[February 10, 2010] Google's Nexus One boasts fabulous screen, but wait for more carriers before buying Tweet Feb 10, 2010 (The Dallas Morning News - McClatchy-Tribune News Service via COMTEX) -- The Nexus One from Google is almost a great phone. As it is, it's probably the best phone now available to T-Mobile users. The Nexus One does make a great first impression. The large screen is matched with a slender frame, and turning the device on provides a snazzy dose of pointless eye-candy startup animation. Since it runs on Google's Android phone software, the Nexus One requires a Google account. If you've got a Gmail account, just enter your username and password. If you don't have an account, setting one up is easy. From there, it's standard smart phone territory. You can set up your Web-based or Exchange-based e-mail account, browse the Web, shoot photos, etc. The Nexus One is more or less competent at all these basic tasks (the excellent camera and large, high-res, Web-friendly display are the high points). But it misses some marks. For instance, the Nexus One runs on only T-Mobile's 3G wireless network. Unfortunately, T-Mobile probably has the smallest 3G network of any of the big national carriers, and I was bouncing in and out of 3G coverage as I drove around Dallas. Google just released a software update that should alleviate some of the problems with on-again, off-again 3G connectivity that Nexus One users are seeing. But you'll still be somewhat at T-Mobile's mercy. If the rumor mills are to be believed, then 3G versions of the Nexus One for both Sprint and AT&T are on the way, both of which have more extensive 3G networks. And Google has already promised a version for Verizon Wireless. Right now, Nexus One is available unsubsidized for $529, or on a two-year T-Mobile contract for a reasonable $179. Network issues aside, the Android 2.1 operating system is functional, but lacks the panache of Palm's webOS or idiot-proof simplicity of the iPhone. Android certainly isn't bad, and I got up and running pretty quickly. But I did occasionally find myself wondering stuff like "Now, how do I get to the Wi-Fi options screen again?" I also was not thrilled with the finger-touch responsiveness of the screen at times. The biggest problems were when I tried to tap an on-screen icon along the bottom of the screen, as the screen sometimes didn't register my touch. Touch-typing, though, was a breeze. Which is nice, since the Nexus One doesn't include a physical keyboard, unlike, say, the Motorola Droid on Verizon Wireless. In fact, if the Droid feels a bit too "Set phasers to liquefy!" for your taste, then the Nexus One might be more your speed. I'm still not really sure why Google decided to get into the business of making phones (technically, HTC manufactures the Nexus One, but this is Google's baby). But the Nexus One is a solid piece of machinery. If it were already available for any other carrier, I'd recommend it wholeheartedly. But with availability from other carriers looming, I'd suggest waiting a little longer. ___ GOOGLE NEXUS ONE Pros: Stylish, comfortable and boasting perhaps the best cellphone screen available. Cons: Limited 3G network coverage available from T-Mobile, and this phone feels useless without fast Internet; touch screen occasionally a bit wonky. Bottom line: Unless you're a T-Mobile diehard, you might want to wait for another carrier to get its hands on the Nexus One before buying. ___ (c) 2010, The Dallas Morning News. Visit The Dallas Morning News on the World Wide Web at http://www.dallasnews.com Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]