Touching the myTouch 3G: Is it Worth $199?

It’s sleeker, cooler, and you can customize it to your heart’s content. But it’s also $50 more expensive than the T-Mobile G1, and $100 more expensive than the iPhone 3G ($478.00). After going hands-on with the T-Mobile myTouch 3G, the second Android device to grace the carrier, we came away impressed with the design but somewhat turned off by its $199 price tag.  Should you scoop it up come August 5th (T-Mobile subscribers can pre-order starting today) or pass?

The myTouch 3G is certainly more pocketable and more beautiful than its predecessor, thanks to the lack of a physical keyboard and your choice of three color options (black, white, and merlot). This sequel also has better battery life than the G1 and double the RAM. On the other hand, you don’t get the sweet user interface of the HTC Hero. ($523.93)

Most anything you can do with the myTouch 3G, you can also do on the G1. So while you can certainly customize the user experience on the newer handset, it’s not an exclusive feature. What you can truly personalize is the look of the myTouch 3G through skins T-Mobile will sell for $14 each. The skins we saw were garish, but you can easily upload your own photos and graphics.

Unfortunately, the myTouch 3G also doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that every BlackBerry and iPhone offers, which means you’ll have to use either use an adapter or the set of included (but likely low-quality) headphones. The myTouch 3G does support Microsoft Exchange, which is a definite plus, but only e-mail; it doesn’t pull your calendar entries or contacts.

Update: Our full review of the myTouch 3G is now online.

Although it doesn’t look like it will create a lot of excitement compared to the iPhone 3GS or Palm Pre, the myTouch 3G’s sleeker design will likely make it the most popular smart phone for T-Mobile customers.

Here’s a quick run-down of the features:

• T-Mobile App Pack highlights unique T-Mobile and third-party applications.
• Sherpa recommendation and discovery engine for mobile. Can find personalized and localized content. More you use it the smarter it becomes.
• Payment options: T-Mobile working with Google to have paid apps to show up on your bill.
• Five accessory packs will be made available, including ones for Athletes and Music lovers.
• T-Mobile will set up e-mail for you, highlight apps and accessories and will offer one-one-one appointments.
• The myTouch 3G will have a two-year device and exchange warranty option.
• T-Mobile will offer Skin-It covers for the myTouch 3G, which you can create on T-Mobile’s Web site much like you could with the Sidekick. Skins will set you back $14 each or $20 for two.