Google's G1 vs. the iPhone: Major Construction and Design Flaws Emerge (Revised 11/2/08)

Unlike the the V1 iPhone, running on AT&T's slow EDGE data network, T-Mobile/Google's G1 hits the street 3G enabled. (T-Mobile's 3G network is now operational in the San Francisco Bay Area and numerous other metros around the U.S.)

Application developers, who take advantage of Google's open Android OS, is also in question. Currently, over 3,000 applications have been written for the iPhone, and Google and T-Mobile have a strenuous journey ahead to convince developers to write code.

I had an opportunity today to visit a T-Mobile store and check out the G1 more closely. Two concerns immediately came to mind: The G1's flat, non-tactile keyboard and its plastic casing. When I first picked up the G1, its lightness alerted me to potential problems, since I had just come from an AT&T store checking out the 3G iPhone again.

My Sin: I Bought an iPhone

I committed the ultimate sin yesterday. I walked into an AT&T store and bought an iPhone. Yes, after blasting Apple, Steve Jobs and the iPhone for over a year, I succumbed to the temptation. I couldn't stand the hype and glitz any longer. With my knees shaking--and my declared perfect Android phone with me--I did it.

As I opened the package, my trembling hands picked it up, gazed at its glimmer, clutched it carefully as I inserted the USB connector to the phone and my MacBook Pro. Agonizing pains shot through my fingers as I started activating the device by agreeing to all of the legalese created by Apple's and AT&T's lawyers.

Stressed out with trepidation, I entered my credit card number and other information. Pausing just a moment, I clicked on "activate." Ah, the sin was nearly complete.

Apple's iTunes and AT&T's verification servers went into action, telling me on the screen what was happening and the emails I'd soon get.

The emails arrived one-by-one, each giving me just a bit more information on my sinful decision. I wondered: Is this a venial or mortal sin? Which had I committed? When moving on to Heaven or Hell, would Steve Jobs be there to greet me?

The final email arrived. ACTIVATION! The phone was now ready to use. Just as I wrote about Vista and "Windows It's Alive," the iPhone sprung to life with the latest software update. Strange icons beckoned me to push them, my home network discovered in an instant. The iPhone was now a MePhone.

It enveloped my senses as I started pushing buttons. Then the ultimate cool and awesome experience--synching with iTunes. Apple now knew about my sin. They had acquired a new victim (I mean customer).

I was late for choir practice. So I left the shimmering piece of glass in its cradle, firmly attached to my Mac. But I knew when I got home, IT would be there...

Twas the Night Before Christmas 2007 Cell Phone Review

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the realm

Not a Samsung was stirring not even a twelve-nine.

The iPhones were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Steven soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug with their phones,

While visions of Motos danced in their tones.

And mamma with her widget and I with my jack,

Had just settled down to play with our crack.

When out on the lawn there arose such a chatter,

I threw down my smartphone and sought out my fatter.

Away to the window I brought out my flash.

Tore open the shutters and threw out the Dash.

The tune in my breast as the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects that GO.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear

But a moguled Android and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so googled and knoogled

I knew in a moment he must have been snoogled.

More rapid than nanos his courses they zuned

And he whistled and shouted, and called them ituned!

Now Dasher! now Dancer!, now Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet!, On Cupid!, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of Redmond! to the top of Mountain View!

Now crash away! crash away! crash away all!

As dry leaves that before the wild tornado fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew

With a sleigh full of Toys, and St. Steven too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The ringtones and vibrations of each little hoof

As I drew in my head, and was churning around, 

Down the chimney St. Steven came with an iphone.

He was dressed all in denim, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all covered with logos and loot.

A bundle of Ipods he had flung on his back

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes how they twinkled, his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, he nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly.

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Googling and Knolling on Your Mobile Device

Current blog and media reactions to Google's announced Wikipedia-like encyclopedia (Knols) is causing great concern about Google's motives. In an age of global information, commercial enterprises that control access to human knowledge can dominate the Web and other communication channels.


Mobile telephony is one of Google's main targets as mobile users become more reliant on information content--text, audio, video or multi-media. Using the web on your mobile device will increase as global carriers deploy 3G and 4G mobile broadband services and devices, based on Open Handset Alliance standards.



Take a peak at my vision of Google Enterprises in 2012 and the ideal Android-enabled mobile device.