T-Mobile Dash vs. MDA - HTC Excalibur

Hi all, looking for some respected opinions.
I currently have an MDA (owned less than a month). I jsut saw the Dash is coming out the 16th, and was wondering hwo the two compare?
I love the calendar and wifi functions of the MDA, though the Dash has that too. The smaller form factor and available QWERTY keyboard (without sliding) seems appealing (plus it's more pocketable). How do they compare in processor speed, power consumption, etc?
Thinking of trading my MDA in for the DASH.
BTW, anybody have any side by side shots of the two?
Lastly, any major disadvantages to using Windows Mobile Smartphone Edition other than editing DOC's? I really don't edit DOC's or XL's that much, so not too concerned about that. As long as there is the ability to take notes, etc. I can always transcribe later.
Thanks!!

They have the same proc specs. Although the OMAP on MS smartphone OS will be much zippier than on full Pocket Pc OS. If you dont mind not having the touch screen and the ability to create and edit dos, I say go for it. I have been using the demo at my store and love it. The only thing is the keys are very cramped in comparison to the MDA. Every now and then I hit the wrong key or two keys at once. Hope that helps narrow it down for you.

Thanks Mike
I don't suppose you could snap a couple of side by side pics of the two units together? If not, could you give me an idea of the size & weight? I think the main thing for me is that I want something a bit more "pocketable" than the MDA.
Thanks!!

I have owned both.. and I HATED the MDA after 2 months of use. It was slow, had a poor battery, terrible tendencies to freeze up, and was a pain to use one handed. Although its not the biggest smartphone around, its a brick compared to the Dash. The Dash has been rock-solid as far as reliability, speed, battery, faster wifi beacon, etc. My ONLY complaints are that it has no flash, and that the screen isn't as reflective as the BB Pearl, so its tough to see in sunlight.. just liek the MDA. Save the $100 and go with the Dash. I have yet to come across any feasible tasks that the Dash CANT do which the MDA can.

Wolvereen said:
Thanks Mike
I don't suppose you could snap a couple of side by side pics of the two units together? If not, could you give me an idea of the size & weight? I think the main thing for me is that I want something a bit more "pocketable" than the MDA.
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure I can snap some tomorrow at work for you.

Here are some pics that compare the MDA to the DASH. I took these using the dash, so you can kinda see the photo quality as well. Here is the link:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/michaelflorio82/album/576460762319737097#page1

is the dash a pda also like the mda?
Also, how much is the price of the MDA III OR IV?

is the Qtek 9000........ the tmobile mda iv? is this useful in the usa?
Thanks

mikef1182 said:
They have the same proc specs. Although the OMAP on MS smartphone OS will be much zippier than on full Pocket Pc OS. If you dont mind not having the touch screen and the ability to create and edit dos, I say go for it. I have been using the demo at my store and love it. The only thing is the keys are very cramped in comparison to the MDA. Every now and then I hit the wrong key or two keys at once. Hope that helps narrow it down for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so the dash can not be used as a pda( open exel .......etc) correct? download programs ...........and others! Also, why is so hard to get the MDA III OR IV THRU T MOBILE?
Thanks

If those are pics taken from the dash...that is not bad at all.
Anyone know if you are able to hold down a key for a sec and it will type in the alternative?

Just got my Dash today. I also have an MDA. I have to say it is pretty slick and much quicker than the MDA. The only things that I miss a little, but can deal with it for the size factor, is the touch screen and the ability to edit office docs, which I really didn't do that often. Does anyone know how to turn off GPRS without having to go into com manager? On the MDA just holding the END key did it. On the Dash, this locks the keyboard...Otherwise it is fabulous!

Just picked up my Dash. The form factor is excellent and it is very easy to use. I used an MDA for about 9 months while and just switched to a Nokia E70 a month ago. I'd have to say I am glad to be back to WM5. Symbian is promising but much too buggy, at least on the E70. Also, the email functionality is much better on the MDA/Dash. As for the MDA's touchscreen, I don't really miss it since it's easy enough to navigate around once you get the hang of it.
I don't really know what programs and customizations are out there for this thing yet, but I'd like to find a weather plug-in and will try Google Mobile Maps in a bit. I've already found that Home Screens from the Moto Q work well on the Dash. This website was extremely helpful when I was setting up my MDA so I'm hoping the Excalibur community picks up and we get some more apps and customizations in the near future. Cheers...

mikef1182 said:
Here are some pics that compare the MDA to the DASH. I took these using the dash, so you can kinda see the photo quality as well. Here is the link:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/michaelflorio82/album/576460762319737097#page1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the pics! Yeah, never liked the MDA's thickness (aka brick-like thickness) and that slide out keyboard that you can't operate with one hand and have to wait until the slow processor catches up to switching the screen to landscape. No dice, MDA. It's all about the Dash.
Im very happy with my current iPaq 6945 but if I I had to pick a Smartphone, it would be the Dash.

yes the Dash will I dont think the s620 will tho.. oh and I also own both the Dash and the MDA. I personally like the Dash better if not for anything else but for its compact size. After carrying the MDA on my side for almost the last year it can feel pretty bulky. but after getting the Dash I hardly notice it on my hip. Also you can view word, excel, ect.. documents but you cant edit them like you can on the MDA. For me that isnt a big deal. I usually only view them anyways, it can be a pain to edit a document you cant entirely see. Oh well that is my 2 cents worth..

FallN said:
Thanks for the pics! Yeah, never liked the MDA's thickness (aka brick-like thickness) and that slide out keyboard that you can't operate with one hand and have to wait until the slow processor catches up to switching the screen to landscape. No dice, MDA. It's all about the Dash.
Im very happy with my current iPaq 6945 but if I I had to pick a Smartphone, it would be the Dash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, what's the deal with the whole software thing. Doesn't the fact that it is WM5 mean that even though there is no software for it, you can still install softare designed not for the smartphone specifically? My understanding is that even though it's a smartphone, any WM5 and most Pocket PC based software will work on it. Is this correct?

