- Business-oriented smartphone with Windows Mobile 6.1 OS, Wi-Fi networking, full QWERTY keyboard
- Tri-mode 3G-connectivity; compatible with AT&T Navigator GPS turn-by-turn directions, AT&T Mobile Music, Video Share service, and Mobile Banking
- 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; 256 MB internal memory; MicroSD memory expansion to 16 GB
- Up to 7 hours of talk time, up to 288 hours (12 days) of standby time
- What’s in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 3.5mm headset adapter, quick start guide, user manual
Amazon.com Product Description
Samsung and AT&T partner for the next step in the evolution of its BlackJack smartphone series with the Samsung Jack, which combines the power of the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system with AT&T’s fast 3G network. A sleek and compact handset with an optimized keyboard for easy and accurate messaging. Built for business, Windows Mobile 6.1 helps you stay easily connected to your business and personal data on the go with support for a wide variety of email accounts as well as the ability to edit Microsoft Office documents.
The fastest most powerful BlackJack yet, the Samsung Jack includes the Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard operating system with access to the full Microsoft Office Mobile Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel. |
You’ll be able to quickly download video, music and more over AT&T’s lightning quick HSPDA 3G network–and it’s compatible with 2100 MHz 3G networks in foreign territories. In addition to access to AT&T Mobile Music (compatible with Napster and eMusic subscriptions), this GPS-enabled phone is compatible with the AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions as well as its Video Share service, which enables you to send video of yourself to another compatible phone while making a voice call. Other features include Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth for both handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, 256 MB internal memory, MicroSD memory expansion to 16 GB, and up to 7 hours of talk time.
AT&T Service
This AT&T phone can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the dual-band 850/1900 MHz 3G network (UMTS/HSDPA), and this phone is also compatible with 2100 MHz 3G networks (found in international territories). The AT&T 3G network provides download speeds ranging from 700 Kbps to 1.7 Mbps, and upload speeds ranging from 500 Kbps to 1.2 Mbps. This makes it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services. (For use outside the United States, an AT&T international data plan is recommended.)
In areas where the 3G network is not available, you’ll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it’s fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go. You’ll also enjoy quad-band GSM connectivity, which allows you to make calls in more than 190 countries and access data applications in the more than 135 countries where AT&T offers international data roaming.
With 3G connectivity, you’ll be able to access AT&T’s Video Share service, which enables you to send a live, one-way video stream to another compatible phone during a standard voice call. The service also allows you to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call. (Customers must be in an area served by the company’s 3G network and have a Video Share-enabled phone.) While using Video Share with family and friends is a fun way to communicate, it’s also very useful for business. For example, a majority of users in the architecture, engineering and construction industries rated the ability to share live video through Video Share highly, according to research commissioned by AT&T. Video Share lets you see progress on a job site or review the day’s work without having to drive from an office or other site to do so.
The Samsung Jack features 256 MB RAM, MicroSD expansion to 16 GB, a 3.2 megapixel camera with video-capture capabilities, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) to connect with home or office networks, and built-in aGPS for use with AT&T Navigator. |
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You can take advantage of the AT&T Navigator GPS software and service, a full-featured premium navigation application that includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps (additional charges applicable). AT&T Navigator offers several other features to make your commute more enjoyable and reliable, including mobile access to Yellowpages.com. Additionally, AT&T Navigator is the only mobile phone-based GPS service that provides integrated speech recognition for address entry and points of interest search.
With 3G connectivity, you’ll be able to access AT&T’s Cellular Video (CV) service and the Internet while on the go. Cellular Video features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more. And you get access to AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the, access the Napster and eMusic subscription music services, stream music video, discover what’s playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what’s hot with The Buzz music news portal.
The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T’s MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more.
It’s also pre-loaded with AT&T’s Mobile Banking application, which is compatible with accounts from banks including Wachovia, SunTrust, Synovus, and BancorpSouth. Mobile Banking from AT&T affords you the flexibility to stay on top of your banking needs while you’re on the move, enabling you to check your account balance, securely transfer funds between your eligible accounts, view and pay bills, and review your transaction history. AT&T customers pay no additional fee to access mobile banking and, because the application resides on the handset, the service is optimized to reduce the number of new page views necessary to complete a transaction. Minimal data usage charges apply and vary based on individual use.
