Google Sends Dream Phones Home for the Holidays

By Contributor Wireless and Mobile News on December 24, 2008 9:37 AM

Signs of economic crunch has hit Google, just in time for the holidays. Last year, employees received bonuses with some in the thousands of dollars for the holiday. This year, the Santa Google Clause is giving them is G1 Android phones, which they call "Dream Phones."

An internal email said:

This year, we've decided to give Googlers a different kind of present - a Dream phone (this is the same device T-Mobile markets as the G1). We're really excited about getting the phone to more Googlers in more countries, and also seeing all the cool new things you do with it"

Here's the fun news, they don't come with a SIM card and the are unlocked. Due to fancy footwoork they will work with Wi-Fi immediately.

In the 17 countries where the phone won't work, including Brazil, Russia, India and China. Employees in those countries will receive about $400, the cash value of the phone.

But wait they want the Googlers to work testing the phone and say, " This is a chance for us to once again dogfood a product and make it even better!"

A quick survey on eBay showed a lot of unlocked G1 phones....

Comments on the story that ran in ValleyWag offers this suggestion

"I would be over the moon if I got a G1 as a present. Beats a mug filled with candy. Or an ugly sweater. Or a PINK SLIP. Be thankful, Googlers."