It's been several weeks since Google launched its highly touted Nexus One smartphone, and it has been busy picking up the pieces ever since.

The search giant's goal has been to establish a new direct-to-consumer sales channel to sell mobile phones, multimedia content and Android Market applications and accessories. As such, Nexus One, an HTC-built device that sports a 1 GHz processor and other high-end features, is only available directly via Google for the unlocked price of $529 or $179 when tied to a contract.

Immediately, the troubles began. No direct customer support from Google by phone is available, and users have had to wait up to three days to get their Nexus One questions answered via email, the company has acknowledged. T-Mobile appears to have its hands tied when it comes to helping customers as it's clear Google wants to control the customer service process.

Moreover, T-Mobile and Google have acknowledged that some Nexus One users are having trouble connecting to T-Mobile's 3G network or are fluctuating between its 3G and EDGE network. Google said it has identified the problems and hopes to distribute a software fix in about a week.

Google, which is ironically the one typically complaining about the nefarious practices of mobile operators, is now being questioned by the FCC as to why the early termination fee (ETF) is so steep. If a customer buys the Nexus One and cancels the service within 120 days, he or she will be hit with $550 in early termination fees--$350 from Google and $200 from T-Mobile. You only have 14 days to decide if you like the device or not to avoid the massive termination fee.

The FCC, which also sent letters to other operators, wants to know whether customers are adequately informed about Google's Equipment Recovery Fee. "The combination of ETFs from Google and T-Mobile for the Nexus One is also unique among the four major national carriers. Consumers have been surprised by this policy and by its financial impact. Please let us know your rationale(s) for these combined fees, and whether you have coordinated or will coordinate on these fees and on the disclosure of their combined effect," the letter reads.

My advice: Run, run far away from the Nexus One. There's no telling what surprises could come your way down the road, and you won't have anyone at the company to complain to about it unless you want to wait a few days for a response. - Lynnette