The Dash has nearly the exact same buttons as the "Maple." Don't get all excited about Android (as much as I would like to see that happen). The old Dash has the same Home button, arrow back button and the two "-" dash buttons (genesis of the name?) on each side of the D-Pad. It was (is) still a Win-Mo Smartphone. I am certainly not speculating on the OS, just pointing out that the buttons don't really indicate much. The only difference in button labeling is the lack of the "T-Zone" button present on the Dash. Not sure what it was on the Excaliber, so since this is the HTC, non-branded model I don't know what that lower right button would be for.

As for the numerical buttons for dialing, I prefer the new "Maple" layout as the #1 button is on the top left corner rather than one key in. IMHO I think it would be easier than the Dash/Excaliber to find that and use it as a starting point to dial.

But the truth here is that this is not an Earth shattering release. It's a re-hash at best. An offering to the Smartphone denizen. If it were to be introduced with an alternative OS, it might generate some serious buzz. I would get one even if it was Win-Mo 6.5 just because I have just about worn out my second Dash in 2 years. Love the phone and form-factor. Hate the M.S. glitches. Just a quick aside, I had it sitting on the table next to me at lunch one day and a cute college girl walked past, turned to her friend and said "Hey that's the phone I had like 2 years ago." Ego shattered, hardware outdated, age showing. Time to upgrade.

GIVE ME ANDROID! I WANT APPS!

The Dash has nearly the exact same buttons as the "Maple." Don't get all excited about Android (as much as I would like to see that happen). The old Dash has the same Home button, "

Seeing as we are all going to perish in December 2012, I guess this isn't really going to matter anyway. Godspeed Blu-ray.

I am planning a move after February and I will be looking to the southeast for a clear shot at the big sky of the DirecTv (or maybe Dish) Gods. I may just get the hell out of Orange County all together. But that is a different rant. TWC KMA. Gotta Love TLAs.

Figuring out a suitable installation method seems like the next pressing issue. It should be designed so that it's able to be consumed orally and will migrate to the required area of the brain and self-install. Oh, and it should most definitely be able to withstand things like stomach acid and solvents such as, say, alcohol. Namely tequila and vodka. Maybe they could sell them in the men's room via the stainless steel vending machines.

@ Bob S

Thank you for the Fifth Element reference. And for clearly beating me to the punch.

Negative Maverick, Pattern is full. Repeat, Pattern is full.

Oh yeah I would love this phone and btw can you unlock it for me before sending it to me?

Thanks, you guys are the greatest.

I will have your gift on the way. Booze right? Just put it under GE's "Holiday Tree"

Caught some flak for that one eh?

Yeah... HD Channels. Sure is fun watching HD channels on my HD-capable DVR with my HDTV. Except when more that 50% of the content is just SD black-barred or stretched. Not sure which is worse. What do you all think? P.S. In Anaheim, CA and it used to be Adephia so they do not support all of the T/W boxes with annoys the hell outta me.

Ok, so not sure why I was the first one to post a comment (if it still is). Maybe this isn't the place to ask questions. Maybe it's just that it was posted 30 minutes ago and I am up way too early. Maybe everyone is busy setting up their USB 3.0 powered turkey deep fryers. Ok, maybe thats next year.

But I will ask about BluRay players. I was going try and snag a Samsung BD-1500 because there is a Walmart close (I am on 'holiday' in Yountville, CA just north of Napa at the girlfriends grandparents house). Last night you guys threw me for a loop with the posting about the BD-2500 adding Netflix on demand HD streaming in the next firmware upgrade. So here it the actual question(s) finally.

Dear Engadget overlords (you are robots, right?)
Will netflix streaming video service survive and be robust enough for this to be a factor in my choice? Are there any other desirable features in the 2500 that may be worth the extra green (blue, yellow, grey, platinum... mine will be green(ish) because I don't have any plastic)?

Maybe the guys working freelance for Engadget are just jaded. I am sure they are pulling in the big bucks. Ok, I heard some of them were starting to pawn the swag getting sent in for review just to pay for the daily Monster drink habits. Such a sad life.