one for me!

I'll take one!

I want one!

hmmm...I am not that excited about the location of the number keys - they are not aligned - meaning, I will have to look at it to dial - not desirable for me.
Also, i wonder if this is the slated 3G update for the Tmo Dash (meaning will it be packing the 1700 frequency)

Lets go point by point, shall we?

1. It's exactly the same as Windows Mobile 6... er, 5

Well duh, it is not WinMo7 - If you were expecting a major overhaul of everything between 6.1 and 6.5, think again. Most WinMo users are actually happy with what they use - i have no major issues with 6.1 - I am able to use it for everything i need it for - work and play. The changes I like to see are definitely more on function than form (though form doesn't hurt either, and its definitely getting better). For instance the new lock screen is a functional enhancement that i can see me using in the future.

2. The interface improvements are still way behind the curve
Again, what I see is another alternative in the honey comb structure - more options is not a bad thing. The beauty of my Fuze is that I can choose between TF3D, SPB mobile shell or the default today screen. I have options that are available to me. Tomorrow, when 6.5 comes out, people will decide if they like the honey comb UI or the other upgraded alternatives - I really don't think Microsoft should be wasting more time developing any more than a simple functional UI. All other frills and thrills are either added by HTC, ASUS or by the users (there is after all no restrictions to what you want to put on it)

3. The UI tweaks are mostly just skin deep, and third-parties have already gone way deeper
see point 2 above. if third party UI is better, people will use them - i don't think Microsoft needs to compete with HTC Tf3D. Also usability is subjective. My wife thinks the Dash is the most usable of all phones - EVER. She had the iPhone for a couple of weeks and got annoyed with the number of clicks (swipes or whatever), it would take to get to the info she wanted. She went back to the dash, where she could customize the standard today screen with Facade to show all that she needed right there.

4. It doesn't support capacitive touchscreens
I think we may see those in winmo7 or whenever the icons are truly finger friendly. WinMo6.X needs resistive screens because you need more accurate touch for some icons (like the little cross on the top right). Having said that, with my Fuze, i can't remember the last time I used the stylus or lamented about the screen being resistive. but I don't have extra fat fingers, so maybe some people will still need the stylus. But i think it is wishful thinking to expect capacitive support (and entire UI change, ground up) in a 6.1 to 6.5 upgrade.

5. It's not due out until "later this year."
And that's a problem because?? Which of WinMo 6.1 users are waiting for show stopper bugs to be fixed?
As for the news becoming jaded, its probably true - it will become old news. But I'd rather have info on what will come, than have a secret OS that just releases "later this year" with a "this is what you get, because we said so" approach. Releasing this info early enables Microsoft to get feedback and make minor changes. It also helps the good people at XDA get their hands on unreleased builds, which brings ME to my next point.

6. You probably can't upgrade your phone.
Yeah, and yet I have Cingular Blackjack running WinMo 6.1. I can't say anything definitely but I will be very surprised if XDA does not cook up something. Now, i know that not everyone goes to XDA. but think about it - who is your typical WinMo user - its one of two categories - business users or nerds errrr enthusiasts like me. The latter live on XDA. the former will probably be able to upgrade. Also, there are blogs (including you guys) who will report if someone releases a 6.5 ROM for older devices. so, I am not so worried about that.

7. No Zune integration. Not even a new Windows Media Player.
I agree, Zune integration would be nice. maybe it will come. but it does not mean that you are restricted to using it as the only music or video player. The choices for media players for WM6 are numerous and there is always something that meets everyone's requirements, for now. Having said that, I would like to see Zune integration and better podcast support built in as well!

8. Where's the keyboard?
I think the chances of a WM6.5 device being released without a functional (even finger friendly) SIP keyboard are very very low. Again, its too early in the game for you to complain.

9. The browser is still weak.
Yes it is, and no one uses it anyway. Opera is the preferred choice these days, and with Skyfire, IRIS, Netfront all working hard, Microsoft may be forced to enhance its offering as well.

10. It doesn't innovate in any way
Again, this comment doesn't belong to this release. Its like expecting Apple to innovate between iPhone 1.14 and 2.0. These changes are evolutionary, not revolutionary. Now, if Win Mo 7 does not shake things up in a big way, then this comment would apply to it.

The bottom line (for me atleast) is this - if Win Mo 6.5 will add to the functions of 6.1 and help WinMo HW and SW developers develop and deploy easier, it will be a good OS upgrade

my 2C

Blackberry connect - yes
Blackberry Messenger - no

Happy Birthday, Engadget!

Been running the unofficial WM6 AT&T ROM on my Treo 750 for about two weeks without any issues - I wonder what the hold up is at AT&T's end?