Using the Dev Phone as a normal G1 and general Qs

[Goooooooooogle]

Hi, I haven't been around here for a long time but I know basic Android stuff, however I'd like to know a few things as my Nokia 5800 seems to have packed in after 2 weeks and I hate the damn thing, but Android looks promising and I've been interested in it since it came out.

However, I need a pay as you go phone and no Android phone is on pay as you go without a stupidly high (probably SIM free)

 

[msimoens]

1) How much will it cost to get one in the UK?

Not too sure about this one, sorry.

2) Is it ok to use it as a normal G1? I saw a tutorial on the HTC site which looked like it might be what I need (link: HTC - Support - Flashing your Android Dev Phone with a Factory System Image)

One of the builds I've used was a Dev phone build and I was using my G1 as a regular phone so yes it is possible.

3) Can Android play DRM-free iTunes Store tracks?

Yup!

4) Someone at my school said that G1's sliders break easily, is that true?

Thinking that you are responsible, no they aren't easy to break. I use mine a lot and it's still going strong.

5) Is it yet possible to access the Android Market from a Dev Phone?

As I said, I had the Dev phone build on my G1 and I was able to download, install, and launch apps.

 

[Goooooooooogle]

Thanks for that!

The Dev Phone apparently costs $399 which is

 

[msimoens]

You gotta pay for shiny things

 

[eagle]

Shipping outside the US is redicilously high indeed.

 

[msimoens]

All I can say is just keeping googleing and ebaying to see if you can find a great deal. Or find someone who is trusting and trustworthy which is going to be hard. I wouldn't trust anyone.

 

[Goooooooooogle]

Shipping outside the US is redicilously high indeed.

Google, being such a global company, could easily just ship them to local warehouses or something though so the customer dosen't have to foot the huge bill.

 

[Goooooooooogle]

Does anyone know what the total cost will be? Anyone in the UK who got a Dev Phone? It's very important because I'm getting a replacement for my 5800 and if the Dev Phone costs too much I'll need to keep the new 5800 for a bit so I need to know whether or not to open it.

Thanks in advance!