Phone Features
The Samsung Jack has a vibrant 2.4-inch screen (320 x 240 pixels, 65K color depth) for excellent web browsing, video playback, and viewing of documents. In addition to offering a full QWERTY keyboard for easy and accurate messaging, the Jack also offers the new Turbo Scroll feature, which enables you to press lightly on the navigation pad to scroll through text on a page or press harder to scroll through entire pages. The Jack has a 256 MB ROM/256 MB RAM internal memory, which can be expanded via optional MicroSD memory cards up to 16 GB in size.
Windows Mobile 6.1 puts your desktop computer in the palm of your hand. Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile on the Jack keeps enterprise and small business customers connected with synchronization of schedules and contacts, Internet Explorer Mobile provides improved quick and easy Web browsing and Office Mobile enhances productivity with the ability to manage Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents. Additional Windows Mobile 6.1 features on the Jack include threaded SMS messaging, and Voice Command.
The Jack connects to business and personal e-mail access through Microsoft Direct Push and AT&T’s Xpress Mail service. The Incite also supports Microsoft’s System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, an enterprise-grade mobile solution for managing and protecting Windows Mobile 6.1 phones. Mobile Device Manager helps companies provide its mobile workers with software updates and applications over the air, as well as security-enhanced access to company data.
Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone also provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.0), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and file transfer. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones.
The digital audio player (Windows Media Player 10 Mobile for Pocket PC) is compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ formats, and it allows you to multitask in other sections of the phone while continue to play music. Playlists are auto-arranged by artist/album/genre, and you can also play videos in WMV, MP4 and 3GP formats.
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Other features include:
- Threaded two-way text messaging and one-touch messaging key.
- Support for corporate/personal email and messaging solutions: Microsoft Direct Push, Xpress Mail, POP3/IMAP4, ActiveSync/Windows Mobile Device Center (Vista OS)
- Customizable Home screen
- Multilingual Text Display (English and Spanish)
- Personal Organizer: Calendar, Scheduler with Alerts, Calculator and more
- Tools: Alarm, World Time Clock and Stopwatch
- Converter Tool: Currency, Length, Weight, Temperature, Volume and Area
- Speakerphone
- Adobe Flast Lite
- 3.2-megapixel camera with brightness and white balance controls, multi-shot capabilities
- Video capture with length determined by available memory
- MP3 ringtones
Vital Statistics
The Samsung Jack weighs 3.6 ounces and measures 4.4 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches. Its 1480 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7 hours of talk time, and up to 288 hours (12 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as 850/1900/2100 MHz 3G frequencies (UMTS/HSDPA).
Powered by Windows Mobile 6.1
Microsoft’s Windows Mobile 6.1 offers a number of handy features that make searching through email, editing Microsoft Office documents, and staying on top of your most important communications even easier. Emails can now be viewed in their original rich HTML format and now offer the ability to visit embedded links. It also includes Windows Live for Windows Mobile, which provides a full set of Windows Live services, such as the Windows Live Messenger IM application, which now enables you to chat with more than one person at one time or send a file.
With Windows Mobile 6.1, your phone will finally be able to emulate the power and features of your PC’s Microsoft Office suite. You’ll be able to neatly view, navigate and edit Word documents and Excel spreadsheets in their original formatting–without affecting tables, images or text–as well as view PowerPoint presentations.
- Microsoft Office Word Mobile features include spell-check, Find and Replace commands, bulleted lists, text formatting, and support for tables for the first time.
- With Excel Mobile, you’re not just confined to editing charts: with the new Chart Wizard you can create charts quickly and easily.
- PowerPoint Mobile allows you to view the full presentation, rehearse timings, check the order and any live links you may have in your presentation. You can then email comments back to the team or communicate via MSN Messenger for an immediate response.
- After creating or editing a Word document or Excel spreadsheet, you can synchronize it with your PC and it will automatically be converted to the PC version.
All Windows Mobile 6.1 powered devices include Direct Push Technology for up-to-date e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars, tasks and contacts through Microsoft Exchange Server. It also offers a set of important device security and management features that include the capability to remotely wipe all data from a device should it be lost or stolen, helping ensure that confidential information remains that way.
Samsung Jack i637 Phone, Silver
The Samsung Jack is my first smartphone. Speakerphone quality is excellent, cell reception is about comparable to my previous Samsung Sync phone. Integration with MS Outlook on my PC is outstanding. Bluetooth works well, integrates with my car stereo nicely. Add-on of Google maps (see note) works well. Wi-Fi works well. Amazon’s price of $.01 (plus a 6 month commitment to a data plan) was best I could find.
