Google Android

GOOGLE ANDROID

The world's first Android-powered handset has finally hit the market under the guise of the T-Mobile G1 with Google, and it certainly doesn't disappoint in its 'Google-y-ness'.

The interface

Well, it's nicely laid out for starters. The icons that you like most can be placed wherever you want on the home screen, and you can wipe that left or right to access more applications you've decided need home screen loving.

The pull out menu and the fact you can 'pull down' open applications is very nice too... it works well and feel very intuitive.

The access to Google's applications, such as Mail or Maps, is very easy, and you can tell they've been formatted for this OS, as the simplicity of use, such as having your mail laid out in a long list, is easy to see and feel.

The G1

The slide out keyboard has a nice feel to it; the keys aren't too far apart and the whole thing sits nicely in the hand in both landscape and portrait mode, though operating the trackball with one hand and using the touchscreen was a little bit tricky.

Messaging, be it MMS, SMS or e-mail, is only available via the QWERTY, and the little kickblock at the bottom of the handset, where the call / terminate, menu, home and back buttons are housed, get right in the way when you're typing.

However, let's look at the negative points right now: no accelerometer, no 3.5mm headphone jack, the handset is a bit bulky (though it does have a keyboard) and there's not even a hint of multi-touch.