T-Mobile's G1 Android phone to cost $179, available Oct 22

***AppleInsider*** · 09-23-2008, 12:13 PM

T-Mobile on Tuesday held a press conference to introduce the first mobile handset based on Google's Android platform -- the G1, which will retail for $179 when it goes on sale at select T-Mobile outlets and third party retailers on October 22nd.

The G1 (official website) includes a built-in compass, a 3-megapixel camera, a touchscreen that slides open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, and a trackball for more precise, one-handed navigation. The device will come SIM-locked to T-Mobile, with built-in support for the carrier's 3G and EDGE network as well as Wi-Fi.

Among the G1's software features is one-click contextual search that allows users to search the entire device with the touch of a finger, and version of Google's new Web browser called Chrome Lite that presents web pages in their natural form and lets users zoom in to expand any section by simply tapping on the screen.

Google Maps Street View

As is the case with Apple's iPhone, G1 users can instantly view maps and satellite imagery through an embedded version of Google Maps, as well as find local business and get driving directions.

The G1 also includes Google Maps Street View, which isn't available on the iPhone, allowing customers to explore cities at street-level virtually while on the go. The Google Maps feature syncs with the handset's built-in compass to allow users to view locations and navigate 360 degrees by simply moving the phone with their hand.

Email, IM

A rich HTML e-mail client syncs e-mail, calendar and contacts from Gmail as well as most other POP3 or IMAP e-mail services. The handset also supports Instant Messaging through Google Talk, as well as AOL, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger.

A promotional video for the HTC-developed T-Mobile G1.

Photo sharing and music downloads

Each G1 includes built-in support for YouTube and 3-megapixel camera that lets users attach and share pictures over email and MMS or download music from their favorite web sites. iTunes is not supported, however, as only DRM-free content purchased from the Apple download service will work with the handset.

Instead, T-Mobile has partnered with Apple rival Amazon.com, pre-loading each G1 with a new application developed by the online retailer that gives customers easy access to the Amazon MP3 digital music download store. Using the application, users can search, sample,*purchase and download music from Amazon MP3 directly to their device. Music downloads are only supported over Wi-Fi, however, but searching and sampling can be done anywhere a user has a cellular connection.

A guided tour of the G1 (part 1).

The G1 lacks a traditional headphone jack and instead requires a USB adapter for headphone connectivity.

Android Market

Being the first Android phone, the G1 is also the first phone to offer access to Android Market, a rival to Apple's App Store that hosts applications and mash ups of existing and new services from third-party developers.

When the G1 launches next month, "dozens of unique, first-of-a-kind Android applications will be available for download on Android Market," T-Mobile said, including:
ShopSavvy: an application designed to help people do comparative shopping. Users scan the UPC code of a product with their phone’s camera while they are shopping, and can instantly compare prices from online merchants and nearby local stores.Ecorio: a new application developed to help people keep track of their daily travels and view what their carbon footprint looks like. With access to tips and tricks, Ecorio allows users to record the steps they take throughout their day to help offset their impact on the environment.BreadCrumbz: a new application that enables people to create a step-by-step visual map using photos. Users can create their own routes, share them with friends or with the world.
A guided tour of the G1 (part 2).

Other features

Some of the G1's other features, compiled from coverage of the launch event earlier Tuesday, include a built-in accelerometer, support for viewing Office and PDF documents, the first mobile implementation of 'online presence' through GoogleTalk, and drag-and-drop photo support.

Pricing and availability

T-Mobile customers in the U.S. have the opportunity to pre-order the T-Mobile G1 starting today at www.T-MobileG1.com. The device will be available at select T-Mobile retail stores in 22 US markets beginning Oct. 22, for a price of $179 with a two-year voice and data agreement. A $35 per month data package will offer unlimited internet and text messaging, while a $25 package will include unlimited data but limited text messaging.

However, the fine print on T-Mobile's official G1 website says: "If your total data usage in any billing cycle is more than 1GB, your data throughput for the remainder of that cycle may be reduced to 50 kbps or less."

The G1 will also be available in the United Kingdom beginning in November, and across Europe -- Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and the Netherlands -- in the first quarter of 2009.

