High demand for HTC’s G1 handset, available exclusively on the T-Mobile network and the first mobile phone running Google’s mobile operating system, Android, saw some customers disappointed this past weekend.

Those trying to reserve themselves a Google phone at the weekend were told that preorders were temporarily out of action. Announced by T-Mobile last week, it seems the combination of the touch sensitive display with QWERTY keypad, trackball navigation and mobile applications such as Google Maps Street View and YouTube grabbed the attention of the consumer as AndroidGuys reported that when trying to place an order on T-Mobile’s G1 webpage on Saturday, customers received the following message:

“Sorry! Due to the overwhelming popularity of the new T-Mobile G1, upgrades are temporarily unavailable. Please try again later.”

All returned to normal not too long after and those wishing to place an order for the G1 can once again do so from the T-Mobile site. As a handset that’s largely expected to be stiff competition for Apple’s iPhone, it’s encouraging to see an apparent demand for the device. This isn’t the first cell phone people have compared to the iPhone and the fact that there is a genuine demand for it, suggests it may actually cut itself a decent slice of the smartphone pie.

At a price of $179 with a two year plan, it’s possible price is what’s driving the G1’s popularity at such an early stage. It’s likely those impressed by the handset have spread the word that it could present a little competition for Apple and others are simply following suit in what they believe to be a cheaper alternative to buying an iPhone.

All will be revealed come October 22 but it’ll be interesting to see how presales hold up until then.