Related

HELP! Dash or MDA? Pocket Office on Dash? (for editing capabilities) Hack or Download

I've talked to everyone when considering choosing between the MDA and the newer Dash?
Is it possible to get a free version of Pocket Office to put on the Dash so I can have the editing option for Microsoft Documents?
MDA or Dash? Which is more versitile, faster, and good for work & networking on the fly?
Does the MDA have WiFi like the Dash? for free wifi connections.
After too many T-Mobile reps, HTC reps, and other users...I'm exhausted with beating around the bush form the simple, and exact answers I'm looking for. You advice and expertise would truly be appreciated. Help! Thanks.
Ryan
Choose the Dash
I have both. While I have only had teh Dash about a week, I have had no problems with it - no resets or freezes. With my MDA, I was constantly resetting it. The Dash doe stake some getting used to and you will have to buy a spreadsheet program, but I would choose it over the MDA in a flash. The Dash appears to be faster than the MDA as well. The only compliants that I have regarding the Dash is that there is no version of Voice Command for it nor is there a good RN caclulator.
there is no pocket office for smartphone os
more specifically there is no equivalent of pocket word at this time
JwY said:
there is no pocket office for smartphone os
more specifically there is no equivalent of pocket word at this time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This saddens me. Pocket office was very handy. Hopefully something will come about soon.
Really what I look for in comparison is speed, Wi-Fi, BlueTooth. etc. features. Both have the same features, but the difference is the advancement in the individual features. MDA has WiFi 802.11b where the Dash has 802.11b/g meaning the fastest you'll be able to transmit data over WiFi on the MDA is 22mbts The MDA supports BlueTooth version 1.2 and the Dash is BT 2.0. The MDA has a faster processor running at 400Mhz where the Dash runs at 200Mhz.
The applications that come pre-installed on the devices vary. Search the web for Open Source office like applications out there I'm sure you can find something for the Dash. I haven't tried it yet but with my Wi-Fi connection I have a google spreadsheet online application, kinda like an online office of Excel.
Thank you for the feedback.
I have been leaning towards the MDA, but didn't want to take a step back in technology advantage, given that I'll have this phone for a while and I'll want to get the most from the device. OR Should I go with DASH in hope of getting an app to edit documents? Is there anytihng coming out soon, or where should i go to find out where to get it? Can I use either device with google's new word and excel editting, without being connected to a free wifi?
Are both devices able to use Skype?
The MDA glitches and complaints do worry me about dependability. Do you believe the MDA is stable, and is the HTC Hermes able to be used with T-Mobile?
The phone I have (Nokia 3660) just died (only shows Nokia when booting up, in a continuous loop). Therefore i have just lost 600 numbers which weren't sync to the new laptop i had ot buy because my old one was stolen 2 months ago. If you have any advice on retreaving these numbers let me know.
Also, do you recommend getting the MDA from T-Mobile for $250 or from eBay? or other cell phone sites you recommend for purchases?
Ryan
sp4rky said:
This saddens me. Pocket office was very handy. Hopefully something will come about soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here. someone should at least make a third party app for it instead of only viewers.
the dash makes a better phone and the mda makes a better pda. that's the biggest difference to me.
RazrV3 said:
Really what I look for in comparison is speed, Wi-Fi, BlueTooth. etc. features. Both have the same features, but the difference is the advancement in the individual features. MDA has WiFi 802.11b where the Dash has 802.11b/g meaning the fastest you'll be able to transmit data over WiFi on the MDA is 22mbts The MDA supports BlueTooth version 1.2 and the Dash is BT 2.0. The MDA has a faster processor running at 400Mhz where the Dash runs at 200Mhz.
The applications that come pre-installed on the devices vary. Search the web for Open Source office like applications out there I'm sure you can find something for the Dash. I haven't tried it yet but with my Wi-Fi connection I have a google spreadsheet online application, kinda like an online office of Excel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The MDA uses the same processor as the Dash, TI omap 850 200mhz
I had or tested almost ANY HTC device sold in Europe since HTC was a startup company.
EXCALIBUR is the best device I ever seen! Obviously new devices are better than older, but still I believe on BLUE ANGEL concept, (good device at that time, revolutionary)
You feel it in your hand soft, good design, reliable since the first release, stable bluetooth 2.0, last WM5 release, lot of fix and improvement.
Good display, form factor, keyboard and battery life (in a normal day, even using bluetooth, have always with you an USB cable, just in case...)
I don't need glasses to read at, due to resolution and backlight (don't laught too much, experience and close eyesight are reversed functions) one hand usage in 90% of conditions.
The microSD is well stored INSIDE the battery case, avoiding dust and accidental un-insertion.
Problems? screen protector NEEDED, no case in the package (I am using an IPOD sock), poor (compared to pocket PC) software avaliability, Smartphone notes is a MUST have (to insert small notes or align with PC notes) for a device with keyboard!
TORNADO POWER CONTROL is a battery saver, little overclok for a 200 MHz processor (228) and good downclock to save battery (116)
I installed a freeware program from vieka.com called Wordpad 2.9, works great. PTAB covers Excel....
I love my Dash. It's fast and easy to use. I love the one handed operation once I enabled the full jogger.
*BUT*
When I travel, I take my K-Jam and I don't need my laptop. I can do everything with it. I can't say the same about the Dash since it doesn't have mobile office.
On my last vacation, I didn't take my laptop because I didn't plan on working. When I got there, I found out I had to write 2 proposals within 24 hours. Quite simply, I would have been screwed without my K-Jam.
BUT
For an everyday device at work, I now prefer my Dash as I edit word and excel files between 0 and 1 times a year normally.
Dash rocks (and is hella-fast too). Once HTC releases a newer FW for it, I can get the T-Mobile crap off of it.
-Mc
link to download office
Hi i need a link to download ms office for WM5. please help
Hi,
there's no download for Office for WM5, it is part of the PPC-ROMs (Office Mobile). For WM5 Smartphones you can use Clearvue Suite from Westtek (only viewer).
Greetings Newchurch
dash is view docs only...AFAIK
I have had an mda for about six months and liked it, HTC and this communuity so much I bought a dash for my wife instead of an SDA, I like the dash it is a smartfone, and should be called that, it is leaps and bounds above the older smartphone os' but Its a far cry from WM5 and MS is trying to trick less wary buyers into thinking that the 2 very different operating systems are the same, and they are not...
I haven't seen any way to edit office stuff on the dash, but I have yet to get as involved in it as I am my wiz, so I may be wrong.
If you wanna replace your laptop with somthing smaller the MDA is the way to go.
If you want "just a phone" with tons of flexability go for the dash.
they are both great devices, but very different despite a similar GUI.
bhang
The OS's are teh same on both phones. Its just a different interface. Anyone who tells you otherwise is misinformed. If they were different OS's then why are there instructions at HoFo on running PPC apps on smartphone?
I have both devices, and like them both. I like the small size and form factor of the Gash, but the larger Screen and the PPC UI make it easier for me to get around, but I'm gettingused to teh dash too. The MDA is more customizeable (more options for home screen, as well as a lot of ROM's here to try.) But teh dash seems more stable to me (prolly due to all teh fiddling I've done on teh MDA tho)
Also Documents to go has announced they are making a SP version. That will let you edit Office apps when it comes out. There might be a demo or somethgn now, I don't remember.
@bittermormon, you're right, a preview is now available for the smartphone
http://www.dataviz.com/products/documentstogo/winmobile/index.html