A on-demand version the G1 launch event will be available from this link some time today.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

CREB · 09-23-2008, 12:38 PM

The Amazon partnering sucks. First, the use of T-Mobile (which is terrible) and now the Amazon connection. I sure like Google's initial offering, but the partnering leaves far too much to be desired.

dm3 · 09-23-2008, 12:38 PM

Checkout out the LAME fine print on the bottom of T-Mobile's website http://www.t-mobileg1.com/3G.aspx,

"If your total data usage in any billing cycle is more than 1GB, your data throughput for the remainder of that cycle may be reduced to 50 kbps or less."

So much for "unlimited". Playing the same old telecom tricks.

dm3 · 09-23-2008, 12:40 PM

I hope this will get Apple off their buts...

- Apple could finally add trivial items like MMS, cut and paste. These are just fodder for iPhone complainers.
- AT&T might be encouraged to allow a broader range of applications on the iPhone.
- AT&T might get some price competition on their data plan... except for the totally LAME 1GB limit. I typically use 1-2GB/mo on my iPhone so the T-Mobile limit makes their data plan unworkable for me.

DimMok · 09-23-2008, 12:41 PM

What a piece of crap.....

All you biters out there....yeah you know who you are!!

Samsung Instinct, HTC Dream and the countless others.....what a load.

Apple is the game changer....others just strap on for the ride.

SXT1 · 09-23-2008, 12:44 PM

I like devices that are one-handed operatable. This clearly isn't !!!

Leithal · 09-23-2008, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dm3

Checkout out the LAME fine print on the bottom of T-Mobile's website http://www.t-mobileg1.com/3G.aspx,

"If your total data usage in any billing cycle is more than 1GB, your data throughput for the remainder of that cycle may be reduced to 50 kbps or less."

So much for "unlimited". Playing the same old telecom tricks.

I liked the rest of it....

Quote:

Originally Posted by dm3

Your data session, plan, or service may be suspended, terminated, or restricted for significant roaming or if you use your service in a way that interferes with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users. Some devices require specific data plans; if you do not have the right plan for your device, you may not be able to use data services. Some downloads, such as movies, music, and games, not included. Domestic use only.

I just am not sure most people out there even have a clue what android is. Sure the geeks do, but even my mom knows what an iPhone is.

CREB · 09-23-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DimMok

What a piece of crap.....

All you biters out there....yeah you know who you are!!

Samsung Instinct, HTC Dream and the countless others.....what a load.

Apple is the game changer....others just strap on for the ride.

Ah yes, I too remember the days when I was an Apple zealot...then I matured. You fail to realize the larger scheme of things and if it were not for others Apple would not be where is it today. Is Apple its own mobile service provider? No. Is not competition good? Yes. Do all people feels the iPhone is the omnipotent answer to their mobile usage? No. The iPhone is significant and I like it for personal use, but not business use...at least not yet.

theBigD23 · 09-23-2008, 12:48 PM

Is it snappy?

**JeffDM** · 09-23-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CREB

The Amazon partnering sucks. First, the use of T-Mobile (which is terrible) and now the Amazon connection. I sure like Google's initial offering, but the partnering leaves far too much to be desired.

I don't see the problem with Amazon. It sounds like other companies wanting to sell music should be able to. Amazon's MP3 service has worked well for me when I tried it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dm3

Checkout out the LAME fine print on the bottom of T-Mobile's website http://www.t-mobileg1.com/3G.aspx,

"If your total data usage in any billing cycle is more than 1GB, your data throughput for the remainder of that cycle may be reduced to 50 kbps or less."

So much for "unlimited". Playing the same old telecom tricks.

It would be nice if they properly marketed it. Still, I'm not sure how many people can manage to use that much on a phone, but I imagine that for most people, 1GB is as good as unlimited. I haven't used any more than 25MB of cell data on any given month so far.

Right_said_fred · 09-23-2008, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theBigD23

Is it snappy?

Grrrrr Ill snap if I see snap, snappy, snappiest, snapped, snapper one more time...

