My T-Mobile Shadow Review

[Guest sydney196]

OK I’ve had it for a while now and.....

Why: Well I have been looking for a phone that is the 'next level' from the MOTOROKR E6 and Samsung U600 I owned. The one thing that was missing was a phone with wi-fi.

how: Purchased from T-Mobile Store (renewed contract)

What: T-Mobile Shadow (HTC Juno- I believe)

Review:

Look and Feel

*Quality

Looking at the phone it looks like a cheaper kind of plastic, but once you get it into your hands you definitely feel the difference. One of the main selling points for me was the front and back. The Front because the screen although plastic is easy to clean off my smudges from the old face. The Back because it has a rubber-like texture on it, which is great for laying on tables or a bed stand where it wont vibrate off.

*Colors

In looking at this phone, there were two obvious choices, the 'green' and the brown. Owning a Brown Zune in the past I wasn’t wary of the brown, but Green really was my fave color. I ended up getting the Brown because it almost looked black and its more of a metallic brown which makes it look like the lacquered wood in some vehicles (faux or not)

*Weight

Coming from the E6 and the U600 it is significantly heavier. But still it seems lighter than my 80Gig iPod Classic, so the weight was ok. in my pocket it felt alot more natural than the E6 did.

*Slider

The slider has a really good mechanism. It wont accidentally slide open in your pocket and it definitely wont cause any grief when you try to open it. As the entire top part slides you don’t have to 'push the screen'

*Keyboard

I used to own a BBPearl and it took me a while to get used to sure type. But going back to it was definitely worth it. I have read some folks don’t like the sure type but mostly that is all preferences.

*Scroll Wheel

OK so it isn’t an iPod! Glad to know! The scroll wheel does what it is supposed to do. Scroll you thru the menus. It can get a little confusing sometimes because some screens are up and down push and others are scroll to advance. It does take some getting used to.

*Menu Structure

It comes with a new 'Neo" interface. Which works pretty well. It does give you access to all the stuff you need without ever really having to go into the dreaded windows Menu. (I did wish there was a way to have the windows 'key' not show up on the interface) You basically have three choices for menus. The Neo (T-Mobile option), a WM6 option, a standard Windows Mobile option. Out of all of them the "neo' (by the way I think that’s what it is called from what I read online) seems to be the best one. And if you are getting the Shadow the Neo and the Brown 'go together' color-wise and overall in looks.

Accessories

*USB Headphone adaptor

I haven’t really broken this out yet, as I use the Motorola S6 stereo headset. If I ever crack open the package ill amend this...

*Case

Still haven’t opened the case yet, but it seems to be a simple case, slide the phone inn and your set!

Phone

*Call Quality

I read online that many people are having call quality issues. (I took the plastic screen protector off) and so far people can hear me, at first the sound was very low in the earpiece (but then I took the screen protector off) and it greatly improved. I also didn’t have any problems hearing the person on the other line. (made me think wither this device was a phone first , then PDA , or a PDA with Phone capabilities). The speaker phone is great. my car is extremely noisy and it works without any problems, clear loud and most of all they can hear me!

*Incoming Calls

The thing I liked about my U600 was the large screen caller ID, and what I love about the shadow is the same thing. it isn’t as big as the U600 but it is roughly a full screen with the caller info (which you can have read aloud to you in one of the voice settings) with a 1/2"x1/2" image of the caller (or whatever you have assigned in the details of the contact.

*Outgoing

There are two ways (well more than two) to make an outgoing call on the Shadow. The first and easiest is to just start typing either the number or the name of the person then select the contact you wish to call, the second is to go thru the contact list and hit call when you see the one you need. There are other ways, such as hitting call when you read a MMS/SMS from that person, voice-dialing, email dialing, and then there is 'while surfing the web, a number is listed -dialing'.

PDA

*E-mail (total internet $20.00 plan)

Yep after being on t-zones forever and using the gateway to get all my emails I decided to give total Internet a try. I currently have my email setup (which was easy as pie due to the email setup wizard) for Mac, Outlook (via active sync), Cox.net and yahoo! Every time I get a message (using the "Neo" interface it shows me a alert (indicating from/subject/account)

*Calendar

I use my calendar (Outlook and iCal) religiously. Currently there is only one calendar (so you can only use one, not have multiple. The interface is very well put together, and my alarms and alerts show up when they are supposed to!