Why I am taking my Artemis back

I really was excited about the Artemis, here's why I am taking it back:
1) I got mine from T-mobile Germany, and they have purposefully crippled the device, and gone on the record to say that they removed the wifi chipset to a) give people a reason to buy the Vario, a higher end model, and b) make customers use the web n' walk feature they sell. In other countries and markets, this phone has wifi, T-mobile actually had to go out of their way to remove this functionality; just to make a buck.
2) Even though on the after-sale website at t-mobile.de, it shows the Artemis being used with an english OS, they do not offer an english ROM; I had to pay 35eur to unlock the CID and put on the UK rom.
3) The camera is the worst camera I have ever seen in any device; even worse than the first generation of black and white webcams. Everything is blurry, and it cannot resolve anything within 4 feet of the device. My old HTC SDA had a far better camera than the trash they put in this. Please dear god someone tell me I am wrong, and I didn't see the 'don't take ****ty pics' button, because this is one of the main reasons I am taking this device back. This is just unforgivable, it makes me wish there was no camera included at all, that would be better than one that takes blurry, sad pictures; ruining any moment you wanted to capture. But hey; I can scale the images down from 1200 to 320 and they look crisp! But I may be wrong, I have only taken about 30 pics in varying conditions.
3a) The buttons on the side rails are way too hard to find or press. They do not stick out at all. You can't just pop out the device for a sec and turn it on to check the time, you have to feel around for the damn button first. Also, the camera is so bad and you have to hold it so still that using the camera button to take a picture is almost useless because you have to press pretty hard and it makes you move the device.
4) The trackball was a great idea, but it just doesn't register sometimes. The click wheel is really loose and lint/dirt gets stuck in it. I want a phone to keep in my pocket, not to keep on some lame leather belt protector. Lots of apps do not support the trackball, and even more the wheel. T-mobile says that you can 'scroll around maps' not in the map software i own. Also, the scroll wheel is imprecise, you almost always overshoot the item you want and have to go back.
5) For a serf star 3 shipset, it takes 1-3 minutes to get a fix sometimes. There is no support for anything you would want to do with a phone+cam+gps device. I haven't been able to find any geocoding apps, or anything that would take advantage of the hardware in this phone.
6) A personal thing, but I hate PPC, I got this because T-mobile DE no longer offers a windows smartphone. I find it so pathetic that you can't do things like enlarge buttons or font size. I want to use my device without the stylus; which is why I got this to begin with. I have having to take out the stylus to click some small. I wish there was a 'smartphone' mode that had profiles, even something ismple like holdinga button to lock the device needs special 3rd party software... or SHOWING THE TIME LARGE ON THE TODAY SCREEN... needs a 3rd party plugin. I finally got my artemis somewhat how i want and it's just this house of cards, this glued together mess of mismatched hardware/rom or 3rd party utilities and tools to do what the damn thing should when you buy it. Why should I have to go into the REGISTRY to add an icon to the launch bar at the bottom? Or to change which direction the screen turns when you go to landscape view? For how much code and time has been dumped into this OS, it is so unconfigurable through a decent UI; almost everything needs to be done in the registry or through 3rd party software. What a complete mess.
Anyway; my two cents, I am going to go through the complete hellish ordeal of taking it back on tuesday, so if I am wrong about some of this stuff, let me know; I would like to keep it, I really want to like it; I just can't.
Hi,
1) No real argument here, it should have had Wifi, but it doesn't. You must have known this before you bought it though. Personally I can count on one hand the amount of times I used Wifi on my JAMin so not a major concern personally.
2) I am lucky to stay in the UK so got an English based OS anyway.
3) The camera is average. So was the camera on my JAMin, personally I woudl never buy a Pocket PC for the camera, my Canon does that job. Overall all Pocket PC cameras are poor compared to other phones.
4) Trackball works fine for me and I think it is a great idea. Yes the scroll wheel is a bit loose and it does overshoot. I am sure this is a design that will improve over time, one of the problems of being an early adopter!! Overall though I find it a great phone to use with these two options.
5) Hmmm, I get my fix from the GPS in usually less than a minute, occaisionally it takes a bit longer but I am never in that much of a hurry. Not sure what it is you are trying to use the GPS for. I personally use it with Tom Tom 6 for road navigation and Memory Map for off road navigation and it works faultlessly in both (certainly much better than my JAMin/BT receiver combo). It also works well with the new Google Maps.
6) Can't argue with you too much about the points here. Personally the only thing I would like is bigger text on my Text Message notifications. I like having the stylus option for writing and have found Mousemode on the MDAC3 works well for all other uses. Sure I still have to resort to the stylus occaisionally (afterall it is how the OS is designed) but it is very rare. I could turn this around on you and say that having so many 3rd party apps is a good thing. There are not many devices this size which offer so much diversity in apps. It is just a pain you have to pay for them!!
