T-Mobile today released a follow up to its Shadow smartphone, a sold Windows Mobile 6.1model built by HTC for the wireless carrier.
Although the aptly named Shadow II is similar to the original, there's one key difference between the two: the new model is a dual-mode phone. As a result, like some other recent T-Mobile smartphones, the Shadow II supports the operator's Unlimited HotSpot Calling service. It is the first Windows Mobile model to do so, actually.
T-Mobile Unlimited Hotspot Calling allows smartphones to seamlessly switch voice calls and data connections between the operator's cellular network and a Wi-Fi network, depending on which is cheapest to use or available at a given moment. There's also T-Mobile @Home, which enables you to make landline calls over the Internet for a flat fee per month.
Available in white mint or black burgundy, the Shadow II -- like the original -- is a tablet-style smartphone with a twenty-key keypad that slides out from underneath its 2.6-inch, QVGA (240 x 320 pixel) resolution display, which isn't a touch screen by the way. While the keypad sports a standard QWERTY configuration, two letters share most of the buttons. It leverages predictive text software to help users input words and write messages accurately.
Additional features include a 2.0 megapixel camera, Bluetooth 2.0, and a microSD slot for adding storage.
The quad-band GSM/EDGE Shadow , which measures 4.1 x 2.1 x 0.6 inches and weighs 5.3 ounces, does not support the carrier's fledgling 3G network. So you'll have to stick to Wi-Fi to check e-mail, access the Internet, and stream video at broadband speeds.
The Shadow II goes for $149.99 with a two-year service agreement.
