T Mobile G1 Phone with Google Black T Mobile
Posted by Smartphone Review on July 5, 2009
T Mobile G1 Phone with Google Black T Mobile
The long-awaited T-Mobile G1 smartphone combines full touchscreen functionality and a QWERTY keyboard with a mobile Web experience that includes many Google tools you’ve come to rely on with your PC, including Google Maps Street View Gmail, and one-touch Google search. It’s also the first phone to be powered by Google’s new open-source Android operating system, which offers an intuitive interface easily customizable home screen. You can also purchase optional software via the Android Market to personalize your G1 with a variety of software applications like games, social networking, and on-the-go shopping.
Just tap the screen and go with access to all your favorite Google tools. |
In addition to a vibrantly colorful 3.2-inch touchscreen, the G1’s hinged screen slides open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard and closes to prevent accidental dialing. It runs on T-Mobile’s new and growing 3G network, and also offers Wi-Fi connectivity for surfing the web on your wireless network or at hotspots as well as Bluetooth for both handsfree communication and stereo music streaming. Other features include a 3-megapixel camera for still photos and video capture, a digital audio player (and easy access to Amazon’s MP3 store), an included 1 GB MicroSD memory card, and up to 5 hours of talk time.
T-Mobile Service
The T-Mobile G1 operates on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 networks and is compatible with T-Mobile’s UMTS/HSDPA 3G network, which operates on the 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum. T-Mobile is currently rolling out its 3G network, and it expects by year’s end that its high-speed data network will be available in those cities where a majority of its subscribers currently use data services. In those areas where 3G is not available, the phone will access data using T-Mobile’s EDGE network, which is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps). This phone is designed to automatically connect to the best available network (3G or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide faster data speeds when accessing the Web or downloading content from the T-Mobile t-zones content portal.
Call your favorite people with T-Mobile’s myFaves service, which allows you to call up to five of your most common contacts–on any network, even landlines–without using any of your minutes. You’ll also get free domestic long distance and no digital roaming charges anywhere across the US on all calls. (All myFaves plans require a two-year contract.) Learn more about myFaves from T-Mobile.
Android OS and Market
The T-Mobile G1 with Google is the first phone to run on the Android operating system, which provides easy access to a wide assortment of messaging tools and Google apps. Additionally, this open source OS empowers developers to to create and offer applications that add value to the G1. The G1’s Home screen (seen at right) is your starting point for using all the applications on your phone. You can customize your Home screen to display applications, shortcuts, and widgets.
Just drag and drop any of your favorite applications, photos, or folders onto your home screen for quick access to what you use all the time (see larger version). |
The Android Market hosts a wide variety of unique applications, and with the G1’s one-click access to it you can find and download a wide range of innovative software applications–from games to social networking and on-the-go shopping–to personalize your phone. Some examples of applications include:
- With the comparative shopping ShopSavvy application, you can scan the UPC code of a product with your phone’s camera while shopping, and instantly compare prices from online merchants and nearby local stores.
- Ecorio was developed to help people keep track of their daily travels and view what their carbon footprint looks like. With access to tips and tricks, Ecorio allows you to record the steps you take throughout their day to help offset your impact on the environment.
- BreadCrumbz enables you to create a step-by-step visual map using photos. Create your own routes, share them with friends or with the world.
Additionally, the T-Mobile G1 comes pre-loaded with a new application developed by Amazon.com that provides easy access to the Amazon MP3 digital music download store with more than 6 million DRM-free MP3 tracks. You’ll be able to search, sample, purchase and download music from Amazon MP3 directly to the G1 (downloading music from Amazon MP3 using the T-Mobile G1 requires a Wi-Fi connection; searching, sampling and purchasing music can be done anywhere with a cellular connection).
