Syncing the HTC Dream/T-Mobile G1

There’s been a lot mentioned on the intertubes about the HTC Dream/T-Mobile G1 since it was announced 2 days ago.

I’ve pre-ordered mine, and I’m looking forward to gnawing on it – tasty bits, nom, nom, nom :)

Why? Here’s what I’m excited about:
- First ever Android device
- First HSDPA/HSUPA smartphone on T-Mobile USA”s new AWS network
- Open source, linux-based OS/platform
- Full integration with Google mail, IM, contacts, calendar, and maps (including Street View)
- Android Market application store and Amazon MP3 music store (DRM free)
- Copy & paste, background processes
- Capacitive touchscreen and hardware keyboard
- WiFi, dual-band 3G, GPS, and compass
- 3 megapixel auto-focus camera

Here’s what appears to be missing:
- No Bluetooth DUN (tethering), ObEx (file transfer), and A2DP (stereo audio)
- No multi-touch functionality
- No standard 3.5 mm audio connector (adapter required)
- No video recording and camera flash
- No integration with Google reader and docs
- No UMA support
- Not so sexy design

But there’s one item several people are getting flustered about: syncing the HTC Dream/T-Mobile G1

Apple IPhone 3G vs. HTC Dream/T-Mobile G1

I scaled my screen to make this HTC Dream/T-Mobile G1 exactly 4.6″ x 2.16″, placed my Apple iPhone 3G up against the screen, and snapped a picture with my Nokia N95-3.

Hmmm… Interesting!

Tasty bits, revisited

Yes, I know. I’ve completely & utterly failed at maintaining my tasty bits column – it’s been dormant since late April…

It appears I don’t have the time or motivation to publish it in the present format, so I’ve decided to try something new – and this is it!

Here’s a list of tasty bits, devices I’m excited about, and hoping to get my hands on.

- Nokia N85:
Take the awesome N95-3, add a lens cover, add European 3G (in addition to US 3G), add USB charging, replace the single LED flash with a dual ultra-bright LED unit, replace the LCD with an OLED screen, and make it a lot thinner. That’s the N85, and after playing with it in Helsinki, I can’t wait to replace my N95-3 :)

- HTC Dream/T-Mobile G1:
What’s not to be excited about? It’s the first Android device and the first HSDPA smartphone on T-Mobile USA’s AWS network. Want! See you in line…

- Samsung i8510 (INNOV8):
Take the N95-2 (European 8GB), add a lens cover, add a micro-SD card slot, replace the 5 megapixel sensor with an 8 megapixel unit, replace the single LED flash with a dual ultra-bright LED unit, and make it a bit thinner. That’s the INNOV8, and I’ve played with it. It’s a great phone, other than the lack of US 3G.

- LG KC910 (Renoir):
If my experience with the LG Vu is any indication, this device might be worth getting for the 8 megapixel camera alone. Hopefully, LG’s improved the touch screen and user interface…

- Lenovo IdeaPad S10:
It’s the only 10″ netbook that I’m excited about, because it offers a great balance between price, features and design (it even looks like a smaller IdeaPad U110). Hopefully, it’s just as mod-able as my Acer Aspire One!

- Voodoo Envy 133:
I’m not a PC person, but I love everything about the Envy – the ultra-thin design, the carbon-fiber body, the Ethernet port on the AC adapter, the external optical drive, the back-lit keyboard, the removable battery. It almost makes me want to cheat on my MacBook Air :)

Here’s a few more random pieces:

- I got to play with the Yamaha Tenori-on at Austin GDC last week. It’s a very cool device. Here’s a video of it in action, featuring industry colleague and rock star Kurt Larson…

- I made a couple more videos during my trip to Finland. I’ve also posted the last of my pictures.

- Have I mentioned how much I enjoy Nokia’s design direction, lately? Even its low-end devices are sexy!

More from Finland

Today was the second and final day of Nokia Open Lab workshops:
- Presentation by Adam Greenfield
- Presentation by Udo Szabo
- Eco workshop
- Group photo (and more)

Adam Greenfield was definitely the most interesting speaker…

The event ended mid afternoon so we decided to take the ferry to the Suomenlinna sea fort. Check out my pictures!

In the evening we went for a traditional Finnish meal followed by lots of socializing – definitely a great day overall :)

Helsinki update

Today was the first day of Nokia Open Lab workshops:
- Social media
- Location media
- Entertainment media
- Collaborative media

The workshops resulted in some very interesting discussions. I facilitated my group’s discussion for the third workshop: entertainment media. We focused on music!

Later in the day we went to the original Nokia Flagship Store where I got to play with the Nokia N85 (again, this time in N00 prototype form) and the Nokia N79…

While having coffee with JKK, I also managed to capture a Vodafone-branded BlackBerry 9000 (Bold) in the wild :)

Like yesterday, we ended the day with another party for lots of networking.

Nokia Open Lab 2008

Yes, I’m in Helsinki for the Nokia Open Lab workshops!

It’s been great so far. We went to Nokia House (the world headquarters) where I got to play with the flagship Nokia N96 and the awesome Nokia N85 at the Nokia Lounge…

I also managed to capture a prototype Samsung i8510 (INNOV8) in the wild :)

Keep an eye on my pictures and my Twitter account for updates.

Update: one, two.

Interlude

So I’ve been back from the desert for about a week – take a look at my pictures, snapped with my Nokia N95-3 :)

Now that I’ve returned, here’s what’s happening:
- I’m playing with a Nokia E71 for a couple weeks
- Tomorrow I’m heading to Helsinki for the Nokia Open Lab workshops…
- Then I’m off to Austin GDC!
- I’m still waiting for some parts to arrive for part 3 of my multi-part post on modding the Acer Aspire One