The Google Nexus One

The Nexus One by HTC/Google was announced on January 5, 2010; my unit arrived the day after and I immediately set it up to see what the hype was about.  I have now had it for well over 7 days and decided  that I would share my experiences thus far.  If you are here looking for a journalistic piece on the device then you are at the wrong place since my writing skills are not up to journalistic standards.  That said I hope to make this post informative.  Enjoy!

The Nexus One currently ships with Android 2.1 for its operating system and can be purchased unlocked for $529USD so that it can be used on any GSM based carrier.  The 3G radio, however, is limited to T-Mobile.  A subsidized version of the device is also available for a considerably lower cost and a 2 year commitment to T-Mobile.  Google’s Nexus One site does state that the device will be available to Verizon Wireless (CDMA) customers in the US and Vodafone customers in the UK later this year.

Usability:

I am personally a Blackberry user and have been ever since the product was introduced to the US.  While I appreciate a QWERTY keyboard on my mobile device, it is something I can learn to give up if the technology will allow it.  I have also been using iPhone’s for a while and my typing skills are 3rd grade level at best; Android 2.1 and the HTC Oled screen seem to have resolved this issue – somewhat.  The virtual keyboard on the Android 2.1 has proven to be slightly better that the one found on the Motorola DROID and seems to be more aware of its user.  My fingers are huge and if I can type on a touch screen without 40 backspace taps…then I know we are moving in the right direction.  The Nexus One has improved my ‘virtual typing’ speeds and that alone leaves me somewhat impressed with this device.

When I received the phone, it became my primary smartphone so that I could ascertain whether it would be something I could use daily.  I am happy to report that I do not miss my Blackberry Bold 9700 and or iPhone at this time and that I am able to get more functionality from one device in the process.  Currently my other devices are both forwarded (calls) to my Nexus One and my experience continues to improve/impress on a regular basis.  There is, however,  one caveat; T-Mobile.  T-Mobile is the only provider that will work with 3G based speeds on this device and unfortunately that is something I cannot work with.  AT&T is my primary carrier, even though they are riddled with their own 3G service related issues.  The Nexus One will support AT&T service on the slower EDGE network and that is something I will be testing in the days ahead…along with my Novatel Mi-Fi for faster data speeds over EVDO based cellular networks.

I use multiple GMAIL based accounts and one corporate Exchange based email account.  The new functionality in Android 2.1 allow for multiple GMAIL accounts to be combined into one inbox and replies to be sent from the receiving account…excellent.  The exchange client works as well as it can with one major feature missing, calendar sync.  For me this was easy to resolve since I do not maintain a personal calendar; I only use the calendar on Exchange for both business and personal.  Google offers an application for Exchange users to synchronize their calendar to their GMAIL account, which in turn synchronizes to the Nexus One.  Google Calendar Sync is the application required; it works perfectly as long as it is running on a Windows system with your Exchange account configured (naturally it will not work when the desktop system is not available).

Pros:

1. Beautifully designed hardware with a gorgeous OLED display
2. Full integration with Google inclusive of Google Voice
3. Elegant packaging (ear buds, charger, data cable, and case included)
4. Android 2.1 and eco system that surrounds it
5. Voice control – The ability to fill in any text field with dictation
6. Multiple email accounts into one combined inbox
7. GPS aware weather and news application
8. Google Earth
9. Excellent battery life

Cons:

1. Lack of Exchange calendar synchronization (can be resolved by syncing Exchange calendar to Google calendar)
2. Limited to 3G on T-Mobile (which has been problematic)
3. Lack of clarity on who will support users with problems on unlocked devices
4. Speaker a bit too tinny
5. Camera still seems like a cell phone camera, even at 5mp
6. Cost ($529USD for unlocked and unsubsidized device)

Conclusion:

Android continues to evolve at a stellar rate so that its usability improves and becomes more compelling to those that appreciate an open infrastructure.  The Android Market place still has a way to go before it can/will impress the consumer that wishes to switch to a Google based device.  That being said the technology savvy and or ‘die hard geeks’ are sure to flock to Android based devices simply based on their open infrastructure.

I hope you enjoyed the post above.  I am sure I could go on and on, given the time.  Please do share your thoughts and experiences via the commenting system.