Buy G2x or wait for Pyramid possibly?

Any thoughts.  I'm still very undecided on what to do.  The Pyramid hardware does look slightly superior, but at the same time I think the 4.3" phone might just be too big.  I always thought the Droid X was way too big in my hand.  What do you all see as the plus/minus of both phones?

Do we have specs that list the overall size of each phone -- beyond the difference in screen sizes?

Personally, I'm not looking for the biggest screen possible -- I still want to be able to carry this in my pocket.

Besides the problematic lack-of-LED-notification on the G2X, I'd want to compare other features.

Besides the problematic lack-of-LED-notification on the G2X, I'd want to compare other features.

I was actually pretty concerned about the lack of an LED notification as well as every smartphone I've owned dating back to my Blackberry Pearl has had one and my wife really misses it on her LG Optimus T.  However, I read this weekend about some sort of app that uses the backlight for the softkeys as a notification light that should work on any phone with backlight soft keys, so I think that should solve the problem.

Sorry, don't remember exactly where I read it, but I think it was these forums or the CM ones.

Besides the problematic lack-of-LED-notification on the G2X, I'd want to compare other features.

Sorry, don't remember exactly where I read it, but I think it was these forums or the CM ones.

Yeah, I read that, too -- on the Optimus 2X thread...so maybe it's not an issue.
I'm not too worried about processor/speed specs -- I'm sure it'll be way fast enough for anything I use it for.  I just need to see details -- like when I can get the G2X in my hand -- about screen/text navigation, etc.
(For example, I owned the G2 for about a week until I decided that the lack of arrow keys on the hardware keyboard made it unacceptable.  IMHO: No point in having a phone with the extra weight/thickness of a hardware keyboard if it doesn't do what I want.  Since I currently have the TouchPro2, my standards for a hardware keyboard are very high!)
Does the G2X/Optimus 2x have a trackpad of any sort?  That is, is there any way to select text and/or navigate in text (for example) other than dragging your finger on the screen?

A few weeks ago there was a leak-post (on the TmoNews blog) referring to an upcoming (possible) HTC "myTouch4G Slide" -- slide meaning hw keyboard -- with dual-core processor, etc.  That might be what I'd really like to see.  

Keep in mind that the Pyramid (Sensation) hasn't even been confirmed for T-Mobile yet. HTC has an event in London tomorrow. While I doubt the UK event will give us info related specifically to T-Mobile USA, it may give us a US release date and officially confirm preliminary specs. The event may not necessarily give you a reason to wait for the Pyramid but rather provide info to give you a reason not to wait for it.

Meanwhile, you could get hands on with a HD2 or a HD7 to figure out if a 4.3" phone is right for you.

G2X is the very first dual core phone, it's been on Korean networks for some time already. Unlocked bootloader and Cyanogen support sound very promising. G2X is an upgrade over the Nexus S in all aspects except for the AMOLED screen, even more so over your original Nexus.

It was posted that there is a mod to make the capacitive buttons light up and serve as notification light replacement if that matters to you.

Does the G2X/Optimus 2x have a trackpad of any sort?  That is, is there any way to select text and/or navigate in text (for example) other than dragging your finger on the screen?

A few weeks ago there was a leak-post (on the TmoNews blog) referring to an upcoming (possible) HTC "myTouch4G Slide" -- slide meaning hw keyboard -- with dual-core processor, etc.  That might be what I'd really like to see. 

Have you ever used a phone without a hardware keyboard?  I used the G1 for almost two years before I got my Nexus One and really thought I would miss the keyboard.  While I definitely do, it is a minimal difference for me.  I have adjusted and can type fairly fast, especially with the new and greatly improved Gingerbread software keyboard.

Also, I wouldn't hold out for a phone with a trackball or touchpad as it seems that unfortunately those are being ignored on new phones, even Google's own Nexus S.  This is another thing, like the hardware keyboard, that I think I will miss, but may end up missing less than it seems.  I turn again to another Gingerbread improvement and that is the text selection / cursor movement improvements.  Now, when touching text, you get a pin to grab and drag your cursor around which allows for pretty precise movement without a trackball.  I still find myself reaching for my trackball to move one or two places, but I wonder if this isn't just out of habit?

Specs seem great to me on both, but I'm a little worried about RAM and internal memory.  Is the G2x just 512MB RAM?  If so, that seems maybe a potential bottleneck like 6 months from now or so.  Also, the biggest problem with the N1 to me is the lack of internal memory.  I have to run CM with apps to SD because I always run out of space, even using Froyo's built in apps 2 SD and I will not buy another phone with less than like 4GB of app storage.

@t-mizzle: Seeing the pretty much confirmed support for Cyanogenmod this weekend is a huge boost to the G2x for me.  I have run CM since CM1 and will be excited to continue using it instead of waiting for manufacturers and their slow upgrades to the OS.  No word yet no the Pyramid and how hard they might make it to root.  My only experience with 4.3" phones so far was about 30 minutes with a Droid X which was definitely too big for my taste.  The Pyramid does at least look a little slimmer, so not sure if that would help.

