My First 2 Hours With a G1 - Review

[GoCubs]

There was not a turn-by-turn app pre-installed or immediately available in the market. If you have the GPS satellites enabled, and they have a good signal, Google Maps will show your position moving along streets as you drive/walk.

There is supposedly a turn-by-turn program coming soon that uses a good deal of GMaps for its data, but adds in voice-over and navigation abilities.

I dont wanna say your wrong but this thing does not project your location in Google maps at all. Im sitting outside in my yard, and it usually projects me where ever the nearest cell site is. SO in turn if your far from a cell site, then its gunna be a few miles away, The 'location' tool in google maps basically shows where you are in a 2-3 mile range, sometimes closer depending on the situation. So no it wont walk with you, I just tried, While driving it usually takes a few minutes for it to change location, due to switching of cell sites. That is how the GPS works so far. AGPS is assisted which uses satalites AND cell sites to guide you and locate you within a few yards sometimes. This device from I have heard does not have the hardware or software for this type of Tom Tom turn by turn directions. BUT someone else from HTC did say that it does have the capability to do this but no one has developed an application to do it.

I hate to say this but Im leaning towards this phone does not have the hardware to do so. Well just have to wait and see.

[DesignDawg]

I dont wanna say your wrong but this thing does not project your location in Google maps at all. Im sitting outside in my yard, and it usually projects me where ever the nearest cell site is. SO in turn if your far from a cell site, then its gunna be a few miles away, The 'location' tool in google maps basically shows where you are in a 2-3 mile range, sometimes closer depending on the situation. So no it wont walk with you, I just tried, While driving it usually takes a few minutes for it to change location, due to switching of cell sites. That is how the GPS works so far. AGPS is assisted which uses satalites AND cell sites to guide you and locate you within a few yards sometimes. This device from I have heard does not have the hardware or software for this type of Tom Tom turn by turn directions. BUT someone else from HTC did say that it does have the capability to do this but no one has developed an application to do it.

I hate to say this but Im leaning towards this phone does not have the hardware to do so. Well just have to wait and see.

There are videos online that demonstrate it having accurate GPS. I won't search because there are probably dozens. The CPU in the phone has AGPS built in.

[snoslicer8]

I dont wanna say your wrong but this thing does not project your location in Google maps at all. Im sitting outside in my yard, and it usually projects me where ever the nearest cell site is. SO in turn if your far from a cell site, then its gunna be a few miles away, The 'location' tool in google maps basically shows where you are in a 2-3 mile range, sometimes closer depending on the situation. So no it wont walk with you, I just tried, While driving it usually takes a few minutes for it to change location, due to switching of cell sites. That is how the GPS works so far. AGPS is assisted which uses satalites AND cell sites to guide you and locate you within a few yards sometimes. This device from I have heard does not have the hardware or software for this type of Tom Tom turn by turn directions. BUT someone else from HTC did say that it does have the capability to do this but no one has developed an application to do it.

I hate to say this but Im leaning towards this phone does not have the hardware to do so. Well just have to wait and see.

Sorry to call you on it, but YOU are wrong. You don't have the GPS satellites enabled.

Go to your settings menu, and tap on the setting group that has 'Location' in the name. You need to put a checkmark in the box that says 'Use GPS Satellites (Requires more battery)'.

Once you do that, and go back into maps, it takes around 2 minutes to get a locked signal (this is the same with ALL GPS systems, not just the G1). Once you do, your position will be accurate within a few meters.

[kaysesoze]

This is great information about the G1 and great hands on review. Now i just want mines to get delivered early. im still mad my area wont get 3G till 1st or 2nd Qtr or 2009.

[jdlorinser]

Wow!! Wonderful, Neat and Exciting Review!!!!

[dherna]

snoslicer8, is there anything you did not like about the G1? Maybe things that need to be worked out?

[snoslicer8]

I think I was a little too giddy to find any major gripes with things.

I am SURE that I will find stuff that needs to be changed as I use the G1 from day to day.

From exploring the phone's features just for the first two hours, I couldn't find anything standing out like a sore thumb.

[tiki]

Can I get a comparison of the G1's keyboard to the SideKick's keyboard?

I've heard the keys are "flatter" and less "clicky" on the G1- not sure if I like the sound of that- since I love that tactile keys on the SK and it seesm to me they are just about perfect

anyone try both?

[snoslicer8]

Can I get a comparison of the G1's keyboard to the SideKick's keyboard?

I've heard the keys are "flatter" and less "clicky" on the G1- not sure if I like the sound of that- since I love that tactile keys on the SK and it seesm to me they are just about perfect

anyone try both?

I put in my review that I am a longtime Sidekick user, and this keyboard is as close (if not better than) as anyone has been. It felt natural and fast to type on...as fast as I once was on the SK family.

[tiki]

Awesome!

That SK keyboard was so good I couldnt leave the device.. but I almost did for the Iphone because I couldnt stand how outdated the browser had gotten.. now I'll have the best of everything.

People who havent been SideKick users are really gonna find out how much better it is having that tactile keyboard and trakball..