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(More customer reviews)Let me begin by saying that I have been a long time admirer of Apple, and have the five volumes of "Inside Macintosh" for developers to prove it. In fact, before they moved to OS/X, I used to develop printer drivers for the Mac.
So when the iPhone was announced, I looked at the release date, and when I would be looking for a new phone, and thought the timing was pretty good.
However, after reading the reviews (positive and negative), and doing my research, I picked up a T-mobile Dash instead.
Why?
First off, both phones use the EDGE network. So browsing speed wasn't going to be a difference. However the Dash uses Windows Mobile 6 (with the free update) that has a version of IE that is about as good as Safari. Not to mention that the Dash also supports the Mobile version of Opera. Like the iPhone, the Dash also supports WiFi browsing, and the phone plan (similar costs) includes free use of T-mobile's hotspots - which are much more numerous in my experience than the AT&T ones (Starbucks anyone?)
Then there's the cost. The Dash with a 1 gig MicroSD card is about $25 (Dash is free, the MicroSD card is what's expensive). The iPhone, of course, is several hundred more than that. I could have gotten my whole family Dashes for the price of one four gig iPhone. And of course the microSD card is removable and replaceable (as is the battery).
While the Dash does NOT have a touch screen, it DOES have a physical keyboard. My typing speed is already 30wpm, and I wouldn't be surprised if I get up to 50 or 60 (compared to my desktop speed of 80-90). The Dash has a somewhat smaller display, but it has the longer battery life to go with it.
Then there is the comparison of the voice plans. With T-Mobile you have the "MyFaves" plan that lets you setup five phone numbers on any network for free calls. With the iPhone, your AT&T folks are free, but everyone else starts burning minutes - and fast. For me, having those five numbers means that I'm pretty much covered. Not to mention that T-Mobile is consistently ranked higher for customer satisfaction and coverage compared to AT&T.
Oh, and unlike the iPhone, there's a version of Skype for the Dash, so I can make calls over WiFi to folks who aren't in "MyFaves" at no additional cost beyond the normal Skype out fee. I don't think there will be a Skype for iPhone anytime soon.
Finally, WindowsMobile, for all of it's Microsoft issues, does have a fair library of apps I can install, and support for a number of things that you will have to wait for on the iPhone. And there is an SDK out there for developing your own apps if you don't find what you need.
For me, and considering the above, the T-mobile Dash was the right answer. Something you might want to consider if you're looking for a new smartphone.
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Exclusive to T-Mobile service, the quad-band T-Mobile Dash is everything you need to stay connected. Perfect for business or leisure applications, the Dash is a slim Windows Mobile Smartphone that's comfortable to hold and provides crystal-clear calling. Send, receive, and reply to your personal and business e-mail easily with the built-in full QWERTY keyboard and the convenience of integrated Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile software. You can even browse the Web using the included Wi-Fi connectivity or built-in EDGE data support. Other highlights include Bluetooth 2.0, a microSD memory card slot, a 1.3-megapixel camera, and more.
DesignUnder the hood, the Dash features 23 MB of built-in flash memory, a memory card slot for more memory, and a speedy 200 MHz OMAP 850 processor. Up front, the large 2.4-inch 320 x 240 QVGA touch-screen supports over 65,000 colors, while the rear of the device houses the 1.3-megapixel camera. The design of the Dash is clean and uncluttered, with most of the buttons easily accessible with one hand. Just to the right side of the display you'll find convenient up/down keys for volume adjustment and handy keys for browser control. There's also a handy HTC JOGGR control pad with variable speed, drag, and hold functions that makes document viewing a pleasure. Meanwhile, call answer and end buttons surround a five-way toggle that allows you to navigate and control the Windows Mobile interface. A full QWERTY keyboard resides underneath the large display. As mentioned earlier, a microSD memory expansion card slot is provided, and USB/Bluetooth connectivity is included for convenient data transfers.
Calling and PDA FeaturesThe Dash's phone and PDA functions are designed to provide an integrated, seamless experience. The included Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone software with Direct Push technology gives you instant access to your e-mails, calendar, and contacts at anytime. That means wherever and whenever, you'll be connected. A single main screen summarizes all the important information you need to make it through the day. Here you'll get message notification, upcoming appointments, dialing functions, tasks, and more all in one spot.
As a phone, the Dash features all the functionality folks expect from an advanced cell phone, including a hands-free speakerphone, polyphonic ringtones, a vibrate mode, and picture and ringer ID. Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile combines e-mail, calendar, contacts, tasks, and notes into a single application that seamlessly integrates with the Dash's phone functions. Meanwhile, headsets, car kits and other wireless peripherals can also be paired with the unit via Bluetooth.
Staying productive on the road is made possible by the Microsoft Office Mobile suite, which includes Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, and PowerPoint Mobile. Meanwhile, the File Explorer application makes it easy to browse the files on your Dash.
Like all T-Mobile phones, the Dash supports voice-mail, caller ID, conference calling, call forwarding, call waiting, call hold, built-in paging, and access to T-Mobile's 411 service.
Messaging and InternetUsing T-Mobile's EDGE-powered Internet service, you can surf the Web with the bundled Internet Explorer application, or use MSN, Yahoo!, or AOL messenger services to stay in contact via instant messaging. Plus, the inclusion of Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) in the Dash allows you to surf the Web or check your e-mail at blazing speeds when you're connected to a Wi-Fi network. With the purchase of T-Mobile Hotspot data service, you can get online at thousands of locations coast-to-coast. Lastly, robust SMS and MMS functionality is built into the Windows Mobile interface, too.
One of the most important tools bundled with the Dash is Microsoft ActiveSync, which allows you to quickly synchronize your device's tasks, calendars, e-mail, and contacts with your desktop. You also get Exchange ActiveSync, an application that lets you synchronize data with an Exchange server. Syncing can be done via USB or wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Imaging and EntertainmentAnother great feature of the Dash is that it supports Windows Media playback right out of the box. With Windows Media Player, you can play streaming and downloaded video and audio content in a variety of formats. You can also keep favorite tunes loaded on a memory card and listen to your music wherever you roam.
As mentioned, the Dash can take 1.3-megapixel pictures, and while the camera is great for taking stills, it can also function as a camcorder, allowing you to capture video to the unit's memory. An integrated media application organizes your captured photos and videos.For gamers, the phone supports Java-based and Windows Mobile games.
The Dash also sports an airplane mode feature, which allows the user to safely use the non-wireless functions of a phone (such as music, games, or organizer functions) on an airplane during flight.
Vital Statistics The T-Mobile Dash weighs 4.23 ounces and measures 4.39 x 2.46 x 0.51 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5 hours of digital talk time, and up to 216 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.
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