T-Mobile showed off its new G1 mobile phone at a press event in New York Tuesday, thus becoming the first carrier to offer a device run on Google’s Android open source mobile platform.
The device, which was developed by device manufacturer HTC, has many of the features commonly seen on many of smartphones on the market, including a touchscreen with drop-and-drag capabilities, a pull-out QWERTY keyboard, and a host of Web-based applications for maps, music and instant messaging.

So business users in search of an effective and speedy smartphone will be pleased to hear that the first phone using Google's Android operating system has just been announced in New York. My encounter with the first handset to reach London was hugely positive. It was fast, responsive and highly enjoyable to use.

The handset has a large, bright and high-resolution touchscreen similar to the iPhone's – it responds to a finger, but not a stylus.

Good job, then, that it has a full QWERTY keypad, revealed when you slide the screen sideways. This sets out its business chops (although you could still use it for instant messaging or updating your Facebook status, kids!) and the screen reformats to landscape so you're ready to type.

Although it's so customisable that everyone's phone will be different, you do have to have a Google Mail account to get started. The phone regularly checks to see if you've had any new mails – if you don't like BlackBerry, set your office email to forward to this Google Mail account and it's an efficient and cost-effective way to keep in touch. Other email accounts can be added. Of course, Google's other applications, like documents and spreadsheets are available, plus Google Maps which uses the built-in GPS.

Features:


Date and Pricing
$179 on October 22nd. (That's with a two year contract.) Unlimited internet with "some messaging" will run $25/month. Unlimited internet and messaging is $35/month. Data plans will require voice plans.

Screen
The G1 sports a 3.17" 65K color touchscreen that runs in HVGA (480×320) resolution.

Battery Life
You can talk for 5 hours, or keep the phone in standby for 130 hours.

Camera
3.1MP, or right around 35mm 4x6 print quality.

Frequency Fun
GSM/GPRS/EDGE/Wi-Fi and UMTS/HSDPA
850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100Mhz

Dimensions
4.60” x 2.16” x 0.62”; Weight: 5.6 ounces. And available in white, black and brown.

Storage
1GB MicroSD card preinstalled. Supports 8GB MicroSD.

GPS
Of course, what would Google Maps be without it?

Google Maps
G1's Maps application will integrate Street View so you can see where you are going. But in an industry first, a built-in compass orients the map to your position. North is always up!

Android Market
Similar to the iPhone's mobile App Store, the Android Market will allow downloading of various Android apps from the phone, to the phone.

Amazon MP3 Store
Amazon's MP3 store will be preloaded on every G1, allowing the download of 6 million DRM-free tracks with singles starting at 89 cents. Downloading music requires a Wi-Fi connection, previewing can be done over T-Mobile's network.

YouTube
Yep, it's on there.

T-Mobile’s unveiling of the world’s first Android phone comes ten months after Google first announced its intention to distribute Android as an open source mobile operating system. U.S. carriers Sprint and Verizon have also committed to eventually supporting Android-based devices on their networks.