Don't Forget TMobile and the Android

While Apple and the iPhone are hogging all of the press these days in the world of cell phones and mobile devices, I wanted to take this opportunity to bring attention back to TMobile and the Android, and remind people why it might not be wise to write them off, or even to choose the more popular iPhone if they are shopping for a new phone and service now.

1. Android has Apps too, and people like them:

Some statistics released this week by T-Mobile suggest that the Android's app market might be just as good as its Apple/iphone counterpart, even if it gets less use and buzz. According to a post on Mobiletechreview.com and other sources, Tmobile claims the average G1 user has downloaded more than 40 applications from the Android Market. This tells us that people are indeed finding useful apps that not only improve their experience with the device, but also lead them to want to look for other useful apps on an ongoing basis.

2. Price:

Don't forget too that one of the big gripes people had about the iPhone is still a legitimate one: the entry price can be steep (even with the price drop on the phone). Customers who are willing to switch over to Tmobile and do a little bit of homework on the available coupon codes and discounts, can get started on the service with the Google phone for less than they can with its nemesis. Sites like CouponCactus.com, which offer T-mobile coupon codes for a $30 rebate when you sign up, or free shipping on your new phone, help those who are looking for an even better deal get away as affordably as possible.

Now this is not to say that the iPhone is bad or that no one should use it, but I'm of the opinion that we need to keep in mind that it is just a cell phone at the end of the day, and that spending approximately $100 per month and $500 to get started is a little ridiculous, especially since, with some savvy coupon code hunting, you can get a comparable phone that people seem to be very happy with for a lot less of an up-front investment.