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Dash or Blackjack? Help me decide please!

I have an unhealthy habit (well, according to my wife anyway ) of replacing my phones every 3-4 months. So far this year I had 8525 (excellent phone but a bit too bulky for my liking) and Nokia N75 which is my current phone. However, I am sorely missing a real keyboard and would like something a tad smaller/slimmer then 8525. So far my choices have been narrowed down to Dash and Blackjack. I was able to briefly fondle both phones and am now at the crossroads, which one to choose?
Both phones share many similarities but there are also major differences. Being a 3G user on at&t network I have been spoiled by both 8525 and N75, so as far as data is concerned Blackjack is a clear winner. However, BJ has some major annoyances that I am not sure I will be able to tolerate. First, whoever designed the keyboard on the BJ should be slapped with a live wet trout. To make d-pad flush with soft keys was a major oversight IMO. Second, I do not care for a proprietary charge/sync/audio port. I like Dash's keyboard much better and the curved shape feels really good in hand. Wi-fi is a bonus but is something I can definitely live without. Otherwise, both phones appear to be fairly similar.
I am leaning towards purchasing Dash, but am afraid that lack of 3g will frustrate me. Can anyone who's using or used both phones share their thoughts as to which one I should choose? Is at&t EDGE fast enough to handle streaming audio like Shoutcast? Money is not an object, both phones are about the same price.

Sounds like to me that you'll like the HTC Cavalier more. With twice the speed of the Dash at 400mhz, it also carries 3G capability. The only downside is that it's about $500+ in most sites. I use the Dash and I love it but don't count on EDGE streaming anything with decent quality. Depending where you are at, EDGE vary in speed. I get about 120kbps on average which is slow for me. It does the job and I won't complain since I'm only paying $5.99 for the internet access. As for Wi-Fi, it's a BIG PLUS. I know you mention that you don't care much for it but trust me, you'll want it if you purchase the Dash. Wi-Fi is a luxury feature at the moment since not many phones actually have it especially in such a slim factor like the Dash. Whenever I'm home, I turn on my Wi-Fi and hope one day when T-Mobile has officially set up their 3G network, I'll be browsing and zooming through my webpages without the Wi-Fi.

unknown123456 said:
Sounds like to me that you'll like the HTC Cavalier more. With twice the speed of the Dash at 400mhz, it also carries 3G capability. The only downside is that it's about $500+ in most sites. I use the Dash and I love it but don't count on EDGE streaming anything with decent quality. Depending where you are at, EDGE vary in speed. I get about 120kbps on average which is slow for me. It does the job and I won't complain since I'm only paying $5.99 for the internet access. As for Wi-Fi, it's a BIG PLUS. I know you mention that you don't care much for it but trust me, you'll want it if you purchase the Dash. Wi-Fi is a luxury feature at the moment since not many phones actually have it especially in such a slim factor like the Dash. Whenever I'm home, I turn on my Wi-Fi and hope one day when T-Mobile has officially set up their 3G network, I'll be browsing and zooming through my webpages without the Wi-Fi.
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Hmm, who is your carrier, and how is it you are only paying 5.99 for internet?
Do tell!
Thanks,
J

jta said:
Hmm, who is your carrier, and how is it you are only paying 5.99 for internet?
Do tell!
Thanks,
J
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He's talking about T-Mobile T-zones Internet which is $5.99 a month