It sounds like your use is not suited to the Pocket PC in general. Why not sell the MDAC3 on eBay and use the money to buy a suitable smartphone?
Regards
[flame mode, he asked for it]
Do not buy a smartphone. Buy a nokia 1100 and a nikon D70.
My second phone is a nokia 1100:
battery last 1 week
it can receive and make a call
you either push the red or the green button (no thinking, no choices, just push)
you can get it for free if you buy a toaster
Since you are in germany buy a nice beamer or benz, it has wonderful GPS.
PS: next time you buy something INVESTIGATE what it can and cannot do.
[/flame mode]
PS II: my MDA compact III has WIFI and you know what, I never ever use it, I use my LAPTOP for email and Inet...
PS III: why did I buy a MDA compact III? To get rid of the GPS mouse
(I live in Amsterdam beamer and benz cost a fortune here...)
I was thinking about just taking it back to tmobile, I can do that, I don't know much about Europe, can I get a good smartphone and just pop my sim in it? I was thinking about getting the Nokia n73 (sold by tmobile). It has a great camera, and my friend says it syncs to outlook great; just like a smartphone.
I dont have a car, I wanted the GPS for geocoding photos, and for hiking/biking/walking and stuff (recording gps loaction with photos you take)
Check out these pictures taken by the camera:
http://chrisevans3d.com/temp/IMAGE_026.jpg
http://chrisevans3d.com/temp/IMAGE_027.jpg
This is me holding the cam AS STILL AS POSSIBLE.
Hey Bman; you're talking to a guy who has an Axim x51v, and a toughbook CF-W2, I use portable devices a lot, and I know what I do or do not want in my phone; this wasn't my first PPC device. I knew this didnt have wifi when I got it; though at that time no one knew if it was disabled or the hardware was missing.
It is the company coming out and saying their reasoning for nixing the hardware was to make the Vario seem more useful that turned me off.. It's more a problem I have with t-mobile than the device itself. It not having wifi was not a 'surprise' to me. Also, I had heard phones had altered ppc os enhancements, like a dailer and other apps with larger buttons you could press. (I cannot press the buttons on the dialer very well; maybe i have sausage fingers)
As I said I got this because t-mobile no longer even offers a SmartPhone, and I love them. This looked like it was capable of one handed use, which it is for some things, so I picked it. I have a business contract through my company, and it was ~100eur.
I have a good technical head on my shoulders, the crappiness of the cam really surprised me. I mean look at this:
http://chrisevans3d.com/temp/IMAGE_007.jpg
This photo was taken under an array of 5 very bright halogen point lights in the ceiling above. This image quality is inexcusable. Do you not agree?
Maybe the CCD is broken?
CE
pangloss said:
Hey Bman; you're talking to a guy who has an Axim x51v, and a toughbook CF-W2, I use portable devices a lot, and I know what I do or do not want in my phone; this wasn't my first PPC device. I knew this didnt have wifi when I got it; though at that time no one knew if it was disabled or the hardware was missing.
It is the company coming out and saying their reasoning for nixing the hardware was to make the Vario seem more useful that turned me off.. It's more a problem I have with t-mobile than the device itself. It not having wifi was not a 'surprise' to me. Also, I had heard phones had altered ppc os enhancements, like a dailer and other apps with larger buttons you could press. (I cannot press the buttons on the dialer very well; maybe i have sausage fingers)
As I said I got this because t-mobile no longer even offers a SmartPhone, and I love them. This looked like it was capable of one handed use, which it is for some things, so I picked it. I have a business contract through my company, and it was ~100eur.
I have a good technical head on my shoulders, the crappiness of the cam really surprised me. I mean look at this:
http://chrisevans3d.com/temp/IMAGE_007.jpg
This photo was taken under an array of 5 very bright halogen point lights in the ceiling above. This image quality is inexcusable. Do you not agree?
Maybe the CCD is broken?
CE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think th t-mobile firmware degrades the camera function. there are people that can make good pictures with the artemis. But they don't use t-mobile firmware...
I also use a MDAc3 mine is poor as well.
http://chrisevans3d.com/temp/IMAGE_034.jpg
http://chrisevans3d.com/temp/IMAGE_036.jpg
Here are two more pictures. There is green noise all over any picture I take; can anyone confirm this stuff? Any cMDA3 people have photos to send? If you want you can email them to me and I will post them here (that is my site, my email is there as well)
I have even tried all resolutions, thinking that they might have been scaling in software to get the 2MP res. Nope; all resolutions are terrible.
CE
pangloss said:
http://chrisevans3d.com/temp/IMAGE_034.jpg
http://chrisevans3d.com/temp/IMAGE_036.jpg
Here are two more pictures. There is green noise all over any picture I take; can anyone confirm this stuff? Any cMDA3 people have photos to send? If you want you can email them to me and I will post them here (that is my site, my email is there as well)
I have even tried all resolutions, thinking that they might have been scaling in software to get the 2MP res. Nope; all resolutions are terrible.
CE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=33214&d=1168977457
If you have CID unlocked the handset and changed the ROM good look taking it back. Doing that voids the warranty plus your option to return the handset 'in the original condition'

Why the dash?

