Anticipation for Nexus One (Verizon)

Posted on March 10, 2010 Updated on June 10, 2015

I’ve been in the market for a smartphone for some time, caught between reluctance to part with my trusty, crusty Blackberry Pearl (T-Mobile) and avoidance of the IPhone due to AT&T carrier lock-in and a persistent distrust of Apple (to be explored further). Have been using a Pearl for more than 3 years since Version 1, and always appreciated the compact form factor, but the small screen and sluggish performance are no longer acceptable. On top of that, I’ve noticed significant call quality degradation on the T-Mobile network in the last couple years, not to mention terrible delays using the Blackberry Internet service.

The Google Nexus One from the Android family has caught my attention, and continues to garner generally glowing reviews. In addition to the appealing form factor, packed feature-set and Snapdragon 1 Ghz CPU, I’m impressed with the new approach Google is taking with the Android devices, not only with open source code (observed by none other than Linus Torvalds) but also carrier independence. The Nexus One is currently only available through T-Mobile, but the latest rumors appear to confirm an upcoming release date of March 23 through Verizon. Strangely, it’s been difficult to see a Nexus One in person, as a T-Mobile store employee here in LA recently informed me that “no stores” were carrying demo versions. Have to wonder if the same policy will apply with Verizon, or is this another case of software-centricity overwhelming marketing good sense?

In any event, anticipation is building and still have to decide whether to purchase through Google online or Verizon.