The Google G1 phone was a truly revolutionary handset, introducing a new way of using apps, browsing the web and customer centricity.

The G1 was Google's entry into the market and the Android platform taught all other phone manufacturers a valuable lesson. The apps on this phone were novel and captured the imagination of developers and consumers alike. Perhaps the most well-known app was the barcode scanner. I was able to scan any book/electrical product and see where I could buy it locally and at what price.

The styling of the phone is also great. The slide-out keyboard is extremely practical and easy to use. General navigation around the phone is also easy via keys or the screen itself.

In terms of practicality as a phone, this is also a great device. Aside from all the usuals, you can set a personalised picture for the different phone book entries and moreover assign a voice command with which you can dial each person's number. The quality of phone calls is crisp and clear.

The only downside of this phone is its battery life. With so many different apps and things running on the phone, the battery wears out fast and towards the end of the mobile's lifetime hardly lasts a day.