The reviews of the T-Mobile G1 Android phone are bursting out of the gate with blogs that have early review units unleashing them on the tail of Walter Mossberg’s flagship review this morning. While the verdicts are mixed with battery life, T-Mobiles sketchy 3G coverage and GPS functionality getting multiple negative mentions, and the OS itself getting a lot of praise for the integration with Google services. Look for the T-Mobile G1 pre-orders to ship this week and the rest to hit stores October 22. Based on early reviews the G1 is for brave early adopters. Remember that you’re locking yourself into two years of using this device and there are likely better hardware devices in the pipe.

Walter Mossberg - Google Answers the iPhone
(My Summary: Still loves the iPhone, T-Mobile 3G coverage in it’s infancy, works hard to avoid trashing the G1, repeatedly points out that G1 has a keyboard and iPhone doesn’t - least detailed/helpful review of the bunch)

Android Community - T-Mobile G1 Powered by Android Review
(My Summary: Surprised that running multiple open apps doesn’t lag the phone like WM, point out need for second batter which is a recurring theme in reviews)

Gizmodo - T-Mobile G1 Google Android Phone Review
(My Summary: Keyboard not great, a good start, phone is primarily a showcase for Android potential, background apps run well, stable OS, interface needs work, GMAIL ties your account to one active mail account but lest you manage 5, GMAIL is push which they incorrectly report as the only push email - it’s not - Blackberry BIS pushes email all day long and has done so far at least a year)

CrunchGear - T-Mobile G1
(My Summary: Google keeps things in beta for years and this phone is no different, GPS didn’t function, 3G data was good and speed comparable in NYC, can only have one GMAIL account linked to device and the GMAIL interface not as polished as Blackberry, Google Calendar works but takes a long time to sync, Android browser is second best behind iPhone)

Lifehacker - Android A Hands-on First Look at Google Android
(My Summary: Integration with Google services is tight, Google Maps is amazing- too bad the GPS doesn’t work, 3G coverage in San Diego “atrocious”, no handling of multiple Google accounts)

Engadget - T-Mobile G1 Review
(My Summary: Mini-USB headphone connector is going to get old quick, rotten 3G reception, screen outstanding, GPS not ready for primetime, T-Mobile 3G not ready for primetime.)

It didn’t take long for many users to spot the 1GB data cap contained within T-Mobile’s new G1 data plan. According to the site’s tiny print, if a user on the “unlimited” data plan exceeded 1GB of downloads in any billing cycle they would be subject to having their connection significantly throttled back (download speeds reduced so as to be virtually unusable). Now comes word from T-Mobile that they’ve revamped their download limitations — or at least removed the reference to 1GB. Seems like they still aren’t sure how they are going to handle this limitation based on the following statement they released yesterday:

Our goal, when the T-Mobile G1 becomes available in October, is to provide affordable, high-speed data service allowing customers to experience the full data capabilities of the device and our 3G network. At the same time, we have a responsibility to provide the best network experience for all of our customers so we reserve the right to temporarily reduce data throughput for a small fraction of our customers who have excessive or disproportionate usage that interferes with our network performance or our ability to provide quality service to all of our customers.
We removed the 1GB soft limit from our policy statement, and we are confident that T-Mobile G1 customers will enjoy the high speed of data access over our 3G network. The specific terms for our new data plans are still being reviewed and once they are final we will be certain to share this broadly with current customers and potential new customers.

For now it seems the word “unlimited” at T-Mobile will continue to mean unlimited — at least until the next revision to the tiny print. (Prediction: T-Mobile will clarify this prior to selling any G1 devices under this plan so as not to give users under contract a way to exit without an ETF).

Via: Alley Insider

Anyone see a problem with T-Mobiles terms and conditions for it’s unlimited data plan?

**3G coverage is available only in certain markets. See coverage map for details. Data: If your total data usage in any billing cycle is more than 1GB, your data throughput for the remainder of that cycle may be reduced to 50 kbps or less. Your data session, plan, or service may be suspended, terminated, or restricted for significant roaming or if you use your service in a way that interferes with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users. Some devices require specific data plans; if you do not have the right plan for your device, you may not be able to use data services. Some downloads, such as movies, music, and games, not included. Domestic use only.

Makes AT&T look downright charitable - especially given that a device that is “open” such as the T-Mobile G1 will naturally attract people wanting to use applications that take full advantage of the data feed provided by their 3G plan.

Source: T-Mobile G1 Site via Silicon Alley picture via Dvice

We’ve been writing about Android since the rumors first began swirling, and now the wait is finally over. On the off chance that you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past few months, I’ll catch you up to speed: Google created an operating system called Android which has been further developed by the Open Handset Alliance, a group of more than 30 technology and mobile companies. It’s based on Linux, it’s open source, and it’s free.

As we have already mentioned, T-Mobile will be the first carrier to offer an Android driven phone, the HTC Dream. Tomorrow at 10:30am EDT, those interested can watch a live webcast of the press conference featuring T-Mobile and Google executives announcing its unveiling.

In the meantime, you can kill 50+ minutes watching Jason Chen discuss Android in a video taken at the Google I/O event last May…

Link: Webcast of Android Event - will only work at 10:30 EDT on September 23, 2008, so don’t bother trying before then.

Link: The You Tube Video of Peter Chen

Hey guys, look, it’s the HTC Dream in much clear photos and branded for T-Mobile. I know there needs to be a way to work that keyboard into the design and Google’s developers are all working hard on the Android release - but couldn’t they have at least tried to pretty it up a bit? Every swivel or flip phone I’ve ever used has been a pain. Typing into them is awkward enough but they have a nasty habit of popping open on me when as I’m trying to slide them into a belt case. No further information on availability or pricing - but Engadget thinks soon.

via: Engadget