However...
I wonder myself just how snappy it will be? Now 2.1 is on the Iphones, for the most part the Iphone is has quite a snappy response

SpamSandwich · 09-23-2008, 01:06 PM

I like the Amazon connection a lot, and everyone I tell about it ends up using their music service.

Also, the Amazon connection will lead to video and e-document/book downloads.

This is a smart move.

Now what about VOIP on the G1?

samab · 09-23-2008, 01:07 PM

I really think that the Google guy should resign from the Apple board of directors because he has to excuse himself from all kinds of board discussions on the ihone.

thewill · 09-23-2008, 01:09 PM

Competition is good. It's exciting to see other companies step-up and challenge the iPhone.

Here's my take on the G1.

1. It looks thick.
2. The buttons look cheap.
3. GPS?
4. I think the right thumb might be blocked in using the keyboard
5. Sim-locked
6. Unlimited plan with 1GB limit. That sounds like a false advertisement lawsuit waiting to happen.
7. Apps look cool, especially the UPC bar code scanning. Someone should quickly port these apps to the iPhone.
8. 1GB memory? 8GB upgrade will cost another $40, making the G1 more expensive than the iPhone.

Mr Underhill · 09-23-2008, 01:13 PM

I quite like the look of that. Of course i haven't had one in my hands so it's difficult to tell but it's certainly encouraging and a great effort.

Still love my iPhone 3G of course as nobody does design like Apple, but this is really encouraging and finally adds a bit of competition. I can just see my iPhone getting better and better over the next few months

wbrasington · 09-23-2008, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theBigD23

Is it snappy?

Everyone that uses it will mutter... "Oh snap!"
Is that what you mean?

teckstud · 09-23-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theBigD23

Is it snappy?

Does it Push?

justflybob · 09-23-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Right_said_fred

Grrrrr Ill snap if I see snap, snappy, snappiest, snapped, snapper one more time...

Dude, you don't have to SNAP at us....

F1Turbo · 09-23-2008, 01:30 PM

No headphone jack?

Xian Zhu Xuande · 09-23-2008, 01:33 PM

I see some damn cool features on this phone. It does make me wish at times that the iPhone allowed greater access for programs, but I know exactly where that would lead. A whole mess of people in forums like this one would screw up their phone by installing too much stuff that runs simultaneously and they would cry, cry, cry all day long about how Apple betrayed them--when it was, in fact, their own ignorance that did them in.

In any case, I'm glad, because this should add even great inspiration to Apple's efforts.

And wow that phone looks so cheap... as in PoS cheap.

Android deserved to be released in something better than a hobo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CREB

The Amazon partnering sucks. First, the use of T-Mobile (which is terrible) and now the Amazon connection. I sure like Google's initial offering, but the partnering leaves far too much to be desired.

Why? I really like Amazon's MP3 service.
The only things I ever buy from the iTMS are DRM-free songs.
Amazon's music is higher quality than the DRM music on the iTMS, too.
Not that this is Apple's fault... the music industry is scared of Apple.

dancingbrook · 09-23-2008, 01:35 PM

After just jumping in from the dark ages to a Verizon cell service (no cell before) using a Motorola W385 and trying to get it to sync with my Mac (Apple says it's possible but apparently Verizon has disabled that possibility) I can say I long to be able to use an iPhone so all woks well together, Call me what you want, but I do not want to spend another minute dealing with Motorola blaming Verizon and Apple, Verizon blaming Motorola and Apple, and Apple obviously not able to do anything to get around the Motorola/Verizon block. My 30 days aren't up yet Verizon.

And I suspect the "open" Android, along with T-Mobile, will have the same blame game going, only worse because of the unlimited access by 3rd party developers.

NasserAE · 09-23-2008, 01:47 PM

Sounds like a step backward to me. I am still waiting for someone to do the math on how much the phone will cost over the contracts life!!

tutumiles1 · 09-23-2008, 01:49 PM

I love Apple but I think this competition is good for them. Frankly, Apple was getting more than a bit cocky and starting feeling dangerously close to a standard multi-national. I continue to pull for Apple in all ways and want the best for them but I acknowledge that others have lots to contribute as well. As an example, the calendar and task functions from Microsoft I believe is better than iCal. Additionally their business suite can improve a lot.

