T Mobile G1 Phone with Google White T Mobile
Posted by Smartphone Review on July 5, 2009
T Mobile G1 Phone with Google White 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.
The T-Mobile G1 features the Android 1.5 (Cupcake) operating system update, which includes support for Bluetooth stereo music streaming, video recordign and playback, multiple message editing in Gmail, and more (see details below).
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
5 Stars Google + Youtube = Success** FIVE STARS**
The Battery in my old phone died; I was eligible for an upgrade. I was holding off on upgrading until the G2 was released in May but I called T-mobile and here is what they did:
Instead of replacing the battery in my Motorola Rizr, they offered me a free device to hold me over until I wanted to use my upgrade for the G2. So not only did I get a free G1, they also let me keep my upgrade so that when the G2 is released, I get to use my upgrade for that. hahah how great is that? On top of that, I asked them if I needed to return the G1 when I got my G2. She said no and that I could keep it. This is why T-mobile is awesome. Seniority with them takes you a long way.
ok onto the device…..
(There aren’t many bad things to say about it so I’ll get those out first)
THE CONS
-No video camera?
Eh? I could be wrong but I cant find it.How can Youtube be a feature of the phone, but the phone NOT have a video camera to record movies? Just seems silly to me.
-A little bulky
But not too bad like I was thinking (I think this is because of the keyboard which the G2 will not have btw)
-Camera not so good
Only 3 megapixels? C’mon now! We can do better than that.
PROS
(Theres actually so many I can only highlight a few)
-Youtube & Google Features are great
They are pretty much the only websites i ever use on my computer at home anyways. Having them “specially featured” on my handheld makes me a happy camper.
-The Android Market
Brilliant. absolutely amazing concept. Endless applications. Anyone can put something on the market so there is also junk to weed through! Which is expected. But I personally like the liberal approach to it. This place pretty much lets you create/upload/share all kinds of cool programs for your device. This “transormability” or personalization technique is what makes the Android network so great. It allows you to turn your device into the handheld of your dreams. How can you wrong with unlimited options? that means endless options for your phone. Not any one person’s G1 is like anyone others. That idea is just amazing.
-Love the touch screen/phsical keyboard option
This is awesome that you have that option. I have to have a keyboard but at the same time, there are times when touchscreen is more practical. So bravo to them for giving us both options.
-EXTREMELY User Friendly: I’m THAT guy that reads the instruction book front to back. Not with the G1. I was actively surfing the net, emailing, watching videos, and texting probably within minutes the battery was fully charged. Which is another good thing. This thing gives you a percentage bar on the front and it charges very quick!
- Battery Life A+
A fully charged battery will last 12 hours if your using the phone NON-STOP (this includes using internet, emailing, texting, talking, camera) Thats pretty impressive if you ask me. How do I know? I actually put the phone to the test!
- Sync’ing capabilities
You can connect this thing to just about anything! I love how you can connect to your own wireless connection in your house. Makes surfing the web even faster than the phone naturally can!
Youtube and google are dominating the web. They are now dominating the cell phone world. This is an A+ device. I rarely use my PC now. No need. I’m extremely critical over my gadgets too btw but this device is flat out awesome.
5 Stars t-mobile g1
first off,let me say that i was gonna get the new sidekick because now it has the video feature. but i wanted a touchscreen phone. so i got the g1. im so happt that i got this phone. yes the camera might be kinda crappy, actualy this is the downfall to the phone. my fave thing on the phone is youtube. i have to have my Kylie Minogue vids on hand. the video player is excellent. the other complaint next to the camera, is the speakerphone, but i dont use the speakerphone so it doesnt matter.
overall im extremely happy that i got tis phone. you wont be dissapointed if you get this phone
3 Stars Activation pains, Poor Camera and Video Quality and More
I was very excited to get this phone at first. Here are some problems:
-The phone requires a data plan to activate. It needs to connect to gmail to sync. If the phone is unlocked, you still need a data plan, no matter where in the world you are and it stilled need to connect to gmail to sync. You can’t sync or activation via wifi. The wifi menu is not available until it’s activated.
-The Camera is 3MP but very poor in quality when compared to the current Ericsson, Blackberry and Nokia models. No flash of any kind. Poor quality low-light pictures. Takes alright ones in the sunlight.
-It’s thicker than a iphone. You can’t carry it in your pocket.
-No headphone jack, just a small usb one. Requires expensive headphones.
-Doesn’t feel solid. Feels really fragile, one drop or spill and your expensive phone is gone forever.
5 Stars AWESOME!
I’m not sure why the average review for this phone is 3.5 stars.
I would give it 5!! I used to be a Blackberry user and I won’t go back unless T-Mobile eliminates the full, slide out qwerty keyboard on the next version of this phone, which I have heard they are going to do.
Pros:
BROWSER! Awesome, quick, faster than my friends’ blackberry 8900 when performing the same search.
Touchscreen. I had a Samsung Behold for two days before I returned it and went for the G1. The G1 screen is SO much more responsive and so easy to use.
Scroll Ball. SOOOO much better than my Curve’s scroll bar. And it doesn’t get dirty so easily.
Notification bar. I love this feature–it’s a great place for consolidated information on what you missed while in a meeting, etc.
Speakerphone. This is great, compared to other phones I’ve had.
Android Market. Super easy.
Gmail. This makes keeping my calendar, email and address book together SO easy.
Cons: It’s a little large, but I guess that’s needed as it’s the first model of this phone and is pretty much a small computer.
The camera sucks, but I only need it for basic picture taking. I have a digital camera for taking quality pictures, so this doesn’t bother me.
Battery life–a LOT of people have complained about this, but I regularly get two whole days out of it before it needs to charge. I just keep the 3g turned off unless I know I’m in a 3g area (I don’t live in one) and this seems to keep the battery life up.
I definitely recommend this phone! It’s made on the go searches and emails SO easy.
4 Stars Good but can use some tweaks 
I was stuck between the G1 and the iPhone and the G1 won in the end for a couple of reasons: full keyboard, more sturdy; software, hardware, and applications are not proprietary, costs less; T-Mobile has better service, better plans, and better connectivity than AT&T, and the OS is so easy to use (never had to open a manual bc everything works the way you think it will). The full browser is amazing, nothing like all the Blackberries and the connection is pretty fast. I use the email notifications hourly as it helps me keep in touch with my business and WikiTap is an indispensable tool if you do any kind of research (pulls up articles VERY fast). Only complaints are that the speakerphone quality is not the greatest, the camera could be a tad better, and the battery life is pretty crappy (though you have to consider that the phone is basically a mini-laptop).
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