Unfortunately, as I can attest, it seems Google was not as prepared as they should have been for such a major launch.
Within minutes of the U.S. launch earlier this morning, would-be buyers were met with site errors, checkout errors, Google Wallet errors and timeouts, all before learning that their smartphone of choice was sold out. I myself tried unsuccessfully to checkout for an 8GB model for 15 minutes before learning it had sold out without me.
The 16GB model sold out within 20 minutes of Google opening the virtual doors, while the 8GB lasted a little bit longer.
Google's new powerful device features a a 4.7-inch 1280 x 768 320 ppi IPS+ LCD display, runs on a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, has 2GB RAM, an 8 megapixel camera and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and Wireless Charging. Google has also made the back of etched glass that sparkles as if it is different layers. The phone also includes a large 2100mAh and the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 2 tech.
The search giant has priced the device extremely competitively, at just $299 for 8GB of storage, or $349 with 16GB without contract.
With the amazing price and specs, there is one downside, no LTE radio. The unlocked device does have access to fast 4G HSPA+, but no LTE. Additionally, it may upset some consumers that there is no microSD slot.
Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 14 Nov 2012 0:29
