T-Mobile's New G1

Congratulations to T-Mobile for finally doing something right and picking up the first "Google" phone.

First things first, before we go into the full analysis of this quirky new phone, let's talk basics.

This HTC-made phone has a lovely 3.2" touch screen and slides to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. (as you can see) It's got the same resolution as an iPhone and it's the same length, but it's a bit less wide and a bit thicker.

It also has quad-band GSM/EDGE and dual-band UMTS support, GPS, Wi-Fi and a built-in accelerometer. (Pretty neat, ya?) The camera is 3 megapixels but unfortunately does not record videos.

The G1 sports Bluetooth but it seems that it only supports headset connection so far. Rumors have been spread that this function will expand, so let's keep our fingers crossed on that one.

The most interesting thing about this phone is that it is the first to feature Google's Android software, which will make it extra easy to get to all of Google's nice little online apps (e.g. Gmail, Amazon MP3s, YouTube, Google Maps...) There will also be an Android "market" that allows users to download third-party applications.

That all sounds snazzy, but there's tons of bad stuff too. Let's start right at the beginning: This phone is ugly.

Face it, that's a pretty ugly phone. T-mobile isn't exactly known for making the best looking phones, but HTC is, and yet we get this? Pity. I am a lover of a QWERTY keyboard instead of the exclusive touch-screen but jeeze, they could have worked it in better. (Hint hint: LG Voyager)

Now, I'm happy that T-Mobile has finally hopped on the 3G bandwagon, but when this phone comes out the new 3G network will only be in a few cities! So even though this phone supports 3G use, it's not like you can really use it everywhere.

Another lame deal is that though you can sync this phone to your Google apps, you can't sync it to your computer.

In conclusion, this phone is a major disappointment. I've been a loyal customer to T-Mobile for who knows how many years and I've been desperately waiting for an alternative to the Blackberry in terms of a smartphone. I owned a Sidekick Slide and that worked for about half a year (with lots of kinks) and so that retired.

I'd wait a while when it comes to this phone. Wait for a better interface, better 3G network, better apps, and maybe a better price. Though it doesn't put a hole in your wallet, this phone is being released mid-October (but there is presale if you're interested enough) at $179 with a 2 year contract.