This is a very early first step. It doesn't sync calendars or e-mail, and doesn't sync two ways. And sadly, when I tried it, the program didn't actually sync; it said it "couldn't discover Exchange Web Services." But it installs and runs, and here's the other kicker. You can download it directly from Wrike's Web site - you don't have to go through Google's App Market.

By hitting a button on the G1's Settings screen, you can enable "non-App Market applications." This means that unlike on the Apple iPhone, developers don't have to go through Google's or T-Mobile's system to get their program to users. Of course, they'll want to. The App Market is by far the easiest, most efficient and clearest way to distribute apps for the G1.

But you don't have to. Developers and users have options. If Google decides to randomly ban an application that makes a farting noise - as Apple has done - the Fartmaster General can just post it up on his own Web site and encourage renegades to install it. That's great to hear.

(As far as I can tell, Google's power to revoke apps off your phone only applies to stuff in the App Market. The much-vaunted "kill switch" comes from the Android Market terms of service, so if the developer is outside the Android Market, it probably doesn't apply.)

Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. When you enable non-App-Market applications, you potentially open yourself up to installing random malware onto your phone. That would suck. But at the end of the day, it's your choice whether to go down that road. It's your choice whether to stick with the safe stuff or to go renegade.

It's your choice. Not the phone manufacturer's, not the carrier's. Yours.