G1 or Iphone...?

markybaby · 09-12-2008, 12:32 AM

my contract is up next month and i have been set on an iphone since i had a play with one a while ago. Loved the internet access which is really the main draw. But now I have seen the G1. A bit derided for being the ugly one but the internet seems great, the tariff is only £30 and its free. Also I really like the idea of open source android. One question I cannot find the answer to is can the G do push e-mail. I know the iphone can but I hear there are some problems with a yahoo account. So if anyone can help, which do you recommend I am at a loss.

mhcq2002 · 09-12-2008, 1:43 AM

I've had both and I'm more happy with the G1, it's not perfect but more perfect than the iPhone.

richcandy · 09-12-2008, 7:46 AM

I have not had a G1 (yet) but do have an iPhone. The iPhone is a good handset but its not perfect. One of the things I hate about my iPhone is that it only checks for email from time to time.

Apple also don't seam to be in any hurry to listen to their customers. iPhone users have been asking for mms, copy & paste, the ability to take video etc since June 2007 and we are still waiting. Apple with the Aps store are more open to 3rd party software than they were but still keep control of what goes on the iPhone. I get the impression from other webistes that if someone creates software for the iPhone that does something better than Apples software then Apple will not let it go on sale via the Aps store

The fact that Android is offered free to developers makes me think that more software will be created and the OS is only going to improve and grow.

Rich

p.s. I will be on eBay in January looking for a G1!

ROBIN50N · 09-12-2008, 10:20 AM

another vote for g1 here.

rickinyorkshire · 09-12-2008, 2:11 PM

My brother has a G1 and i must say it's really good. The amount of apps that are available for it at the moment are immense and only time will allow more sophisticated tools to be created.

rodd1000 · 09-12-2008, 2:49 PM

Another vote for the G1 here. It's an amazing device, much better user experience than the iPhone. Better battery life too.

Naqv · 09-12-2008, 2:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richcandy

iPhone users have been asking for mms, copy & paste, the ability to take video etc

Omg Iphone can't do mms and video?

I so wanted an Iphone but that pretty much destroyed it for me!!!

Apple are a joke to be honest.

chrism_scotland · 09-12-2008, 3:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richcandy

I have not had a G1 (yet) but do have an iPhone. The iPhone is a good handset but its not perfect. One of the things I hate about my iPhone is that it only checks for email from time to time.

Apple also don't seam to be in any hurry to listen to their customers. iPhone users have been asking for mms, copy & paste, the ability to take video etc since June 2007 and we are still waiting. Apple with the Aps store are more open to 3rd party software than they were but still keep control of what goes on the iPhone. I get the impression from other webistes that if someone creates software for the iPhone that does something better than Apples software then Apple will not let it go on sale via the Aps store

The fact that Android is offered free to developers makes me think that more software will be created and the OS is only going to improve and grow.

Rich

p.s. I will be on eBay in January looking for a G1!

I would second all of that, iPhone 3G owner but if Apple don't buck up their ideas in the next few months I will be getting an Android phone likely, although losing all my iTunes music would be a pain

mhcq2002 · 09-12-2008, 5:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrism_scotland

I would second all of that, iPhone 3G owner but if Apple don't buck up their ideas in the next few months I will be getting an Android phone likely, although losing all my iTunes music would be a pain

That was my main problem, losing my iTunes music. What I did was get a new iPod Nano for my music. Because of me selling my iPhone 3G and getting a free upgrade I didn't lose out. Plus it's small enough to carry about.

hot-fuzz · 09-12-2008, 5:40 PM

Due to not being able to use T-Mob on my iPhone im looking at the G1, but i need help getting over a couple of issues.
Headphones .... i love using my Iphone as an ipod with my Shure 110 headphones, which i wont be able to use if i change.
Keyboard ..... Looks a bit clunky and ugly.
Price ..... Still quite expensive at the moment
Alarm Clock ... Got a G3 dock which charges and plays my music, there arent many peripherals for the G2 yet (that i know of !!!!)

Once om over them im sure i will "convert". I use the iPhone mainly for internet and the G1 seems to do that well.

mhcq2002 · 09-12-2008, 8:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaced_K

Due to not being able to use T-Mob on my iPhone im looking at the G1, but i need help getting over a couple of issues.
Headphones .... i love using my Iphone as an ipod with my Shure 110 headphones, which i wont be able to use if i change.
Keyboard ..... Looks a bit clunky and ugly.
Price ..... Still quite expensive at the moment
Alarm Clock ... Got a G3 dock which charges and plays my music, there arent many peripherals for the G2 yet (that i know of !!!!)

