This despite being saddled, at least in the U.S., with a carrier that's not considered one of the biggies.

While showing off the device, however, Google took a great deal of time to emphasize that open source advantage, even taking the time to jab at Apple with a note that there's "no SDK to download" and showing off apps similar to when Apple introduced its SDK for the iPhone.

With recent flak over Apple's App Store policies, embracing open source and drawing 3rd-party application developers to the platform --- and away from the iPhone --- may prove to be key to the platform's success. So there's no surprise here.

Pricing? $179 with a contract. Existing T-Mobile customers will be able to pre-order now, but store availability won't be until Oct 22nd. The device will be available in the U.K. in November and spread across Europe through 2009.

Device specifications:

Size: 4.6 x 2.16 x 0.63 in
Weight: 5.6 ounces
Display: 65K color screen, HVGA (480×320)
Talk Time: 5 hours
Standby Time: 130 hours
Expandable up to 8 GB of memory
No stereo bluetooth
Android Market

Gmail account required to sign in and use
No corporate access email yet. (This could be a big hole a developer could fill ...)

Chrome "Lite" (but unlike the iPhone's Safari, no pinch to zoom, etc. etc.)

One touch access to Google applications:

Maps (including satellite, traffic and street views)
Gmail
YouTube
Calendar
Google Talk

I'll update this post as more information comes in.