Im an ex T-Mobile Dash user, now upgraded to the G1. My question is why are you guys still fooling around with a phone that's almost 4 years old? There are such better phone out there. What is it about the dash that makes you guys so in love with it?
Don't know what exactly, but i have used a S200, a Hermes, a Kaiser and a diamond. And I always go back to the excalibur.
Sure a Kaiser is nice, as is the diamond, but I just love the Dash. think I allready had a dozen of them.buy broken ones from ebay, repair them, use them for some months, resell them when I got a better looking one. you can buy the broken once really cheap and mostly only the screen has to be repaired. And a simlock is removed in no time thanx to Jocky
I just don't like a touchscreen for daily use.
RussianSolja said:
Im an ex T-Mobile Dash user, now upgraded to the G1. My question is why are you guys still fooling around with a phone that's almost 4 years old? There are such better phone out there. What is it about the dash that makes you guys so in love with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all the G1 is no upgrade LOL its a downgrade from the Dash, its nothing to brag about. I look at the G1 as I do sidekicks, pretty useless, but a cute toy.
I keep my Dash because at the moment its still the best. If the s522 (Maple, Snap whatever its going to be called) hits T-Mo and lives up to even half of the hype around it, then I may box up the old Dash.. we will have to wait and see.
well....
I think it comes down to what you need, I can do everything that I need to with my Dash: pop email, exchange mail, google maps, streaming radio, music, tv shows from my storage card, weather, appointments, reminders, tasks, games. I'm sure that I left out a lot more things, but really that's all I need. Ever since I purchased a 16 gig card and a extended battery that doesn't stick out from the back, I've been nothing but happy with my phone. The G1 might seem like a step up, but I have no real complaints about the dash. I've always felt that the next phone I'd get would have to be leaps and bounds better than the dash, and so far I don't see much that's worth buying along with the higher rates for data. The HTC touch pro 2 might be a worthy upgrade, so lets wait and see.
Milodog
forgot to mention
I forgot to mention that if you compare the G1 with a regular dash, then I would side with the G1, but with the help of this forum our dash's are tweaked like crazy, which is absolutely awesome, I've never had so much fun with a phone. take care
Milodog
just like you, even now you have a G1 still coming back to see the development and exploitation with our dash. how come
because the dash is usefull and its tweaked as i want it so i could use it it the way i want it
G1 not a good example of a phone lol, i use Tilt far more tweakable than G1 Still think the Dash kicks ass for an SP it's old but it's exemely functional, can be modded to user specification and is a 1/4 price of a G1....
My question would be "Why not a Dash?"
stylez said:
G1 not a good example of a phone lol, i use Tilt far more tweakable than G1 Still think the Dash kicks ass for an SP it's old but it's exemely functional, can be modded to user specification and is a 1/4 price of a G1....
My question would be "Why not a Dash?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree my friend!
Apart from the love link one creates with a nice device like S621 exist the fact that some users don´t have the $ to change device every year, so oldest does not means bad, in fact there are some great old devices that to date still rocking even better than the new ones! Example? My Universal! and my S621!
Also Android OS is so young... I would not change to it till it has a more mature/twekable/customizable platfrom, meantime I´ll stick to WM withh al it´s defects
stylez said:
G1 not a good example of a phone lol, i use Tilt far more tweakable than G1 Still think the Dash kicks ass for an SP it's old but it's exemely functional, can be modded to user specification and is a 1/4 price of a G1....
My question would be "Why not a Dash?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen! Nuff Said
There are other 'phones?
family
I think the main reason I still use the dash is because the family is just so massive, theres no other phone out there thats 4 years old that ppl still use and still want to come out with new roms and new programs for and everyone is just so friendly and supportive to keeping it alive
Why not the Dash?
For me, its a question of money. Firstly, I got into the drivers seat of the Dash for free, with no strings attached, literally. Yes, the Dash was $99 dollars, but My rebate Visa debit card for $100 is shipped as we speak, so basically I made a dollar on the deal. I would have had to pay $199 for the G1 with a two year contract, and me wants nothing to do with that, at least not at the moment.
Secondly, this is my first venture into smartphones or PPC's. I have a long history of standard phones, Moto V3re, Samsung hue, heck, even my Moto V190 is still working fine. I am willing to monkey around with the Dash more than I would, say, the G1. When I do get the G1 I won't be modding it at all, better believe that. I don't mind messing with the Dash, because if I brick it, I am really not out anything. I will in no way tinker with a more higher end smartphone or PPC that I am sure I will purchase when I tire of the Dash.
Thirdly, the Dash has everything and all that I want for the moment just starting to delve into the smartphone realm. I mean, WiFi, instant sync with my home comp., no problems when syncing with my laptop on the road for internet access, instant mail and messaging, PDA like functionality, I mean, the list goes on on and on. Oh, and did I mention, the qwerty keyboard one hand operation.
Granted, I know my Dash is a grandpa in this era of the new punks of superphones that are coming out practically every day. I know my Dash is antiquated and soon to be on T-Mobs chopping block. And I know that it goes just the same as computers, the day you buy it, it is already outdated. But, I love my Dash.
Let me turn your question around. Why *not* the Dash?
It's a well built smartphone, that runs the latest version of Windows (thanks to the guys at this forum) as well as the new phones. Additionally, the cost of entry or replacement is minimal.
I own mine, and have only about $50 in it, total. I use it with an ATT SIM, which means that my other options would have included a GoPhone...I have no desire to be under contract with any company.
So, why not a Dash?
4 years seems like a lot, but when you consider that the actual insides of most WM Smartphones haven't changed significantly...including the amount of RAM (are you listening, HTC?)...then why not just go for a well supported, good looking, and remarkably cheap phone that does everything we want it to...and which puts the "glamour" phones like the RAZR and BlackBerry to shame?
Chuck
so now you know!
RussianSolja said:
Im an ex T-Mobile Dash user, now upgraded to the G1. My question is why are you guys still fooling around with a phone that's almost 4 years old? There are such better phone out there. What is it about the dash that makes you guys so in love with it?
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Click to collapse
Compared to my Kaiser, the Excaliburs keyboard is much easier to use. I gave my Excalibur to my son, but there are times I want it back. Only thing that really eliminates the Ex for me is the lack of GPS. The camera on the Ex is actually much beter than the Kaiser as well. Hopefully, they address this with the Touch Pro 2. Touch screen is handy, but it can be annoying at times too.
Why not?
Best phone I've had, even when I look at my iPhone.
Bupahs said:
First of all the G1 is no upgrade LOL its a downgrade from the Dash, its nothing to brag about. I look at the G1 as I do sidekicks, pretty useless, but a cute toy.
I keep my Dash because at the moment its still the best. If the s522 (Maple, Snap whatever its going to be called) hits T-Mo and lives up to even half of the hype around it, then I may box up the old Dash.. we will have to wait and see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You obviously have no clue what your talking about. The dash is a thing of the past and although i love my dash it isn't even in the same league as the g1. I know we all love our dashes but it is no upgrade over the g1 don't kid yourself. The g1 and sidekicks are 2 way different phones and i can say that because i have owned both. Sidekick is for messaging and email. Its obvious you don't own either a sidekick or g1 cause you compare them as if they are the same phone. Yes they both have keyboards, that's where it ends. I'm not being a jerk man don't get me wrong but saying a g1 is a downgrade from dash is like saying rotary phones are an upgrade over touch dial phones.
stylez said:
G1 not a good example of a phone lol, i use Tilt far more tweakable than G1 Still think the Dash kicks ass for an SP it's old but it's exemely functional, can be modded to user specification and is a 1/4 price of a G1....
My question would be "Why not a Dash?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have mine so i love both. I know you don't have a g1 so your comments really don't hold much weight, but the g1 is fully customizable now and will only get better. The g1 is a real phone, don't really understand how you 2 can speak on a phone you don't use. The only reason i'm commenting is because i have used all and own both g1 and dash. You know i respect you very much man so don't take my comments as an insult k? Don't mean it that way and thats directed towards both of you.
Had a Dash, supposedly "upgraded" to G1, then "downgraded" to Dash. Used both, Dash won.