*Address Book

Syncing with Mac Address Book and Outlook is a cinch. Using Active sync on windows makes it all happen. The address information is very detailed. it even copied lengthy notes I have attached to each contact.

Messaging

*Missed alerts

On the main screen, using the Neo interface, aside from the phone+! icon near the top, the Envelope icon, and finally an envelope icon +cell icon (for MMS), you can tap down to the phone+bubble icon (which will have a yellow background when an event is missed) and then scroll wheel thru all of the new/missed calls, messages, emails, etc. It is a really great feature. The screen (in that section) will show five lines of info. The first is an image of either a contact or an icon, the second is the type of event (New Outlook email, MMS Message, SMS Message, new 'x' email, Missed call)

*MMS

Sending pics is very easy. Having a camera phone you can send right from the camera, or select a file/image and it will automatically send it in the same format. When receiving an MMS it shows up full screen and plays smoothly. I have had in the past with the E6 to download the MMS message first then a new message would appear stating that an MMS was received. So direct pull is definitely worth it.

*SMS

Texting, on average I go thru 3000 text messages a month. When I switched to the E6 that drastically reduced due to the touch screen keyboard and me not having patience typing on it. On the U600 I enjoyed the phone pad but would have some issues with T9 as most people sometimes do. I do wish it was explained easier on getting to the t9/sure-type option in a message. As some fields only allow you ABC, abc, Abc and not T9, t9 etc etc.

Wi-Fi

*Signal

I have wireless g @ home. So far it detects the network automatically and does what is needed to stay connected. You can set wi-fi to go off after 'n' time of no connection to save on battery, and you can also set wi-fi from the main screens. (a wi-fi antenna icon is visible on the header of the main screen).

*VOIP

One of the main reasons I got this phone was for the built in wi fi. I am a huge user of Skype and using Fring was what I needed. So far I only VOIP device to device (not to land or mobile) and it has been great. the call quality comes in clear, no video (but that would be hard to accomplish with the camera on the backside) Was it worth it.. YES! just for the wi-fi. I did hear a rumor that t-mobile was stating that you got free hotspot (starbucks etc) with the total internet package, but ill have to verify!

*Syncing

I am both a Mac and PC user.

PC: using active sync, as usual I had some slight problems with connectivity. I have not been able to connect via Bluetooth, but the area I am in @ work is bombarded with BT signals from various devices. USB has been sweet! It connects automatically and syncs it without issue. I do not have the exchange server set up, so it only syncs my work email thru direct USB connect.

Mac: that was a little trickier! I downloaded Pocket Sync for Mac and the program has some shortcomings. I really wish they would just add WM sync capabilities to iSync. Off and on it will either start syncing and hang or just not sync at all. So far it has been hit and miss. I just saw this new program that I will be trying out.. more to come

Misc

*Screensaver

One of the nice things is the ability to have a photo slideshow occur when connected to the computer. This shows up on the Shadow’s screen and goes until the auto screen off kicks in!

*Mac

Like mentioned earlier, still haven’t had much luck with the Mac it wont recognize the 2GB card as anything. but will check the program tonight to see if it works!

*Music

Yes I own an iPod. But sometimes you just don’t want to carry it. The Shadow does music too. the sound is great both from the speakers and thru my BT headset! (I haven’t tried the stock headset) The 'cool' feature is the ability in the "neo" home screen, to tap down to the WMP icon, and start music directly from that screen. (I believe you can also do this on the standard WM home screens). Also when a song is playing the album art (if available) is displayed along with the artist info. You can scroll wheel back and forth to go thru the music available and then center button press to play a different track. (there is a feature available to read each track before it plays, but so far it hasn’t been successful-at least I haven’t figured it out) You cal also have your library (music library) pull from either the storage card or the main menu. It syncs with Windows Media Player flawlessly as an external media device (if only iTunes afforded that luxury).

*Internet

As a user of Nokia's full on HTML browser, then having to go to Opera (which isn’t that bad) I was wary of the built in ie browser. Turns out it is as good as the Nokia HTML Browser. Sometimes something just works! and this does! The pages aren’t lightning fast but using EDGE you’re getting what you paid for!

