T-Mobile G1 First Impressions Roundup
Well the keynote is over. We’ve learned all about the new T-Mobile G1. So what does everyone think about it. I guess I’ll start off with my impressions. In regular photos, the device looks slightly better than it did, but I’m still really not impressed on the hardware side.
The software has its high points and low points. As to be expected with any first generation Open Source product, it’s a mishmash of awesome and horrible. There really is no consistent theme to the device, and a lot of the interface looks like something out of Windows 95, though at least it’s mostly speedy and smooth.
The $179 price point is a fantastic way to get people in the door, because honestly if it were priced alongside the iPhone, this doesn’t win. Bargain hunters can now get their own open-sourced iPhone now. Data plans are more reasonable than AT&T as well, including text messaging.
Unfortunately, this really doesn’t look like a finished product yet. So if you’re buying it, be aware that you’re not going to be much more than a glorified beta tester. It’s going to be a little while before this OS and its Application library hit a critical mass. I’d wait for version 2. Well no, actually I’m just going to get an iPhone. But if beta testing is your thing, order one today on T-Mobile for $179, or wait to try one out when they are released in late October.
After the jump check out some more impressions from around the web:
Gizmodo -
“We just got an early hands on with T-Mobile’s G1 Android and yes, it does look as nice as it does in the photos. The screen is fantastic, and it’s actually not as chunky as it looks, but it’s definitely not iPhone-skinny. You can see the Sizemodo here, and we’ll have even more details and a more in-depth hands-on in a bit.”
“The video walkthrough of the new T-Mobile G1, the first Google Android phone, shows all the details you will ever need. It feels smooth and fast, although the interface looks a bit dated and mixed. It kind of reminds me to a 1990s Windows desktop manager, specially next to the glossy, ultra-polished iPhone interface. However, there are certain aspects of it which are droolworthy, like the accelerometer-based Google Maps Streetview.”
Engadget -
“Yep — there it is. We finally, finally got our mitts all over the very first Android device, the T-Mobile G1 — hanging out in the crowd, waiting for the official announce, naturally — and so far we like what we see. The phone is surprisingly thinner than we thought it would be, and it feels pretty solid in your hand (though they’ve opted for an almost all plastic device, no metal here). The keyboard seems usable and reasonably well thought-out, and the slider action is like butter, with a nice little swoop for good effect. But really, the pictures tell the whole story, so check out the gallery below!”