I do think that if Apple listens closely, follows comments given freely on this site and others, that they can plan on being on top for many years to come. It is a question of do they listen or do they simply consider their fan base, bozo's!

crees! · 09-23-2008, 01:50 PM

In the first video they have the word "Revolutionary ... " on screen then cut to an old school keyboard

nonstopdesign · 09-23-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CREB

Ah yes, I too remember the days when I was an Apple zealot...then I matured. You fail to realize the larger scheme of things and if it were not for others Apple would not be where is it today. Is Apple its own mobile service provider? No. Is not competition good? Yes. Do all people feels the iPhone is the omnipotent answer to their mobile usage? No. The iPhone is significant and I like it for personal use, but not business use...at least not yet.

I use it for business all the time. Just finished transferring money between accounts, and setting up some new user accounts on the company bulletin board.

teckstud · 09-23-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SXT1

I like devices that are one-handed operatable. This clearly isn't !!!

Why - what's the other hand doing?

Leithal · 09-23-2008, 02:06 PM

Right now, it is partnered with Amazon for music...

This is of no use to anyone outside of the United States - as Amazon Music store is US only.

Add in the fact it has no headphone jack and sports a 1GB card "for all my favourite music"?
As if I can get 1/10 of my library on a 1GB card or heck even 1/10 on an 8 GB card.

Also consider the wear and tear of all those lovely plastic parts - I just am not impressed.

Adjei · 09-23-2008, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tutumiles1

I love Apple but I think this competition is good for them. Frankly, Apple was getting more than a bit cocky and starting feeling dangerously close to a standard multi-national. I continue to pull for Apple in all ways and want the best for them but I acknowledge that others have lots to contribute as well. As an example, the calendar and task functions from Microsoft I believe is better than iCal. Additionally their business suite can improve a lot.

I do think that if Apple listens closely, follows comments given freely on this site and others, that they can plan on being on top for many years to come. It is a question of do they listen or do they simply consider their fan base, bozo's!

If Apple listened to half the crap spewed on this site, they would be bankrupt by now.

solipsism · 09-23-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thewill

Competition is good. It's exciting to see other companies step-up and challenge the iPhone.

Here's my take on the G1.

1. It looks thick.
2. The buttons look cheap.
3. GPS?
4. I think the right thumb might be blocked in using the keyboard
5. Sim-locked
6. Unlimited plan with 1GB limit. That sounds like a false advertisement lawsuit waiting to happen.
7. Apps look cool, especially the UPC bar code scanning. Someone should quickly port these apps to the iPhone.
8. 1GB memory? 8GB upgrade will cost another $40, making the G1 more expensive than the iPhone.

Those are certainly issues to consider. As for the data, it is not false advertising because unlimited can refer to time, too. The amount of data and time is unlimited, it's the speed that is limited and throttled. Sometimes you'll see it written unlimited/unlimited.

PS: First time posters that add to the conversation are few and far between. Welcome.

Adjei · 09-23-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thewill

Competition is good. It's exciting to see other companies step-up and challenge the iPhone.

Here's my take on the G1.

1. It looks thick.
2. The buttons look cheap.
3. GPS?
4. I think the right thumb might be blocked in using the keyboard
5. Sim-locked
6. Unlimited plan with 1GB limit. That sounds like a false advertisement lawsuit waiting to happen.
7. Apps look cool, especially the UPC bar code scanning. Someone should quickly port these apps to the iPhone.
8. 1GB memory? 8GB upgrade will cost another $40, making the G1 more expensive than the iPhone.

If it had been Apple advertising that unlimited claim, they would be getting sued right away. I mean look how many useless lawsuits there are already against the iphone.

papiti · 09-23-2008, 02:58 PM

G1 PHONE, SUCKY, SUCKY

ThinkAdrian · 09-23-2008, 03:47 PM

So they used the word "funnerer" to compete with the iPod Touch - the "funnest" iPod ever.

