of the two hundred dollar device.

AT&T and Apple may not offer you any tethering, but at least their unlimited $30 data plan is unlimited.

Unless Apple blows all of our minds and discounts the 16GB 3GS or offers an 8GB 3GS for the holidays, the DROID is competitive and novelty is always interesting. But Verizon's 3G network may be the most compelling reason to own this newcomer...just a thought.

Anyone getting this phone today? Tell us on Twitter!

Till tomorrow, Newsies...