Unlocked HTC G1 for Developers - Shipping charge is almost touching the sky

Google is offering an unlocked Android phone, targeted at developers but available to anyone. While the phone might be attractive to consumers and developers alike in the U.S., its price in other countries is putting off even developers.

The Android Dev Phone 1 can be used on any compatible network, unlike the G1, the first Android phone on the market that works only on T-Mobile's networks in the U.S. and the U.K. Developers can load their own applications onto the phone for testing. Previously, developers had to buy the G1 and subscribe to T-Mobile's plans if they wanted to test out their applications on a phone before adding their software to the public Android Market.

The Android Dev Phone 1 costs US$399 (Rs.19500). It is only available to registered Android developers; anyone can register as a developer for a $25 fee.

Google is selling the phone in 18 markets, including Japan, India, Taiwan, Spain, Australia, Singapore, Poland and Hungary. But the price of the phone is significantly higher in most countries outside of the U.S. because it appears that the phones will all be shipped from the U.S. Developers on an Android forum are complaining about large customs fees that they are being charged when purchasing the phone. One Canadian developer, who says he lives 5 kilometers from the U.S. border, said customs fees would add $264 to the cost of the phone; to ship to France costs an additional $183, according to another developer. And ship to India its $224 (Rs.11,000 approx). 

The total charge comes to $663 (Rs.32487). I completed the first two steps of the buying process, but then seeing the shipping charge, i decided to wait.                 

Recession baby !! everywhere !!