UPDATE: everyone at my workplace knows that I love to iPhone-hate, but I would just like to compare the annoying but simple PAN tethering steps for OSX to Dash with the steps described here. Suffice to say, you need to hack the iPhone’s OS — a terrible only-option, in my opinion, but a well documented one. I used to hack on homebrew software for my PSP, so I can appreciate these efforts, but I also don’t take having to use homebrew seriously, especially for high-end phones. Laughable.
I recently upgraded my aging Treo 650. I really do like the Palm OS — I’ve been using it for years and years — but the phone was starting to drop calls frequently after one too many drops straight on it’s antenna. *whoops*
So, I got a T-Mobile Dash. As a phone, I like it. As a OSX user that likes having internet connectivity, as well as a business person that likes syncing my calender, tasks, etceteras, I knew I was going to be in for some fun.
Say what you will about how awesome the iPhone is, but for feature-set and “bang for buck,” the Dash is a clear winner. Considering I work for a media-centric company, not being able to record videos on the iPhone made it a non-option almost immediately.
I installed the Windows Mobile 6 upgrade (link). You’re going to have to do this from a Windows box, or from within Parallels or VMware. I didn’t use WM5 for long, but WM6 is stable, and honestly, a lot more pretty.
I’m using Mark/Space Missing Sync for Windows Mobile 4.0 (link). The pre-lease worked pretty well, but I’ve been having some issues with the current release. I have a good feeling from the Mark/Space people, however, so I think that it will be resolved soon.
There is some really good news, as well. Since 10.4.9, OSX supports PAN bluetooth profile, so I can use my Dash as a modem! On the Dash, you can turn this feature on by going to Start->Accessories->Internet Sharing, then make sure “PC Connection” is “Bluetooth PAN”, “Network Connection” is “T-Mobile Data”, and click “Connect”. On the OSX side, if the Bluetooth menu is in your menubar, just click on it, and select “Join Network on XXXX,” where XXXX is your device name.
misha | 04-Aug-07 at 5:31 pm | Permalink
I’m sorry, but the iPhone sucks! I know a few cats that got one and are happy with them. I’m happy for them. But the iPhone is an over-priced gimmick, only good for the few people who can really appreciate Mac OSX type UI design nestled in their palm. The downsides out-weight the sexiness for me. Let me count the ways:
* no way to ever have 3G - I guarantee you the next release of iPhone will have this capability in the hardware, this one does not.
* what Armando said: in a few words: can’t use it as a modem unless you hack it.
* Its way too expensive - people who are avid skiers are getting $50 wallmart phones for the out-door sports adventure as one fall on the hip can cost you $600 bucks. So if you are laying low most of the time, cool. If you are ‘out and about’ then watch out. Your ski-lift ticket cost could be high, but a fall with an iPhone in your pocket could whipe out your out-door fun budget for the rest of the winter (i know its summer, but just bear with me).
fish | 19-Aug-07 at 10:11 pm | Permalink
I had one for
Jimmy | 26-Apr-08 at 8:42 pm | Permalink
Hi, I just bought a dash and I seen on youtube these people that have mac os and iphone themes for the dash but they don’t explain how they got it. Can you please tell me how to get a mac os theme for my dash with a complete step by step process for a noob. Thanks.
AIM - cloverg95
armando | 28-Apr-08 at 12:10 pm | Permalink
Jimmy,
Sorry, I really haven’t used the Dash much lately … really since about October. It’s a great piece of /hardware/ but the MS software sucks on there.
Keep trying other forums — you’re bound to find the right one for themes if you keep searching.