Matt Meade

I got my Google G1 in the mail today. I love it.

The GPS and maps are a cinch to use, most everything else ties into my google account (which I like). Despite rumors I heard that accessing another gmail account required a hard reset (because the phone is ties strictly to one account) I had no problem setting up my other gmail addresses as pop/imap/smtp email.

It is extremely handy, and QUICK to use. By quick I mean, the info is there when you need it. I could get directions on my sidekick at mapquest.com for example, but it was a slow process, and if I needed them on the fly I might have to just pull over and wait for them to load so I don’t pass a crucial turn while page is loading.

The maps are one of my favorite features. They are just like the google maps you see on your PC, but you’re location is shown in real time on the map, and anytime you ask directions you can specify (quickly) that they are “from” your current location. No need to find a nearby address and use it as a “from”.

I’ve found a few apps for geocaching but haven’t go to test them yet. They seem to be designed strangely (radar gui instead of arrow) and I will probably write my own.

The barcode scanning app that links directly to price comparisons online is also nice.

The blood alchohol content calculator is quick and easy, also uses timestamps. There’s even a cab-calling app, lol.

The internet is real, and not mutilated to fit the screen like smaller phones.

Great as a mp3 player.

Can store files via USB.

Come to think of it, the phone just replaced my phone, mp3 player, thumb-drive and GPS unit, plus is easier and faster to use than any of those items.

My least favorite feature so far would have to be the camera. I was happy  to be getting a phone that can take clearer pictures, but they are slow to take. There seems to be a delay after you hit the button, which makes it hard to capture spontaneous moments.

Everything else works better than I’d hoped, and I must stress the speed at which you can get what you need. I can’t count the times “Oh I can look that up easy!” on my Sidekick turned into a suspense filled waiting game where “easy” and “fast” are clearly not related.