*Battery

Alot of people have complained about battery life. Now its a PDA you’re going to use the heck out of it, and it is going to drain the battery. What most PDA users want is something that wont die on them, and this device is close to being one of those. Some key things are to use wi-fi only when needed, set your email retrieval to something greater than every five minutes, cause that also uses up battery power, and best to use the power manager and have the device do its 'thing' to also help you save battery life. It hasn’t run out of juice yet, as my shadow is plugged into my desk and usually syncing, but a weekend without a constant stream of current should fix that!

*Camera

Yes I went from a 3MPX Samsung with auto focus and flash(LED) to a 2MPX one shot one kill camera. not a good move, but still there are some good images, not great and the fact that there is no 'flash' is annoying, but I'm sure the other products in the 'Shadow' line will be better equipped. The delay time is longer than needed, but that can be fixed by turning off preview after shot. All of the settings and options are onscreen and can be accessed with one of two presses.

Overall

Well, I mainly wanted this phone for the wi-fi for Fring and it has exceeded my needs. As for the PDA aspect of it. It is as similar to having the Blackberry. These days there are so many ways to get your emails and calendar appointments that any device will do, its just a matter of storage space and capabilities. MMS/SMS: Having them viewable on the home screen is extraordinary. Being able to just scroll down and read the first line or two of the message and choose to ignore or reply is worth it. The camera.. eh they should have either put in a 3mpx or added a flash to the 2mpx. Now for the important part.. the phone! Yes it dials and calls come in clearly. I live in San Diego and am on T-Mobile so signal is no issue, and call quality is superb.

Well that’s it! if anyone has any questions ping me or post a reply! Would love to hear what other Shadow owners think!

~S~

Edited November 30, 2007 by sydney196

[Guest chaznet]

Here's some more reviews:

CNET

PhoneScoop Video Tour

PocketNow.com

PCMag

Laptop Magazine

CrunchGear

PC World

[Guest sydney196]

****UPDATE****

Just a quick update!

T-Mobile HotSpot

After many calls to T-Mobile it has been confirmed!

If you get the Total Internet Package, you also get access to all of T-Mobiles Hotspots. You can call to find out your login, but you now will have wi-fi access in places such as: Starbucks, Borders, FedEx/Kinkos, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Red Roof Inns, Sofitel and Novotel Hotels, the airline clubs of American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines and US Airways

Hotspot@Home

Sadly as the Shadow is not a UMA device it is not compatible with T-Mobile's HotSpot@Home system!

Now for the device usage update

I have had it for a while now and here are some key things i like and dislike!

Likes

Size: It actually doesnt feel bulky at all. I carry it everywhere

Keyboard: I have gotten used to the keyboard and suretype. I saw somewhere someone asked about inserting smileys (old school 1,1,1 key) but cant find a way to do it without clicking the symbols key.

Device: This one is hard for me because for some reason my device runs warm around the scroll wheel. I will be calling T-Mobile to verify if it is an issue or if its me!

Battery: Running/Keeping internet on is a no-no! My battery usually lasts about a day. Luckily i have chargers (USB and Plug-in) handy. Definitely something that was missed in a Pocket PC/Smartphone device. **just got off with T-Mobile rep and the affected s/w is 1.03.531.4, the rep was not too specific on what the issue is, but it impacts battery life and she recommended doing a store swap (will be doing a store visit tomorrow)**

System/Software: So far the system isnt that slow. Startup was normal for a Windows Mobile Device. I installed Fring, Salling Clicker, Shozu, Skype and Yahoo! Go 2.0 So far they all work as expected. The surprising part is Skype works via GSM or Wi-Fi ( i wasnt aware).

:( thats it for now!

[Guest clow]

**just got off with T-Mobile rep and the affected s/w is 1.03.531.4, the rep was not too specific on what the issue is, but it impacts battery life and she recommended doing a store swap (will be doing a store visit tomorrow)**

it would be good to know more about this.... that's the software I have on my shadow. It will interesting to see if the battery life will be any better if you get a new one. Battery life is my only complaint about this phone so far.

[Guest trickinit]

**just got off with T-Mobile rep and the affected s/w is 1.03.531.4, the rep was not too specific on what the issue is, but it impacts battery life and she recommended doing a store swap (will be doing a store visit tomorrow)**

Yeah, I think we could all use some more details please!

