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Comment by w33ble | Hacker News Reader

Hypothetically, if I were interested in getting in to Android development, but I didn't want to switch to using an Android phone, what would be the most cost-effective way to get my hands on an Android device that would be good for testing? Or is the emulator reliable enough to release without testing on hardware?

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THe emulator is awful, even on really good hardware. I use a nexus one, which was the original developer device from Google, I think they have a new one out. Find out which phone is recommended by google.

OK, I had read the emulator wasn't ideal but didn't know if maybe other people had better experiences. Is it necessary to get the newest phone? I've seen an unlocked Nexus One, for about $350, seemed like a viable option. Woot just had the Galaxy S WiFi for $175, which seemed like an even better deal (faster, though I don't know if it'll run 2.3 or have Market access). Anyway, thought I'd ask; thanks for the feedback.

I test on the nexus one no problems. It may be better to test on a device that isn't the latest and greatest, one of the reasons I kept an iPhone 3g around for so long.

I released a first version on Android only using the emulator but of course its never the same as testing on a device. I have a Nexus One and it's a great phone. I think Virgin Mobile would be a good source of a second/development phone as you can get an Android phone without contract for $150 and unlimited data is just $35/month http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-phone-plans/beyond-talk-...

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