T-Mobile G1 pre-orders sell out (update: not quite yet)

If you're a T-Mobile customer who's been dozing off for the past few days, you've already missed your chance to pre-order yourself a G1. With any luck, that won't be a problem and you'll just be able to march into a store on or around October 22 and pick one up the old-fashioned way, but the window of opportunity for an utterly stress-free Android buying experience is closed. We don't have hard numbers on just how many units were being offered through the pre-order program, but 60,000 is getting tossed around as a rumor, which would work out to about 10 percent of the total outlay HTC is said to be aiming for by year's end. Of course, if you're not a T-Mobile customer, this is all business as usual and you're just chuckling under your breath that everyone's stuck in the same boat now, aren't you, you sick puppy?

[Via TmoNews]

Update: Well, that was quick -- the "Log in to order" button is working once again. Any bets on how long until they're out a second time?

[TheAzureKnight @ Sep 27th 2008 3:04PM]

PROFIT!

Good for T-Mobile!

[George @ Sep 27th 2008 3:06PM]

Yes, I am a sick little puppy.

[TareX @ Sep 27th 2008 3:17PM]

After the initial bashing of many people (including me), while it's no Touch HD, the phone actually looks decent:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFN5cNpo7p4&feature=related

Let's not forget it will be a 3rd party developer FEST.....

As for hardware limitations, I can live without the 3.5" jack.... for me the front camera was more capable, had more potential, and was more important... anyway... could get it in 3 months after the good applications start showing up.

[rento @ Sep 27th 2008 6:33PM]

Not me, I think they didn't do a great job on the device. Is not just ugly but is also a little underpowered. If I could run Android on my 2 year old HTC I reckon it could run faster.

[Hardknock @ Sep 28th 2008 2:02AM]

@Rento

You're an idiot. This phone is more powerful than the iPhone by a pretty healthy margin (better CPU, better GPU, more Ram). Go to http://www.htc.com to check out the specs. Please know what you're talking about before spouting bullshit like that.

[Wonderkid @ Sep 27th 2008 3:17PM]

While am a fan of Android, as per any other product, selling out is meaningless. It all depends on how many you have in stock! 3? 300? 3000? Etc. This is a ploy used by Nintendo - even today, with the Wii. Yes, Wii is great, but the sales tacticts are dubious.

[Ryura @ Sep 27th 2008 4:34PM]

Yeah, because it's not like Nintendo is pushing out record-setting amounts of NEW Wiis each month.

[Kyran @ Sep 27th 2008 5:22PM]

Why do people keep calling out on Nintendo's supply issues as a ploy? Considering the Wii's supply "ploy" manages to still trounce their competition's sales figures by ridiculous margins, anyone who thinks Nintendo is trying to pinch their sales on purpose must have a seriously... SERIOUSLY low opinion of the other consoles.

As for the G1, apparently it's available for preorder again. My they restock quickly. :P Perhaps the site was just bugged.

[yao @ Sep 27th 2008 9:54PM]

why do people think it's a ploy? because, if they are really under supply constraints TWO YEARS after initial offering, heads would roll. believe me, it takes time to bring on new suppliers, but two years for an already spec'ed product is an eternity. no self respecting employee would be proud to say "i helped set up the supply chain of the wii" unless it was a marketing ploy.

[Kyran @ Sep 28th 2008 4:57PM]

This is nothing new in the console world, though. In Japan, the original NES had this sort of supply issue for nearly five years. Nintendo's partners who manufacture the Wii also do PS3 as well as a jillion other things. Considering the Wii has been breaking records continuously there's really only so many resources that can be practical to tap into.

I guess Toyota's Prius availability is also a "ploy" too even if that thing has been around a heck of a lot longer than the Wii. We all know these things just come out of thin air and all and meeting demand is just as simple as turning up the AC...

[dannyboy414 @ Sep 27th 2008 3:28PM]

Thank god, I got it when it was on pre-sale for $179, if you guys didn't notice it also went up to $299 and now sold out~

[holycow @ Sep 27th 2008 4:02PM]

It still says 179.99 on a 2-year contract...

[Ben @ Sep 29th 2008 6:06PM]

The price is dependent on your current contract standings. $179 is the lowest price if you're eligible for the full 2-year contract discount. $299 is the price is, for example, you're only one year through your current 2-year contract, however if you are a long time customer and don't qualify for the cheapest pre-order price, you can call them and they will usually note your account so you can get the cheaper price when it's officially released.

[Charbax @ Sep 27th 2008 3:32PM]

I don't think a company like HTC backed by a multinational corporation like T-Mobile would have any problem delivering more then enough devices to satisfy the demand.

