T-Mobile Shadow with Windows Mobile 6 Standard

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INTRODUCTION

WHAT'S HOT

(all images link to higher resolution)  

Slide out the top part of the Shadow and you'll see a 20-key keypad with a numeric layout in the middle, but a 2-letters-per-key QWERTY layout on top.

     The 20 key keypad is an excellent compromise. On most phones with a numeric keypad, there are 3 letters assigned to each number and in order to type out words, the software has to predict what words can be formed from combinations of each three letters. Furthermore, this T9 layout is arranged in alphabetical order, which will take some learning to develop motor memory for letter locations.  With the Shadow's QWERTY layout, you probably already know where the letters are located since it's the same as any desktop keyboard. Since there's two letters per button, it's easier for you to remember which button has which letters AND it's easier for the software to predict which word you're trying to type since there are less possible combinations.

    Another advantage to this keypad style is the ease of entering text one handed and with reduced eye contact. There's a small ridge on the number 5 button which lets you know that this is the center button. When you feel that ridge, you can tell that you're on the G or H key. You can also easily feel the corner keys so you know the upper left button is the Q & W button. Count one button down and that's the A & S key. This makes it very easy to feel your way to the letters you want. Compare this to trying to count and feel your way around a 40-button keyboard and you'll see how much nicer it is. Or, compare this to trying to type a message on a touch-screen-only device with your eyes closed. A 12-button T9 keypad has less buttons to feel for, but it's more difficult to memorize which letters are associated with which buttons.

     Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that the Shadow's keypad is awesome for instant messaging, texting and emailing with one hand using one thumb. I can be out for a walk carrying a bag of lunch in one hand and texting in the other. I certainly can't do that with the TyTN II's larger QWERTY keyboard.  But that's not all!  If both hands are free, you can use the Shadow's keyboard with two thumbs and it's even faster than a larger QWERTY keyboard such as the TyTN II!

    The new software is pretty hot, too. We'll get to that on the second page.

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

    The T-Mobile Shadow comes with; a USB sync cable, AC adapter, stereo headphones with talk button/mic, stereo headphone/power Y-cable adapter, belt clip case, software CD including ActiveSync and a trial version of Microsoft Outlook 2007, extensive manual, Getting Started guide, and Tips & Tricks pamphlet.

THE DEVICE

The T-Mobile Shadow continues the tradition of using a soft-touch slightly-rubbery body just like the T-Mobile Dash and Wing. This is definitely a good thing. 

    On the front of the Shadow are 6 buttons surrounding a circular wheel which doubles as a directional pad.  In the center of the wheel is an action button. The four upper row buttons are clear plastic, while the phone send/end buttons include the copper paint job. It's a little difficult to feel for the differences between these buttons if you're trying to interact with the device without looking at it, but you can usually find the two soft keys at the top since they're smaller. 

The slide out keypad does both numbers and letters in a very efficient manner.

When closed, the Shadow looks like it's all screen. The majority of the top end is glossy clear plastic, which unfortunately is very susceptible to finger grease smudges. At least it's not a touch screen.

    On the left side, there are volume control buttons, an ExtUSB port, and MicroSD slot. The ExtUSB port is located in the middle and is covered by a rubber flap. I really hate this because every time I plug it into my car stereo I have to fumble with this silly flap. What's worse, is the port is on the long side of the device so you've got a big thick wire sticking out which means it won't fit in my in-car phone cradle. As Mike Benton realized at AllShadow.com, you use a standard mini USB plug with the Shadow in addition to the ExtUSB that comes with.

At the bottom, is a microphone hole and a loop slit for a lanyard.

    The right side includes a camera button and a custom hardware button. When you first press the custom button a dialog box comes up on screen mentioning that this is a custom button and allows you to choose which program should open when you press it. This was a very nice touch.

The top end is void of any buttons.

    On the back of the Shadow you'll see a 1.9 Megapixel camera, speaker grill and the battery cover. You'll also notice some "Shadow" branding on the back of the screen when slid open. You have to take the battery out in order to access the SIM card. There's a little metal thing that you have to pull in order to get the SIM card out.

    The MicroSD card slot can be accessed without having to open the back and remove the battery. It's extremely difficult if not impossible to open with your fingers. If you plan on swapping out MicroSD cards, you better bring a paperclip or something small to pry this slot open.

Here you'll see from left to right, Qtek 8500, T-Mobile Shadow, Nokia N95, and HTC TyTN II.

Here you can see a comparison of the thickness. On top is the T-Mobile Shadow, then Qtek 8500, Nokia N95, and HTC TyTN II.