Too bad this Anroid phone wasn't pretty. Reminds me of an IBM Thinkpad.

Bobo Decosta · 09-23-2008, 03:49 PM

I welcome the competition from Google as it will keep Apple busy. But that said, Apple deserves praise again on it's design team. The G1 is an alternative, but not an a very elegant one.

solipsism · 09-23-2008, 04:14 PM

If this has been mentioned already, my apologies....

The HTC G1 uses a proprietary USB-based jack for the headphones.

• http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/c...eadphone-jack/

bloggerblog · 09-23-2008, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thewill

Competition is good. It's exciting to see other companies step-up and challenge the iPhone.

Here's my take on the G1.

1. It looks thick.
2. The buttons look cheap.
3. GPS?
4. I think the right thumb might be blocked in using the keyboard
5. Sim-locked
6. Unlimited plan with 1GB limit. That sounds like a false advertisement lawsuit waiting to happen.
7. Apps look cool, especially the UPC bar code scanning. Someone should quickly port these apps to the iPhone.
8. 1GB memory? 8GB upgrade will cost another $40, making the G1 more expensive than the iPhone.

There are many iPhone apps that scan barcodes, not sure about UPC though.
Delicious Library should have an app by now, what's taking them so long?

solipsism · 09-23-2008, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloggerblog

Delicious Library should have an app by now, what's taking them so long?

Apple keeps stealing their workforce.

**JeffDM** · 09-23-2008, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solipsism

If this has been mentioned already, my apologies....

The HTC G1 uses a proprietary USB-based jack for the headphones.

• http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/c...eadphone-jack/

That's a lot worse than the indented headphone socket for the first iPhone.

solipsism · 09-23-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffDM

That's a lot worse than the indented headphone socket for the first iPhone.

That was bad, but you could at least trimmed your headphone to fit the original iPhone with utility knife. I'm guessing that it also charges and syncs through this proprietary headphone jack.

samurai1999 · 09-23-2008, 06:30 PM

I think it's good for Apple to have a bit of competition
- overall, it's not as neat or complete as the iPhone, but Android does have some nice touches
- like the homescreen seems more interesting, and customisable
- I find the iPhone home screen just a bland-grid, and no background screen is lame.

- plus the little things like copy & paste, or the 3.1M camera are good.

- but the lack of multi-touch means that they have to have those retro on-screen zoom buttons
- and the browser navigating is little better than the S60

Also, Compass Mode on Street view looks pretty cool
- I don't think the iPhone has a compass!

ijano · 09-23-2008, 06:50 PM

Am I the only one who thinks the lack of a standard headphone jack is single handedly going to cost them thousands of sales?

In my opinion, that alone is a deal breaker. The way I see it, you've got pretty much 2 main markets for high end smartphones/entertainment phones:

- The traditional buisness consumers who are loyal to RIM whom even Apple and its venerable iPhone have had a hard time swooning - they're aren't going to jump over to Android any more eagerly. I don't think this demographic is going to help Android penetrate the market share in the beginning. I just don't think Android is different enough to bring people over from RIM or even iPhone for the business consumers who've already gone to Apple

- The college students, young people, and generally people looking for the next "cool" thing in phones who want to be able to buy a cool pair of headphones and listen to their music on the subway or whatever. The second you tell them you can't just plug in their favorite headphones and be off jamming to Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, Kanye or whoever, they're gonna walk over to the nearest Apple Store for an iPhone. I don't think it even matters what other cool features the G1 and Android can bring to the table. They won't even stick around long enough to hear about them once they hear there's no headphone jack.

Forget about the other pros and cons... it has street view, and a compass, but it's thicker, it has a 3 MP camera, can do MMS, whatever...the whole debate is almost moot if you can't just plug a pair of headphones into the thing!

Just my 2 cents...