It's not like the HTC G1 design is any groundbreaking in terms of screen resolution, multimedia codecs support, processing power or anything like that.. Their electronic compass thing might be kind of new though, but I wouldn't expect any of that delaying anything.

Probably that the reason number 1 that the HTC G1 isn't for sale right now, is to give Google a few more weeks to fix all the bugs and smooth out all the last details before releasing the Android OS 1.0, releasing 100% of the source code for everyone to look at. So basically most likely that the hardware is 100% ready and mass produced already, right now it's probably only a question of getting the software stable enough so nobody is going to complain about any bugs on the initial firmware releases.

[Bubba @ Sep 29th 2008 2:01PM]

That and T-Mo is still trying to buff out and test the new 3G-setup in all these new markets. They don't want to deal with all the complaints that AT&T has with the iPhoney 3G not working at 3G-speeds in lots of "covered" markets. Late to the show, but trying to do it right.

[Dagreenman18 @ Sep 27th 2008 3:38PM]

it's awesome to see that Android is going to start off with a nice sized market. when an Android based phone comes out that is not fugly, i'll be able to enjoy a fully market of awesome apps and hacks.

[Chandler @ Sep 27th 2008 3:38PM]

Pretty sure ebay is still taking pre-orders.

[Chandler @ Sep 27th 2008 3:42PM]

Huh...tell me this is an attempt at sarcasm.

[Colveraki @ Sep 27th 2008 3:46PM]

I just went to the tmobile website and It didnt say they were sold out for me. it was still letting me go through checkout

[Zinger314 @ Sep 27th 2008 3:46PM]

Ironically, all the pre-orders were purchased on iPhones.

[Johan S @ Sep 27th 2008 3:50PM]

Why would people buy this phone when the resolution is merely HVGA?

[ronald.raygun @ Sep 27th 2008 4:06PM]

Well dude, i went by your avatar which only said qvga sucks not hvga!

[TareX @ Sep 27th 2008 4:07PM]

1) This isn't the highest end Android. Just look at the price, and compare it to the Touch HD pricing.
2) Apple's #1 device has a HVGA screen.

[Benson @ Sep 27th 2008 6:43PM]

It's a good question, but lots of people don't mind. Plus, it's not all that expensive, so if you're a serious Android fan (maybe developer-style) and want an Android phone (to actually try your apps on actual hardware), you could buy this one, with the idea of upgrading when real phones with Android are available. (Touch HD with Android, anyone?)

[Who Knows @ Sep 27th 2008 6:55PM]

@Johan

What is the resolution on your phone?

[tinker_xp @ Sep 27th 2008 3:51PM]

I would love to get this phone, however, I don't get the best T-Mobile signal in the UK. Damn Them!

[thrasher @ Sep 27th 2008 3:57PM]

well they can keep mine, i dig the phone and planned to be first in line but the more i learn about the way its all tied to google im losing interest fast. I dont know enough about everything going on with all this to get excited anymore.

My main question is:Is/will android (even on on other phone/carriers) always be so tightly wrapped up with google? or will it truely be "open"? and be just a different os?
And are they going to try to kill off any apps that try to compete with googles in the app store? only time will tell i guess

I really dont like being forced into a Gmail account, and before the stupid flames about "just dont use it" start, thats not the point! The point is the word forced. I dont understand the thinking behind this deal, I am sure that android devices will sell like fire even if this is a standing condition of all sales, but I am sure there are others like me who wont buy into this and that will always translate into lost sales im sure they would love to have. so i guess for now i will have to wait and see what really happens.

[chefgon_ign @ Sep 27th 2008 5:23PM]

The whole point of the Android Market is that Google doesn't have control over what types of apps get approved. Even if they completely backpeddaled on the theme they've been singing since day one, you can still download apps from the internet and install them yourself. The Android Market is there for convenience, it is not the ONLY way to distribute an Android app.

[ronald.raygun @ Sep 27th 2008 4:05PM]

hmm what to do, what to do.

i prepurchased 1st day but my max upgrade discount isnt until the 26th of october...so get it 1st day for 299 or wait and see if they sell out by the 26th and get it at 179.

[Marino @ Sep 27th 2008 6:35PM]

Don't be silly. They won't run out.
This is not limited edition fine art.
It's a consumer device. It's made to be mass produced.
If previous experience with Sidekick is any guidance, it will be even cheaper in November.
Additional $50-100 rebates for new customers.

[gkanapathy @ Sep 27th 2008 4:07PM]

T-Mobile is letting me go through to checkout and order one. Although they do seem to be out of the white ones. Only black and brown left.