Have you ever used a phone without a hardware keyboard?  I used the G1 for almost two years before I got my Nexus One and really thought I would miss the keyboard.  While I definitely do, it is a minimal difference for me.  I have adjusted and can type fairly fast, especially with the new and greatly improved Gingerbread software keyboard.

I have Swype on my TP2, and I've been using it for small typing tasks to try to wean myself away from the HW keyboard. I could live with that.  Since I'm considering the G2X and/or the Pyramid (if it comes) I'm obviously open to a non-hw-keyboard phone...I just hate the idea of having a phone that's less-functional -- for my needs -- than what I currently have, no matter what incredible frame-rates and super-high-res it supports.
What I want is all the functionality that my TP2 has, plus a modern-power-processor and Android.  Although...for the brief time I had the G2, I was dissappointed to find that Exchange functionality is not as-fully supported (natively) by Android as it is by Windows Mobile (no Exchange Task support, if I remember correctly, at least, not in Froyo).  Yeah, I know there are 3rd-party solutions...but why should I have to turn to those?
Anyway...I'm in no rush -- I'll just see what comes in the next weeks, maybe couple months, and not whine about it.

well jimbo831 the add storage of my understanding on the G2X is under 4gb i believe it is only 2gb. the other 6gb of storage is a internal storage. Maybe hacks later down the road will be able to move that around some. if you have more then 1gb of apps installed not to be mean but you need to clear some space. Who uses that many apps on a daily use. I think i have about 350mb of a2sd used on my N1 right now. I know i don't use all of that every day and could clear some if needed. Look at the forums for the G2X. With what they have done to that phone so far it is very very fast. You know that the G2X is already root and has custom kernels as well as roms. We do not know if the Pyramid will even go to T-Mobile yet or if it will even be able to do what the G2X can. Why wait for that time and be sad if it doesn't when the G2X will be out in a week and we know how fast it really is right now. So in the MCbrian i say go with the G2X i know myself and alot of other people are. Think CM is, and that is all that i need.

@MCbrian: once you get Gingerbread at some point, you may like the stock keyboard.  I have actually uninstalled Swype and gone fully stock since getting Gingerbread.  The keyboard is a huge upgrade and way more accurate with better prediction.

@Prod1702: that may be a deal breaker for me.  I agree that 2GB is plenty, now.  I only use about 275-300MB right now.  However, with the higher processor and graphics, games will continue to balloon in size and someday that could be a problem.  There are more and more games coming out recently that use 30+MB each, and it is very likely that they will be over 100MB in less than a year with the rise in 3D graphics capabilities.  I plan to have this phone for the full 2 years so I worry if it will run out some day down the road.  There are lots of phones that have been out for a while that have more storage, so that is disappointing to me.  Perhaps some hacks could reorganize how that storage is allocated, idk.  I find it so confusing as to why companies make a phone with 8GB and don't make it all available to the apps?  The iPhone has done that since day one, why is that so hard?  It just seems like wasted space to me.

There is demand for a kick ass 4" phone with a 5 row slide out keyboard but it seems that OEM's are stepping away from this form factor. From T-Mobile subscriber's perspective it's already hard to get a high end phone, asking for a high end phone with a physical keyboard seems impossible to come true.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I still haven't seen a dual core phone with a physical keyboard while there are many without. While the Verizon's Droids and to an extent, the G-series seem to be on the right path, they don't quite get it done. Too bad because it looks like high end hardware and physical keyboard are mutually exclusive without a reason.

What the market lacks is a new top notch hardware introducing phone that has a keyboard but that appears to be reserved for touch screen only. Consumers keep hoping for one but time after time, sliders are equipped with mediocre specs. I think it's very doable and OEM's could try "stretching" the batteries length and width-wise to make up for the added bulk of a slide out keyboard.

While I have moved onto touchscreens, I recognize the demand for a slider and would definitely consider one if it was truly a kick ass phone but considering what I wrote in the paragraphs above, I doubt it.

My only experience with 4.3" phones so far was about 30 minutes with a Droid X which was definitely too big for my taste.  The Pyramid does at least look a little slimmer, so not sure if that would help.

I can grip a basketball with one hand, I have no problems with 4.3" phones. I got some hands on time with a friend's Droid X.
That phone has a 1.7777 display ratio, true 16:9, it's about 1/2" longer than my HD2 (1.6666). The Droid X, on top of it's "long" display has too much bezel below the screen. Even my "giant" hand has issues holding it and pulling down the notification bar with my thumb. Granted, the Pyramid doesn't appear to have this problem because of less vertical bezel but for the average user, it's something to try before buying. Don't expect the Pyramid to be thinner than the Droid X, maybe a little, the Droid X is already a thin phone as it is. There are thinner phones but none with a 4.3" display.

We do not know if the Pyramid will even go to T-Mobile yet or if it will even be able to do what the G2X can. Why wait for that time and be sad if it doesn't when the G2X will be out in a week and we know how fast it really is right now.