Once om over them im sure i will "convert". I use the iPhone mainly for internet and the G1 seems to do that well.

It does that really well. There's also Opera now available via the market place which makes it even better.

markybaby · 09-12-2008, 9:37 PM

wow - very surprised there is not more support for the iphone. Thanks for all the info so far, it is interesting to hear from people who have been using the G1 for a while. Looks like the t-mobile shop might be getting a visit in January then. Wonder if there will be any new deals....

ElRazur · 09-12-2008, 10:20 PM

G1 for the win.

Matt_C · 09-12-2008, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naqv

Omg Iphone can't do mms and video?

I so wanted an Iphone but that pretty much destroyed it for me!!!

Apple are a joke to be honest.

My iphone does - as does a lot of people's...

hutch · 10-12-2008, 3:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naqv

Omg Iphone can't do mms and video?

The iPhone does do MMS if you jailbreak it, and video as well - which by the way the G1 doesnt do.

The iPhone is still by far the best package on the market IMO, okay it might be too "closed" for some people (despite thousands of apps on the App Store

) but its still the best all-rounder and most user-friendly by quite a way.

McPhee · 10-12-2008, 8:26 PM

The iPhone is stupidly expensive, even now. O2 also let the side down in a big way, the iPhone thrives on being connected to the web and yet O2's coverage and speeds for 3G are very, very poor. No MMS, no Cut & Paste, no multi-tasking, no video calling, no video recording etc. are also problems (although there are solutions to them all).

Having said all of that though i'd still go for an iPhone over a G1. You're going to be stuck with the handset for 18 months, the G1 will agre very quickly as sleeker, sexier and more feature-packed Android handsets make their way to the market. The iPhone on the other hand will stay fairly relevant and you may even get the chance to upgrade the hardware early.

Still, there must be a better all-round solution due out? Preferably on T-Mob or Vodafone...

rodd1000 · 11-12-2008, 10:46 AM

Personally i think the G1 is better looking than the iPhone. And as for the G1 will age, hows that? Android OS is constantly beeing updated and the G1 gets the goodies OTA making it truelly independant unlike the iPhone which you have to connect to a computer. The G1 already has a better camera than the iPhone, a great hardware keyboard and virtual keyboard on its way. The G1 is a great bit of kit. Yes there will be new Android handsets around next year, but they WILL NOT be significantly different to the G1 regarding specs. For any major leaps forward we'll be waiting until ateast 2010. For now the G1 is ahead of it's game and will remain competitive for at least 12 months.

hot-fuzz · 11-12-2008, 12:40 PM

Due to still undecided over a G1 or sticking the iPhone i went into the T-Mobile shop today for a play on the G1, and loved it.
It is a very slick piece of kit and as far as i can see, in my opinion it is ahead of the iPhone in everything bar the looks.
Dont get me wrong i love my iPhone, but will not be disappointed when i eventually get a G1 (going to purchase it off someone so i dont need to sign up for another contract).
As for the keyboard, its not perfect, but its usable and i never use a keyboard on the move when it would be difficult to use.

These 2 are too close to call and think it comes down to personal preference after playing with them both.
You cannot pan the iphone similarly you cannot pan the G1. Its like the difference between getting a BMW and a Mercedes, you will like one more than the other for your own reasons.

Im off to hunt a G1 down and sell my iPhone.

mhcq2002 · 11-12-2008, 4:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaced_K

Due to still undecided over a G1 or sticking the iPhone i went into the T-Mobile shop today for a play on the G1, and loved it.
It is a very slick piece of kit and as far as i can see, in my opinion it is ahead of the iPhone in everything bar the looks.
Dont get me wrong i love my iPhone, but will not be disappointed when i eventually get a G1 (going to purchase it off someone so i dont need to sign up for another contract).
As for the keyboard, its not perfect, but its usable and i never use a keyboard on the move when it would be difficult to use.

These 2 are too close to call and think it comes down to personal preference after playing with them both.
You cannot pan the iphone similarly you cannot pan the G1. Its like the difference between getting a BMW and a Mercedes, you will like one more than the other for your own reasons.

Im off to hunt a G1 down and sell my iPhone.

So many people selling there iPhone for a G1 now, couple of people have done it at work since I got mine. It's still getting passed about the office when someone sees it.

ROBIN50N · 11-12-2008, 5:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhcq2002

So many people selling there iPhone for a G1 now, couple of people have done it at work since I got mine. It's still getting passed about the office when someone sees it.

me too my iphones gone. has anyone tried the pkt ebay app, you scan a barcode and it comes up with all aucions for that item. the apps keep getting better on g1.

mhcq2002 · 11-12-2008, 5:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBIN50N

me too my iphones gone. has anyone tried the pkt ebay app, you scan a barcode and it comes up with all aucions for that item. the apps keep getting better on g1.

