Holding out for a new device: iPhone vs. Nexus One

When Google announced at the Google Atmosphere event earlier this week that it was giving away Nexus One smartphones to the CIOs and other guests in attendance, I thought to myself, "This is it. The Verizon Nexus One that I've been waiting for." Alas, it was an AT&T-compatible Nexus One, not a Verizon one. But that got me wondering about what's up with that Verizon Nexus One.

When the company announced the Nexus One as its latest Android smartphone - the one that it would be selling directly from its new online store - I was pumped to learn that a Verizon-compatible device would be available in the "Spring." (There's been no update since then.) Around that same time, there were rumors (again!) of an iPhone for Verizon. So, I made the decision to stick with Verizon as my own service provider, even though I'm out of contract, in hopes that either Google or Apple steps up to the plate in the coming months.

Now, comes yet another rumor that Apple is looking at June 22 for another announcement of some sort - and speculators of the Web think it will be an announcement of a new iPhone, complete with news about a partnership with Verizon. Granted, as a tech journalist, I'm, not putting much substance behind a rumor like this.

But, as a consumer, I'm anxiously awaiting for either Google or Apple to make a Verizon announcement. I like both of these devices - but am committed to Verizon - and am ready to pull the trigger on something new. So the race begins now - Google's Nexus One vs. Apple's iPhone. First one to launch its device on Verizon wins... well, wins me as a customer.

Now that I think about it, maybe that's not much of an incentive.

update: Or maybe I'll just wait a couple of more weeks and check out the Droid Incredible.