The T-Zone internet access is sort of hit or miss. Everyone used to be able 'utilize' The TZones $5.99 plan for full internet access. Originally designed for limited web service on a vanilla cell-phone -- we all used to be able to use it's proxy settings on our WM devices and cheat our way into full Edge internet access. Over the past year T-Mobile has been working on ways to enforce this basic TZone access on WM devices. Seems these changes are being implemented by region, as it still works for many, but not all, T-Mobile WM device using subscribers. It stopped working for me about 6 months ago, with WM5. There's a bunch more about this here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=306361
WM6 includes a T-Zones update, which enhances with a separate WAP browser that gives you TZones limited access to the web (movie times, weather, news, etc) For a couple bucks more a month, you can sync your corporate or personal email accounts to TZones, and to your device. Messenger, IE, and anything else that connects to the Internet won't work with TZones.
If you're unable to jury-rig your Dash for unlimited access at the TZones rate, they want you to purchase the $30 per month 'Total Internet' plan that includes unlimited EDGE and HotSpot WiFi access. You can opt for the Blackberry plan, no WiFi -- unlimited EDGE for $20 -- comparatively pretty reasonable.
You asked about Shoutcast with EDGE. Don't know about AT&T, but with T-Mobile, not so great. Fine for lower bitrate voice audio like newscasts. Music skips >a lot< and video can be downright frustrating. What I find better is packing 20 hours or so of recorded Shoutcast streams from my laptop to the 2-gig MicroSD card in my Dash. Using ULEAD video products, I've converted about 10 hours of video into high quality files that all fit on my 2-gig card with a lot of room to spare. I'd say microSD card useage is a better consideration than streaming (with the Dash). There's a learning curve, but it pays off
As to which is better -- I'd say a overall a Dash is better, mainly as a hold-over device until all the new gadgetry that'll be out in 6 months, or better yet, a year. I helped someone set up their BlackJack. It's nice too. What I didn't like about the BJ: battery life. Without changing something in the registry, the broadband-service radio stays on, even if you aren't currently using, or just don't use, broadband. Prior to the registry change, the device barely made it through a day -- low battery alerts after 7-8 hours. After the change, it's on par with the Dash, however, will only use AT&T's EDGE service. The average user isn't going to think to Google this, or find the software that lets them make the change.
With a 2-year commitment, you can get a Dash for free via Amazon.com or LetsTalk.com. There are probably offers for the BJ, but I'm not familiar with AT&T.
As you have an interest in audio -- the 2.0 Bluetooth on the Dash produces amazing sound on a set of Motorola S9 headsets (also Bluetooth 2.0). I believe the BJ is Bluetooth 1.2 even after a WM6 upgrade.
jta said:
Hmm, who is your carrier, and how is it you are only paying 5.99 for internet?
Do tell!
Thanks,
J
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Click to collapse

Hi, some more thoughts about both phones... I own a Blackjack, my girlfriend a Dash, so I know them quite well.
Well, if you really are a 3G user... this is a big plus for the blackjack. I am from Germany, so I am not sure if it makes sense the German/American EDGE/3G networks, but here in Germany the blackjack is definitely much quicker with HSDPA (up to 1,8 Mbps) compared to EDGE.
But this is the only "objective" factor that I can mention. Oh, maybe one more: I like the Wi-Fi support omy Blackjack very very much. But here in Germany the Dash is also offered by O2 (called XDA Cosmo), and this version offers Wi-Fi as well. If you have the opportunity to get the Dash including Wi-Fi support (I think the original HTC devices support Wi-Fi as well) I would go for it...
Just a few more points that I noticed:
- the standard battery of the Blackjack is really weak, the dash will work longer. But I got a 2nd, extended battery with my blackjack, and I am quite happy with it. Disadvantage: it is thicker than the standard battery, so the device is not so slim/elegant anymore. Anyway, I think it still looks great.
- in my opinion, the blackjack "feels" better - I think the keyboard is a little more solid (?), and - sounds stupid - I really like to touch the blackjack, don't know how Samsung did it.
- On the other hand, I prefer the display of the Dash/Cosmo (I think it is a little brighter/clearer)

I emailed HTC Support two days ago and told them how disappointed I am with the company for delaying the WM6 packages.
This is the response I got:
Hello Sir,
The Rom update for the Windows mobile 6 for the S620 has not been released yet. Please be a bit more patient. As soon as the update will be released (hopefully end of September) It should be available for download from the E- Club section of the HTC website.
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I'm seriously considering selling my S620 and buying a Blackjack because they HAVE actually made the s/w available already.
HTC's support has been very poor - I know this from earlier experience.

Hang in there ... I'm told by my contact at Microsoft the WM6 for S620 will be released by HTC on 17-Aug. Which means sometime within 2 weeks of that ;-)

Las Vegas map for smartphone?

I'm going to Vegas next week and would really like to have a city map on my phone. Does anyone know of a free source of city maps which look good on the TP2?

itm said:
I'm going to Vegas next week and would really like to have a city map on my phone. Does anyone know of a free source of city maps which look good on the TP2?
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Something other than Google Maps? I mean what more would you want besides maps, aerial photos, the ability to search for points of interest? Show my location, show on the map all of a certain category near my location. You might find something else, but you won't find something better.

The only problem with Google Maps is the need for a data connection. With the ludicrous cost of US data roaming I was planning to avoid it!

Since I assume you know you will be roaming, you are stuck with buying (or getting pirated) a GPS program. I have both Garmin and iGo and they both look/work fine. iGo has a 3D mode with 3D wireframe buildings, if that sounds exciting, with substantial detail in Vegas (just brought it up and "drove" in front of the Luxor).

[Q] Navigation Software

Hello I was wondering what navigation software is the best? I live in australia and am travelling to brazil soon, how ever I would like something I wont get data charges with. I have seen a few, eg NDrive, Locations, etc, but was wondering what is XDA's recommendation?

