HTC G1

The HTC G1 is a smartphone that provides you with all the communication tools you need including Mobile Internet services such as Gmail, YouTube, Google Talk and Google Calendar. Besides that, it also incorporates Google Maps which allows you to explore the world with detailed street, traffic and satellite views. Other internet features includes a browser with a clever multi-page window panel that allows you to surf multiple websites at the same time. Besides that, you can also drag the page around with your finger to pan, or move from one link or text box to another with the handy trackball positioned perfectly for your thumb. There is also an instant notification bar that discretely alerts you of emails, text messages or IMs received. Besides that, the HTC G1 also allows you to download and install your favourite software, music or games from the Android market. In addition to that, it also has a fully customizable homescreen that allows you to put all the tools and gadgets within your fingertips.

Specifications
The HTC G1 measures 117.7 mm x 55.7 mm x 17.1 mm (L x W x T) in dimension and weighs approximately 158 g including its provided battery. It runs on a Qualcomm MSM7201A processor of 528 MHz speed. In terms of system memory, it has up to 256 MB of ROM and 192 MB of RAM. The HTC G1 runs on an Android operating system. There is also a TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen which measures 3.2 inches diagonally and has a HVGA resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. Supported networks include HSPA/ WCDMA of 2100 MHz and 1700 MHz with up to 7.2 Mbps down-link (HSDPA) and 2 Mbps up-link (HSUPA) speeds, as well as quad-band GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE 850/ 900/ 1800/ 1900 MHz. Device control consists of a trackball with an Enter button in the middle. Input method consists of a slide-out 5 row QWERTY keyboard. In addition to that, the HTC G1 also has an integrated GPS navigation system that incorporates Google Maps. As for connectivity, it is capable of Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate, Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g, and HTC ExtUSB (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one). There is also a built-in camera of 3.2 mega pixels with auto focus function. In terms of audio features, the HTC G1 comes together with a built-in microphone and speaker. It also has support for ringtones in formats including AAC, AAC+, AMR-NB, MIDI, MP3, WMA and WMV, as well as 40 polyphonic and standard MIDI format 0 and1 (SMF)/ SP MIDI. The HTC G1 is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that has a capacity of 1150 mAh. It can provide a battery life of up to 350 minutes of talk time on a WCDMA network, or up to 406 minutes of talk time on a GSM network. Alternatively, when left on standby, the HTC G1 can last up to 402 hours on a WCDMA network and up to 319 hours on a GSM network. There is also an expansion slot that is compatible with microSD 2.0 memory cards. The HTC G1 also comes together with an AC Adapter for battery charging purposes with a voltage range/ frequency of 100~240 V AC, 50/ 60 Hz with a DC output of 5V and 1 A. Not only that, the HTC G1 also has an embedded digital compass as well as motion sensor for automatic rotation of the screen.

Reviews

“With the release of the Android 1.5 update, the G1 now has an onscreen portrait and landscape keyboard, providing you with another way to enter text onto the smartphone. With a physical keyboard, some might wonder why a soft keyboard is even needed but it was annoying and inconvenient to have to slide open the phone every time you wanted to type anything, such as a simple search term or a URL address, so we’re happy to see this added feature. In addition, the update supports the installation of third-party keyboards as well.” (CNET, 2009)

“Even if it’s the first device to feature the new Android operating system, G1 seems solid enough to be a compatible option for those who are looking for an iPhone rival. After 2 hours of use, I realized that the G1 was only a shell that kept in the real “pearl,” more specifically Android. It’s like you get a PC that has the Windows operating system installed, but if you really want to do something with it you must start installing the applications you need. This is also the case with G1. You’ll hardly have time to get bored with the device, as you can do just about anything with it, provided you find the right third-party application.” (Softpedia, 2009)

“We have talked about the appearance, the menu and the operation of the G1. Now, we have come to what this device is all about; the Android software. The entire interface works seamlessly and fast. You really feel that the device understands what you are trying to do, and that is just great! Since the phone is equipped with 3G, you have a fast internet connection at your disposal (nearly) everywhere you go. And with the T-Mobile G1 you really do have Internet at your disposal. You can surf the Net as if you are at home or in the office and although on a smaller monitor, it does not decrease the users ease. The fact you can download (free and for a fee) all types of applications via the Android Market makes the G1 a unique cell phone. It’s designed to your wishes and needs. One of the smartest applications I find ‘Gmail’, an email program that is almost identical to the online version, very extensive and easy to use.” (LetsGoDigital, 2009)