Samsung Blackjack Review

[SteveW]

Originally Posted by hiddendragon

Ok, Cingular doesn't know how to address SmartPhones...yet! Here are the two options that are specifically for SmartPhones:

Option A) SmartPhone Unlimited Data connect for $19.99 (no provision for text messages or MMS)
Option B) MediaNet Plan (Basic, Works, Max) for $9.99/$14.99/$19.99/$29.99

You DO NOT NEED the pda connect plan for ANY of the smartphones!!!

Originally Posted by SteveW

Everybody agrees. This is a marketing/sales ploy by Cingular, not a technical issue. As Charlyee said below, the distinction between "PDA" and "Smart", in this case, only affects which data plan qualifies for the $100 rebate.

Originally Posted by hiddendragon

The good sales reps. will try to sell you the correct data plan...certainly NOT the PDA connect. If all else fails, ask for their supervisor. Bad reps. won't know any better and will sell you the more expensive, PDA plan!

Originally Posted by Charlyee

I am sorry but I disagree, the only plan that is available for the Blackjack with OLAM is the PDA plan. if you want any other plan then you have to call CS. Also the only way to qualify for the Blackjack rebate is with the PDA plan. This is true for the Blackjack only and not any other Smartphone.

I don't think it is a matter of good vs bad sales reps, they are just following directives. Cingular calls the Blackjack a PDAphone for whatever reason. There is a mass of people protesting this, so they may change it eventually.

Originally Posted by josephd

Charlyee Cingular needs to address the issue, CNET and Phonescoop both call it a smartphone so who is wrong them or Cingular? I tried to buy a data plan through Cingular after pretending to purchase the Blackjack and I was directed to the PDA connect plans.

Originally Posted by M$

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/about/faq.mspx#2

Quote:
Q: What’s the difference between a Pocket PC and a Smartphone?
A: Pocket PCs come with mobile versions of Office applications in addition to Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile. ... With a Pocket PC, you’ll be able to use Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, and PowerPoint Mobile and browse the Internet if you have a device with Wi-Fi and are in a wireless hotspot.

A smartphone has phone capabilities and comes with a smaller set of applications. Though you can add third-party software titles to your smartphone, the smaller keypad and screen are designed to give you quick one-handed access to important data. A smartphone is a good choice for business users who need to check e-mail, keep track of their calendars, and take voice notes, but who don’t need the added functionality of Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, and PowerPoint Mobile.

Originally Posted by nKrypteD1

... it may be running Smartphone and still be classified as a PDA by Cingular, you have to understand it's their system and things go by their rules. It's about the average data useage more than anything and that's how they may have classified this device.

OK, so this is what I've learned:

- There are two versions of Windows Mobile 5: Pocket PC and Smartphone

- Given the applications that Charlyee has on her Blackjack, it seems to be a Smartphone. PhoneScoop and CNET agree.

- Cingular says it's a "PDA phone" (their term) either because they don't understand the phone, want to make more money, or both.

- Cingular doesn't force anybody to get the PDA Connect data plan, they simply define which data plans qualify for the rebate. Since Cingular classifies the Blackjack as a PDA, only the PDA Connect plan gets you the rebate.

- Charlyee has kept her $14.99 Media Bundle + a short-term unlimited-everything promotion. She'll decide on her data/text plan going forward, after the promotional period.


Did I get it right?


SW

[CWick]

Originally Posted by Charlyee

Here are some screen shots, please keep in mind i am a very poor photographer so please pardon the poor picture quality.

1. Home Screen.
2. Quick List
3. Messaging Screen

Cool pics, no appointments to get your hair or nails done??? ;-)

[SteveW]

Originally Posted by CWick

Cool pics, no appointments to get your hair or nails done??? ;-)

Charlyee doesn't have much time for that sort of thing, given the time she spends reviewing the latest gadgets here on WA, and of course her real job, which involves, among other things, doing power electronics calculations such as:




As I'm sure you know, numerical solutions are acceptable for cases like this, so you probably won't need Charlyee's help when you come across one, but let her know if you get stuck.



