Six Reasons Travelers Need A Google G1 Phone

Is it a phone, or a computer? As mobile phones have gotten more complex, they have more to offer us as travelers: navigation assistance, communication apps, even translation tools. These new features means that we have more reasons than ever to consider them as crucial travel companions. Check out my six reasons that you need a Google G1 phone for your next adventure.

1. For the basics, it's a laptop replacement.

Suppose you need to keep in touch via email, surf the web, and call home while you're on the road. Would you rather have to lug around a laptop or a candy-bar sized equivalent? The G1 can do almost anything, within reason, that you could do on a laptop. Email, web browsing, playing music and movies, twitter, facebook...it's all there.

2. The map & GPS are excellent tools.

The phone comes with the standard Google maps tools, including fully functional street views. Add in the GPS, and you've got an unbeatable tool for searching on the road. You can find a restaurant, store, or museum, without having to lift a finger. Starving and don't know where to eat? Problem solved.

3. It's got mapping extras.

Searching via maps is great when you're out and about, but what about something for those of you who like to do a lot of planning ahead of time? One of my favorite Google Maps features is "My Maps," where you can plan, create a map of notable places, and save it for later use. With the G1, you can take advantage of these maps while you're on the road, with the "My Maps Editor" app. You can view and even edit your saved maps, which means you're free to get to your "must do" list without printing or lugging paper maps around.

4. You can stop shopping mistakes.

Have you ever been shopping on a trip and wondered if you'd be better off getting something at home? Can you even get it at home? Well, wonder no more. With a host of shopping apps on the Market (Shop Savvy is my favorite), you can make more informed decisions on whether your find is worth getting. All you need to do is scan the barcode of the item in question, and you'll be showered with your online and local shopping options.

5. It's a million gadgets in one.

Do you ever pack a compass? How about a GPS? With the G1 and its collection of apps, you can carry all these and more without having to burden yourself with too many gadgets. Your backpack (or suitcase) and your inner boy/girl-scout will thank you.

6. It's easily unlockable.

Unlike the ever-popular iPhone, the G1 can be unlocked simply and freely, without any fears of breaking your phone or voiding your warranty. This freedom means you can take it abroad, get a new SIM card (and some sort of data plan), and use it like you would at home, without having to pay crazy roaming fees.

Now, I know that not everyone can, or even should, get a more expensive, uber-functional phone. But if you've been considering getting an iPhone, or any other smart phone, you should give the G1 a good, hard look. I think you'll like what you find.