You know about the iPhone and App Store. But the iPhone, despite my proclaiming it the best gadget of all time, still does have some shortcomings (I said it was the best gadget, not the perfect gadget!)

For those looking for a few different capabilities from the iPhone, but still want third-party (i.e. not made by the vendor) application availability, consider an Android phone, like the T-Mobile G1. Android refers to the operating system that runs the phone, which was developed by Google.

Like the iPhone, the Android phone has a touch screen. Unlike the iPhone, the G1 has a pull-out physical keyboard. That’s something that may appeal to those who don’t like the iPhone’s onscreen keyboard.

Also like the iPhone, the G1 has 3G (high-speed) and wi-fi access. The most iPhone-like capability is the Android Market, which is similar to the App Store, with a wide range of applications of all kinds available — some free, some for a fee, just like the iPhone. Be aware, however, that the range of apps available is much smaller than the iPhone’s ginormous offerings.

The other major differences between the G1 and iPhone are that the G1 has a higher resolution camera (meaning sharper pictures), and less storage space. The G1 comes with a 1GB MicroSD-card slot, and the ability to get storage cards up to 8GB. The iPhone starts at 8GB, with a 16GB model available. So the iPhone has much more built-in storage, while the G1 can add more — but only if you’re willing to swap cards in and out; not a savory option for most.

The G1 also has a music player, although without the iPod’s elegance and functionality. The G1 is slightly less expensive than the iPhone, too — it’s $179 with a two-year plan, while the 8GB iPhone is $199 and the 16GB $299 with an equivalent plan.

In all, the G1 is a worthy phone, giving much of the functionality of the iPhone and a few things not offered on Apple’s gadget, especially if you like physical keyboards. It’s worth your time to consider both when phone shopping.