I haven't seen that one. I'll check that out. Agree the apps are getting better. Think what it's going to be like in a year..

RobM · 11-12-2008, 9:19 PM

The Android OS seems unfinished to me. And it's biggest weakness us it's obviously trying desperately hard to not be like the iPhone and loses out on some simple usability in the process. I have no doubt that over the next couple of big updates/releases it will get better and slicker, but at the moment it's obviously a first release.

The hardware looks cheap and tacky with no class at all. Looks like something you'd see in a film from 20 years ago about the technology of 'the future'.

I have high hopes for Android and am sure that I'll be using it and supporting it one day, but not until it's a finished product. Although, being Google, I'm sure it will always be 'beta'

ROBIN50N · 11-12-2008, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobM83

The Android OS seems unfinished to me. And it's biggest weakness us it's obviously trying desperately hard to not be like the iPhone and loses out on some simple usability in the process. I have no doubt that over the next couple of big updates/releases it will get better and slicker, but at the moment it's obviously a first release.

The hardware looks cheap and tacky with no class at all. Looks like something you'd see in a film from 20 years ago about the technology of 'the future'.

I have high hopes for Android and am sure that I'll be using it and supporting it one day, but not until it's a finished product. Although, being Google, I'm sure it will always be 'beta'

have you used one proprly?

McPhee · 12-12-2008, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobM83

The Android OS seems unfinished to me. And it's biggest weakness us it's obviously trying desperately hard to not be like the iPhone and loses out on some simple usability in the process. I have no doubt that over the next couple of big updates/releases it will get better and slicker, but at the moment it's obviously a first release.

The hardware looks cheap and tacky with no class at all. Looks like something you'd see in a film from 20 years ago about the technology of 'the future'.

I have high hopes for Android and am sure that I'll be using it and supporting it one day, but not until it's a finished product. Although, being Google, I'm sure it will always be 'beta'

Same opinion here tbh. That keyboard is also pretty awefull! The G1 had so much potential, give it 6 months and that potential will be fulfilled by a new device.

RobM · 12-12-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBIN50N

have you used one proprly?

Yes thanks, hence my opinion. I spend a lot of time testing phones as it happens, mainly for business purposes rather than pleasure... but the gadget freak in me always manages to have his way too

It was clearly the first time Google and their partners have made an OS. Some signs of promising times ahead and a good community behind it to ensure it's well developed and supported, but a first draft. C-, could do better.

mhcq2002 · 12-12-2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McPhee

Same opinion here tbh. That keyboard is also pretty awefull! The G1 had so much potential, give it 6 months and that potential will be fulfilled by a new device.

For me I love the keyboard, everything's easy to press.

Sonic67 · 12-12-2008, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaced_K

Headphones .... i love using my Iphone as an ipod with my Shure 110 headphones, which i wont be able to use if i change.

You need a USB to headphone adaptor. Mine cost me about £5 with postage and packing.

Amazon.co.uk: HTC headphone USB

rodd1000 · 12-12-2008, 11:48 AM

I think there are many people who want their phone to look like an iPhone hence why some don't like the originality of the G1. The G1 as a device deserves merit in it's own right. No one seems to mention how good the touch screen is, compared to every other WM or blackberry device it is outstanding. Some people like hardware keyboards some don't, the G1's is every bit as good as the touch pro's or x1's or anything else out there. I'd bet in 6 months time there still isn't a Android device on the market that improves on the design and functionality of the G1.

McPhee · 12-12-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhcq2002

For me I love the keyboard, everything's easy to press.

Moving from an E90 to a G1, it really didn't click with me. I didn't like the layout of the keys, their size or the feel of them. The block on the right side annoyed me as well, it didn't stop me from typing but it made it much harder. All in all i found the G1 a little clumbsy, it's a great phone in need of refinement.

RobM · 12-12-2008, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodd1000

I think there are many people who want their phone to look like an iPhone hence why some don't like the originality of the G1. The G1 as a device deserves merit in it's own right. No one seems to mention how good the touch screen is, compared to every other WM or blackberry device it is outstanding. Some people like hardware keyboards some don't, the G1's is every bit as good as the touch pro's or x1's or anything else out there. I'd bet in 6 months time there still isn't a Android device on the market that improves on the design and functionality of the G1.

That's an impossible bet to win, based on your own words. It's subjective, it's personal opinion. What I like, you may hate and visa versa.