T-Mobile Dash Smartphone
From pocketnow.com
| pockectnow.com > |
Contents |
Read the Full Review
Click here to read the full pocketnow.com review
Introduction
Since Verizon started offering the successful Motorla Q, T-Mobile and Cingular had to pick up something similar in order to compete. The HTC Excaliber was picked up by T-Mobile USA and rebranded as the T-Mobile Dash for such a purpose. Like the Q on Verizon, and the BlackJack on Cingular, the Dash has a landscape style Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Edition screen, navigation hardware buttons, and a small thumb keyboard... all of which are characteristic of this new type of thin Windows Mobile Smartphone with keyboards.
Review Date: January 22, 2007
Picture Highlights
| 
|
| At the top of the device you see a handset speaker slot which also houses some status identifier LEDs. The silver brushed metal panel on the front makes the device look even smaller than it is, if not a bit bottom-heavy. | The thumboard on the Dash is slightly more spaced out than the buttons on a Treo, for example. However, the shape of the buttons is more flattened, which makes feeling for them a little more difficult. Unlike the Treo 750, the keyboard's backlight comes on when any type of navigation button is pressed, thus making the keys easier to see in the dark. |
| 
|
| The T-Mobile Dash features Windows Mobile 5.0 with AKU 2.3 which includes the Messaging and Security Pack. T-Mobile has added some excellent software to improve access to their special service features such as MyFaves, push email, WiFi Hotspots, and instant messaging. | The MyFaves application is a cute animated program that lets you quickly call any of your favorite people. For those who are unfamiliar, the "MyFaves" rate plans from T-Mobile allow you to pick 5 people on any network with any phone number, and all your calls to those people will be free no matter how long or how often you call them. You can change your 5 favorite people once a month. Also, setting up which people are your favorites requires a "MyFaves" compatible phone. |
Overall Impression
The T-Mobile Dash, like the Cingular Samsung BlackJack, is a reaction to the Motorola Q being released on Verizon. The Dash has a similar size, keyboard, and uses the same Windows Mobile Smartphone Edition operating system. Though I haven't had much experience with the Motorola Q or Cingular Blackjack, there's a few things I really like about the Dash that set it apart. For one it's got WiFi built in. I know the Q and Blackjack have 3G, but you also have to pay for that. Theoretically, you could get the Dash without a data plan and still have fast internet access in your home and office. Another thing is the smooth black rubber body. It really feels great in the hand. It's very well built and feels quite sturdy. Also, I love the added software that T-Mobile has supplied with the Dash. The E-mail Triggers, Instant Messenging, MyFaves, and WiFi Hotspots features are excellent additions.
If you're looking for one of these new thumb keyboard type Windows Mobile Smartphones with push email and Exchange syncing while keeping to something slim and low-profile, the T-Mobile Dash is a great contender. Of course much of your decision will hinge on what mobile network you're chained to.
Rating
| Value | 
|
| Ease of Use | 
|
| Features |
|
| Overall |
|
