T-Mobile G1 Review!

In the midst of heavy competition and quick enhancements in the world of mobile devices, Google recently entered the market by offering the Google Android, an operating system for mobile devices. The first device to use this system, the T-Mobile G1, is now on sale. With juggernauts such as the iPhone and the Blackberry Curve, will the G1 be able to aggressively compete?

The G1’s design, which is considered by many to resemble a modified T-Mobile Sidekick, combines the luxury of both a touch screen and a slide-out keyboard. However, based off of first hand comparisons, the G1’s screen offers slightly less real estate and sensitivity in comparison to the iPhone and is quite similar to those found on other touch-screen phones. In addition, the slide out keyboard offers less tactile feedback when compared to the Blackberry. Despite these small quirks, the phone offers a friendly design that attempts to combine the best of both worlds, and, for the most part, it succeeds.

Aside from the design, the most anticipated section of the phone is the new operating system developed by Google and its partners- the Android. Considered by many to be a potential iPhone killer, Android is unique in that it is open to developers everywhere, and it has nearly unlimited customizability, which shows the potential of development for the platform. Only days after the release, there have been over 30 applications on the market and the list is growing rapidly. The applications range from Pac-Man by Namco to a barcode scanner.

The full-featured Web browser is quite easy to use and it easily beats the standard ones found on Blackberries and Windows Mobile devices. However, the G1’s internet browser is not as easy to use when compared to the iPhone Safari web browser. However, a feature set lacked in the iPhone but included with the G1 that gives the phone the ability to synchronize with Gmail and Google Calendar. With more and more developers focusing on releasing additional software, the system has a promising and bright future.

With phones such as the Blackberry Curve and the iPhone, how does the G1 match up in terms of ease of use? Missed calls, arriving text messages, e-mails and voicemails are all displayed on a notification bar on the top of the screen. The notification bar makes replying and reading information a breeze. However, learning to use the phone and fully taking advantage of its features is not as easy. Without an on-screen keyboard, users will have to flip open the phone to type anything. Also, for first time smart phone users, the system may be slightly too complicated. However, with a few hours of play, users will master the many features, like the ability to create a desktop-like front page and small shortcuts that will assist users.

Is the phone a good buy? At about $180 with a new contract on T-Mobile’s network, the phone is about $20 cheaper than the iPhone and about $100 cheaper than the new Blackberry Bold. The phone plan is also generally cheaper than those offered with Blackberries and iPhones. Despite the inherent risk for early adaptors, the phone is a great buy and is highly recommended for all phone users, both new and old.