I'm finding Locations to be overall the best. Good routing and you can get directions without a subscription. If you're going overseas the big bonus of Locations is that you can download the maps before you leave and buy a 1 month subscription for the country you are travelling to if you will be wanting voice guided navigation there. Works out quite a bit cheaper than paying outright for the package of a country you will only use for a short time.

[Q] Traveling with S3 in Japan?

Has anyone traveled to Tokyo, Japan with the Sprint Galaxy S3?
I'm heading there next week. I know that there is CDMA there for voice calls, but was uncertain about "actual" experience. Talking with Sprint directly didn't lead me to believe much of anything. They had no idea what they were talking about really. Can you text the US? Can you call the US? is it outrageously expensive? What about any mobile data there?
I'm prepared to do what I do in Europe and just put her on airplane mode and use WiFi and GPS, but thought I'd seek out others experience.
I've tried to reach out to others on different forums, but haven't had much luck with responses. Thought I'd throw this out here.

You's basically have to use airplane mode and wifi and gps. If you use google voice, you should be able to make calls and send / receive texts, as it acts as a voip basically at that point; though you can't receive mms message on google voice.

I believe international text is 0.20 per text.
Sent from a planet far far away.

Japan uses its own weird proprietary cell phone system; I don't think there is any CDMA. Just use WiFi and Google Voice for texting as that will be free. You can also get a SIP provider to make voice calls with. (Google Voice doesn't make SIP calls from your phone.)
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

Thanks guys for the replies. When I'm in Europe, I just use Google Talk voice or video chat when I'm on Wifi. I'll do that again. I've heard that Tokyo is pretty weak on wifi availability though. I'm guessing the places I'm going for this conference should be juiced up.
Sent from my Fre3-ed out GS3

Just to put this information out there on this thread for others searching a similar topic [and I'll update back with my experience when I return]:
I'm going to rent a Pocket MiFi from GlobalAdvancedCommunications in Japan:
https://www.globaladvancedcomm.com/pocketwifi.html
They have a 42Mbps and a 75Mbps option for about $55 for 3-4 days. Since that's all I'm going for, this seems like a good fit. There is a cheaper option called econnectJapan that has slower data speeds and better plans for long term travel. GAC one offers free delivery or pickup in the airport or directly to your hotel. I'm hoping this actually works and I get a unit, needs a lead time of 2 days, which I'm at currently. Other reviews of this service seem to be positive. I went with the 75Mbps unit because it has a 3000MAh battery, so in theory I'll get more usage before needing to plug it in. I plan on toggle it on and off as needed. I know my hotel doesn't have WiFi and I'm not sure about the Conference Center.
An outfit like Xcom Global, which delivers for any country in the world, seems really over priced after looking at these companies in Japan. But then again, they are delivering to the whole world.

I know that no one probably cares about this, but the pocket WiFi thing from Global Advanced Communications worked like a charm. I was pulling down ~35mbps and up ~25mbps most of the time I was there. LTE strong in buildings and everything. Basically, I used Google voice chat through "Talk" and Video chat through G+ and was able to keep up with everything back in the US. The subway schedule on Google Maps was a friggin' life saver. In fact, Google Maps knew better routes and prices of fares than the local Japanese that I spoke with. Google 1, Japanese 0.
There are 0 wifi hot spots in Japan that I could find also. So don't rely on that. Finally, all my electronic devices did not need any adapters because they were non polarized plugs (meaning one tab fatter than the other). My laptop (Dell) also didn't need an adapter because my hotel had a US 3 prong outlet in the desk in the room (Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa). However, you would need a 3 prong to 2 prong adapter and then one that doesn't have a polarized plug.

mmark27 said:
I know that no one probably cares about this, but the pocket WiFi thing from Global Advanced Communications worked like a charm. I was pulling down ~35mbps and up ~25mbps most of the time I was there. LTE strong in buildings and everything. Basically, I used Google voice chat through "Talk" and Video chat through G+ and was able to keep up with everything back in the US. The subway schedule on Google Maps was a friggin' life saver. In fact, Google Maps knew better routes and prices of fares than the local Japanese that I spoke with. Google 1, Japanese 0.
There are 0 wifi hot spots in Japan that I could find also. So don't rely on that. Finally, all my electronic devices did not need any adapters because they were non polarized plugs (meaning one tab fatter than the other). My laptop (Dell) also didn't need an adapter because my hotel had a US 3 prong outlet in the desk in the room (Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa). However, you would need a 3 prong to 2 prong adapter and then one that doesn't have a polarized plug.
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Dude, thanks for the update :good:
Good to know