09-23-2008, 12:13 PM	#1
*AppleInsider* Kasper's Automated Slave Join Date: Nov 1997 Posts: 6,151	T-Mobile's G1 Android phone to cost $179, available Oct 22 T-Mobile on Tuesday held a press conference to introduce the first mobile handset based on Google's Android platform -- the G1, which will retail for $179 when it goes on sale at select T-Mobile outlets and third party retailers on October 22nd. The G1 (official website) includes a built-in compass, a 3-megapixel camera, a touchscreen that slides open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, and a trackball for more precise, one-handed navigation. The device will come SIM-locked to T-Mobile, with built-in support for the carrier's 3G and EDGE network as well as Wi-Fi. Among the G1's software features is one-click contextual search that allows users to search the entire device with the touch of a finger, and version of Google's new Web browser called Chrome Lite that presents web pages in their natural form and lets users zoom in to expand any section by simply tapping on the screen. Google Maps Street View As is the case with Apple's iPhone, G1 users can instantly view maps and satellite imagery through an embedded version of Google Maps, as well as find local business and get driving directions. The G1 also includes Google Maps Street View, which isn't available on the iPhone, allowing customers to explore cities at street-level virtually while on the go. The Google Maps feature syncs with the handset's built-in compass to allow users to view locations and navigate 360 degrees by simply moving the phone with their hand. Email, IM A rich HTML e-mail client syncs e-mail, calendar and contacts from Gmail as well as most other POP3 or IMAP e-mail services. The handset also supports Instant Messaging through Google Talk, as well as AOL, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger. A promotional video for the HTC-developed T-Mobile G1. Photo sharing and music downloads Each G1 includes built-in support for YouTube and 3-megapixel camera that lets users attach and share pictures over email and MMS or download music from their favorite web sites. iTunes is not supported, however, as only DRM-free content purchased from the Apple download service will work with the handset. Instead, T-Mobile has partnered with Apple rival Amazon.com, pre-loading each G1 with a new application developed by the online retailer that gives customers easy access to the Amazon MP3 digital music download store. Using the application, users can search, sample,*purchase and download music from Amazon MP3 directly to their device. Music downloads are only supported over Wi-Fi, however, but searching and sampling can be done anywhere a user has a cellular connection. A guided tour of the G1 (part 1). The G1 lacks a traditional headphone jack and instead requires a USB adapter for headphone connectivity. Android Market Being the first Android phone, the G1 is also the first phone to offer access to Android Market, a rival to Apple's App Store that hosts applications and mash ups of existing and new services from third-party developers. When the G1 launches next month, "dozens of unique, first-of-a-kind Android applications will be available for download on Android Market," T-Mobile said, including: ShopSavvy: an application designed to help people do comparative shopping. Users scan the UPC code of a product with their phone’s camera while they are shopping, and can instantly compare prices from online merchants and nearby local stores.Ecorio: a new application developed to help people keep track of their daily travels and view what their carbon footprint looks like. With access to tips and tricks, Ecorio allows users to record the steps they take throughout their day to help offset their impact on the environment.BreadCrumbz: a new application that enables people to create a step-by-step visual map using photos. Users can create their own routes, share them with friends or with the world. A guided tour of the G1 (part 2). Other features Some of the G1's other features, compiled from coverage of the launch event earlier Tuesday, include a built-in accelerometer, support for viewing Office and PDF documents, the first mobile implementation of 'online presence' through GoogleTalk, and drag-and-drop photo support. Pricing and availability T-Mobile customers in the U.S. have the opportunity to pre-order the T-Mobile G1 starting today at www.T-MobileG1.com. The device will be available at select T-Mobile retail stores in 22 US markets beginning Oct. 22, for a price of $179 with a two-year voice and data agreement. A $35 per month data package will offer unlimited internet and text messaging, while a $25 package will include unlimited data but limited text messaging. However, the fine print on T-Mobile's official G1 website says: "If your total data usage in any billing cycle is more than 1GB, your data throughput for the remainder of that cycle may be reduced to 50 kbps or less." The G1 will also be available in the United Kingdom beginning in November, and across Europe -- Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and the Netherlands -- in the first quarter of 2009. A on-demand version the G1 launch event will be available from this link some time today. [ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

09-23-2008, 12:38 PM	#3
dm3 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 69	Checkout out the LAME fine print on the bottom of T-Mobile's website http://www.t-mobileg1.com/3G.aspx, "If your total data usage in any billing cycle is more than 1GB, your data throughput for the remainder of that cycle may be reduced to 50 kbps or less." So much for "unlimited". Playing the same old telecom tricks.

