T-Mobile G1

Much fuss was made about the T-Mobile G1 on its release, not least because it was the first mobile phone to be unveiled using the fabled Google OS Android. And, like a good meatball sandwich that’s overflowing with sauce, it doesn’t disappoint.

First things first: the looks. The G1 isn’t ugly by anyone’s standards (okay, maybe George Clooney’s), but you certainly wouldn’t say it’s triple sexy with an extra dose of sultry sauce. If anything it’s a bit geek chic. But that’s partly due to the fact it hides a full, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, which makes it simple for you to type out emails and texts. That said, using the three-inch touchscreen is absolutely superb, and when coupled with the trackball, you find browsing the internet is much less of a cack-fest than most of its mobile brethren’s offerings.

Being the first Google mobile, the G1 naturally has a host of Google options on board. There’s Search, threaded text messaging for IM-style SMS, while synching with your Google Mail and Calendar is easier than the Sun’s crossword.

It’s not all roses and chocolates for the G1, however. The battery is more number two than Bad Boys 2, so you’ll have to keep your charger with you at all times, sneaking in a quick charge in your local Starbucks. It also feels a bit hurried. Bluetooth doesn’t support stereo headset or modem linking, and the GPS drains that battery faster than a plumber drains a blocked toilet.

Although the G1’s not quite hitting the iPhone’s high standards, Android’s potential is there for all to see. And with Android Market getting more Apps daily, it looks like becoming a tour de force among operating systems. As for the G1, well, it’s good, but not brilliant.