[Guest sydney196]

Hi gang,

After a few hours at the T-Mobile Store here is what happened. The rep, who was very helpful. Went thru about 9 Shadows (all brown) to see if there was a newer or different firmware. Finally he called T-Mobile and they said that they were unable to verify what i had been told the night before by the prior rep. (of course). So during this time at the store, i turned on the wi-fi on both the Brown and Green models (both same f/w). After about ten minutes the brown was generating heat around the scroll wheel and the green wasnt. About two hours later the brown still was giving off heat, and the green stood cold.This is with wi-fi running. So it has to be something with the wi-fi chip, as sliding the device up the keyboard showed no signs of warmth. Needless to say i left with a green model and still no answer on why the brown ones were heating up. If i hear anything more i will post as it comes thru. If anyone has the same issue please post.

[Guest trickinit]

Hi gang,

After a few hours at the T-Mobile Store here is what happened. The rep, who was very helpful. Went thru about 9 Shadows (all brown) to see if there was a newer or different firmware. Finally he called T-Mobile and they said that they were unable to verify what i had been told the night before by the prior rep. (of course). So during this time at the store, i turned on the wi-fi on both the Brown and Green models (both same f/w). After about ten minutes the brown was generating heat around the scroll wheel and the green wasnt. About two hours later the brown still was giving off heat, and the green stood cold.This is with wi-fi running. So it has to be something with the wi-fi chip, as sliding the device up the keyboard showed no signs of warmth. Needless to say i left with a green model and still no answer on why the brown ones were heating up. If i hear anything more i will post as it comes thru. If anyone has the same issue please post.

Hmm.. I have a buddy that ordered a green one when they first came out, and his was doing the same thing. it would get really hot, and the battery would only last a few hours tops. He actually had to send it back in as it was defective, and he's still waiting for a new one to come. The thing is, his Shadow would heat up like that even without the wi-fi turned on. He tried turning everything off to conserve the battery, but it didn't help. I'll let you know if his new one comes with a different firmware.

[Guest chaznet]

Mine's a copper one, and it doesn't have that heating issue you described -- maybe they got a bad batch in the region you live in?

Hi gang,

After a few hours at the T-Mobile Store here is what happened. The rep, who was very helpful. Went thru about 9 Shadows (all brown) to see if there was a newer or different firmware. Finally he called T-Mobile and they said that they were unable to verify what i had been told the night before by the prior rep. (of course). So during this time at the store, i turned on the wi-fi on both the Brown and Green models (both same f/w). After about ten minutes the brown was generating heat around the scroll wheel and the green wasnt. About two hours later the brown still was giving off heat, and the green stood cold.This is with wi-fi running. So it has to be something with the wi-fi chip, as sliding the device up the keyboard showed no signs of warmth. Needless to say i left with a green model and still no answer on why the brown ones were heating up. If i hear anything more i will post as it comes thru. If anyone has the same issue please post.

[Guest sydney196]

24 full hours with the 'green' and no heat problems.

On a good note! I am enjoying and using the 'sports' feature on the camera, the three quick shots come out great!

[Guest trickinit]

24 full hours with the 'green' and no heat problems.

On a good note! I am enjoying and using the 'sports' feature on the camera, the three quick shots come out great!

You're getting 24 hours of battery life out of it? Or am I just misunderstanding..?

[Guest MetalSlug]

You're getting 24 hours of battery life out of it? Or am I just misunderstanding..?

I think he means he just got the phone and has had it for 24 hours. But I have kept my Shadow on for 24 hours without charge, but it was getting low battery messages. (May have been a little bit less than 24 hours but very close, not 100% sure)

- Steven

[Guest greencow]

I hope they release a larger mah rated batt. The life (for a smartphone atleast) isn't horrible, it just all depends on the services you have running.

My first full charge was depleted in roughly 16 hours, but that was with heavy use; texting, phone calls, wi-fi constantly on.

My second full charge was around 55% after 24 hours, this was with moderate usage; some texting, a few phone calls, wi-fi used sparingly.

I've found that the wi-fi is the biggest drain so far, bluetooth a close second. Wi-fi sucks the battery dry in no time at all however, so I'll definetly be keeping that one off unless I need it.