T-Mobile Preparing for G1 Launch Day

The T-Mobile G1 -- the highly-anticipated very first smartphone running Android -- is going to launch tomorrow, and this wireless provider is making special plans.

Many T-Mobile retail stores will open early, 8 am local time, to begin selling this device. These stores will be in the 95 cities in major U.S. markets where T-Mobile's burgeoning 3G service is available.

Those who are not in a 3G market and want to order a T-Mobile G1, they can do so in a store or online, but it will have to be shipped to them. 

Information about where this carrier's 3G service is available can be found at www.t-mobile.com/pcc.

The G1's price will be $180 with a two-year voice and data agreement.

Special Launch Event

T-Mobile is also holding special event in San Francisco later today. In one store, the G1 will go on sale before it's available anywhere else.

This will take place at the 3rd and Market store today (Tuesday, Oct. 21) at 6 pm PT.

Those interested in purchasing a T-Mobile G1 from the San Francisco location today are encouraged to arrive early as supplies will be limited and sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Hoping for Fireworks

It seems clear that T-Mobile and Google are hoping that the launch of the G1 will come with the same kind of hoopla that has surrounded the introduction of Apple's iPhone models.

If so, there will be long lines of people so eager to get their hands on this device that they'll wait for hours in the cold, generating loads of free publicity.

The two companies might get their wish; according to an unconfirmed report, 1.5 million G1s have already been pre-ordered, sight unseen.

More About the T-Mobile G1

The T-Mobile G1 will be a consumer-oriented smartphone with support for this carrier's new 3G network.

It will include an 3.2-inch HVGA touchscreen, a QWERTY keyboard, GPS, and Wi-Fi. It will also sport a microSD card slot and a 3.2 megapixel camera.

The G1 will have a highly functional web browser, and will support many of Google's services, like Gmail and Google Maps.

Overall, it will be 4.60 inches by 2.2 inches by 0.60 inches, and weigh 5.6 ounces.

The G1 will be released in the United Kingdom in November.

Related Articles:

• T-Mobile G1 Preview
• T-Mobile Has Already Sold 1.5 Million Android-Powered Smartphones
• Android Will Get Its Own App Store