Android 1.5 Operating System Update
The Android 1.5 (Cupcake) operating system update includes the following:
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New Features
Improvements
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Phone Features
The T-Mobile G1’s vibrant, high-quality screen slides open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, great for communicating with friends online or using the phone’s email, IM and mobile messaging capabilities. As another option for accessing the device, the T-Mobile G1 comes equipped with a convenient trackball for more precise, one-handed navigation. The 3.2-inch touchscreen has a 320 x 480-pixel resolution and a 65K color depth. The T-Mobile G1’s touchscreen interface is unique, providing you with a more customizable, interactive touch experience. For example, you can set a signature gesture to unlock the screen (there are 30 million possible combinations). There are also different taps for different types of commands–for example, you can use a short touch to launch an application, or a long press on any screen will give you additional options, similar to that of a right click on a mouse.
The phone has an internal 192 MB RAM/256 MB ROM memory, and it’s expandable via optional MicroSD memory cards up to 8 GB in size (a 1 GB MicroSD card comes with the phone).
The hinged screen slides open to reveal keypad and closes to prevent accidental dialing. |
With one-click contextual search, you can search for relevant information in a flash with a touch of a finger. A full HTML Web browser allows users to see any Web page the way it was designed to be seen, and then easily zoom in to expand any section by simply tapping on the screen. Built-in support for YouTube allows you to enjoy YouTube’s originally-created content, easily navigate through YouTube’s familiar video browsing categories or search for specific videos.
With Google Maps, Google’s groundbreaking maps service, you can instantly view maps and satellite imagery, as well as find local business and get driving directions, all from the phone’s easy-to-use touch interface. The T-Mobile G1 also includes Google Maps Street View, enabling you to explore cities at street-level virtually while on the go. Without taking a step, you can tour a far-away place as if they were there–standing on the street corner. Even better, the Google Maps feature syncs with a built-in compass on the phone–an industry first–to allow you to view locations and navigate 360 degrees by simply moving the phone with your hand.
Use the G1’s 3G and Wi-Fi connection to attach and share pictures over email and MMS or download music from your favorite web sites, as well as upload and post pictures to your personal blog.
The G1 features a rich HTML email client, which seamlessly syncs your email, calendar and contacts from Gmail as well as most other POP3 or IMAP email services. The Gmail application provides features such as conversation view, spam filtering, search, and labels that Gmail users enjoy on their computer while offering new features such as integration with the phone’s contact list. And it multitasks, so you can read a Web page while also downloading your email in the background.
It also combines Instant Messaging support for Google Talk, as well as AOL, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger in the U.S., and IM presence allows you to see whether your friends are online, offline, away. The G1 also supports advanced text messaging features, enabling you to easily flag, delete or move groups of messages and keep track of group conversations through threaded text messaging. The Google Calendar app on the G1 syncs with the Web-based version, so any event that you add to your phone will show up on the Web-based Google Calendar (and vice versa).
Other features include:
- 3-megapixel camera with autofocus for still photos
- Video recording and playback
- Digital audio player with four categories (Artists, Albums, Songs, and Playlists) and support for MP3, M4A (iTunes AAC, DRM-free), AMR, WMA (8), WAF, and OGG Vorbis
- Use digital audio songs as ringtone
- Bluetooth version 2.0+EDR with the following profiles: HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control)
- Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g)
- Messaging: email (IMAP/POP3/SMTP), instant messaging, SMS text, MMS photo
- Voice-recognition
- USB 2.0 connectivity with USB mass storage capability
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Vital Statistics
The T-Mobile G1 with Google weighs 5.6 ounces and measures 4.6 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches. Its 1150 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5 hours of talk time, and up to 130 hours (5+ days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as the 1700/2100 MHz HSDPA 3G frequencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you have to have a Google account to use T-Mobile G1?
A: Yes, customers must log into the phone using a Google account login when they first use the device. Once you do log into T-Mobile G1 using a Google account, your Gmail and Google Calendar will all sync to your phone providing secure, up-to-date access to your personal information. If you don’t already have an account, the startup process will walk you through creating one. Creating a Google account is free.