Pro2 and Universal photo comparison

-not the best of photos, but you'll get the drift. If anyone wants better ones, just let me know
Nice . Not that the phones look like eachother, but still funny to see. People who have the universal rate it high.
What grades would u give to both phones concerning the useablitiy?
Just from looking at it, I would prefer the TP2 for typing and watching movies.
Strange thing btw, everyone says the screen is briliant and you can see everything, even in the sun. but on photo's it realy glares a lot.
quarintus said:
Strange thing btw, everyone says the screen is briliant and you can see everything, even in the sun. but on photo's it realy glares a lot.
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Click to collapse
I think it's because the screen dims after a few secs if you don't touch it. To save battery life.
Yeah it's cool to look at both machines but the second pic is a bit too blurred to see. Sorry...
Tomo said:
-not the best of photos, but you'll get the drift. If anyone wants better ones, just let me know
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Click to collapse
I´m happy to find this thread!
As an proud Universal owner as primary buisness oriented device I have been waiting patiently to find the perfect replacement for my Uni, but 4 years later nothing worth to look.
TP2 is a good candidate as it has better specs in almost all, but still missing the form factor swiveling screen as Uni is really more like a micro lap top with phone than a phone with nice stuff like TP2.
I´m still no sure that TP2 can really be Uni succesor but at least is a posibility
I´ll wait till the ends of 09 to see what new models comming from HTC or Toshiba and then I´ll make my desicion on what device to buy to replace my Uni (If replaceble)
Cheers,
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=pdacomparer&id1=1751&id2=313
orb3000 said:
I´m happy to find this thread!
As an proud Universal owner as primary buisness oriented device I have been waiting patiently to find the perfect replacement for my Uni, but 4 years later nothing worth to look.
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Click to collapse
From all the threads I read that you have posted, you really do love your little Universal. He he he... Not saying it's a bad thing. I respect people like you, people that knows exactly what they want and won't jump and just buy anything that is new.
It really does take a lot of patients. You will make a good equity trader! Waiting for 4 years is a long time mate! Perseverance of finding the perfect handset is hard to hold.
Me, I am waiting to buy my first full QWERTY handset, the TP2. I hope the wait is worth it. Waiting for 4 months is already very hard, don't know how I can wait for 4 years. My hands will be so itchy, there will be no hands left.
For me, the Universal was my dream phone, but the form factor made it utterly impractical for day-to-day use for me.
Now that I have a TP2, I can finally enjoy a universal-class phone in a form factor that is practical.
The keyboard is SO much better than any other HTC device I have used before. Certainly it wipes the floor with the Kaiser keypad. I feel it is more responsive than the Universals.
The screen is just plain tasty, and touchflo has been massively improved.
I am pleased!
dazultra2000 said:
For me, the Universal was my dream phone, but the form factor made it utterly impractical for day-to-day use for me.
Now that I have a TP2, I can finally enjoy a universal-class phone in a form factor that is practical.
The keyboard is SO much better than any other HTC device I have used before. Certainly it wipes the floor with the Kaiser keypad. I feel it is more responsive than the Universals.
The screen is just plain tasty, and touchflo has been massively improved.
I am pleased!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I-hate-you....NOT.
I'm on Sprint (CDMA) and can't wait to get my hands on this provided the rumors about a mid-June launch are true. Was going to get a Palm Pre but will be forced to change my plan to almost double, so TP2 it is.
How is the battery life, ear piece quality and does it get hot? I had the original Touch Pro for a month and took it back because battery life was horrid and it would heat up in the middle of the keyboard area bad after a few mins on Opera. Thanks.
Battery life so far is on par with my TyTNII. It's not great, but it's not terrible!
It hasn't got hot for me yet, but I've not really been pushing it.
Not made enough calls to comment on the quality of the earpiece yet, but the speaker is louder than my TyTNII (though sounds a bit more "echoey")
Main concern at the moment is there is no lens cover on the back shell as with most other phones. It's just a hole that leads through to the main camera sensor lens...hoping I don't scratch it!
Oooh and the ambient light sensor and g-sensor are cool!
dazultra2000 said:
For me, the Universal was my dream phone, but the form factor made it utterly impractical for day-to-day use for me.
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Click to collapse
Exactly the same for me, in 2005 when I bought the Wizard, my dream was the Universal. I bought it last year and keeped it only 6 month (unpractical).
dazultra2000 said:
Battery life so far is on par with my TyTNII. It's not great, but it's not terrible!
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Click to collapse
True with the htc roms. False with the last radio. With last radio the battery life is excellent and with the last M2D and WM6.5 it terrible!!!
If the Pro 2 is something between TyTn2 and Universal, it's perfect for me. If the bluetooth stack works fine with my S705, doesn't matter for the FM radio (it's integrated in my S705).
I wanted it in Orange offer.
orb3000 said:
As an proud Universal owner as primary buisness oriented device I have been waiting patiently to find the perfect replacement for my Uni, but 4 years later nothing worth to look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I once had a Uni, 'upgraded' to the TYTNII and am now waiting to see if my carrier will have the TP2. Whilst the newer phones out perform the Uni (for me!) I still wish that I could get something with the guts of a TYTNII in the casing of a Uni. That was a brilliant device.
Snapped some of my own pics for you guys to ponder over.
dazultra2000 said:
Snapped some of my own pics for you guys to ponder over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for pictures. Nice one!
Great comparison pictures!
Thanks a lot!
Besides the size and RAM I´m still choosing Universal!
orb3000 said:
Great comparison pictures!
Thanks a lot!
Besides the size and RAM I´m still choosing Universal!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a fellow Universal afficionado, I share your view of how great a device it is, but apart from the RAM and size there's the GPS, higher connection speeds, screen & camera capability. These things might not be important to everyone, but made me make the change (still have the Universal though)
My Universal is long gone, Touch Pro 2 is the new King!
Tomo said:
