11Nov T-mobile G1 impression and Flash
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Well, I finally took the plunge and got my first smart phone! I’ve looked at several choices over the past year like the Blackberry Bold, Storm, Apple’s acclaimed iPhone, Diamond Touch, Envy, and the LG Dare. However, after measuring the pros and cons, I decided on Tmobile’s G1. Why, you might ask? For one, I do like the full slide-out keyboard, touch screen, and trackball features. However, the G1’s biggest asset is of course Google’s open source Android operating system that it runs on. Android will allow even intermediate Java developers to make applications easily and publish to the market for other users to use. Examples of current applications are: barcode scanner and local prise comparison, parking spot locater on a radar display, social networking integration including direct camera posting, use mp3s as a ring tone (iPhone requires a painful hack for this to even work), remember-the-milk task reminder, weather display, and much much more. Heck, if I can find enough time, I will start writing applications for it.
Also, the cost of the phone is cheaper (its $170) and the monthly contract is about $25 cheaper than the iPhone (which the savings alone is as much as my internet home service). Overall, I have had the phone for over a week and can say nothing but good things about it. I did have some issues with the T-mobile service line… but to be honest, most of the tech support reps have not even seen the device since the G1 is sold out across the US right now.
My two wishes for the phone are longer battery life (with RC30 bios and 3G disabled, I have 80% battery by noon with lite use) and for Adobe to bring Flash Player (preferably 10) to the Android Market! I assume if Flash Player 10 where to ever to hit a cellphone device- that it would be the G1 since Adobe has been a well known Java centric company internally, but FP is written in C, if I remember right, so it will need to be transported to Java OR run as a Linux app directly on the G1 outside Android.
Note: RC30 update now has a viewer for most of the Microsoft Office formats.
Update #1:
At the Adobe MAX 2008 conference, Turner indicates that an “Android port” [of Flash Player 10] is coming!
Update #2:
Flash Player 10 confirmed for Android (with video)!
November 11th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Good review… I’m liking my G1 so far!
November 12th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Finally a real review from someone who understands the philosophy android is bringing to the mobile community. Enjoy your phone brother you made a good choice
November 12th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Quiero bojas flash player g1 quiciera que pudiera corejir eso I lo pongan en le marke de google
November 14th, 2008 at 4:45 am
Good review. I too am enjoying my G1 but wishing for the same things you mentioned. I’d like Flash Player too. I have hope that it won’t be too long before this is solved.
Any fan of Open Source software and Google’s Android will enjoy this phone. This means that new and creative applications can be added as and when you feel like it. This phone will be constantly changing and getting better.
I’ve been a loyal user of Gmail since it was in the ’secret’ Beta testing stage and so this phone rocked my world! It notifies me of new mails and allows you to be connected 24/7… well, as long as the battery doesn’t give out half way through the day. Sadly, the short life span is such that I have resorted to carrying my charger with me lol
November 14th, 2008 at 9:17 am
The only complaint I have about my G1 is the fact that it will not store and run apps from the SD card. That was one of the great things about my T-Mobile Dash. Any app could be saved and ran direct from the memory card.
I hope they find a way to fix this issue. What’s the point of having all of those cool apps if you are limited as to how many you can have installed on your phone?
November 15th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I like my G-1 But the battery life is a kill on it I mean i use it just like internet and stuff it dies faster then 5hours. And the standby time is dies in like 6 hours not 130 hours anyone experiencing this?
November 16th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Yeah’ G1 isn’t a full web experience without a flash player. A car charger does come in handy for recharge when not in home or office. Over all I am glad that i chose this phone, got it the first day it came out.
November 21st, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Battery life is ok if you turn off gps and wifi. I saved money buying a motorola car charger for $6 at bestbuy that works with this G1. Dunno. If its gonna destroy my battery (is it?)
Keypad is a bit stiff, I wish it would take less pressure to press the buttons. The onscreen iphone keyboard honestly is someytimes more easy to type on coz its very sensitive screen requires little pressure, and also surprisingly makes little typo errors for such cramped space.
G1 slider hinge creaks… a lot of cool but useless apps in the android market right now… speakers r no match to the LG dare
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 pm
The g1 is awesome but it really needs a flash player. I read an article saying that flash player 10 is available but how can I get it?
December 4th, 2008 at 2:39 am
I’m enjoying the G1.phone. but the only problems I’m gettin is that I need a flash player from android and the battery dies way 2 quick. Wen will they be installing the flash player. Please email me at mcmillan26@gmail.com
December 9th, 2008 at 6:17 am
It is now mid December and I have been reading reviews that the flash player will be out before 09. If it is out does anyone know where to find it. If u could send me a email with the link or an answer to my question I will fill like I owe you my life. Thanks cshannon0607@gmail.com
December 11th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Yeah the battery life is really bad on the G1. Like someone stated turn off the wi-fi, blutooth, GPS, and manually switch from 3G to 2g/edge/gprs. I got mine 2weeks before it came out and I love the handset, a few things I don’t like are: No Flash player as of yet, not stereo Blutooth, can’t save MMS unless you 4ward as an email then save from there, battery life, no flash on camara, doesn’t capture video. All those issues I’m sure some one will develop an app to solve them. But if any1 knows if an existing flash player is available please let me know