T-Mobile G1

The T-Mobile G1 (by HTC) is a quad-band (world) smartphone with fast 3G network support, Wi-Fi and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Its unique attribute is the highly intuitive Google Android operating system. Android, based on Linux open-source software, intrigues professional reviewers, and they give the T-Mobile G1 high ratings. But when it comes to buying advice, some take a wait-and-see approach, because Android is still evolving. As of late March 2009, reports were breaking that Android would soon support full Adobe Flash, for example. And the Android Market, where you can buy or download more software, is continually expanding. Some experts say Android could be a "blockbuster," and others say it may become a bust. As far as the T-Mobile G1 goes, PC World's Melissa J. Perenson says the software makes it a "tweaker's delight," but we think the conservative advice of CNET's Bonnie Cha and Nicole Lee is most succinct and useful: That the G1 is "very good" but ultimately is "best suited for early adopters and gadget hounds, rather than consumers and business users."

Business users should note that there's no support for Microsoft Exchange. (Many reviews suggest the now-discontinued AT&T Tilt as the best smartphone for business use; the BlackBerry Curve and Bold are also good choices.) As for personal use, professional reviews are divided about whether the Apple iPhone 3G is better. About four-fifths of the owner reviews at CNET and Amazon.com indicate that those who ultimately take the T-Mobile G1 plunge are generally satisfied, and most of the complaints about performance on phone calls are more directed at T-Mobile than at the device. Professional reviews indicate good and even terrific call quality, and there is access to T-Mobile's unlimited HotSpot calling plan, which can save you minutes by placing calls over Wi-Fi. The web browser gets fair-to-excellent reviews.

The T-Mobile G1 has a music player and an easy-to-use interface with the Amazon.com MP3 store, but the headphone jack is a non-standard size (2.5 mm). However, with the Android 1.5 software upgrade, the phone now supports stereo Bluetooth. (Its absence at launch was a "glaring omission" according to CNET.) The software upgrade also adds a video recorder, which makes good use of the G1's 3.2-inch, 320-by-480 pixel touch screen. The camera has 3.2-megapixel resolution, but reviews disagree about its performance quality. The T-Mobile G1 can handle microSD memory cards up to 16 GB. Battery life is rated at five hours of talk time, and independent battery tests indicate your mileage may vary but won't be exceptionally better than promised and may even be an hour worse.