This is a general reply to all the geek writers that keep reporting how terrible it is that there are all these different android devices out there for users to try to figure out. This is just writing from your own perspective.
Most users are not going around and trying to figure out all the different ‘Android’ devices. They are not like you. They are not comparing Nexus One with Droid or looking at the differences between 1.5, 2.0, 2.0.1 and 2.1 to make their decision. They are not sampling every possible smartphone on the market, looking at trends, attempting to make sure they are on the ‘best’ platform or device.
I think for most people the search starts with the network provider, then goes from there, especially now that there are ‘options’ on each network.
During Thanksgiving vacation the wifi at our resort was so weak that Verizon’s 3G was looking faster so I started to wonder if I could setup my laptop to use my Verizon’s data connection, often called ‘tethering.’ I had done this in the past with my old Treo and ATT’s network. I knew that the Android OS has the capability and being fairly geeky I started to check into it.
In November several reports came about Verizon offering tethering in 2010 for the Droid…
http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/verizon-confirms-droid-tethering-cost-will-ask-subscribers-to-d/
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/11/tethering-droid/
It’s gonna cost $30/month, ahhh, no thanks. There are solutions reported using your USB cable which looks like something you wouldn’t want to tackle with out some technical saavy.
http://androidforums.com/how-tips/18532-mac-os-x-droid-tethering-usb-wired.html
http://mobiletech.knguyentu.com/2009/11/motorola-droid-how-to-tether-via-usb.html