T-Mobile - G1 Cell Phone Review

I admit, I don't normally rush out and buy new technology on the first day - it is always full of bugs, and the price always drops dramatically three weeks later. But I ignored all of that and went to the T-Mobile store the day the G1 came out. The difference in my experience at T-Mobile versus what I had heard about that other phone were immense. A coworker told us he stood in line for three hours nearly a week after that other phone had come out. I walked in the day the phone came out, and 20 minutes later, was already syncing up my emails and using the GPS to track our route in the car. Since that day in October, things have only changed for the better - the "Market" now offers both free and paid software downloads - so I can get my casual game fix for free, and pay (.99, so far) for the apps that make my G1 even more useful.

What I like: touch screen, built in slide-out keyboard, ability to make "Shortcuts" to favorite applications, web browser that works on 3G network, music player, the plethra of applications available, the ability to read email, send text messages, and even check the weather. Oh yeah, it makes calls too. And syncs with my Google account, so my contacts are backed up and my calendar is always up-to-date.

What I am living with: Battery life is crap if you enjoy using all of the great features and applications available - I broke down and bought a second USB charger cable to leave at the office - so I have a power source that is always within reach, the headphone jack is non-standard, so i can't use my fancy Bose headphones, or my cheap but never fall out over-the-ear gym headphones. You have to buy an adapter, or stick with the "earbud" style headphones that come in the box.