As a fellow Universal afficionado, I share your view of how great a device it is, but apart from the RAM and size there's the GPS, higher connection speeds, screen & camera capability. These things might not be important to everyone, but made me make the change (still have the Universal though)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for the Uni lovers.
I still haven't found a replacement for my Uni.
It is still by far the most practical business PDA / UMPC on the market.
I am waiting for a TP2 to arrive, and have been highly disappointed with the Raphael. (my fault for jumping in and buying one without doing my research first) I could never get used to the tiny 2.8 screen or the little keyboard.
My Uni still makes me smile every time I use it, it has never let me down (and I've had it since they were first released) robust, decent keyboard (with tilt and flip, so no issues of not being able to see the screen whilst typing comfortably) The only let down for my poor Uni is lack of GPS, with the 128mb ram upgrade I managed to make her last a bit longer as a primary device, but eventually had to get an "All-In-One " device that was more practical for everyday use.
I hope the Rhodium lives up to the reviews and has better reception amongst other things over the TP.
LONG LIVE THE UNI
I'll post some pics of my devices for peoples enjoyment (Still have a fully functional Wallaby at home too)
Cheers,
Beasty
Here's another post from a Universal fanboy
I've been using the Universal exclusively for almost 4 years now. Except for a big mistake I made when I ordered a Glofiish M800 and used that for a couple of days, got rid of that one real quick, and since I exchanged it for a Qtek 9000 I made that wrong right again. So I now own an MDA Pro a Qtek 9000 and... since 2 days, a Touch Pro 2.
I have to start out with saying that I personally always carried the Universal with me in my pocket. I Never had an issue with it's size. And as for the real reason I got a new device? Well you know, I want to see myself as a sort-of early adapter and since that Universal was way ahead of it's time, and I pre-orderd that device in spring 2005, I just wanted something new to play with. Why it took so long for anyone to release a device that even came close to the Universal is beyond me.
Personally I never really used a lot of local applications on the Uni. Except for the phone, sms and calender functions and navigation software the thing I used the most by far was remote desktop. The size of the screen, the resolution the AWESOME keyboard and the UMTS and Wifi connections really let me use my workstation and server to their full potential, ANYWHERE in the world.
While I did flash the device with new versions of Windows Mobile that I found on this forum I never really owned a device with TouchFlo on it. Obviously I did play around with TouchFlo on devices that friends and colleagues owned.
After having used the device for about a day these are the things I noticed when I compare it to our beloved Uni's:
TP2 Pro's:
-Size: Like I said, the size never bothered me, but as I was used to the Universal the Touch Pro2 is TINY
-Resolution: 800x480 beats 640x480, especially when using Remote Desktop.
-HSDPA
-Internal GPS
-Conference call option in TouchFlo (which someone on this forum has probably hacked into the Uni already as well)
-Just having something new already
-Audio call quality is higher
-Keyboard is almost as good as the Uni's
TP2 Cons:
-While I never used it, I just don't get why there's no mini-jack connection
-No flash: While I used the flash on the Universal as a flash light most of the time and not as a flash for the camera I just don't get why they couldn't at least put a LED light on the device.
-No TAB-key on the keyboard. I really miss this when filling in forms online.
-The slide-and-tilt formfactor is ok, but not as good as what the Uni does. When the screen on the TP2 is fully tilted It's difficult to press the number keys (top row). Also when I carried the Uni in my pocket the screen was always well protected. I guess it takes some getting used to as well.
-Keyboard is ALMOST as good as the Uni's
Johny58 said:
Here's another post from a Universal fanboy
I've been using the Universal exclusively for almost 4 years now. Except for a big mistake I made when I ordered a Glofiish M800 and used that for a couple of days, got rid of that one real quick, and since I exchanged it for a Qtek 9000 I made that wrong right again. So I now own an MDA Pro a Qtek 9000 and... since 2 days, a Touch Pro 2.
I have to start out with saying that I personally always carried the Universal with me in my pocket. I Never had an issue with it's size. And as for the real reason I got a new device? Well you know, I want to see myself as a sort-of early adapter and since that Universal was way ahead of it's time, and I pre-orderd that device in spring 2005, I just wanted something new to play with. Why it took so long for anyone to release a device that even came close to the Universal is beyond me.
Personally I never really used a lot of local applications on the Uni. Except for the phone, sms and calender functions and navigation software the thing I used the most by far was remote desktop. The size of the screen, the resolution the AWESOME keyboard and the UMTS and Wifi connections really let me use my workstation and server to their full potential, ANYWHERE in the world.
While I did flash the device with new versions of Windows Mobile that I found on this forum I never really owned a device with TouchFlo on it. Obviously I did play around with TouchFlo on devices that friends and colleagues owned.
After having used the device for about a day these are the things I noticed when I compare it to our beloved Uni's:
TP2 Pro's:
-Size: Like I said, the size never bothered me, but as I was used to the Universal the Touch Pro2 is TINY
-Resolution: 800x480 beats 640x480, especially when using Remote Desktop.
-HSDPA
-Internal GPS
-Conference call option in TouchFlo (which someone on this forum has probably hacked into the Uni already as well)
-Just having something new already
-Audio call quality is higher
-Keyboard is almost as good as the Uni's
TP2 Cons:
-While I never used it, I just don't get why there's no mini-jack connection
-No flash: While I used the flash on the Universal as a flash light most of the time and not as a flash for the camera I just don't get why they couldn't at least put a LED light on the device.
-No TAB-key on the keyboard. I really miss this when filling in forms online.
-The slide-and-tilt formfactor is ok, but not as good as what the Uni does. When the screen on the TP2 is fully tilted It's difficult to press the number keys (top row). Also when I carried the Uni in my pocket the screen was always well protected. I guess it takes some getting used to as well.
-Keyboard is ALMOST as good as the Uni's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great comparative with pics that give an idea of sizes comparison!
Thanks a lot for this!
Every new year comes I think if HTC would do again something on the form factor of Universal: A micro lap top with phone functions!! but nothing...

