I admit it.  I'm a bit of a geek when it comes to gadgets.  So when I heard that T-Mobile was coming out with the Android phone, the G1, I pre-ordered it immediately.

For the past year, I've had iPhone envy.  I am a Mac user and so naturally I drooled over it's sleek design, the touch screen, and the plethora of applications to make it one's "own".  I watched as friends and family members got theirs and couldn't help feeling slightly resentful as they swiped and touched their screen while I was doing the Crackberry "prayer" with my thumbs.  And yes, I wallowed in sadness whenever someone replied to one of my emails with their subtle, yet smug signature "Sent from my iPhone".  But I refused to switch to AT&T/Cingular to get one because I didn't want to pay those darn fees from T-Mobile.  Being on a family plan just made it that more complicated.

So, yes, I stalked the T-Mobile site when I heard they'd be offering their existing customers the opportunity to pre-order the G1 on the Android platform.  My reward?  I got it a day earlier than promised.  Bliss!

And let me tell you.  I'm so glad I held out.  T-Mobile's Android phone is awesome.  I'm a Gmail user.  In fact, I use Gmail to manage several different email accounts.  Because the Android platform is developed by Google, the phone comes tricked out with all the Google apps.  So the beauty of this?  I don't have to worry about keeping track of...wait for it...syncing cables or remembering to sync in the first place because within seconds every action I take on the G1 is reflected on my Gmail account on my computer and vice versa.

Sa-weet!

I can't tell you how many times I'd forget an appointment or find myself without someone's phone number because I hadn't remembered to sync my Blackberry or Smarphone (I had the Treo when it first came out).  As a mom that juggles working virtually, keeping her preschooler and husband happy, and keeping the house clean (ok, who are we kidding, my housecleaning skills still need some work), one less task to complete to make sure I stay organized in the first place takes top honors in my book.

Since the Android platform is open-source, this also means that developers everywhere can provide amazing applications.  The market is still lean on applications to choose from but I did pick up some pretty cool games and there is an Skype (one of my newest obsessions) application for the Android called iSkoot.  I also downloaded the Twitter app for the G1, Twitroid, and it blows my Twitter Blackberry experience out of the water!

Finally, not only does the G1 offer touch screen capabilities but it's got a nifty slide out QWERTY keyboard too.  I actually prefer this if I am typing an email, a text message, or a Twitter update.  And switching between the keyboard and touch screen works seamlessly.

Other features Moms will love:

• The "draw pattern to unlock" function is very cool but still gives you the option to make an emergency call with one touch...giving you peace of mind.


• Street view maps in select cities.


• The 1 GB mini SanDisk that comes with the phone.


• The camera.


• YouTube comes loaded.


• The ability to play music from the phone without headphones.  While it doesn't come with a headphone jack, they included G1 compatible headphones with the device.


• Voice dialing.


• And yes, it includes MyFaves

After reading all the mixed reviews about the G1 I was a little worried, but I'm super excited about this phone and it's already exceeding my expectations.

And the cost?  Actually it's a pretty good deal!  New T-Mobile customers can snag the G1 for $179.99 and get 1000 Anytime minutes plus unlimited web, text, IM, and photo messages for about $75 a month.  There are less expensive pricing options for minutes/data too.  Check out T-Mobile for  more details.

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