T-Mobile just released the Shadow device yesterday and it brings a fun, custom UI developed by Microsoft and HTC. You can now access and control all the primary functions of your device from the unique Home screen. This kind of customization is needed to bring consumers to Windows Mobile and the Shadow may be a hit.
HTC and T-Mobile have done a great job with the packaging that reminds me of the high quality Samsung Q1 UMPC packaging.
The Shadow lies on a soft foam bed when you lift the lid on the black box. It really focuses you in on the device.
A plastic cover protects the display in the box. I bought the Sage (Green) color Shadow.
You will find a small 2 megapixel camera, back speaker, and battery cover. The SIM card and a small capacity 920 mAh battery are under the cover.
The glossy display stands out on the front of the device. You can see the lighter green color around the display as well.
When you lift the foam with the device you will see two compartments that carry the rest of the box contents.
A Tips & Tricks pamphlet, Getting Started poster (very well done), huge thick manual, CD, warranty card, wired headset, battery, and miniUSB/stereo jack are contained in the left compartment.
The battery capacity is only 920 mAh. A splitter cable is provided so you can sync and charge while using the headset. The wired headset uses the HTC proprietary port.
The manual is very thick and covers everything you need to know about the device.
A nice case with Shadow logo, USB cable, and AC adapter are found in the right side compartment.
T-Mobile includes a decent case that has magnetic flip snap closure.
The Shadow is similar in form factor to the N95. The Shadow is much slimmer and a bit longer.
You can see the differences in the keypads. The Shadow has a 20-key QWERTY SureType keypad.
The Shadow is sleeker than the N95.
Most keys have two letters on them, except for L and M. It takes some getting used to in order to use the keyboard, but the predictive text input helps.
The green keyboard is well backlit and every key is clear to see.
The directional pad has a green light around the center action button.
A cover hides the microSD card slot and the miniUSB/HTC port. This port is used for syncing and charging as well as the wired headset.
The T-Mobile Shadow logo can be found on the back of the display when slid up. The Shadow is a brand for an upcoming lineup from T-Mobile.
The camera is quite small and lined up on the left side of the back.
The battery cover has Windows Mobile and HTC logos as well as the T-Mobile logo at the bottom.
You can see the Alt key in this shot.
There are 6 keys and a directional pad on the Shadow. The directional pad also rotates in a 360 degree circle.
You can see how the soft key is integrated into the display with the home and send buttons a bit higher in elevation.
Camera and multipurpose buttons are found on the right side to launch applications and utilities.
The Shadow fits well in your hand and isn’t too wide either.
The display slides up to reveal the keyboard. The Shadow is quite long in this mode.
First gallery image
Second Shadow image
