T-Mobile kicks off Shadow media phone line

T-Mobile this morning inaugurated its second exclusive series of phones after the Sidekick. The HTC-designed T-Mobile Shadow is imagined as a smartphone for users who would rather not have the size and software of a phone meant for business. Its slide-out keypad borrows the SureType keyboard design of the BlackBerry Pearl to speed up text messaging; a scroll wheel also helps quickly scroll through music and message queues as well as scrub through videos. The Shadow also embraces Wi-Fi for wireless along with EDGE; the device is not set up for HotSpot@Home calling but sees improved data speeds, T-Mobile notes.

The handset runs on Windows Mobile 6 and includes a 2-megapixel camera as well as an enhanced version of T-Mobile's custom MyFaves app that lets users send text or media messages without having to navigate deeper into the menu system. A new address book also streamlines importing contacts from well-known mail services like Gmail, the company adds.

Versions of the Shadow will be available with copper or sage trim on October 31st. T-Mobile did not provide pricing, but will likely price the phone at or below the $150 price of a BlackBerry Pearl with a two-year contract.