T-Mobile Dash vs. MDA

[Wolvereen]

Hi all, looking for some respected opinions. :-)

I currently have an MDA (owned less than a month). I jsut saw the Dash is coming out the 16th, and was wondering hwo the two compare?

I love the calendar and wifi functions of the MDA, though the Dash has that too. The smaller form factor and available QWERTY keyboard (without sliding) seems appealing (plus it's more pocketable). How do they compare in processor speed, power consumption, etc?

Thinking of trading my MDA in for the DASH.

BTW, anybody have any side by side shots of the two?

Lastly, any major disadvantages to using Windows Mobile Smartphone Edition other than editing DOC's? I really don't edit DOC's or XL's that much, so not too concerned about that. As long as there is the ability to take notes, etc. I can always transcribe later.

Thanks!!

[mikef1182]

They have the same proc specs. Although the OMAP on MS smartphone OS will be much zippier than on full Pocket Pc OS. If you dont mind not having the touch screen and the ability to create and edit dos, I say go for it. I have been using the demo at my store and love it. The only thing is the keys are very cramped in comparison to the MDA. Every now and then I hit the wrong key or two keys at once. Hope that helps narrow it down for you.

[Wolvereen]

Thanks Mike

I don't suppose you could snap a couple of side by side pics of the two units together? If not, could you give me an idea of the size & weight? I think the main thing for me is that I want something a bit more "pocketable" than the MDA.

Thanks!!

[a99tandem]

I have owned both.. and I HATED the MDA after 2 months of use. It was slow, had a poor battery, terrible tendencies to freeze up, and was a pain to use one handed. Although its not the biggest smartphone around, its a brick compared to the Dash. The Dash has been rock-solid as far as reliability, speed, battery, faster wifi beacon, etc. My ONLY complaints are that it has no flash, and that the screen isn't as reflective as the BB Pearl, so its tough to see in sunlight.. just liek the MDA. Save the $100 and go with the Dash. I have yet to come across any feasible tasks that the Dash CANT do which the MDA can.

[mikef1182]

Thanks Mike

I don't suppose you could snap a couple of side by side pics of the two units together? If not, could you give me an idea of the size & weight? I think the main thing for me is that I want something a bit more "pocketable" than the MDA.

Thanks!!


Sure I can snap some tomorrow at work for you.

[mikef1182]

Here are some pics that compare the MDA to the DASH. I took these using the dash, so you can kinda see the photo quality as well. Here is the link:

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/michaelflorio82/album/576460762319737097#page1

[aar]

is the dash a pda also like the mda?
Also, how much is the price of the MDA III OR IV?

[aar]

is the Qtek 9000........ the tmobile mda iv? is this useful in the usa?
Thanks

[aar]

They have the same proc specs. Although the OMAP on MS smartphone OS will be much zippier than on full Pocket Pc OS. If you dont mind not having the touch screen and the ability to create and edit dos, I say go for it. I have been using the demo at my store and love it. The only thing is the keys are very cramped in comparison to the MDA. Every now and then I hit the wrong key or two keys at once. Hope that helps narrow it down for you.

so the dash can not be used as a pda( open exel .......etc) correct? download programs ...........and others! Also, why is so hard to get the MDA III OR IV THRU T MOBILE?
Thanks

[love2digg]

If those are pics taken from the dash...that is not bad at all.

Anyone know if you are able to hold down a key for a sec and it will type in the alternative?

[mikej4]

Just got my Dash today. I also have an MDA. I have to say it is pretty slick and much quicker than the MDA. The only things that I miss a little, but can deal with it for the size factor, is the touch screen and the ability to edit office docs, which I really didn't do that often. Does anyone know how to turn off GPRS without having to go into com manager? On the MDA just holding the END key did it. On the Dash, this locks the keyboard...Otherwise it is fabulous!

[silverpassat]

Just picked up my Dash. The form factor is excellent and it is very easy to use. I used an MDA for about 9 months while and just switched to a Nokia E70 a month ago. I'd have to say I am glad to be back to WM5. Symbian is promising but much too buggy, at least on the E70. Also, the email functionality is much better on the MDA/Dash. As for the MDA's touchscreen, I don't really miss it since it's easy enough to navigate around once you get the hang of it.

I don't really know what programs and customizations are out there for this thing yet, but I'd like to find a weather plug-in and will try Google Mobile Maps in a bit. I've already found that Home Screens from the Moto Q work well on the Dash. This website was extremely helpful when I was setting up my MDA so I'm hoping the Excalibur community picks up and we get some more apps and customizations in the near future. Cheers...

[FallN]

Here are some pics that compare the MDA to the DASH. I took these using the dash, so you can kinda see the photo quality as well. Here is the link:

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/michaelflorio82/album/576460762319737097#page1

Thanks for the pics! Yeah, never liked the MDA's thickness (aka brick-like thickness) and that slide out keyboard that you can't operate with one hand and have to wait until the slow processor catches up to switching the screen to landscape. No dice, MDA. It's all about the Dash.

Im very happy with my current iPaq 6945 but if I I had to pick a Smartphone, it would be the Dash.

[bkeaver]

yes the Dash will I dont think the s620 will tho.. oh and I also own both the Dash and the MDA. I personally like the Dash better if not for anything else but for its compact size. After carrying the MDA on my side for almost the last year it can feel pretty bulky. but after getting the Dash I hardly notice it on my hip. Also you can view word, excel, ect.. documents but you cant edit them like you can on the MDA. For me that isnt a big deal. I usually only view them anyways, it can be a pain to edit a document you cant entirely see. Oh well that is my 2 cents worth..

[trpenner]

Thanks for the pics! Yeah, never liked the MDA's thickness (aka brick-like thickness) and that slide out keyboard that you can't operate with one hand and have to wait until the slow processor catches up to switching the screen to landscape. No dice, MDA. It's all about the Dash.

Im very happy with my current iPaq 6945 but if I I had to pick a Smartphone, it would be the Dash.Yeah, what's the deal with the whole software thing. Doesn't the fact that it is WM5 mean that even though there is no software for it, you can still install softare designed not for the smartphone specifically? My understanding is that even though it's a smartphone, any WM5 and most Pocket PC based software will work on it. Is this correct?