09-23-2008, 12:44 PM	#6
SXT1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11	handy ?? I like devices that are one-handed operatable. This clearly isn't !!!

09-23-2008, 01:06 PM	#12
SpamSandwich Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 8,453	I like the Amazon connection a lot, and everyone I tell about it ends up using their music service. Also, the Amazon connection will lead to video and e-document/book downloads. This is a smart move. Now what about VOIP on the G1? "The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield, and government to gain ground." —Thomas Jefferson Proud AAPL stock owner.

09-23-2008, 01:09 PM	#14
thewill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1	Competition is good. It's exciting to see other companies step-up and challenge the iPhone. Here's my take on the G1. 1. It looks thick. 2. The buttons look cheap. 3. GPS? 4. I think the right thumb might be blocked in using the keyboard 5. Sim-locked 6. Unlimited plan with 1GB limit. That sounds like a false advertisement lawsuit waiting to happen. 7. Apps look cool, especially the UPC bar code scanning. Someone should quickly port these apps to the iPhone. 8. 1GB memory? 8GB upgrade will cost another $40, making the G1 more expensive than the iPhone. Last edited by thewill; 09-23-2008 at 01:17 PM.. Reason: Adding more comments

09-23-2008, 12:38 PM	#2
CREB Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 271	The Amazon partnering sucks. First, the use of T-Mobile (which is terrible) and now the Amazon connection. I sure like Google's initial offering, but the partnering leaves far too much to be desired.

09-23-2008, 12:40 PM	#4
dm3 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 69	I hope this will get Apple off their buts... - Apple could finally add trivial items like MMS, cut and paste. These are just fodder for iPhone complainers. - AT&T might be encouraged to allow a broader range of applications on the iPhone. - AT&T might get some price competition on their data plan... except for the totally LAME 1GB limit. I typically use 1-2GB/mo on my iPhone so the T-Mobile limit makes their data plan unworkable for me.

09-23-2008, 12:41 PM	#5
DimMok Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 170	What a piece of crap..... All you biters out there....yeah you know who you are!! Samsung Instinct, HTC Dream and the countless others.....what a load. Apple is the game changer....others just strap on for the ride.

09-23-2008, 12:48 PM	#9
theBigD23 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 30	Is it snappy?

09-23-2008, 01:07 PM	#13
samab Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,105	I really think that the Google guy should resign from the Apple board of directors because he has to excuse himself from all kinds of board discussions on the ihone.

09-23-2008, 01:13 PM	#15
Mr Underhill Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: England UK Posts: 200	I quite like the look of that. Of course i haven't had one in my hands so it's difficult to tell but it's certainly encouraging and a great effort. Still love my iPhone 3G of course as nobody does design like Apple, but this is really encouraging and finally adds a bit of competition. I can just see my iPhone getting better and better over the next few months

09-23-2008, 01:30 PM	#19
F1Turbo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 199	No headphone jack?

09-23-2008, 01:35 PM	#21
dancingbrook Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 9	Yeah but After just jumping in from the dark ages to a Verizon cell service (no cell before) using a Motorola W385 and trying to get it to sync with my Mac (Apple says it's possible but apparently Verizon has disabled that possibility) I can say I long to be able to use an iPhone so all woks well together, Call me what you want, but I do not want to spend another minute dealing with Motorola blaming Verizon and Apple, Verizon blaming Motorola and Apple, and Apple obviously not able to do anything to get around the Motorola/Verizon block. My 30 days aren't up yet Verizon. And I suspect the "open" Android, along with T-Mobile, will have the same blame game going, only worse because of the unlimited access by 3rd party developers.