[technizzle @ Sep 27th 2008 4:32PM]

White ones are for in store launch only, pre orders are strictly black and brown

[jhon fer @ Sep 27th 2008 4:36PM]

i wonder if they r gonna pull an apple.... a mill sold on the first weekend. oh wait damn its already been more than 3 days (inc sun) well i guess not as big as the iphone. dont like the G1s design although its from a pretty cool company i must say that. well i like the 3G for now. maybe if they release a dif candidate.

[Jon Doe. @ Sep 27th 2008 11:13PM]

bitch. You do know that sales right now are ONLY for existing T Mobile customers and even then they are close to selling out? You didn't? Oh that's right.. You are a fucking fanboi who's religion is about to get pwned by a phone that is more open, more stable, and less restrictive then Apple and ATT's crap. Google, T Mobile, and a growing developer base are about to teach you fanfucks what it really means to think different. For once it won't be a slogan to hang on an overpriced buggy POS.

[Benhur @ Sep 27th 2008 5:12PM]

I "Hate" this comment system.

[djfake @ Sep 27th 2008 5:18PM]

yeah, I could order one, but now it costs $299. Now also available in "Google Black", whatever that means. Never saw the white one... Glad I ordered the fugly brown one last week!

[poopy_pants @ Sep 27th 2008 5:22PM]

I pre-ordered day one. Got a black one for $179. WOOHOOO!!!!!!!

[TareX @ Sep 27th 2008 5:38PM]

Unless you're an developer running out of patience, or a T-mobile customer with a contract renewal coming up, I don't think there's a strong reason to pre-order. Remember that Google is relying on developers to fix many issues and nuisances with this phone. I'd wait 3 months for the app store to fill, and for other Android phone options to be clearer.

[chas @ Sep 27th 2008 9:38PM]

Do you think the hardware will change in 3 months? Something tells me this has upgradeable firmware etc and that I'll be running Android 1.x in that time...

[Jon Doe. @ Sep 27th 2008 11:01PM]

Tardx,

Google isn't relying on anyone to FIX anything. Apple provides the entire OS and built in tools and we've seen what that does when developers come in direct competition to those built in Apple. Google provides the house, the plumbing, the power, and says go....make this something to live in. Complete, totally different philosophies on how to do this. I like Google's better. Yes starting out its rough going because there isn't anything there. Down the road though? Screw needing to have iTunes built in or crap like that on the iHype. You don't like something on an Android phone? Nuke it.

[greg @ Sep 27th 2008 6:23PM]

I cracked the screen on my T-Mobile Dash on the 21st, so what better excuse to get the G1 and I qualified for the full discount and got it for $179. This is gonna be fun! I wonder if somebody will make an iPhone skin for the UI :)

[chefgon_ign @ Sep 27th 2008 7:22PM]

That's such a sad story. The Dash is an epically great phone. I'm replacing my Dash with a G1 too, but I'm still mildly sad to see it go.

[Matthew @ Sep 27th 2008 6:54PM]

I believe it's been said that on launch day you won't be able to buy a G1 in store unless you live in a 3G market. But 2G markets can buy the pre-orders (though there is a warning).

[chefgon_ign @ Sep 27th 2008 7:23PM]

I thought that was an unconfirmed rumor that T-Mobile's CTO refuted on reveal day?

[eltoro2827 @ Sep 27th 2008 7:18PM]

android? ill pass.....no ad infested google crapware for me.

[Aaron @ Sep 27th 2008 9:53PM]

Clearly you don't know what you are talking about. This phone is not ad based.

[Jon Doe. @ Sep 27th 2008 10:57PM]

Aaron,

Of course he doesn't know what he's talking about. _Most_ Apple fanfucks buy their shit on looks and popularity. The ability to actually think critically of a product and make an informed decision is secondary. So the 'tard didn't bother to find out that there are no ads on the thing.

[su27chaos @ Sep 27th 2008 10:06PM]

I'm so sad that I didn't get it preorder. I wish I didn't listen to those negative comments in the early start. G1 can be good phone since it's open source = add many apps for free like adding on for bluetooth stereo or add a player that plays everything.

[Klebbenator @ Sep 27th 2008 11:06PM]

Bluetooth stereo is a hardware option; there is no such thing as an app or any other open source mod that can make the G1 so. It doesn't make or break the phone, though, at least not for me.

[Jon Doe. @ Sep 27th 2008 10:53PM]

Shit and that's only for EXISTING T Mob customers. Wait until Oct 22 when the rest of us can sign up. Beech....sales are going to fly.