The HTC Dream, also known as the T-Mobile G1, spearheaded Google’s push into the smartphone space. It was the first commercially-available Android device, and there’s no disputing that it changed the entire landscape of mobile communication.

But it didn’t always seem destined for success, especially considering its mushy keyboard, smallish screen, and that big honking chin. Like many trailblazing products, the G1 could have gone either way – and now it’s time to examine just what drove it down the path to success. Also, for the first time ever on Pocketnow, we’ll be doing that with the assistance of tweets from our audience (that’s you!), sent to @Pocketnow after our G1 unboxing this morning.

So tune in to this special Throwback edition of our T-Mobile G1/ HTC Dream review, for a brief look over our collective geek shoulder at the start of Android. Then stay tuned for much more from Pocketnow in the other direction: the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.