Over the past few years I’ve been using Windows Mobile as my phone platform. Since I just purchased a new device (T-Mobile Dash), I thought I’d share my previous devices and my general thoughts on them. I wouldn’t consider this a detailed product review, but I’ll at least give you my general thoughts and comments on each device.
So here are my devices…
The first one (starting on the left) is the Sprint PPC 6600. The device, as you can see, is quite larger than the others, but since it’s running Pocket PC, it requires just a bit more room in order for you to utilize the stylus and handle applications that are much more interactive. I basically used it for email and browsing the web, so I didn’t get much out of it from an applications perspective. The front side of the device would slide open to expose a full thumb board (not shown). Since the face slid up to expose the keyboard, it became a bit top-heavy and thus made it hard on the hands when doing a lot of email. Since the device was so large, it wasn’t very good on weekends out with the kids. Also, over time the stylus would begin to start slipping out on its own and you’d have to purchase new ones and of course they were never better than the one you first received. In general , the call quality was fair and it worked great with Exchange 2003.
After several frustrating years with Sprint, I made the move to T-Mobile. I must say have been very impressed with their customer service and loyalty programs. It’s sounds cliché, but I really do think they care about the customer. Ok back to the phone. I purchased the T-Mobile SDA (center device in the photo above). After a year of working with the PPC-6600 device, I wanted to go to a smaller device. I wanted something that was more phone and less “device” and the SDA fit the bill perfect! It was everything that I thought it would be. It worked well with Exchange 2003 to sync my contacts, mail, and calendar right out of the box. With the data plan (required to do mail sync) I also received a T-mobile HotSpot account so I can use my laptop at Starbucks and more! The SDA’s batter life is fantastic! I left the Bluetooth feature enabled all the time without worrying about the battery life. I also have an Acura TL 2006 which has a Bluetooth Hands-Free feature and it works great with the SDA. The only bummer is that you can’t start a call from the phone and have the Acura HF connect automatically. Other than that, it rocks!!
As some of you may now, I took a job with Microsoft again which also requires me to spend a lot more time on the road (local … no flights). So I needed to get a device with a keyboard again. Again, I didn’t want anything too heavy or large (save the jokes). Lucky for me the T-Mobile Dash was just released. It’s also made by HTC (same people that make the SDA) and even uses the same battery! The Dash (device on the right in the picture above) is awesome! Microsoft IT has already deployed Exchange 2007 and my device works great on it. The Dash comes with Windows Mobile 5 with the Messaging and Security Feature Pack. This enables features such as Remote Wipe. Remote Wipe can be initiated by the Exchange Administrator (requires Exchange 2003 with SP2 or Exchange 2007) and now can also be done by the end user using OWA when Exchange 2007 is deployed (screenshot below)!
I really like the T-Mobile Dash so far. I also have it syncing with my Windows Vista laptop using the new Mobile Center. It does all that you would expect from ActiveSync, but it now has a cleaner interface. As for the functionality of the device itself, it much like what I had with the SDA, except that it has an improved Comm Manager, support for Direct Push (so you get Blackberry like reactions to emails thanks to the Feature Pack), and a really nice thumb board. The other really nice thing about the device is the size and the feel of it. It has a “soft touch” that gives it a good grip and it doesn’t feel like a block of metal or plastic in your hand.
Oh, before these devices I was using a Blackberry which was a great device, but I hated having to have two devices (phone and blackberry). Before that I was using a Pocket PC (without the phone) and a mobile phone. First I had one that didn’t have wireless connections (man that sucked) and then the ones that did (getting better), but I was always tied to a PC to sync with my data.
Anyhow, I thought I’d post this just to share a bit. I'll post another blog later that talks more about Windows Mobility, Windows Visa, and Exchange Server 2007!!