I finally made the switch to the T-Mobile G1 as I have been meaning to do for months now. Just to recap, I chose it because T-Mobile does not have any Blackberry phones with 3G. Furthermore, I need a phone with an autofocus camera for Qipit. I also require the ability to view regular websites. Changing networks was not an option, forget the iPhone. Therefore, based on T-Mobile’s lineup, this was my best option. I did look closely at the Samsung Behold because, unlike the G1, it does video.
I have to agree with many of the reviews out there. The chin on the phone makes it awkward to type. It’s annoying to have to open up the phone to access the keyboard any time you want to type something. And, it really is a good first draft on the concept of an open source phone OS.
I do have to give the G1 some praise, however. My wife, who really didn’t even consider the G1, really likes it. The ease of use and access to information is what really impressed her. I think if other, nicer-looking Google phones come out, she may be in line for one.
In my case, what I really like about the G1 is access to my social media accounts. I am finally able to upload pictures directly to my facebook account without going through some circuitous route. I can also upload pics to Myspace. My flickr experience is improved because pictures are now geotagged thanks to the G1′s built-in GPS. The G1 also has a Twitter app, which makes it easier to keep up with my friends. And, when all else fails, I am able to pull up standard websites on the phone’s browser.
I would say, after having played with it for a while, that you probably don’t want to use an Android phone if you are set up with Exchange server at work. The G1 is not a corporate professional phone. If you are a freelancer or your company is on Google Apps, then you might actually consider the G1.
