Crave

T-Mobile Shadow

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)

In addition to the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900, T-Mobile also announced the retail availability of the T-Mobile Shadow on Tuesday night. The Windows Mobile 6.1 device was first announced at CES 2009 as the replacement to the original Shadow and can now be purchased online and at T-Mobile stores for $149.99 with a two-year contract.

I have the T-Mobile Shadow in hand, but I only received it a few hours ago, so I'm still checking out the smartphone and putting through its paces. I'll have a full review for you tomorrow morning, but for now, I wanted to share some initial thoughts and some hands-on photos of the smartphone with you.

Design
From afar, the T-Mobile Shadow looks like a more modern, hipper version of the original Shadow. By the numbers, it's the same size as its predecessor at 4 inches tall by 2 inches wide by 0.6 inch deep and weighs 5.3 ounces, but the smartphone now sports curved edges, a shinier face, and a new paint job that gives it a fresh look. I received the white/mint version (it's also available in black/burgundy) and found it quite attractive, especially the back where it slowly transforms from white to mint.

However, that's about where the attraction ends. Up close and in the hand, I couldn't help but think that the T-Mobile Shadow looked like a toy and didn't really see any vast improvements or benefits over its predecessor. In fact, I actually favor the original model's design. The new Shadow has a smaller 1.6-inch QVGA display that doesn't look all that sharp or bright, showing just 64,000 colors at a 320x240-pixel resolution. The navigation toggle/wheel below the screen also feels loose and cheap. I did like the user interface for its cool animated effect and how it organizes the phone's applications into eight main categories, all of which are accessible right from the Today screen.

T-Mobile Shadow

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)

The Shadow offers the same slider design as the first Shadow. To access the SureType 20-button keypad, just slide the screen up. It requires a good push but the sliding mechanism feels strong and the screen securely locks into place. What greets you when you finally open the phone, however, is a bit disappointing. Allow me to illustrate.

Two co-workers happened to be around my desk when I received the phone (one who was actually considering purchasing the T-Mobile Shadow for herself) and as soon as I pushed up the screen, they both immediately went off about how the worn down and ugly the keypad looked--that's never a good sign. But they're right. While the buttons are large and easy to press, the backlighting is really uneven and dim and only illuminates about five buttons. It just looks bad. I'm even more disappointed considering that HTC made the Shadow, and the company has quite a reputation for making high-quality devices.

Features and performance
The new features didn't particularly wow me either. The main difference is that the Shadow now ships with Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard and includes a faster processor (260MHz versus 200MHz) and UMA support so you can now make calls over Wi-Fi using T-Mobile's Unlimited HotSpot Calling service. Everything else is pretty much status quo. I think I would have at least liked to seen an upgraded camera, 3G support, or integrated GPS.

Call quality was decent with good volume and fairly clear audio. There was some slight background hissing, but nothing incredibly distracting. We did run into a bit of that notorious Windows Mobile sluggishness in the way of a pause or few-second delay when launching applications or performing some tasks. I'll obviously give you a more in-depth look at some of these issues in my full review on Wednesday.

Outlook
As I mentioned earlier, I've only had a few hours with T-Mobile Shadow so I won't deliver my final verdict yet. However, if I had to describe my experience thus far, I guess I would say I feel underwhelmed. It feels like HTC and T-Mobile simply tweaked the design slightly, threw in a couple new tricks, and put it out for sale without bringing any real innovation or benefit over its predecessor. I just don't see anything compelling for current Shadow owners to make the upgrade.

That said, I feel like the T-Mobile Shadow has a place and purpose. I think it's a good device for people crossing over from a regular cell phone to their first smartphone, since it introduces the extra functionality in consumer-friendly package. Perfect for T-Mobile's younger demographic.

I'll have more tomorrow but in the meantime, feel free to post any of your thoughts and be sure to check out our T-Mobile Shadow photo gallery.