Not sure with what you mean by "be able to do what the G2X can" and "why wait for that time and be sad if doesn't"

If one waits for the Pyramid and it doesn't come to T-Mobile, why does one have to be sad? It's not like the G2X will stop selling by then, can always buy it  anyway. As for performance, Pyramid should be better than the G2X. However, because of their differences, they aren't directly competing with each other even though we are comparing them since they are the best we are likely getting until fall at least.

I'm right with you t-mizzle on the lack of hardware keyboard phones.  I eventually got the Nexus One because it was everything I wanted minus the hardware keyboard I loved on my G1 and I didn't see any good alternatives on the horizon.  Unfortunately companies are too iPhone crazy and just want to make thin touchscreen only phones.

I am tempted to wait for the Pyramid and make a decision when both are there, but I could be waiting for a while for no good reason.  I just hate to buy the G2x and find out the Pyramid is exactly what I was looking for.  So difficult for me, lol.  I guess I'll be waiting until at least the beginning of May and if there is no more concrete info about a T-Mobile Pyramid by then just go for it.  If there is some new info, I'll have to see what I think then.  Damn all the secrecy!

I'm right with you t-mizzle on the lack of hardware keyboard phones.  I eventually got the Nexus One because it was everything I wanted minus the hardware keyboard I loved on my G1 and I didn't see any good alternatives on the horizon.  Unfortunately companies are too iPhone crazy and just want to make thin touchscreen only phones.

I am tempted to wait for the Pyramid and make a decision when both are there, but I could be waiting for a while for no good reason.  I just hate to buy the G2x and find out the Pyramid is exactly what I was looking for.  So difficult for me, lol.  I guess I'll be waiting until at least the beginning of May and if there is no more concrete info about a T-Mobile Pyramid by then just go for it.  If there is some new info, I'll have to see what I think then.  Damn all the secrecy!

hi there Jimbo, i'm in the same boat. agonizing over which one is better, g2x or pyramid. i got it in my head that the pyramid was coming to tmo and now after listening to you guys that is not definite. my main worry now is whether the g2x will get netflix streaming since i find that useful in my life when i wind down at night or on weekends. as for the storage factor, it is probably true that only 1-2gb of storage is categorized as main memory for the eMMC in the g2x but you can still use the 5-6gb of storage to store games and it should operate just as quickly. for me i think the 1-2gb is enough for storing apps that just doesn't work well using secondary storage. this issue might not even be an issue since i'm thinking in terms of secondary storage off an external sd card on my nexus one. the internal storage acting as an "internal" sd card should be find so effectly you are getting more than 1-2gb, unless the os doesn't see it that way. hope that wasn't confusing! the 512mb of memory is also an interesting fact since i wonder if people will actually use that many apps at one time that needs that much memory. i know some of that goes to the gpu but as a use case the nexus one only really uses 400 or less anyways and i don't have any issues. let's see if others see it differently.

Keep in mind for the 512mb ram, it uses DDR2, which is better than having 1gb of DDR ram...the Pyramid might have DDR2 768mb but think of it this way, you wouldn't feel "guilty" buying a phone right now with 1gb ddr ram, would you?

Keep in mind for the 512mb ram, it uses DDR2, which is better than having 1gb of DDR ram...the Pyramid might have DDR2 768mb but think of it this way, you wouldn't feel "guilty" buying a phone right now with 1gb ddr ram, would you?

I would.. and Tegra 2 (X2/G2x) only uses single channel RAM, instead of Dual-channel.. Essentially, dual channel means that you have two channels/pathways for your CPU to access your RAM rather than one in single channel. It's kinda like having a 2 lane highway versus a 1 lane highway to drive on. Think increased space for data flow. More space, more data. It improves performance but whether you see it or not depends on what you're doing.

Yeah, I guess its between 2.5x speed increase and 3x speed increase. Speedwise I dont think there will be a huge difference though.

I was actually under the impression the G2x used DDR, so that is good news to me.  Much like the app storage question, I have no doubt that 512MB DDR2 is above and beyond what is necessary now.  I still worry about whether or not that becomes a bottleneck 12-15 months from now, but it very well may still be adequate.  I'm just surprised that RAM has not gone up from the "super phones" of over a year ago, but perhaps that jump from DDR to DDR2 will be a huge difference, even if not an increase in amount.


Oh yeah, one other question I had that I can't find a definitive answer too.  Does anyone know if the G2x is going to run at 42Mbps or 14.4 or 21?  I can't find any confirmed or at least likely rumored 4G speeds.

G2x will be 14.4, as well as pyramid.

G2x will be 14.4, as well as pyramid.

That's a bummer.  Any idea why T-Mobile isn't making their best new phones with their new fastest internet?

That's a bummer.  Any idea why T-Mobile isn't making their best new phones with their new fastest internet?

They are, it's called the Sidekick 4G with 21 Mbps.....

That's a bummer.  Any idea why T-Mobile isn't making their best new phones with their new fastest internet?

They are, it's called the Sidekick 4G with 21 Mbps.....

lol.  I hardly consider the Sidekick 4G their best new phone.  It is year old tech inside almost at this point.  That is the frustrating part to me.  Why does the Fascinate 4G and Sidekick 4G have a much faster modem than two phones that are going to be way higher end in every other department?