Googlephone: Unboxing the T-Mobile G1- 10.22.08
Android logo is so freaking cute! Ok that’s my first half awake impression coming back from the T-Mobile store with the HTC G1 ~ And physically, its a really nice piece of hardware, clean sleek and understated (unlike *some* phones) ~ full pics on the next page of everything from the store displays and my #42 card to a proper unboxing, showing you all the bits.
Being a commitment-phobe, i opted to start my own t-mobile family plan of one ~ family of blackberry curve and G1. Screen looks a bit prettier than the iphone, the bounce up screen action feels great, and i’m totally smitten by the way its nice matte finish feels in myhands… also that slight curvature… ahh the details. Ok so beyond the unboxing and close looks at the hardware, i’m only just starting to poke at all the UI details, maps/email/phone/camera/etc, so far it looks great, only a few random bugs encountered when playing with things like street view, but will see how it goes - so more to come on that, but i just wanted to get some pics up before i ran out to a meeting! For the super thorough UI breakdown, check out Boy Genus Report ~ and see my pics on the next page!
Isn’t that just adorable?
In the way of full-disclosure, I’ll tell you I like my Thinkpad R61, specifically because the designers wasted no effort on fancy bevels or anything that wasn’t functionally motivated. Also, I am hopelessly smitten with the iPhone, both in design and function. I don’t own one, and have only played with (quite) a few in stores, but looking at every other phone (including the LG Dare) convinces me only more strongly that Apple wields the best design intellect in the current market.
That said, I have also played with a G1, and I think the styling is simple and functional, not unlike my Thinkpad. The build is solid, the materials are strong, and the pivot motion to expose the keyboard feels authoritative. For roughly the same money, both in unit cost and monthly fees, I’d go with an iPhone; but if I can get a substantially lower monthly cost for a phone with a physical keyboard and a touch screen and an open app marketplace, I might just sign up.
----- Daniel Black 03.11.08 14:19