Storage

The Dash 3G has 192MB of RAM, 112MB of program memory (52MB comes used) and 105MB of storage memory (26MB comes used).

That leaves users with almost 80MB for storing items and about 60MB for programs. That's decent, but not the largest amount of free space available, especially if a person wants to store music. Users should consider getting an extra a microSD card, sold separately.

Contact capacity varies judging on how much memory is being used by the phone.

Each entry can include a photo ID, two work numbers, three email addresses, three IM names, two home phone numbers, a mobile phone number, work and home fax numbers, company phone, pager, custom ringtone, car phone, radio phone, assistant's phone, Web page, company name, department, job title, office address, home address, other address, notes, nickname, birthday, anniversary, government ID, account name, customer ID, and the names of the person's manager, assistant, spouse and children.

The SIM card can store an additional 250 contacts.

The Dash 3G has a respectable amount of storage, but a memory card is a must for anyone planning to store a library of information, images or songs on the phone. Contact information is extensive, and there's room for more on the SIM card.

Connectivity

The Dash 3G supports up to 10 Bluetooth profiles. Users can connect handsfree Bluetooth devices or headsets and remotely access and update their phonebook, control multimedia functions, dial contacts, and send picture and documents to friends.

Consumers can use the handset's SIM card to make calls on a car phone, operate the keypad, stream music played on the phone to a headset, and connect the phone to a computer wirelessly through a Bluetooth device. Bluetooth security, Internet and USB connection, and SIM access can all be monitored or accessed via Bluetooth on the phone.

A USB chord comes with the package and connects to a computer to sync Outlook email service, music files and documents.

The Dash 3G connects to PCs, but leaves Mac users in the dark.

Conclusion

The Dash 3G is a messaging powerhouse. With five instant message possibilities, the ability to send text, pictures, videos and audio or a combination of those options, plus a camera that will size the pictures and videos for messaging purposes before ever being shot, the Dash 3G is ready for anything.

Calls, one-touch access to work or personal email accounts, and Internet access via mobile or Wi-Fi access are also included.

The smartphone's Internet system also allows users to customize a home page, watch YouTube videos, see CNN and ESPN articles, and instantly get to the Yahoo! search engine.

The Internet web2go system isn't perfect, though. While other phones offer music and application shopping in one or two places, shopping is fanned out and requires Internet service on the Dash 3G.

Its 2.0-megapixel camera takes colorful photos and videos without that hazy yellow cast that plagues other phones. Don't expect clarity to the detail, however.

Audio on the phone's headset is great, but songs played on the phone's speakers are low quality.

Entertainment options are sparse but uploading songs from a PC or taking pictures and videos, plus surfing the Web are ways to have fun without paying more than the contract fee.

The handset has numerous Bluetooth profile options and phone to computer sync connectivity, decent storage, and a screen that's medium on the size scale, shows colors well but plays videos with a bit of pixilation. The phone is sleek, discreet, and the keypad letters, but not always the symbols, are easy to read.

For messaging, the Dash 3G is a great option. It has an attractive design, many ways to connect and great Internet service. For screen quality, camera quality, and storage, the phone is still good. But the it may need yet another reincarnation to get more built-in entertainment options and better audio speaker quality.

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