counternotions

“The most exciting phone in the history of phones.”

says the handset manufacturer HTC. “T-Mobile G1 With Google,” is the official name. Based on Google’s Android OS, G1 has a lot going for it. It’s been immediately designated as the most probable iPhone-killer. If it weren’t for these:

1. No SIM-unlocking, T-Mobile only
2. No tethering
3. No Adobe Flash
4. No Microsoft Silverlight
5. No Microsoft Exchange
6. No iTunes
7. No Skype or VoIP on 3G
8. No standard 3.5 mm headphone jack, must use G1 headset or adapter
9. No stereo Bluetooth A2DP
10. No multi-touch
11. No desktop synching with PCs or Macs
12. No compatibility with the standard iPod/iPhone connectors
13. No video recording
14. No built-in video player, must download from third-party
15. No camera flash
16. No proximity sensor
17. No ambient light sensor
18. No data-only T-Mobile plans
19. Limited to 1GB bandwidth cap, speed down to 50kbps after 1GB
20. Limited to 3G coverage in only 22 locations in the U.S.
21. Limited to stores within vicinity of T-Mobile 3G covered locations
22. Limited to users with Google accounts only
23. Limited to Google email, contacts, calendar, plus another generic email
24. Limited to maximum 8GB memory, with additional microSD card purchase
25. Limited to read-only Word, PDF, and Excel docs; no editing
26. Limited screen size (3.2″) and colors (65K)
27. Limited language support
28. Limited apps and games
29. Limited transparency on how Google or carriers will ‘validate’ app submissions
30. Limited industrial design appeal

Would Apple have been utterly crucified and AAPL have tanked if the iPhone came out with so many shortcomings?