Verizon Wireless pulled out the stops for today's DROID R2-D2 launch. There were even a couple of stormtroopers present at New York's Herald Square this morning (we're told no one was hurt or seized by the Empire). Through the mayhem, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a DROID R2-D2, and I wanted to give you all a quick rundown of what the device has going for it.

First things first, I can confirm that the DROID R2-D2 is based solely on the DROID 2. There is no secret 1.2Ghz processor, it runs the same 1Ghz processor found in the DROID 2 and it's still fast enough to churn through phone processes. The device comes out of its box with Android 2.2 (froyo), but none of this is why you're here.

We all know that you're here because the device is based on R2-D2 from Star Wars and, hey, there's no shame in that. So let's just cut to the chase and take a look at what makes this device worthy of carrying R2-D2's name.







From the time the box hits your hands, it's clear that DROID R2-D2 is about experience. It's shaded in the same dark gray that has become a trademark of the Verizon Wireless DROID lineup. The difference here is a carbonite-esque DROID R2-D2 embossed on its front, while the back reads in raised letters, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, complete with a reminder that this is, indeed, a limited edition.







The face of the device is similar to the DROID 2, but the edges of its 3.7-inch, 480 x 854 screen are outlined with a subtle circuitry pattern. Additionally, the beveling around the face of the DROID R2-D2 is silver instead of the blueish color found on the DROID 2.

Sliding the device open reveals that the keyboard is outlined in white, and R2-D2 is printed on the backside of the screen. Then on the back, emblazoned in blue, white and silver, is the titular hero of the device: R2-D2







From there, it becomes less about external aesthetics and more about little tweaks to the device's functionality. Included on the DROID R2-D2 are a handful of additions aimed at satiating Star Wars fans (read: the people who will be buying this device.)







The first change that sticks out is a Star Wars-themed bootup screen in which R2-D2 makes an appearance and sounds off in some fairly loud astromech talk. The home screen then opens to reveal a Star Wars background, where the opening sliders feature the insignias of the Alliance and the Empire.

A number of active wallpapers have also been added. They include: 3D Millennium Falcon, The Empire Strikes Back, asteroids, R2-D2, space slug and lightspeed, which is the coolest of the wallpapers, but likely not the most practical. It activates by simply picking up the device, which then shows the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon blasting into lightspeed and R2-D2 screaming at the top of his robotic lungs — like I said, probably not the most practical.

Even more novel than the wallpapers is the binoculars app and the "Best of R2-D2" video. The binoculars app shows the Battle of Hoth, complete with AT-AT walkers, as you look around. The app takes full use of the DROID's motion awareness to project Hoth on your screen. The "Best of R2-D2" is exactly what it sounds like and it's unlikely that even the most diehard Star Wars fan will find cause to watch it more than once or twice.







While the DROID R2-D2 is undoubtedly cool, I still question whether it's worth buying. At $250 after a $100 mail-in rebate, it's priced at the upper end of Android devices. On the other hand, the addition of a very cool Star Wars R2-D2 media dock does justify the price increase beyond just the limited edition style.

In the end, I think that you're simply looking for an upgrade, the DROID R2-D2 probably isn't for you. If, on the other hand, you're a huge Star Wars fan and in the market for a DROID 2, it's not a bad investment.

[Videos by Evan Wexler with photos by Jehangir Irani]