Is the Google-powered T-Mobile G1 Smartphone Better than the Apple iPhone?
September 24, 2008
T-Mobile G1 is a smartphone for people who need a pocket-size device for Internet access. The G1 is not only a GSM and 3G mobile phone, but also a small computer powered by Google software. Out of the box, it is at its best when its owner happens to be a heavy user of Google applications, like Gmail or YouTube. Since the smartphone is built on open source Linux software, all kinds of applications can be downloaded to the device the very moment they are made available on the Internet.
Google, HTC, and T-Mobile is the trio behind the T-Mobile G1 smartphone. Google has provided the operating system and pre-installed application software for the phone, HTC has built the actual device, and T-Mobile has connected the phone to its GSM and 3G mobile networks. There is a unique feature on the G1 phone. It is built on open source Linux software.
A mobile phone built on open source software allows programmers to design any type of innovative products for the device. Open source software also means that nothing prevents another network operator, hardware manufacturer, or Internet company from designing its own smartphone using the same software. That's exactly what we expect to happen, because smartphone users will want "Google phones" in other markets and for other networks besides T-Mobile. The Open Handset Alliance is coordinating the development of the software platform, known as Android.
Another major difference to other smartphones is that the G1 automatically saves (or synchronizes) data to the Internet. The data, such as contact information, updated on the phone can be almost instantly viewed on a PC that is signed in to Gmail. You don't have to sync the phone with your PC anymore (unless you want to copy music or photos), and you don't have to purchase an additional service for backing up your data to the Internet (such as Apple's Mobile.Me)
Competitive products
Apple iPhone
The design of the Apple iPhone is more pleasing to the eye than the design of the G1. The iPhone's touch screen technology has a multi-touch feature that allows a number of input operations without having to open phone menus. In addition to the touch screen, the G1 has a slide-out qwerty keyboard, while iPhone's software keyboard is notoriously poor. Since the iPhone is a closed technology and business system, and G1 is open, we expect far more applications to be available for the G1.
People who need to type messages or want more freedom to customize their phone with new applications, should consider the T-Mobile G1.
Nokia N-series and E-series smartphones built on Symbian OS/S60
Nokia is the leader of the worldwide smartphone market with its N-series and E-series products. For instance, the N95 is a popular high-end all-purpose smartphone, while the Nokia E71 is a business and messaging phone with qwerty keypad. Nokia smartphones are powered by Symbian OS/S60 software with thousands of free and commercial applications available for download. Nokia doesn't have a touch-screen phone in its product range at all.
If you want to have a phone with touch screen input, Nokia is not your choice. In all other aspects, such as Internet access, Voip applications, videos, photos, GPS navigation, music, and games, Nokia smartphones (at the moment, at least) provide more choice than the G1.
Windows Mobile smartphones from HTC, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, and others
HTC, Motorola, and Samsung, among others have been manufacturing smartphones built on Windows Mobile software for many years. Since Microsoft hasn't introduced touch screen software for Windows Mobile yet, some companies have decided to design their own.
For instance, the HTC Touch Dual comes with touch screen and keypad. Motorola has introduced several models for the Q9 product range with qwerty keyboard. Sony Ericsson has designed a touch screen panel system with changeable home screens for its Xperia X1 smartphone that has both touch screen and qwerty keyboard. Samsung has introduced the stylish SGH-i900 Omnia smartphone with touch screen.
Windows Mobile smartphones tend to be used by corporate employees who need access to their Microsoft Exchange email and calendar information on the go. They may also view Word, Excel, or even PowerPoint documents on the mobile device. An average smartphone owner is more likely to use Google service like Gmail and YouTube and will appreciate easy access to those services. The T-Mobile G1 is highly integrated with Google's Internet services which makes the G1 a better choice for Google users.
T-Mobile G1 Key Features and Specifications:
- Quad-band GSM world phone.
- 3G and EDGE mobile data network connectivity.
- Wi-Fi access to the Internet.
- Touch-sensitive color display that automatically rotates to portrait or landscape when the device is turned.
- Qwerty keyboard.
- GPS receiver.
- Web browser software built on the same core technology as Google Chrome browser for PC.
- Pre-installed Google Maps (including satellite, traffic, and street views), Gmail, YouTube, Google Calendar, and Google Talk.
- Access to existing POP and IMAP email accounts.
- 3 megapixel camera with auto-focus.
- Android market for application downloads directly to the phone.
- Direct access to Amazon MP3 music store.
- Music player can play MP3, AAC songs.
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
- Memory card with 1GB of storage space.
- Powered by Linux operating system software.
Video: Google Applications on the T-Mobile G1
Check out the video of the pre-installed Google Applications on the G1:T-Mobile G1 Price
In the U.S., T-Mobile has priced the G1 at $179 with a commitment to two-year data and voice subscription.Rate the product:
4.50 (4 votes)
Dan 19.10.2008 04:05
Hi,this TMOBILE looks cool! Is it operable on other newtorworks than in the th TMiobile? I don't live in the USA. Is there a dual sim standby model in sight ? Can one use Skype, MSN etc on wifi? Dan
sourcehead 21.10.2008 00:29
Dan, there are rumors on Motorola Android phone for early 2009... and Moto is a strong supporter of Wimax. Maybe?