Google’s Android on T-Mobile G1 by HTC vs iPhone 3G
The cell phone junkies out there eagerly awaited the official announcement from T-Mobile and Google of the G1 by HTC with Android. The announcement did not disappoint – this phone made me consider dropping Verizon and switching back to T-Mobile for the first time in years.
I’m a Mac head, but the iPhone certainly didn’t get me jazzed enough to want to switch to AT&T that’s for sure. And this phone managed to get me pumped enough to consider T-Mobile, a carrier with terrible reception where I live (New England). Part of the appeal for me is the HTC name. I have an HTC Mogul now and it has taken everything I can throw at it for abuse and kept on ticking – I’m hoping the G1 will be as rugged, and the iPhone is most assuredly not that rugged.
The G1 with Android is a bit of an unfinished project, but I can see this being a real contender against the iPhone. First and foremost, it isn’t on AT&T. That it is on a GSM network is a huge, huge deal for those of us who love Mac products but try hard to avoid AT&T. In addition to the choice of T-Mobile for its first foray into the real world, two words: Google Docs. I love that there will be online integration with the Google Docs suite and other online products, and that I’ll only have to remember one sign in name – heaven.
According to reports from testers, the G1 is faster than the iPhone. I haven’t seen this one in real life, but if I do get to play with a G1 (HINT HINT HTC) I’ll keep you posted. Meanwhile, the potential for applications and cool toys and gizmos on the G1 Android is enormous because the OS is open. The iPhone is a closed OS, and frankly, the Apps in the Apps store have fallen far short of expectations.
Two more words for the text junkies like myself: QWERTY slider. A keyboard is an absolute must for me. I love the touch/keyboard combo of my Mogul but am not fond of Windows Mobile – as an Apple lover WinMo can be torture. The G1 with QWERTY and the Android OS? I think I may be talking myself into a switch to T-Mobile right in front of you, readers. That said, when can this Mac girl and gadget junkie jump ship to the G1?
October 22nd is the scheduled launch. Data plans are $25 and $35 (I’d get the $35 – I send and receive upwards of 5000 texts a month so unlimited text is key), and you must get a T-Mobile voice plan also. Are you going to make the switch from the iPhone to the G1? If so, why (or why not)?
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September 24th, 2008
Verizon has announced the Blackberry Storm, 3G Touch Screen will appear during the Fall – have you heard about it? I would love a comparison of what is out there in this category. Thanks!