Being a Windows Smartphone there's a lot you can do with this device. Consequently, when some things work less well than others it's not always the fault of the phone manufacturer. Some issues may be resolved as software providers improve their Smartphone software.
The phone has a smooth, rounded look and feels solid. A groove on each side reduces the risk of it slipping out of your hand, but I'd like to see a ribbed rubber strip on each side instead to improve the grip. I've not tried "bounce-testing" the product and I'd rather not see it happen. (There's a loop for a lanyard - though no lanyard is supplied.)
My main gripe about the ergonomics is that the keypad buttons are cramped. One problem is the vertical spacing is too small, making it hard to avoid hitting the adjacent buttons unless you type slowly. Considering the "acres" of space around the media player keys this could have been done better.
The second problem is that the numeric keys are too close to the bottom of the phone, meaning that to reach them when dialling one handed you have to bend your thumb back a long way to hit the bottom row. (I'd almost prefer them placed above the screen - if you already have this phone, turn it upside-down and you'll see how this might have been feasible.)
There are four unreasonably miniscule buttons below the screen. I use these frequently, whereas the media player buttons are "huge" and for my use are the least important buttons. There are forums on the web that discuss reprogramming these buttons - so that may be an option if you are savvy enough.
Another keypad problem is that buttons are easily pressed by accident when the phone is in my pocket. Although it has a lock to prevent accidental calls, these keypresses still cause the screen to illuminate, draining the battery faster. If you can find a case that protects the keypad better you may avoid this - but be aware that the US version of the phone has a "hump" on top so it will not fit cases made for the European version.
The 240x320 color display is sharp and brightly lit - one of the best-made features of the device, though shows fingerprint smears equally well when it is dark.
In phone usage, I've found good reception and sound quality so far.
Non-phone tasks (like streaming audio from the web) use up the battery faster so it may be worth buying a charger for home and another for the workplace. It will also charge over a USB connection.
The headphone jack is a small 2.5mm instead of 3.5mm commonly found on audio devices. This means that you can't use your iPod headphones for example without also buying and carrying around an easy-to-lose adapter.
Setting up to receive email was simple - and can be done on the phone or on T-Mobile's site and downloaded to the phone. Replying to an email is another matter - typing on the number keypad is tedious, thought the ingenious T9 software helps a lot.
The same applies to typing website addresses - it's best to set up your "Mobile favorites" on a PC and download them using the supplied ActiveSync software. This software can be troublesome however - Google for "ActiveSync problems" and you'll see what I mean.
The phone plays a T-mobile jingle sound at startup and shutdown. This is annoying in a quiet environment like a meeting. It cannot be disabled through any visible option, though I was able to do so by editing the registry - a task for tech-savvy owners only.
Streaming internet radio worked OK on a Windows Media stream, but if you're a fan of the BBC radio or other RealAudio stations, you will be disappointed as a RealPlayer version for Windows Mobile 5.0 does not exist.
There are a lot of other Smartphone applications available (some free) and several web forums discussing this phone and Windows Mobile.
Although the camera did not factor into my buying decision, the picture quality from the camera in bright daylight shots was disappointing with blue objects being much too saturated, making them almost look like cartoon objects with a real background.
Priced around $200 to $300 but with a new cell phone plan I was able to get this phone for $30 after rebates.
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