CNexus said:
Dude, thanks for the update :good:
Good to know
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Ah, so someone was listening! Anyway, it's here now for when people Google search it.
Sent from my Fre3-ed out GS3

Say hello to our new owners of Sprint at Softbank. Edit I see you are already back.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

GiantJay said:
Say hello to our new owners of Sprint at Softbank. Edit I see you are already back.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
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Ha ha. Actually when I was there I did check out Softbanks offerings. Seems like hopefully Sprint will be flush with cash and become the #1 carrier in the US! Ha, we'll maybe keep #3. God if they get any better in Madison, WI I'd be real pumped.
Sent from my Fre3-ed out GS3

[Q] Wifi or 3g?

Too bad i had to return my galaxy note 10.1 2014 just because of a screen bug :| . I got a refund though so am happy but now i am thinking as to why i should get a 3g tablet and just get a wifi version which is cheaper. Is it possible to just set up mobile hotspot on my blackberry q10 and get the wifi note 10.1 and connect to it ? :|

I personally wouldn't own a Wi-Fi tablet and have been using a 3G Note 10.1 since last August when the N8000 was released. I now have a SM-P601.
It's always connected. If you're at an airport you can just pull it out and you're online. Boarding called? Just stuff it back in your bag. The whole concept of pulling out my phone, turning on tethering, connecting the tablet and then having to do the same thing in reverse is just tedious. Leave tethering on your phone on accidentally and your phone's battery is toast.
Battery maximization. Why use Wi-Fi from your phone with a small battery to power your tablet with a massive one? I always use my tablet for long conference calls and video calls because its battery is enormous and I can count on my phone being charged enough when I need it.
Syncing. I have nine syncs running in addition to any apps that may need syncing too. When you turn on a Wi-Fi tablet that's been offline tons of syncs all hit the now available connection at the same time to update themselves. Your device will move like sludge until their done.
Convenience. I have my phone and tablet configured the exact same way so I can get the same information from either. The phone's convenient for fast things like short MMS and quick calls. The tablets great when you're reading or composing longer items like e-mail. I sync bookmarks, Scrapbook, and S Note between my tablet and phone so I can start something on one and pick up where I left off on the other.
Wi-Fi isn't everywhere and where it is available it can be weak and inconsistent. I can send an e-mail via 3G faster than I can find a Wi-Fi AP and sign in to it. Overseas, Wi-Fi isn't free and isn't as readily available as it is in the U.S. A PayG data card can be cheaper than Wi-Fi in a lot of countries.
Adding an unsubsidized device like a 3G N10.1-14 to your plan has dropped in price on both AT&T and T-Mobile. The additional price difference for the 3G vs. the Wi-Fi N10.1-14 cost me about $120 which is like $10 a month if I keep it a year. The freedom of being always connected is worth the extra cost, monthly and upfront, for me. And if you're on a shared data plan the same amount of data is consumed whether your device is connecting directly or being tethered via your phone.
YMMV.

Interesting!! my main concern would be gps pinpointing my location since i do a little traveling here and there but my q10 can do that... :/ Any kind of ratio as to which model has the most problems? i developed a little phobia of recieving problematic devices :| this is the first time i had to return a device. I am leaning on to the wifi version now Thanks btw .

I would go with 3g like Barry_GEG said.
I almost bought the wifi only but the Samsung Store here in South East Asia had the 3g for $600 so I couldn't pass it up.
I use it as a home phone now also.
I would never buy a wifi only in the future.
Sent from my SM-P601 using Tapatalk

I bought (and love) the Wifi version and use a Karma device when I need non-wifi connectivity.

Po678 said:
My main concern would be gps pinpointing my location since i do a little traveling here and there but my q10 can do that
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Tablets, especially large ones, make great navigation devices. Here's mine showing a route in Garmin. That's another advantage of a 3G tablet. You don't have to cache maps in Google Maps and Google Now and S Voice which require Internet access to work are always available. I wouldn't mount a 10" tablet on my windshield but I'll prop it up in the seat next to me or allow a passenger to be navigator.

Hmmmmm .....i checked in one of the stores and it seems there is a 4g version available here and there is a hype about snapdragon in the forums. is the snapdragon worth the extra bucks? because the wifi only version is alot expensive than it is worth in the middle east , i might as well pay high for the 4g version? what do you guys think?

Where I live 3G contracts are way too expensive... It takes me one second to turn on the hotspot on my phone and im not travelling that often to really make use of another 3g contract.
But i can see the arguments in the first post