The first of the user reviews are trickling in and it is not exactly a big thumbs up for the T-Mobile G1, the device based on Google's newly launched Android operating system that will be available starting Oct. 22.
The G1 is HTC Sidekick phone "on massive steroids" but "does not run as smoothly as you would think" says a review posted by a user with the handle 'kaziko' on
AndroidCommunity.com
A few applications on the phone "stutter" and the device needs to be restarted more than a few times to ensure smooth operation, says the review.
On the brighter side, the G1 has good voice call quality, a loud speaker and comes with instant messaging clients including Google Talk, AIM, ICQ and MSN. Wonder why no Yahoo instant messenger though.
GI also has a fairly responsive touchscreen, says the user, something that has been a problem for a few HTC devices.
The phone's design including its slide-out keyboard and the Android apps marketplace, similar to Apple's iPhone App store, also get bonus points.
But there's a potential hazard for G1 buyers. The "battery charger makes the bottom of the phone extremely hot" says the review.
Overall, it seems like the G1 will be a mixed bag. The device is exciting in that it is the first to be based on Google's new mobile operating system but it just doesn't seem to have the mix of design and features that could make it a blockbuster hit among consumers.
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