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Samsung BlackJack Phone (AT&T, Phone Only, No Service)
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Average customer review:
Product Description
The Samsung BlackJack is the smallest Windows Mobile QWERTY PDA in the US and is a Cingular Exclusive. It is a full-featured PDA and worldphone, allowing users to take advantage of the robust capabilities of the Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system, while having a single device that encourages users to be productive during work and to enjoy their personal time. As a 3G device, the Samsung BlackJack allows for simultaneous voice and data, which is a key differentiator over competitive EV-DO products.. The Samsung BlackJack is a great device for customers looking for a PDA that has it all in a nice compact design.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #13709 in Cell Phone Accessories
- Color: Black
- Brand: Samsung
- Model: i607
- Released on: 2006-11-16
Features
- Backlit QWERTY keyboard, thumbwheel & 5 way navigation
- 1.3 megapixel digital camera/video reorder with 2x digital zoom
- Listen to your favorite music, watch music videos and stay up to date with the latest from the entertainment industry with Cingular Music then watch video clips of your favorite shows with Cingular Video
- Worldwide use: voice in 185 countries and data in 125 countries. Quad band GSM/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900)
- Includes: Travel Adapter, Data Cable, Two 1200mAh Li-Ion Batteries, Charger and Getting Started CD
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Samsung's latest update to the venerable i320 packs a serious punch. Just like its predecessor, the i607 BlackJack is slim and light--one of the lightest and flattest smartphones on the market--this time though, it features impressive innovations, like HSDPA 3G high-speed data capabilities, stereo Bluetooth, an advanced music player, and more.
With Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Edition software, and a big color screen, this device is the perfect choice for professionals who want to stay on top of their game.
 All the power and functionality you need when your office is on the move. See the BlackJack in detail: Front and rear. |
Design
The BlackJack goes with a tried and true design that makes it easy to communicate at a moment's notice. The large, 320 x 240 screen supports over 65,000 colors, while a QWERTY keyboard just below the screen makes typing out emails, SMS messages, notes, presentations, and more a breeze. A side scroll wheel is conveniently tucked away on the side, making navigation when accessing the music player and other various applications a cinch when needed. A five-way selection button allows you to navigate and control the Windows Mobile interface, while soft keys on either side of the selection button make it easy to quickly access important phone and productivity functions--all of which make the BlackJack a snap to use one-handed.
A microSD/TransFlash memory card for expanding the BlackJack's memory is located on the top right-hand side of the phone. Connectivity is provided by USB, infrared, and Bluetooth. You'll also find a speakerphone, and a 1.0+ megapixel camera with video capture capability, which is housed on the rear of the device.
Calling Features
The BlackJack has all the latest calling features folks have come to expect from a high-end handset. The built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Speaker independent voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names, while the phone's Bluetooth connectivity means that your favorite Bluetooth headset is fully compatible. A ringer and picture ID system makes it easy to identify your most common callers.
Messaging, Internet, and Tools
The BlackJack is designed as a complete solution for people who want to bring their office with them. The unit comes packed with mobile versions of Outlook, Internet Explorer and MSN Messenger. Outlook Mobile features integrated calendar and email functions, as well as a contacts list that is cleverly integrated with the phone's dialing functions. Robust SMS and MMS functionality is built into the Windows Mobile interface, too.
Microsoft's ActiveSync software keeps the device synced with all of your PC's Outlook information (via Bluetooth or USB).
A number of handy software tools are bundled with the BlackJack, including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a to-do list, and an alarm clock. A predictive text entry technology is also included.
Imaging and Entertainment
In addition to the 1.0+ megapixel still camera, the BlackJack is capable of recording video clips to its built-in memory, or to the memory expansion card. The inclusion of Windows Media Player on the BlackJack opens up a whole range of possibilities for this phone. Use it as a digital music player, or sync the device with Windows Media Player on your PC to download video.
Instead of downloading media to your phone, why not stream directly from your phone? With UMTS and HSDPA support built right into the BlackJack, you'll be streaming and downloading at speeds so fast your head will spin. Used in combination with one of Cingular's MEdia Max plans that supports Cingular Video and MobiTV (additional Cingular charges apply), the BlackJack will allow you to play high-quality news clips, sports clips, weather clips, and more--right on your phone. And with Cingular's exclusive partnership with HBO Mobile and HBO Family Mobile, you'll never be at a loss for something good to watch.
With features like stereo Bluetooth headphone capability, and support for Java based applications and games, the BlackJack shines in the entertainment department. When the feeling strikes you, jam out to your favorite music on the unit's advanced mp3 player, and because the BlackJack sports a microSD/TransFlash memory card slot, you can load up all your favorite music and bring it with you (memory cards sold separately). And because the phone supports MobiRadio, in addition to streaming video and TV, you can listen to your favorite radio station via the supported digital radio service--great for times when you feel like listening to new music (additional Cingular charges apply).
UMTS Wireless Broadband Coverage
Learn More about where UMTS coverage is offered.
Warning: If you want to enjoy the full audio and video capabilities of your UMTS phone, please select a MEdia Max service plan option during checkout. If you do not sign up for a MEdia Max service plan option, you will be paying per KB when you use the over-the-air UMTS audio and video features on your phone (upwards of $10 per minute).
Vital Statistics
The Samsung SGH-i607 weighs 3.50 ounces and measures 4.45 x 2.32 x 0.46 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.0 hours of digital talk time, and up to 264 hours of digital standby time. It features UMTS with HSDPA capability and runs on the GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA 850/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.