Touch Pro 2 vs Diamond

Hi all,
It's been a while since I posted a message here, but I think I've fallen in love... with the Touch Pro 2!
Yet there is a small 'issue'. I've been working with the Touch Diamond for quite some time now and to be honest, I kinda hate it. Buttons are small (have to use the stylus a lot), I really don't like the email app, and most importantly: it's slow, even without any programs installed!
The TP2 has a lot of things in its favor (like the keyboard, the enormous screen ), yet it runs on WM 6.1 too... I know there will be an upgrade available to 6.5, but we'll have to wait a couple of months before it's available.
So my question is: how is the speed of the TP2? Perhaps someone has used the Diamond and could tell me more about the overall performance of the TP2 compared to it?
And how is the email app? I believe it is the same as on the Diamond (which is logical, it is still WM 6.1 ), but I get an error most of the times when receiving email (I'm not the only one I've read). Is this issue resolved?
Thanks for the help in deciding whether to get this beauty...
My previous device was the Diamond. Performance-wise, it's like night and day. The out-of-the-box experience of the Diamond was terrible. It was slow and prone to freezing. The Diamond experience got significantly better after installing some of the custom roms available here though. I was quite satisfied with the Diamond after the first couple months.
The out-of-the-box experience of the TP2 is extremely satisfying in comparison. Very fast and no freezes. Just head over to any of the reviews circulating the web and they'll most likely say that the TP2 is the best WinMo device right now. (Can't wait to see what the chefs here at xda can cook up to make this fantastic device even better!)
Email app is the same as with the Diamond. Although, it does appear quicker in retrieving and sending. (I use IMAP with Gmail). Haven't had any errors pop up. (It's been about 2 weeks).
Only differences in the email app is the following:
-TP2 allows you to call the email sender within the email. That is, there's a big green call button next to the sender's name.
-in TP2, the sliding animation is replaced by a fade animation (ie, when you swipe left or right in an opened email). It also "fades" into the email when you select the message either from the inbox or from TF3D.
Wot he said ^
The only thing that the Diamond has going for it is the size.
If they could make theTP2 the same size as the Diamond I would be in heaven! But then again, I would never buy another device, so maybe that's why they don't do it
Try Omnia PRO? It has nice hardware and by tweaking you sure can get hell of a lot out of it
Thanks for the reply guys! The Omnia Pro's screen doesn't tilt, and I love this feature on the TP2.
I'll go out and buy one, because I can't wait!
Had a diamond for an year.
Got my rhodium on monday, and except from the perfect qwerty keyb and the amazing screen, its way faster than the diamond, and stays fast and stable no matter what you are doing. i totally recommend you to buy it and get rid of the diamond
darfri said:
Try Omnia PRO? It has nice hardware and by tweaking you sure can get hell of a lot out of it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ripburger said:
Thanks for the reply guys! The Omnia Pro's screen doesn't tilt, and I love this feature on the TP2.
I'll go out and buy one, because I can't wait!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also Omnia will not have the support from this great site
So great desicion! go for TP2!!
GO FOR IT!
hi!
i have a touch pro since september last year and i decided to try TP2... just felt in love with....
i bought one yesterday and had no change to play a LOT with it but what I did made me enjoy every penny I've spend with the trade!
this device is GREAT!!!!
well, first the display is AWSOME (much better than TP and Diamond). Now I can replace my laptop when browsing, again! I couldn't since I've sold my x7500... The TP display is very little for browsing!!!!
The resolution and display quality is pretty GOOD!
The sound is much better, can not even compare!!!!
The D-pad is not missed at all! I didn't use it anyway.... The keys on the bottom of TP2 are perfect! And also the Zoom bar, it is a great thing!
If you write a lot, sms, emails, on foruns, msn or even word or any other texting you'll love the keyboard! Much better than TP!
It's pretty fast and responsive! the sound of the calls is clear!
The software is great! It makes me like touchflo!
The TP2 is larger and heavier than TP (and of course more than Diamond) but it's not THAT heavy and large!!! Compared with a brick like HTC Universal or X7500... it's very handy! I guess it has the perfect size!
So... GO FOR IT!!!! You won't regret at al!!!
There is only one reason that makes me prefer the TP... it's cheaper!!! lol
So many great reactions, hopefully I'll get it in the beginning of next week!

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