14 DAY TRIAL // Several weeks ago, Internet giant Google announced plans to deliver the Nexus One to the market via other channels than its web store, which is set to be closed shortly, and the device already started to emerge at retailers. One of them is i wireless, which has the Nexus One listed on its website as available for purchase with contract agreements with T-Mobile.
The price tag of Nexus One at this retailer has been set at $299.95 upon committing to a new service agreement and after a mail-in rebate. The price tag is a little higher than what Google asks for it, namely $179, yet the retailer enables users to choose the plan they like best from the wireless carrier, an option unavailable if Nexus One is purchased from Google.
Moreover, it seems that Nexus One is not the only Android-based device that T-Mobile customers can purchase from i wireless. Here's what the retailer's vice president of marketing Gary Baron noted in a recent press release: “We are excited to add the most popular Android devices to our complete line-up of smartphones. Customers will be given the option to choose from Motorola, HTC, and Samsung models that best fits their lifestyle.” Among the other devices that should land at this retailer, we can count the Motorola Milestone, the HTC Hero, and the Samsung Behold II.
As for the Android 2.1-based Nexus One (soon to be Android 2.2), it still remains to be seen which other third-party retailers will be picking up. Moreover, since Google will shut down its web store, one might also expect for the device to become available for purchase via wireless carrier in North America, including T-Mobile and AT&T in the US, which already offer connectivity options for it.
The Nexus One didn't enjoy a great performance when being sold exclusively via Google's online web store, yet things might change when it hits the stores. Its features are expected to help it do so, including the 1 GHz Qualcomm processor, microSD memory card slot with support for up to 32GB of additional storage space (a 4GB card included in the package), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5-megapixel photo snapper, or the access to a wide range of Google services and applications.