T-Mobile Shadow II

(Credit: Phone Scoop)

In recent months, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and Sprint have done a pretty good job updating its smartphone lineups, but T-Mobile seems to be lagging in this area. Aside from the T-Mobile G1 and the RIM BlackBerry Pearl Flip, we haven't seen anything new and there are some aging Windows Mobile smartphones that need refreshing, namely the T-Mobile Shadow, T-Mobile Dash, and the T-Mobile Wing. Well, it looks like at least one of those devices will soon have a replacement.

Phone Scoop spotted the T-Mobile Shadow II on FCC's Web site Tuesday, complete with specifications and a draft user manual. As expected, the Shadow II gets updated with Windows Mobile 6.1 and has a faster processor. The smartphone also sports rounded edges but keeps the slide-out keyboard and 2.6-inch, nontouch QVGA display. Other features include integrated Wi-Fi, a 2-megapixel camera, a microSD expansion slot, quad-band world roaming, and possible support for T-Mobile's HotSpot@Home service. No official word yet on availability or pricing.

HTC Touch Diamond headed to Sprint and Verizon?

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

It's summertime and things are heating up, and we don't necessarily mean the temperature (because it certainly isn't very hot here in San Francisco, but I digress). No, we're talking more about rise in smartphone rumors, which isn't uncommon for this time of year as the carrier's start prepping for the fall and holiday seasons. As such, the blogosphere is blowing up with speculation, and looks like there's something for every carrier. Now, we must reiterate that these are just rumors and obviously, the service providers and device manufacturers haven't confirmed anything, so take it for what it's worth. That being said, here's the dish.

AT&T: I know it may be hard for some of you to believe, but there are people who don't want the Apple iPhone 3G, which is fine because if these rumors are to be believed, there are plenty of solid smartphones coming down the pipeline. According to Gizmodo (via Gear Diary), AT&T is expected to release the Wi-Fi-enabled RIM BlackBerry Curve 8320 and the RIM BlackBerry Bold in Q3. We actually followed up with RIM earlier this week to see if we could squeeze a more specific availability date for the Bold, and all we got is "availability is scheduled for summer 2008." Super, thanks. Anyway, Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrades are also due for the Samsung BlackJack II, AT&T Tilt, and Motorola Q9h in July and the Pantech Duo in October.

If you want more than a software upgrade, the Samsung BlackJack 3, Pantech Duo 2, and AT&T Tilt 2 (which the Boy Genius Report says will most likely be the HTC Touch Pro) are slated for a Q4 release, as well as a non-QWERTY mystery LG device. Finally, Nicole Lee reported yesterday that the Samsung Omnia may just be headed to AT&T as well.

T-Mobile: Frankly, T-Mobile's been pretty quiet on the smartphone releases lately. Aside from the Limited Edition Tony Hawk Sidekick 3 and the occasional BlackBerry here and there, nothing major has come out of the carrier. However, it looks like TMO is gearing up to offer an upgrade to the T-Mobile Shadow. It appears the Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone will have a curvier design and continue to offer integrated Wi-Fi with added support for the T-Mobile's HotSpot@Home service. The Shadow II has an expected ship date of August. No word yet on whether there will be update to the T-Mobile Wing, but for those who care, there's apparently a new T-Mobile Sidekick, codenamed Gekko/Aspen, in the works.

Verizon Wireless and Sprint: According to Phone Arena, both CDMA carriers will be getting their own variations of the HTC Touch Diamond and the HTC Touch Pro. Unfortunately, no time frame was given as to when Sprint and Verizon might land these puppies. Both are also rumored to get the Palm Treo 800w, and while we're on the subject of Palm, who, oh who, will get the Palm Treo 850?

(Credit: Shadow Caddy)

Some of the most important technology in golf has nothing to do with virtual putting, digital scoring, or video analysis of your swing. Case in point: The "Shadow Caddy."

This Australian-made marvel can follow you onto the first tee, through all 18 holes, and into the clubhouse, perhaps with the exception of sandtraps. And it will do it all by itself, without even a remote control. This robo-caddy works by communicating with a sensor worn by the player and navigating its way around the links with built-in processors.

