Network World Provides Good Explanation of G1 And the iPhone

I love charts as much as the next guy but sometimes they don't tell you everything.  Network World, of all places, have a pretty good comparison between G1 and the iPhone, two platform devices in existence, with explanations and added details that goes into how each device gets things done.


Here are some important highlights between the G1 and iPhone.  But before I get into it, I want to be sure to remind my fellow mobile warriors that I'm trying to be as fair as possible because G1 is still locked up until October 22nd and, so far, we've only had a few hands-on reports for short durations from Tuesday's event.  I'm guess things will change between now and then.


I simply want to explain that a bit.  I also walked away with a weird bitter taste given Google's no so open "open platform", T-Mobile's 1GB cap with 3G access, and Google's capitulation towards T-Mobile demands.  (Here for more on that.)

• iPhone requires iTunes to sync to music, videos, and podcasts.  G1 has no desktop component and will only work wirelessly to transfer files.  Not a lot of details like I said so we'll have to wait and see.  iPhone can buy music through Wi-Fi as well.  But since Apple shut down Podcaster, you can only get some podcasts directly from the sources.
• Talk time is a wash here but the iPhone does have a longer standby time.  However, the G1 kicks ass in terms of power because of it's removal battery.
• Amazon's mp3 store is available on G1.  iTunes on the iPhone.  Amazon's music are generally cheaper without DRM.  Amazon would win big if Android grows.  Smart move by Amazon and Google.  
• Google dominates both the G1 and iPhone as the default search engine.  But the iPhone is less reliant on Google.  G1 requires a Google account to operate.  Not very open.  I have an issue with that being the claim.
• 1GB on the G1 versus 8GB on the lower end iPhone model.  
• QWERTY keyboard on the G1 versus virtual keyboard on the iPhone.  
• Multi-touch on the iPhone gives it flexibility but the G1 only has touch and swipe.  But again, the G1 has a pointer and a physical keyboard.  Looks like the Sidekick.  Kids'll like it.
• App store for the iPhone is very much walled.  No arguments there.  Google would like to claim Android Marketplace is open.  It's not.  Google will take a look at each and every app.  And some apps like VOIP will not be allowed on the G1.  T-Mobile made sure of it.

Again, it's too early to tell but Google did a great job with G1.  My problem isn't with G1 or Android but Google itself.  Stop saying it's open when it's not and you're running the show from behind the curtain.  If Google is not being honest about this now, what other restrictions about the G1 have yet to surface?


Otherwise, I had been ready to pre-order it.  I still might.


Please head to Network World for more comparisons.