Smartphone Insider: T-Mobile Dash

Smartphone Insider provides the inside scoop on today's hottest Smartphones, including strengths and weaknesses, problems and solutions, user feedback, news, and tips & tricks.

The Dash is T-Mobiles weapon of choice in the battle for supremacy in the ultra-thin Smartphone market currently raging between it, Cingular's BlackJack, and Verizon and Sprints Q. While all three devices are quite similar in size and functionality, the Dash has the distinct advantage of being the only device with built-in Wi-Fi, which even Palms top-selling Treo 700 series Phone Editions lack. This means that you can use the Dash to surf the Web and check and send e-mail from any Wi-Fi hotspot without having to pay for a data service plan.

Strengths

• Will be upgradeable to Windows Mobile 6 later this year
• Curved edges and rubberized feel for comfortable handling and grip
• Slim design (0.5 thick) and solid build
• Integrated Wi-Fi (b/g).
• Integrated Bluetooth 2.0, allowing for use of stereo headsets for music
• EDGE support for Web and e-mail anywhere
• Runs on the GSM Quad-Band world network
• Good call quality and battery life
• Includes leather case and hands-free headset (if purchased from T-Mobile)

Weaknesses

• Poor video (176x144, 10 fps)
• Washed-out colors on photos
• Limited processor power (200 MHz)
• Weak speakerphone
• Awkward volume touch strip
• Poor user manual
• Can't edit Microsoft Office docs

Limitations & solutions

• The Dash has a unique volume touch strip to the right of the screen, which is designed to turn the volume up or down by touching the designated area. However, reviewers and users have complained that this function is temperamental, with commands only registering sporadically. It can be changed through the Settings menu, where the sensitivity can be adjusted or turned off completely.
• Some users have complained that the user manual provided with the Dash is sub-par. To make up for it, it seems, HTC (the manufacturer of the Dash) has provided an extensive support page on their Web site (http://america.htc.com/support/dash/default.html). The site includes a Tips & Tricks section (a listing of actions and their key commands), Frequently Asked Questions, and more.
• Microsoft Office files can be viewed but not edited. If you want to edit documents, you'll have to wait for the Windows Mobile 6 update or get a third-party solution. Documents To Go (http://dataviz.com) lets you view, edit, and create Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, and view PDF files. Also check out eText (handango.com) for text editing, and PTab (http://software.everythingq.com) for spreadsheet editing.