The pefect accessory for the lazy duffer, it makes the remote-controlled caddy look like a dinosaur by comparison. Maybe you can even get a golfer's golfer's Segway and see if it can keep up. Or you can just a "Golf Ball Launcher" and save the trip altogether.

T-Mobile Shadow

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

Today, T-Mobile released a software update for the T-Mobile Shadow smartphone that brings, among other things, a new function called "audio postcards." This feature allows you add a personal voice note to a photo taken with the Shadow, which you can then share with family and friends. Other software enhancements include a revamped myFaves menu, improved text entry, and additional ringtones and wallpaper options. The update is available now and can be downloaded for free from the T-Mobile Shadow Web site.

T-Mobile Shadow

(Credit: T-Mobile)

Have you ever found yourself in this quandary? You walk into your cell phone carrier's store, looking to purchase your first smartphone but you're too old to get a device like the T-Mobile Sidekick and yet, you're not really ready for a full-featured beast like the AT&T Tilt. So what's a girl or boy to do? Well, it seems the handset manufacturers and carriers are hip to this problem and are trying to fill the void in the market by releasing more user-friendly, affordable, and fun smartphones. We saw it with the Palm Centro for Sprint, and now we've got another one with the T-Mobile Shadow.

The entry-level Shadow is made by HTC and features a fun, slider design, fresh interface, and wallet-friendly price tag. Under the hood, it's still a Windows Mobile 6 device but T-Mobile isn't even playing up that fact. Instead, it's concentrating on the phone features and the ability to stay connected, whether to the Web or friends via various messaging options. Highlights include a gorgeous display, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and a 2-megapixel camera. The T-Mobile Shadow will be available starting in October 31 for $149.99 with a two-year voice an data plan and will come in two colors: sage or copper. We have a full review of the smartphone ready for you but it appears to be hiding in the cyberspace shadows (read: we are having technical difficulties), so check back tomorrow morning.

(Credit: Suissa Computers)

(Credit: Spotswood)

How's this for the latest in PC designs? Drums. Yes, like the kind that you bang on, all day if you must, with or without sticks.

When fellow Craver Brian Cooley posted an item months ago about the Spotswood kick-drum computer, we assumed it was just something from one of the obscure sites he surfs, in between 007 blogs and single-malt scotch retailers. As it turns out, he may actually have been on the cutting edge of a new trend, the latest example being the "Shadow" hard drive from Suissa Computers.

Although it's not a full PC, the Shadow makes up for it with its unique design and capacity. SCI FI Tech says the 750GB peripheral resembles a hatbox, but we think it looks more like something from the percussive family. Either way, it comes encased in maple with the option of the decorative glass top like the one pictured here. On second thought, maybe it's not such a good idea to bang on it after all.

(Credit: Army Technology)

From Basra to Kabul, no environmentally aware burkha babe is going to be able to resist this 4x4, turbo-charged, hybrid, diesel-electric recon hotrod.

Created by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS,) the Shadow RST-V (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Vehicle) boasts stealth, survivability and low mileage. That's big, considering that about half the military's money--and a third of its manpower--is devoted to hauling stuff around, 70 percent of that stuff being fuel.

The aluminum-bodied RST-V seats four (seating by Oregon Aero), does 70 mph and has a 470-mile range. Bulletproof windows and armor are optional. Weaponry includes your standard machine gun and grenade launcher, topped off by the Javelin anti-tank missile mounted on the roof. Recommended are the radar/laser warning receivers, likewise the GPS.

The electric stealth mode not only makes for a quiet ride, it also reduces the heat signature, allowing you to elude the infrared.

Narrower than a jeep, the Shadow still has a Hummer's cargo capacity, thanks to a patented, folding suspension system. It also puts out 30kw of electric power; enough to fire up a decent base camp at Burning Man. Did we mention it's a hatchback?

In the works since 1997, the RST-V should be ready in time for Iran.