T-Mobile G1 Review

T-Mobile G1 Review

The landscape of mobile phones has changed dramatically over the past 2 years, from the way we interact with them, to what is expected in order make us more productive.  T-Mobile has long been a favorite provider here in the US for those looking to get the most bang for their buck.  Unfortunately, that has often translated into handsets that were either behind in their technology, or not first to the market.  This has all changed with the introduction on the T-Mobile G1 with Google Android.  T-Mobile has partnered with Google and HTC to launch the first phone to run Google’s Android operating system.  Packing both a capacitive touch screen and a slide out qwerty keyboard, the G1 brings to the market a device that integrates Google’s services better than ever before.  The T-Mobile G1 is available for $179.99 with 2-year contract.

In the Box

• T-Mobile G1 with Google Handset
• Standard 1150 mAh Lithium Ion Battery
• T-Mobile SIM Card
• extUSB AC Charger
• extUSB to USB Cable
• extUSB Stereo Headset
• Carrying Case
• 1GB MicroSD card
• Various Guides

Specs

• Technology: GSM/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA
• Frequencies: 850/900/1800/1900 (1700/2100 for UMTS/HSDPA)
• 802.11 B/G Wifi
• GPS
• Weight: 5.6 oz
• Size: 4.62” x 2.19” x .67”
• Cubic Volume: 6.78”
• Screen: 320 x 480 (HVGA)
• Operating System: Google Android
• Camera: 3.2MP
• 256MB ROM
• 192MB RAM
• Headphone Jack: Integrated into extUSB jack

Phone/Data
As a phone, the sound quality is fair. The microphone is placed on the bottom of the device, so it does pick up a good amount of extraneous noise.  Callers stated that the phone sounded OK, but a bit “tinny” or “digital”.  Coverage with the T-Mobile network is great.  In the areas of Phoenix where I was able to use it, there was no 3G service, so I was only able to compare the 2G/EDGE network.  Since the phone has built in WiFi, the ability to configure use of preferred networks that are used when in range is  definitely “set it and forget it”.  Data speeds while not on WiFi are expectedly slow, but usable for checking email or the quick google search.

A quick note about the battery.  There have been some varied opinions about the capacity of the battery, particularly when using the phone with constant syncing of the Google services.  I found that after the initial few days of break-in, the battery lasted throughout the day with about 50% capacity left.  I would say though that the power user will have issues lasting more than 12 hours, as constant checking of email, browsing the web, and phone calls will drain the battery quickly.

Hardware
The G1 hardware is a familiar looking design, with the slide to the right screen revealing a qwerty keyboard.  Users of Windows Mobile devices such as the Mogul/Tilt or newer Touch Pro series will see similarities in the build quality.  This is because HTC, the maker of many Windows based devices, is also the manufacturer of the G1.  A bit dated in design, the phone does have a couple unique features.  First, the “chin” or bottom, is curved up.  Second, when the keyboard is opened, the screen slides in an arc motion to lock in place.  This design feels solid, and there isn’t a question if the screen is fully opened.  Because of these two features though, the keyboard is off-center compared with other sliding qwerty phones.  The chin rests in the palm of the right hand, and typing on it with your thumbs causes your right hand to “reach” over this section in order to type efficiently.  Those that do a lot of email will note a level of fatigue set in after a few minutes that you aren’t used to with other thumb boards.

Compared to the iPhone or Touch Diamond.

Screen quality compared.

Showing a profile view, the thickness added by the keyboard can be seen.

On the front is a capacitive screen like the iPhone, along with Send, End, Home Back and Menu buttons.

A trackball similar to the new pearl style Blackberries, except with a slightly different feel.

When open, you can see the 5 row keypad with dedicated numbers at the top.

Top profile view when the screen is opened.

Side profile view when the screen is opened.

A close-up of the mechanism that allows the screen to rotate up, then out.

On the left side is the volume rocker and microSD card slot.

To access the card, you must have the keyboard revealed to open the cover.

On the right side is the camera button.

Nothing on the top.

On the bottom is the microphone port and extUSB port.

Removing the cover reveals the port.

On the back is the 3.2MP camera and speaker.

Home Screen with Keyboard closed.

How the applications appear on the open keyboard screen.

Software/Features
The G1 comes with the Google Android operating system, the first device to run the software.  When turning on the device, you are faced with a screen that shows a clock, and a few icons at the bottom.  Pressing the Applications button on the screen shows you a list of all apps on our device.  The highly customizable interface lets you drag the icons into the configuration that suits your needs.

On the top of the screen is a status bar.  This bar notifies you of your battery, ringer, wireless connection and new email/SMS/Voicemail events that have occurred.  A swipe down of this screen reveals additional information, keeping the most needed items at your fingertips.

Google Integration – This wouldn’t be a google phone if it didn’t have some pretty tight integration with the various services offered by Google.  When you first start up the phone, you are prompted by a screen asking you to enter in your Gmail email address and password.  The phone then automatically goes out to the Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Contacts services and pulls your information to the device.  One of the best things for the Gmail user is the ability to use gmail the way you are used to on the desktop.  Also, any changes made on the computer or on the phone are synced over the air, so you won’t need to ever tether the device.  The IM app connects your phone to Google Talk automatically when you log in, but other services such as Yahoo and AOL are also installed.  Google Maps displays nicely on the screen, and uses the phone’s GPS receiver to show your exact location.  Further, when in areas that Google Street view is available, a built in compass allows you to walk around, and the view changes as you turn the phone.

Applications – Having used the iPhone in the past, I was interested to check out the Google Market.  While not nearly as robust as what Apple currently offers, a wide range of free apps are easily downloaded over the air to the phone.  For testing, I downloaded The Weather Channel and Light Racer applications.  Both were downloaded and installed in less than 2 minutes, and allow the user to do other things on the phone while installation is occurring.

Amazon MP3 – This icon takes you to the Amazon MP3 store where you can browse, listen and purchase music tracks over the air.  The selection is good, and the price is better than iTunes at $.89 per track.

Overall
For the first Google Android device on the market, the T-Mobile G1 is a great start.  With the exception of some dated hardware, the phone is proof of an operating system that will only get better as it matures.  Allowing for input via the capacitive touch-screen, trackball or keyboard adds flexibility for the user.

**The device used for this review was provided by T-Mobile.**

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