The T-Mobile G1 phone went on sale today in the UK with several T-Mobile stores open from 0700GMT this morning.

Based on the open-source operating system Android, made by Google, the handset comes free with a £40-a-month contract.

The G1 is the result of a three-way partnership between Google, T-Mobile and handset-maker HTC.

Since it was launched in the US last month, more than 25,000 people have registered with T-Mobile.

The G1 packs in a 3-megapixel camera, 3.2in touchscreen and a slide-out Qwerty keyboard.

There's also built-in GPS (global positioning system) technology and 2GB of memory, expandable to 8GB via an SD memory slot. The G1 connects to the web using 3G networks.

James Parker of Moneysupermarket.com said: "The G1 Google phone looks set to be an innovative handset and will certainly provide competition to the iPhone."

"Although slightly lacking in the looks department, advantages over the iPhone include a superior camera and much better web browsing," he added.

Parker singled out the open-source operating system for special attention.

"Android is an innovative and powerful operating system offering unlimited potential for the software on the handset as the capabilities are, in effect, determined by those writing the software," Parker said.

However, he did advise caution with the glut of smartphones hitting the market of late: "People really need to think about what they use their phone for before rushing out and buying the new 'It' phone," he added.

www.t-mobile.co.uk
www.moneysupermarket.com

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