Introduction

The T-Mobile Dash 3G is update to the original Dash -- a smartphone with a low-level 1.3-megapixel camera, an awkwardly designed keypad and not-so-modern design.

The handset offers a better camera, more business-friendly design and more features, plus high-speed Internet, multiple messaging options, and a web2go package for searching, shopping, reading and watching what's new.

Not everything has changed, though. The screen is the same size as the first Dash -- with videos still coming in a bit pixilated.

The Dash 3G is lightweight and has some slick multimedia and message options. But camera quality, although better than the original Dash, still falls behind the market, audio quality sounds great over headphones, though that can't be said over its speakers, and discovering how to shop for music and extras seems harder than it has to be.

Design

The T-Mobile Dash 3G is made by HTC, the same manufacturer as the Sprint Snap. Both smartphones have a 2.0-megapixel camera, a nearly-square screen and a QWERTY keyboard. The differences are subtle, but the Dash 3G, is slightly larger (in size and screen room). And unlike the Snap, the Dash has volume keys, a headset jack and charger panel on the right side of the phone.

The design is a definite upgrade from the first Dash, which featured a rounded keypad and decidedly indiscreet color scheme.

Soft keys between the screen and keypad allow users to begin or end a call, go to the home menu, or return to the previous screen.

The trackball is a definite advantage over the Snap, which only allows on-screen movement up, down and sideways.

The keypad, like the navigation bar keys, blends in well with the phone. That may sound troublesome for night-time usage, but the full QWERTY keyboard features large white numbers that are backlit and easy to see.

Numbers and symbols are printed in a red color scheme -- which could be tiring for weary eyes.

The keys are taller than they are wide -- easy to press without making mistakes. But a more square setup would have helped larger fingers from mistyping.

The Dash 3G is flat, compact and wide but still easy to hold -- measuring 117 mm long, 61 mm wide, and 12 mm thick. It's also light, weighing a scant 120 grams.

The styling is very attractive -- not flashy and incognito. Its compact design slips easily into wide pockets and the trackball makes navigation quick and easy. But the QWERTY keys could stand to be a bit wider with more room between them and the black on red color scheme for symbols could prove difficult to see in the dark.

Out of the box, the HTC Dash 3G comes with a Li-Ion battery, charger, stereo headset, carrying pouch, start guide, tips and tricks card, user guide CD, terms and conditions booklet, USB cable and audio/charging cable.

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