The T-Mobile Shadow is a smart phone equipped with Windows Mobile Standard. This handsome handset features a 2.4-inch display which, while not iPhone-proportioned, is larger than most. Sliding the phone open showcases its SureType keyboard. SureType is essentially the basic 12-key array with two additional columns on either side, and the letters are distributed one or two to a key. The device is a bit larger than average, but sits well in our hand. It seems sturdy, although we worry the larger display is just a larger canvas for scratches. The phone costs $149.99 with a two-year contract, and is available from T-Mobile.

Placing calls is straightforward since the SureType keypads keep the 12-key number pad intact. Since the Shadow comes with Windows Mobile, you can expect excellent call and contact management software, as well as a fully-featured organizer. Even business users should find everything they need on the Shadow in this area.  

The Shadow didn't perform well on our audio tests. In terms of received frequencies, or the voice of an incoming caller, the Shadow overemphasizes virtually everything, though it features sporadic peaks. Voices sound tinny in general, though the effect is exaggerated in the mid-range frequencies. The Shadow handles the user's voice similarly, though the overemphasis is much more consistent. In terms of side tone, or the amount of your own voice the phone plays back to you, the Shadow doesn't do well, either. The ideal measurement is -18 decibels, and the Shadow received -12.64. This means you'll think you're speaking louder than you actually are.

The camera on the Shadow isn't very good. Though color representation is adequate, its resolution – both in still and video capture – isn't on par with other phones in its class. The album and imaging software is good, but its value doesn't compensate for the lower quality camera. Fortunately, the Shadow handles multimedia playback far better than capturing. Music and video are both handled by a mobile version of Windows Media Player, which provides a good suite of software for each.

With Windows Mobile Standard, the Shadow contains generally good software. We use the term "generally," both because the Internet browser is merely adequate and also because there are a few deliberately crippled programs. For example, while you can edit Word and Excel files, you can't create new ones. Of course, the workaround for this is to put a few blank documents on the phone; this is both easy and annoying to do, which leaves us wondering why the fully-functional Windows Mobile Professional version wasn't included. The messaging features are not crippled, however, and the SureType keypad lends itself to a great texting and e-mailing experience. Another great feature of the software is the custom home screen, which provides excellent functionality.

The Shadow had average or poor battery performance on all three of our tests. Its battery put up with 4 hours and 9 minutes of constant call time, which is only slightly below average. Continuous music playback only lasted 4 hours and 28  minutes, which is just more than half what we expect. Constant web browsing depleted the battery in 3 hours and 19 minutes, which was closer to average than music playback, but still subpar.

The Shadow is a good phone for a good price. While it has its problems, such as the camera and battery performance, the $149.99 contract price provides solid functionality on a great looking phone. If you're more in the market for a powerful business device, a BlackBerry or Windows Mobile Professional device might be a better choice. Similarly, if you're looking for a great multimedia device there are better options out there. If you want a good multi-function device that's easy on the eyes, however, you could do a lot worse than the Shadow.