Battery life is problematic, I’m OK as long as I charge the phone daily. Marginal 3G reception at my house may be the issue with battery life, but I have not been able to turn 3G on and off successfully. Keyboard is usable but way too small for this touch typist to do anything but poke a finger at while looking at the keys. Maybe I’ll get better at it? ATT sticks a bunch of trial, pretty worthless, programs on this phone.
Webbrowsing is, in my opinion, pretty lame because the size of the screen. Internet Explorer and 3rd party browsers work (see note) but they can’t make the screen bigger. Phone has crashed (locked up and had to be restarted) about every other day. Camera’s images are fuzzy even for a phone.
Note: Was able to unlock the phone (Google is your friend) with some instructions on the web so that 3rd party apps can be installed.
Rating: 3 / 5
This phone has some amazing features, but for me, some of the most important features to have in a cell phone don’t perform well.
When I tried this phone, I used it in an area that has always gotten great coverage with my other phones; I’ve used a Nokia 6682 and a Motorola Q, and I’ve always had full signal strength. but with the Jack, my signal strength was very weak. In my living-room, I only had half the strength I usually did, and when I went downstairs, it dropped to almost zero.
The battery didn’t seem to last very long either; I drained the battery within a few hours of charging, just by surfing the Internet and setting up an email account.
Several people that I’ve talked to have had problems removing the Jack’s battery. The phone seems a bit slippery and hard to grasp when taking the battery out. I found that the easiest way to do it is to apply pressure to the battery lid and slide it out, away from the phone. (I watched three people try to slide their nail in between the phone and the lid to pop it off that way, and it worked … after about fifteen minutes).
Call quality was fair. When I placed a call, the person that I called sounded clear; there were no problems. a few people said that my voice tended to fade in and out a bit, but I’m assuming it was because of the poor reception I had.
On the plus side, this phone is fast and extremely responsive. My Q tends to lag a lot when opening applications, but the Jack doesn’t. I’m constantly removing the Q’s battery to recover it from a crash, but so far, the Jack hasn’t crashed once.
Rating: 3 / 5
Apparently my not so enthusiastic review was not approved by Samsung thereby omitted from their Samsung Jack product review.
Let me first say that this is the first smartphone I own.
Out of the box, Windows 6.1 required a little bit of navigating but was not difficult to use. The first thing I noticed was that not only was the connection port proprietary but that there was only ONE port. With use, the connection will soon be loose thereby affecting your power charging / syncing / headset abilities. I really have to question Samsung’s practicality knowledge placing the connection on the side.
I have small fingers and so the keys do not bother me much but I imagine those with average to larger fingers may find it difficult to use. The phone itself is compact, light, and feels relatively solid. The back cover is very slick, making removing it to access the battery / SIM / microSD slot difficult. Samsung designed the phone so that in order to access the microsd, you have to remove the battery. Another “what were they thinking?!” moment.
Battery life with moderate use was about 13-14hrs. That includes texting / web browsing / emailing / programs approximately 5min per hour.
Finally, the most aggravating point. This phone is LOCKED DOWN. It is nearly impossible to change the ring tone file size limit (there is not a hack for it). You cannot use your own sound file as your text alert / etc. Shortcuts cannot be rearranged.
Several programs that I need to use for work turned out to be incompatible. Those who purchase this item for work purposes may want to make sure that their applications will in fact work with this phone.
Bottom line: Despite my preference for Samsung products, when time comes for a new smartphone, I most probably will not be coming to Samsung.
I would caution those who look at the reviews on the Samsung.com website. Currently there are only 5 review on the Samsung Jack and they are all ravishing. My not-so-glowing review was not accepted.
Rating: 3 / 5
I love it,yes, the battery does drain quicker, but the phone is so fast, so much smaller and so much easier to navigate!
Rating: 5 / 5
having owned both the blackjack 2 and the epix, some observations:
-product is much smaller and fits much better in your hand, although not textured and thus slipperier than bj2
-chargers, usb sync cables all work from previous samsung smartphone models
-keyboard works fine
-pictures don’t convey the chrome band which is quite prominent
-SIM card and microSD card slots are in battery compartment
-battery door has a recess to make it easier to open
Rating: 4 / 5