First the bad news: if you want an Android powered G1 you are out of luck. That’s right, you can’t get one. No surprise you say because the G1 hasn’t been released yet? Technically you are correct (thanks captain pedantic) but there is still a shortage even thought the G1 is unreleased. How is that possible? Well, unlike the iPhone you can sign up to pre order the G1. Or you could until the G1 sold more than anticipated so now you’re just out of luck. So you have a G1, you can’t even order a G1 and standing in line to get a G1 is fruitless because, since you know you’re not getting one, you’ll just look stupid.

Why not throw some Android/T Mobile/Google criticism in here? Well, the obvious reason is because such criticism is completely unnecessary. The best reason to throw some mud is just because it is fun to do. So I’ll get that to ya! (wink). Time to think about waiting lists. By going with the whole pre signup thing you have to think that T Mobile and the rest of the roll out partners really, really screwed things up. Yes, it makes thing easier on the customers. Yes, those who make an early decision are rewarded. Yes, it avoids a lot of hassle.

But you know what the pre-order thing doesn’t do? It doesn’t get the media out and about filming long lines of people waiting for the thing. It doesn’t get people all hyped to get one now because it is sold on first come first served basis. The only people who benefit in this scenario are customers. And who cares about them, isn’t it all about the hype? The Christmas buying season is almost upon us! Won’t someone please remember the hype?

That out of the way the problem isn’t clear here. Is the G1 much more popular than expected? Is HTC’s production limited? Is T Mobil limiting units so as not to over tax a limited 3G network? Is there a secret, frothing, burning sea of iPhone hate? Only one thing is for sure, if you were waiting for the G1 you’ll be waiting longer than you thought.

via:iphonekiller