09-23-2008, 01:47 PM	#22
NasserAE Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: USA Posts: 1,066	Sounds like a step backward to me. I am still waiting for someone to do the math on how much the phone will cost over the contracts life!! Nasser

09-23-2008, 01:49 PM	#23
tutumiles1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 95	I love Apple but I think this competition is good for them. Frankly, Apple was getting more than a bit cocky and starting feeling dangerously close to a standard multi-national. I continue to pull for Apple in all ways and want the best for them but I acknowledge that others have lots to contribute as well. As an example, the calendar and task functions from Microsoft I believe is better than iCal. Additionally their business suite can improve a lot. I do think that if Apple listens closely, follows comments given freely on this site and others, that they can plan on being on top for many years to come. It is a question of do they listen or do they simply consider their fan base, bozo's!

09-23-2008, 01:50 PM	#24
crees! Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 431	In the first video they have the word "Revolutionary ... " on screen then cut to an old school keyboard

09-23-2008, 02:06 PM	#27
Leithal Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 17	Limited use outside of USA or as a music player Right now, it is partnered with Amazon for music... This is of no use to anyone outside of the United States - as Amazon Music store is US only. Add in the fact it has no headphone jack and sports a 1GB card "for all my favourite music"? As if I can get 1/10 of my library on a 1GB card or heck even 1/10 on an 8 GB card. Also consider the wear and tear of all those lovely plastic parts - I just am not impressed.

09-23-2008, 02:58 PM	#31
papiti Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 8	G1 PHONE, SUCKY, SUCKY

09-23-2008, 03:47 PM	#32
ThinkAdrian Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Stockholm Posts: 21	So they used the word "funnerer" to compete with the iPod Touch - the "funnest" iPod ever. Too bad this Anroid phone wasn't pretty. Reminds me of an IBM Thinkpad.

09-23-2008, 03:49 PM	#33
Bobo Decosta Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 46	I welcome the competition from Google as it will keep Apple busy. But that said, Apple deserves praise again on it's design team. The G1 is an alternative, but not an a very elegant one.

09-23-2008, 04:14 PM	#34
solipsism Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: The Ansible Posts: 11,779	If this has been mentioned already, my apologies.... The HTC G1 uses a proprietary USB-based jack for the headphones. • http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/c...eadphone-jack/ Do your part to clean up AppleInsider forums: User CP » Edit Ignore List » Teckstud

09-23-2008, 06:30 PM	#39
samurai1999 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 243	I think it's good for Apple to have a bit of competition - overall, it's not as neat or complete as the iPhone, but Android does have some nice touches - like the homescreen seems more interesting, and customisable - I find the iPhone home screen just a bland-grid, and no background screen is lame. - plus the little things like copy & paste, or the 3.1M camera are good. - but the lack of multi-touch means that they have to have those retro on-screen zoom buttons - and the browser navigating is little better than the S60 Also, Compass Mode on Street view looks pretty cool - I don't think the iPhone has a compass! Last edited by samurai1999; 09-24-2008 at 04:43 AM..

09-23-2008, 06:50 PM	#40
ijano Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 19	Lack of headphone jack is deal breaker for the G1 Am I the only one who thinks the lack of a standard headphone jack is single handedly going to cost them thousands of sales? In my opinion, that alone is a deal breaker. The way I see it, you've got pretty much 2 main markets for high end smartphones/entertainment phones: - The traditional buisness consumers who are loyal to RIM whom even Apple and its venerable iPhone have had a hard time swooning - they're aren't going to jump over to Android any more eagerly. I don't think this demographic is going to help Android penetrate the market share in the beginning. I just don't think Android is different enough to bring people over from RIM or even iPhone for the business consumers who've already gone to Apple - The college students, young people, and generally people looking for the next "cool" thing in phones who want to be able to buy a cool pair of headphones and listen to their music on the subway or whatever. The second you tell them you can't just plug in their favorite headphones and be off jamming to Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, Kanye or whoever, they're gonna walk over to the nearest Apple Store for an iPhone. I don't think it even matters what other cool features the G1 and Android can bring to the table. They won't even stick around long enough to hear about them once they hear there's no headphone jack. Forget about the other pros and cons... it has street view, and a compass, but it's thicker, it has a 3 MP camera, can do MMS, whatever...the whole debate is almost moot if you can't just plug a pair of headphones into the thing! Just my 2 cents...

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