ConnectBot - A Unix Guy's best friend!

ConnectBot is a required install for any Droid (really Android) user who frequently must log into Unix systems via SSH. It can telnet, but would you really want to do that? Also, it can open a local shell on the Android device itself. It has all the features of a modern SSH client and integrates well with the Droid. There are a few things to keep in mind to make your experience more pleasant, however:

1. The Droid's high resolution screen will make fonts eye-wateringly tiny when you first log into a system. A forthcoming release will make the initial font size resolution dependent. But for now, all you have to do is use the Volume Up and Down keys to change the size of the displayed fonts.
2. There are some keyboard shortcuts that apply to every phone. My personal favorite is using the right-hand side "shift" key for tab-completion. These are also described in the "Help" tab from the Menu.
   
3. There are some Droid-specific keyboard shortcuts that you must know. The pipe character, for example, is typed by hitting SHIFT, then ALT , and then finally the comma (",") key. Also, the "ctrl" key is the D-pad's "center" button. These, unfortunately, are not available from the "Help" tab. I get around this by having the relevant page bookmarked in the browser.
   

My only caveat is that long usage of a ConnectBot session will quickly drain your battery. I think this is a worthwhile trade-off as it keeps the display and the data connection open continuously, in order to not interrupt your work (this behavior can be modified in the settings, however). For someone who requires access to an SSH shell literally all the time (like yours truly), this Android App almost by itself makes the Droid purchase worthwhile.

I am l33t h4x0r!....ok, not really

My phone is a critical business tool... which is why I broke down and installed the SholesMod rom. It was really easy and it brings quite a few new features, the ones I particularly like:

1. Pinch to zoom in the browser. I honestly thought this wasn't a big deal, but you don't know what you're missing until you've got it.
2. Wireless tethering. BOO YAA! I won't use it much, but as I use friggin' Clear WiMax (which goes down all the goddamn time!) it's nice to have backup Internet access for work emergencies.
3. SetCPU - Technically not part of SholesMod, but OMFG you can overclock your phone! BOO YAA!!!! I actually didn't overclock too high, but you can also underclock the phone when it's locked, thus saving the precious, precious juice.
4. A Super Hip New image Gallery app that integrates with Picasa Web.
5. Speech to Text - I know that speaking into a phone so you can text message someone sounds particularly quixotic, but honestly folks if I want to talk to you, I'd call :-)

Nota Bene - apparently there was some "drama" between the developers and the web-guy at sholes.info, so the project is now DroidMod. I have not upgraded to their first release, but I will report back soon.

Engadget Review of the HTC/Google Nexus One

I really dig the Philip K. Dick reference. Also, I seriously hope this phone doesn't go bonkers and start killing people. I find myself not having Nexus One envy, as much as I am experiencing Android 2.1 envy. One of my rationalizations for getting a Droid was that because it was a plain-vanilla Android device, it would get updates faster. We'll see if this theory holds true.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/02/exclusive-google-nexus-one-hands-on-video-and-first-impressio/