(2 votes, average: 4 out of 5)
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At first glance, the T-Mobile G1 doesn’t seem to merit much attention. It looks like just another bland, HTC-manufactured phone. But use the G1–the first phone to run Google’s Android Operating System - for 5 minutes, and you’ll start to see why it’s one of the best-designed phones you can buy. Not only is the G1 intuitive to use, but its customization options (via Android) makes it a tweaker’s delight.
Industrial design: The first thing that strikes you about the G1 design is its well, surprising “design.” The device is a kind of charming, retro-future look. The smooth, round edges make the phone seem eminently approachable, and HTC (and design partner Google) forgo single-button simplicity for functionality, dotting the phone with all manner of hardware controls.
The thickness of G1 is by no means a deal breaker. At 0.62 inches it hardly measures up to standards set by similar devices like the iPhone 3G (0.48 inches) or not-so-similar RAZR V3 at 0.55 inches closed.. Getting it to slide into your heart, however, is strictly going to be a matter of taste; this form factor definitely inspires strong feelings.
Setup: From the start, the G1 offers a different, more intuitive smart-phone experience. At boot-up, the phone displays a cartoon graphic of an android, with an animated finger pointing at the android and instructions to “touch the android to begin.”
The ensuing screens are clearly presented, and walk you through the speedy setup process. You’ll need a Google account, the phone explains, for automatic syncing of your contacts, calendar, and e-mail with your Web-based Google data.
If you don’t already have an account, you can sign up directly from the phone. Otherwise, sign in to link your existing Google account and the phone. After the initial, over-the-air synchronization finished, Google e-mail and calendar info will be available on the phone, and the phone will be ready for use.
User Interface: The G1’s interface skin - Android’s default for touchscreens and only released skin thus far - is thoroughly modern and attractive. Google’s own “Spare Parts” app, a free download from the Market, gets the ball rolling by allowing you to change the system text size - something that clearly should’ve been including as part of Android’s standard build, especially considering accessibility concerns.
Popularity: 7% [?]
