by Jeremiah Smith

Created on: October 15, 2008

Smartphones running Google's new Android mobile software will never be able to fully replace the iPhone. Barring some unforeseen incident in which Steve Jobs (Apple CEO) is attacked by a horde of Bill Gates' "I'm a PC" drones, the iPhone will always be loved by Apple aficionados and those susceptible to peer pressure, relentless advertising, and strategic product placement. What Google's Android will do is give consumers a chance to experience a well laid out mobile OS on a wider variety of phones.

The first smartphone with Android, however, is eerily similar to an iPhone, touchscreen and all. The Android phone, dubbed the G1, offers one-touch access to Gmail, Youtube and Google Maps. The iPhone has a Youtube app, as well as a map service and a direct app to its own email service, so it"s even so far.

ADVANTAGE: Even

As far as availability goes, there is a link on the T-Mobile for those who wish to pre-order the G1. According to the Telegraph U.K., over 1.5 million people have placed their order and will have it shipped directly to their house. Well that sure beats hanging out in front of an Apple store for six hours to get an iPhone.

ADVANTAGE: G1

I would be remiss to not address the issue of sex appeal when speaking of the iPhone. I think it has been written into law that you are 18 times cooler than anyone else in the room when you pull out your iPhone and begin showing everyone clips of a cat flushing a toilet on Youtube. To be quite frank, I can't argue with the coolness of that, so this one has to go to the iPhone.

ADVANTAGE: iPhone

Both phones carry an unlimited data plan, allowing users to be as unproductive as possible whenver they desire. The iPhone recently went full throttle with its App store and it is in the "you will see this commercial nine times a day no matter what channel you're watching" phase of advertising. Google will also have 3rd party games and apps as well, which is a given considering Android is an open-source platform, meaning anyone can write software for it.

ADVANTAGE: Even

For right now, the Google Android platform will certainly be desirable to a lot of frustrated users not getting enough out of their phones and who are unwilling or unable to switch to AT&T to get the iPhone. For those who are partial to Apple, as well as those who insist on buying more phone than they can use, the iPhone will still be a top choice. Only time will tell which group turns out to be larger and louder.

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