Since the G1, running on Google Android, is so new, I'll discuss some of the other points about the phone for anyone interested. I previously discussed the features that sold me on the G1. Everyone is very excited about the Android operating system, however, there have been serious misgivings about the HTC G1 hardware that is running this first generation Android.
People seem to be confused about the "chin" on the phone where the bottom part tilts slightly. I was confused, too, but didn't think it was as much of an issue that others were making, it still fits fine in my back pocket. Once I laid it down on a table the purpose of the "chin" became abundantly clear: it protects the trackball and screen. The tilt is just at the correct angle to prevent the trackball from getting squished into the table, which also conveniently prevents the screen from scratching along some dust or dirt.
I find the trackball extremely useful. It makes it easier to click on small links in a browser, and scroll down a web page or through a list. I also find I use it a lot for navigating, going through settings, switching to the password field, clicking OK, etc. It is most useful when you are using the keyboard so you do not have to reposition your hands.
There is one click access to the camera. There is a button dedicated to the camera that acts as both the camera's quick activation and shutter. I didn't even notice the button until I read the manual, so it is rather discreet. The usefulness of having a camera on a phone for those impromptu moments is made even more useful by being fast to activate!
The full keyboard is great, with a full number row. It certainly makes typing my passwords in easier, since I generally only remember them from their keystrokes, rather than their actual characters. Some people suspected that typing around the "chin" would be difficult, however, I find the exact opposite is true. The right side next to the "chin" is much easier to type on, while it becomes increasingly difficult the farther left I go where the 'left-shift' and 'A' keys are the most awkward. The "chin" actually makes it easier for me to hold the phone, while my hand feels like it is going to fall off the left side.
The battery life is poor, but is apparently on par with the iPhone. The good side, though, is that the battery is removable allowing power users to carry spares. You will have to charge it every day, and some may want to charge it whenever you sit down at a computer through the USB charger.
The headphone (and wired hands-free) jack is the same as the jack to charge the phone. Ggrr. I was excited to get a modern phone for wired hands-free talking (I avoid anything that requires batteries), but I'm disappointed that I can not charge the phone in the car while talking hands-free with a wired jack.
In the end, my largest misgivings are the keyboard and headphone jack. I do not feel these are deal-breaker issues, as obviously I made the decision to lock myself into this phone while experiencing these problems. The track ball + large touch interface + full keyboard make this a much better phone for me than the iPhone or Blackberry.
