Review of the T-Mobile G1 (the Google Phone)

We just completed testing the T-Mobile G1 (aka the new “Google phone”) for a couple of weeks.  It’s the first phone to run the Android operating system developed by Google.   The phone is a solid device with only a few downsides.  Here is a rundown of the key advantages and disadvantages from our point of view.

Advantages:

• It has seamless integration with Google Apps for Education (both BroncoMail and Google Apps for Employees)
• It features a “marketplace” (similar to the iTunes Apps Store) to find and download applications for the device (many are free)
• Built in Wi-Fi
• Terrific built-in web browsing (on par with the iPhone)
• Touchscreen

Disadvantages:

• Horrible battery life
• No 3G Service is currently available from T-Mobile in the Treasure Valley
• Familiar BlackBerry keyboard shortcuts aren’t an option
• Fingerprints can make the touchscreen hard to read

We really do like the device and see it as a strong competitor to the Apple iPhone.  Having used the iPhone and G1, we would pick the G1 over the iPhone purely because it has a physical keyboard (touchscreen typing on a device such as the iPhone just doesn’t cut it yet).  Google Apps email, calendar, and contacts synced flawlessly.

We found several applications to perform common tasks, such as transfering pictures taken with the G1 to Google Picasa.  There’s a great free application that turns the device into a level (and it works!).  Our favorite game was Pac-Man (we’re old-school).

However, not all is rosy with the T-Mobile G1.  The lack of 3G cell service in the Treasure Valley is mitigated by the Wi-Fi access ability, but Wi-Fi does not completely resolve the slow download speeds on the older EDGE network that T-Mobile uses in the Treasure Valley.  We tried to use the G1 exclusively for email and web browsing for single day, yet the battery wouldn’t last more than four hours.  If you’re out and about with the device and away from your charger, you’d find yourself dead in the water (a car charger might be a good additional accessory to buy with this phone).

Having used a BlackBerry for the last five years, I have grown accustomed to the features of the BlackBerry OS that speeds entry with the keyboard (see our previous post on using BlackBerry keyboard shortcuts), though the new touchscreen BlackBerry Storm is another matter (we like the Bold’s physical keyboard much more).  I would have to develop new habits to quickly enter text on the G1.  The keyboard is nice to the touch and I’m sure if I used the G1 exclusively for more than a couple of weeks I am sure I would quickly adjust to the device.

I love the touch screen on the G1, but it also requires you to frequently clean it to clearly read the screen.  You touch the screen; therefore, you leave fingerprints on it.  The G1 does have a scroll ball for some navigation, but as you’ll likely buy the device for the touchscreen, prepare to clean it often.

Our recommendation is continue to use your BlackBerry for another 6 – 12 months, and then seriously consider the G1 (or another Google Android phone) as a viable device.  The G1 is a solid device, but like the initial iPhone, the early adopters can look forward to a few rough months.  By this time next year any Android phone will be a compelling solution.  Also, waiting a few months gives the University time to complete its planned migration to Google Apps for Employees.

Want a second opinion?

• New York Times: A First Look at Google’s New Phone
• New York Times: Redefining ‘Cities’ for the Google Phone