Customer Reviews
Love the phone.. some minor shortcomings though
Plus points:
- Great form factor. Never thought I'd like a Samsung before
- Nice display. Will need a screen protector though.
- Stable. No crashes, no lockups yet.
- Bluetooth etc works without a single hitch
- Switches between 3G and Edge seamlessly
- Great sound quality. Also looks like there is better background noise reduction with this phone. (maybe a network feature. new vocoder?)
- very lightweight. Lighter than the Verizon Q.
- Decent camera. 1.3 MP with some cool effects.
- Barely feel it in my pocket. Awesome.
Cons:
- Top of phone gets pretty warm against the ear during a long conversation (scary)
- Wierd connector. Why can't Samsung go with a standard Mini USB?? Losers.
- No wired earphone/handsfree with the phone.
- Keys may be a little too close, for some people
- How about a GPS chip in the next revision?
- Can't enjoy the music unless you really get a stereo bluetooth headset.
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Great phone in all, the shortcomings look more like trade-offs for the most part rather than defects. It is in my opinion a even call with the Q and if the Q came out on any other network besides Verizon, I would seriously have had a tough call between the two.
Best Smartphone on the market
Overview
I purchased this Smartphone after 3 months of research. My criterion was that it had to play music via Bluetooth, had to have a windows mobile platform, and had to be comfortable. This phone satisfied all of them for the most part.
There are a few cons to the phone, however; with the windows platform it will not be long until applications will come around to extend the functionality and fix problems. I'm a computer programmer and I'm currently working with the mobile platform to develop new programs with Visual Studio, hence the need for the windows platform. I can safely say that in the next couple of years we will be seeing some exciting new technology that will be developed with the new Smartphone and PDA's that run a platform like window mobile.
The blackjack is an excellent device to introduce you into the Smartphone/PDA universe. With Blackjacks features for Email (3 different options to receive email w/ this phone), Instant Messaging, SMS/MMS, ActiveSync & MP3 player capability it's my opinion that the Blackjack is on par or surpasses any blackberry.
Con Brief & Fixes
1) Music plays on the speakerphone if you have no ear buds.
First the music capabilities of the phone is excellent, however; if you do not want the entire world think that "you like big butts" when everyone hears your song "Baby got back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot coming from your Blackjack's speakerphone. I would suggest getting the wired ear buds or a stereo Bluetooth headset. After a little research I found out that if I wanted wireless music from my Blackjack I would have to have a Bluetooth headset that had a feature called Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and if I wanted to control the music from a Bluetooth device I would need Audio/Video Remote Control (AVRCP). The Blackjack has both capabilities so all I needed to do is to find a Bluetooth device with the same. I found two that are not big headsets: LG HBS-110 and Sony Ericsson Bluetooth HBH-DS970. I bought the LG HBS-110, I just bought it when I did this review so I can't tell you 411 on it yet but I can say that both devices WILL work with the Blackjack.
2) The battery life of the phone is very poor
Come to find out the new G3 network from Cingular takes a lot of power to maintain. For a music enthusiast, like myself, I am looking for longevity when it comes to my players batteries. So I did some searching and come across a small little hack with the Blackjack that will turn off that G3 feature so the batteries can last for up to TWO DAYS in normal use. Let me advise you now, if you do not know what you are doing when you are in the settings of the phone. You can seriously damage your saved data on your phone or even lose it completely. So, I advise that you get in, change what you need, and get out. Do not experiment unless you are willing to lose your phones data. On the main screen of the phone type the following: *#1546792*# the admin screen will appear, scroll down to selection "3 Network & Call Settings" and hit OK. Next, scroll down to selection"5 Network Mode" and hit OK. Next, scroll down until you see "GSM" with a black dot next to it. Then, push the soft touch button with the word "Done" on the screen associated to the button. Now exit the Admin Settings by hitting the Home button (the button with a picture of a house on it) and you're finished. In a few seconds you should see the icons on the top of the home screen change. Next to the signal bars you should see a picture of an antenna instead of G3. This little hack should extend the life of your batteries tremendously. Also, by changing the Network Mode you should NOT lose any functionality from the phone, the only change should be the speed at which you send and receive data on the network. If you do experience problems, reset the network mode back to "Auto" by repeating the above steps; then start your troubleshooting of the problem.
Attractive, fun and most importantly - RAZR thin!
This is the first smartphone that I've owned -- and what a great introduction! Since my last phone was a RAZR, I was spoiled by the ultra slim form. With this phone, it fits just as comfortably in my pocket as the RAZR, but with 10 times the power and productivity.
The only thing missing? Wi-Fi connectivity, but it probably would have resulted in a bulkier phone.
Also, the phone didn't come with a traditional instruction manual, just a "Quick-Start" guide, so there has been a lot of trial and error with this phone, especially with regards to shortcuts and navigation. If you're unfamiliar with smartphones (like I was), it might take some time to get it all figured out. But that's been part of the fun!
Overall, a wonderful phone - superb sound quality, decent camera and just fun to use!
PROS:
-Thin
-Full QWERTY keyboard
-Excellent call sound quality
-Fast 3G internet w/ full web browser
-Plays Mp3s
-Micro SD slot for extra storage
-Alarm works even when ringer is silent! (Takes some tweaking and, Yes, this feature is a big deal)
-Comes with extra battery that can be charged without being inside the phone
CONS
-No Wi-Fi
-Battery drains quickly (still better than the Motorola Q from what I hear, but should be charged daily just to be safe)
-No 8mm headphone jack (Why do cellphone companies keep doing this!?)
