Last weekend, I did some research on the G1 HTC mobile phone, because I am getting a new cell phone and data plan with T-mobile through work. Upon first impression, the phone seemed slightly unattractive which had me lean toward the new blackberry curve 8900, but I keep it in the running because I know that Google’s phone must be jam-packed with features. I need to do some research to see what Android is capable of. The T-mobile rep told me that they have had a lot of trouble getting them in, but as soon as they do, they go immediately. This led me to wonder if they have trouble with supply or if it was a clever marketing scheme.
My theory is that Google is keeping supply low on purpose and launching the G1 as a beta, similar to the way they launched G-mail as ‘invite only.’ This release method was actually very successful with g-mail as a marketing technique, so they could be trying to use it here. Aside from the buzz, I also don’t remember seeing much advertising around this product when it launched which also has me curious. I imagine the low supply is creating a lot of anticipation. Furthermore, I was surprised when I heard that the G2 is ALREADY slated for release in the next couple months, but it would also make sense if they are using the G1 to perfect the G2 and build anticipation for this release. Of course, this is just speculation, but I have to say that Google constantly impresses me with it’s innovation in it’s products as well as it’s marketing 
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