Q: Do customers need a voice and/or data plan to use T-Mobile G1?
A: Yes, when you purchase T-Mobile G1, you must add one of two T-Mobile G1-specific data plans to their account. This is similar to other all-in-one devices we offer like the T-Mobile Sidekick or the T-Mobile Shadow. Customers must also have a voice plan.
Q: Is the G1 compatible with your HotSpot @Home service?
A: No. Unlimited HotSpot Calling (formerly named T-Mobile HotSpot @Home) is not included in the T-Mobile G1, although the device can browse the Web over high-speed wireless connections including Wi-Fi and our 3G network.
Q: Are there any advantages to using Gmail on the device versus another type of personal (POP3 or IMAP) account?
A: Yes. After first logging into their Google account, you will have all your Gmail, Google Contacts, Calendar and Talk data automatically synchronize with the phone. Anything you do on the phone with these products will seconds later become available on the computer and vice versa. If you were to ever lose their phone, their information will still be available and seamlessly synchronize with a replacement G1. You will also benefit from push email and calendar alerts (this is also available for the multi-headed email client). Finally, Gmail’s contacts are synchronized automatically with the phone’s contact list.
Q: What is the “search from everywhere” feature?
A: “Search from everywhere” provides customers the ability to do contextual searches. T-Mobile G1 has a hard key on the QWERTY keyboard that you can touch in order to start a search within any application you are in. For example, if you are in your contact list and hit the search key, the device will search your contact list. If you are in your email and you hit the search key, the device will search your email. You can also start a search within each application through a search option within the application.
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star ridiculously activated long before phone arrived
Amazon had activated my ordered G1 phone 10+ days before the phone would arrived at my hands. It means that i was going to be charged with 1/3 monthly fee w/o ability and possibility to use the phone and service plan. What the?!! What the?!!
1 Star DO NOT BUY with T-Mobile or beware of ROAMING CHARGES
i’ve owned the G1 almost since its introduction on the market. As it is, and living in NYC, it is a great phone and I like all of its features. It is my only phone, no land line here. I do appreciate the linking with Google, all my personal and professional stuff is in the clouds, which works well for working freelance.
Now the bad & ugly: this phone is a FINANCIAL DISASTER waiting to happen for you if you just set a toe outside the US. Roaming charges of $15/megabyte are awaiting, even if you use T-Mobile in UK or Germany (T-Mobile home country, by the way…). So it would be easy to just disconnect data roaming, right?
WRONG. VERY PAINFULLY WRONG. This phone pings Google at the cost for you 15cts a pop every 4 or 5 minutes to get your messages or emails… AND there is NO WAY to disable this. I had to pay $572 of data roaming charges when in France for a week; yes I used my internet access, but a good part of it was in Germany on T-Mobile. After some research, it seems that it is impossible to avoid this cost abroad, no matter what you do. Some users, after calling T-Mobile US and disabling the data roaming on their phone, thought they were safe and found out on their return that they had to pay $60 or $100 or more for something they did not use. This is the absolute truth. T-Mobile customer service reps, when they complained, just told them curtly that they would better leave the phone at home, or off while abroad. SO MUCH FOR ALL THE INTERNATIONAL POSSIBILITIES AND T MOBILE MARKETING on this. It is so abusive that the head of the European Comission for telecomunications has imposed the different providers, T-Mobile included, to slash those roaming charges and be much more transparent about them. Unfortunately not in the US…
So do yourself a favor, STAY AWAY FROM THE G1 and from T-Mobile if you need to travel abroad for personal or professional reasons. Really, please, do not buy this phone.
5 Stars Excellent Business / Entertainment Phone - Better than IPhone
I held off buying the G1 until it had solid support for MS Exchange. I rely heavily on Exchange email and calendaring for my business. If you need Exchange support, you will have to pay a one time $20 fee to NitroDesk (the exchange app publisher) but that covers program upgrades and support for life. I have been extremely pleased with the performance.
