Google's G-1: Android Befriends Man

The G-1's You Tube app looks great on the phone not only via its Wi-Fi connection but also via T-Mobile's new 3G network. Since that network is just being rolled out across the country, there aren't too many users using it and that translates to very fast download speeds at this time. The 3G icon (at the top of the screen) indicated I was on the new network in New York, Baltimore and Denver in the past week.

I'm not sure what they were thinking when they included just a 1GB mini-SD storage card with the G-1. If they want to compete with Apple, they should be packing at least 4GB or more likely 8GB cards in the box with the phone. For your information, 16GB miniSD cards are now available.

The G-1 will sell for $179 when it goes on sale on Oct. 22. You need to sign up for a two-year contract to get that price. (Check the T-Mobile Web site for plan pricing.)

There are two data plans: 400 messages and unlimited data access for $25 a month, with unlimited messaging for another $10 a month. T-Mobile should be commended for making G-1 data services more affordable than the iPhone's.

Overall, the G-1, with its first-generation software, is a very good product. If I had to give it a grade, it would be a B-minus. That compares to a B+ for the iPhone. If both companies could improve battery life, they would both go up to a B and an A-minus respectively. It'll be interesting to see how both products improve in the coming months.