Device Features

A number of new or upgraded features are present in the device, so let's do a quick roundup:

• 3G Data: Yes, the Dash now supports 3G. I had the opportunity to test this out in the New York area and found it to be snappy, with quick page loads in Internet Explorer and fairly good connectivity even within buildings that normally might block data and voice.
• GPS: The device includes GPS and also has the option to enable A-GPS for faster lock times. The initial lock was a bit slow on the device but once it was dialed in, subsequent uses were fast to link up and report my location. T-Mobile has loaded Google Maps as well as Telenav on the device. As I already had an active Telenav subscription, I simply popped in my login information and was off and running. GPS was stable throughout my travels, and a welcome addition!
• Windows Mobile 6.1: The original Dash shipped with Windows Mobile 5 and received a 6 upgrade, but never quite made it to 6.1. The main difference between the two operating systems on the standard platform is the sliding glass interface on the home screen, which does make it much more enjoyable to use, although with the imprecise trackball, navigation can be limited. I was very happy to see some customizations on HTC's and T-Mobile's part on the base OS. Little tweaks here and there that make the device easier to use, such as an enhanced e-mail setup wizard, and weather plugin.
• 2 MP Camera: I took a few test shots between my Dash (Which had a 1 MP camera) and the Dash 3G and the Dash 3G does look better. That being said, 2 MP is still a bit small, however my understanding is that a 3 MP camera sensor (or higher) would add substantial bulk. As the Dash 3G is designed to be small and useful, I can see why HTC stopped at 2 MP.

Head to Head Comparisons

Figure 3: Dash 3G on the bottom, Dash on top. Tops and right sides aligned for comparison.

The Dash 3G is slightly bigger than its older brother, a bit longer and tiny bit wider, however it is slightly slimmer. In addition to the charging port moving, the battery door is also a bit different. Similar to the G1's battery door, the Dash 3G has 1 plastic piece that snaps onto the back of the device instead of a sliding door. This gets rid of the seam, and isn't too hard to remove.

The buttons in general are larger on the 3G, however as mentioned, they are more rectangular and less raised. This caused me ample frustration initially, however slowly my fingers adapted to the new button type. One last major difference between the two devices is how easy it seems to press a button by accident while putting the device in your pocket. I carry mine in my shirt pocket, and it seems to hit a button pretty much every time it's pulled out. The need to use the lock feature is clearly evident!

Figure 4: Dash 3G on bottom, Dash on top, bottoms and right sides aligned.