I’m coming from a a Verizon Samsung ich760 Windows Mobile 6.1 phone. Windows mobile is clunky with terrible touch screen support compared to the G1 (and IPhone). Very pleased with the change.
IPhone/G1 comparison: I debated over these 2 phones for a long time. I tested each out and interviewed friends with these devices and here is what I came up with: G1 wins because
1. Slide-out and touch screen Keyboard (Personal Pref.)
2. Open Source Programming (Thousands of quality free or close to free applications on the market place)
3. Frequent updates that continue to add great features (IPhone doesn’t update often)
4. Lower Total Cost of Ownership (Cheaper Phone Price, T-Mobile is a less expensive service than ATT).
5. Music Player plays DRM free files (Amazon MP3) (not proprietary ITunes music)
6. Expandable storage via Micro SD Card
The list of features on this phone is far too long to list here. Buy it. You won’t regret it.
5 Stars Android 1.5 update fixed GPS, made me love this phone
I was on the waiting list the day they announced the G1. I am a gadget lover and a Google lover. Combining the two sounded like heaven. But I have not been very happy with my phone…Until the recent “Cupcake” update of the Android OS to v.1.5. I did the update manually, though most who are more patient will have it done to their phone by T-mobile over the air (OTA) while they sleep. My biggest complaint was how long it took the GPS to figure out where I am, even with cell tower hints. Usually about 15 minutes, with a very clear view of the sky, if I have not used it in the area yet. Landing in a new town is exactly when you need GPS the most, and standing in a dodgy area after you got off the subway waiting in the rain 15 min while the phone figures out where you are is not good. The update seems to have dramatically improved the GPS. It now takes less than a minute, and does not require such a clear view of the sky. Now the turn-by-turn service TeleNav beats my Magellan satnav in usefulness, well worth the $10/month. And RideTrac (and a number of similar apps) is great for mapping my jogs, hikes, bike rides, etc. Google Locations now allows folks to see where I am (if I let them). So now I officially love my phone.
The software has some rough edges, but daily there are new apps fixing these, mostly free or very cheap. One important app (for me, a scientist) is Repligo Reader, which allows me to read pdfs of scientific papers on my phone. Lack of a PDF reader was a major oversight by the Android team, IMHO. Fixed.
The battery life is pretty poor, sometimes lasting less than a day, especially if I use all the phone’s great features. So I carry a USB cable everywhere and there is usually a computer within reach to charge from.
The camera is really excellent after the update, with even great macro capability, and now it takes videos. The most useful app for it is ShopSavvy, a barcode reader I use for comparison shopping while in a gadget store.
The gravity sensor is now being used by more apps to rotate the screen automatically, and there is now a soft keyboard like the iPhone’s, in case you are in too much of a hurry to open the real keyboard. Though for fast searches, using Google’s voice search is awesome. Just remember to put pauses between each word.
The phone’s excellent browser and integration with Google apps like gmail and maps has put the world of information at my fingertips. I have had smartphones since 2002, and this is by far the best and most useful.
4 Stars I like it for the most part
A sales clerk told me that the iphone doesn’t even offer insurance…what’s that about?
Anyway, I was looking to get a Sidekick but I was sold on the G1. It’s a good lil phone,imo. I paid around $200+ for it. Hey– it was cheaper than the Sidekick!
The G1 is to cell phones what the Firefox (browser) is to the internet in that it’s totally customizable. I love the apps that come with it. Service is good as well.
My only complaint: THE BATTERY DRAINS TOO QUICKLY.
The last smartphone I bought was a Treo 700 and that phone could be off the charger for hours and the battery would hardly go anywhere…
This phone…I place a 2-minute call and I’m down to 83% in 2.5 hours!
Seems as if the applications are draining the battery, but…I don’t have many on the phone. They don’t permit the G1 from sleeping.
Plus, the battery was draining the day I bought the phone, (pre-app installation).
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