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Thursday May 21, 2009
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 The Palm Pre and iPhone are sucking all of the air out of the smart phone world, but that doesn't mean everyone else has gone on vacation. At a press event yesterday, AT&T showed off two of their new smart phones, the Samsung Jack - the latest in Samsung's Blackjack line - and the BlackBerry 8900.
The Jack looks like it'll be a great Windows Mobile phone for messaging and Microsoft Exchange syncing. It's comfortable and well designed, feeling quite similar to the BlackBerry Bold or 8900. There's a 3.2-megapixel camera on the back, and the phone has both 3G and Wi-Fi. The keys are large enough, and feel good under your thumb. The Jack doesn't have a touch screen, which makes it feel a little faster than other Windows Mobile devices; as I clicked through the menus, it responded well thanks to the 528 Mhz processor. The phone runs Windows Mobile 6.1 right now, but AT&T reps said it will be upgradeable to Windows Mobile 6.5. For $99.99 with a two-year contract, you're getting a great deal with this phone. That said, I still like the Nokia e71x a little more.
AT&T's BlackBerry 8900 is very similar to T-Mobile's model, which we reviewed and loved. The main difference is that the AT&T model doesn't let you use voice over Wi-Fi, but does come with a subscription to AT&T's network of Wi-Fi hotspots for data use only. Otherwise, this is a great device - terrific keyboard, sharp screen, and a $199.99 price that's $100 below the BlackBerry Bold because the 8900 lacks 3G.
Both the Samsung Jack and the BlackBerry 8900 are available on AT&T right now.
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May 21, 2009 4:13 PM
at 199, the 8900 is a rip off. for that price, you may as well get an iPhone and have the 3G capability.
the blackjack, on the other hand, is well priced and should see some interest in the market place.
June 4, 2009 2:39 PM
I've read really good reviews on the new Samsung Blackjack running windows mobile too. This looks like a great phone.