SW

[CWick]

Originally Posted by SteveW

Charlyee doesn't have much time for that sort of thing, given the time she spends reviewing the latest gadgets here on WA, and of course her real job, which involves, among other things, doing power electronics calculations such as:


As I'm sure you know, numerical solutions are acceptable for cases like this, so you probably won't need Charlyee's help when you come across one, but let her know if you get stuck.



SW

One would think that someone so well organized, with the power of the world in the palm of her hand, could find time for such an appointment.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by nKrypteD1

Ok and last but not least, it may be running Smartphone and still be classified as a PDA by Cingular, you have to understand it's their system and things go by their rules. It's about the average data useage more than anything and that's how they may have classified this device.

Shawn, thanks and you are absolutely correct. One of the explainations I got for the classification was that because it is a 3G phone people are going to use it a lot for data.

Originally Posted by paulmac

Nice Review, curious does it have Wifi? Not sure I would give up my pearl for this, but interesting. Nice to see a new player in this market, other than RIM, Motorola, HP, etc. Can only make things better for everyone.

Have you tried when calling Cingular, asking for BB support instead of the normal customer service? I know it is not a BB but wonder if they might have more or better info since it is similar to a BB. When with Cingular and having a BB I found there BB support group to be very good.

Paul, thanks. It does not have WiFi, it's successor will according to the rumor mill. I will try BB support next time, I did get up to the 3rd. tier of Cingular Tech support once..

Originally Posted by SteveW

Did I get it right?

ABSOLUTELY Steve...

This is actually a very hot topic on all forums, there are more than 100 posts on this already. The only advantage of the PDA plan is being able to use the ISP.Cingular (instead of the wap.Cingular) so you gat a live IP. I am not sure if you read Shawn's thread on this but here is a link to it.

Originally Posted by CWick

Cool pics, no appointments to get your hair or nails done??? ;-)

Thanks, sorry the pictures were not feminine enough, so how about my new home screen. Sorry still no hair & nail appointments on it

Originally Posted by SteveW

Charlyee doesn't have much time for that sort of thing, given the time she spends reviewing the latest gadgets here on WA, and of course her real job, which involves, among other things, doing power electronics calculations

LOL , thanks. Please allow me to make one correction I am not in Power Electronics. I work with 24.9kV transmission and distribution switchgear. I am High Voltage stuff Steve....and ofcourse all about POWER....

[SteveW]

Originally Posted by Charlyee

LOL , thanks. Please allow me to make one correction I am not in Power Electronics. I work with 24.9kV transmission and distribution switchgear. I am High Voltage stuff Steve....and of course all about POWER....

So something more like:










Forgive my ignorance, but I've forgotten most of the calculus I ever learned and couldn't do a definite integral now to save my life. However, I'm sure that CWick does stuff like this in his sleep.


SW

[CWick]

Originally Posted by SteveW

So something more like:










Forgive my ignorance, but I've forgotten most of the calculus I ever learned and couldn't do a definite integral now to save my life. However, I'm sure that CWick does stuff like this in his sleep.


SW

Nope....just install, upgrade and maintain payroll and financial systems for Fortue 500 companies.

[nKrypteD1]

Originally Posted by Charlyee

...This is actually a very hot topic on all forums, there are more than 100 posts on this already. The only advantage of the PDA plan is being able to use the ISP.Cingular (instead of the wap.Cingular) so you gat a live IP. ...

Correction, the PDA data plan also allows useage of Cingular Xpressmail, think of it as a subscription to the data package as well as the Xpressmail application. But otherwise very correct.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by nKrypteD1

Correction, the PDA data plan also allows useage of Cingular Xpressmail, think of it as a subscription to the data package as well as the Xpressmail application. But otherwise very correct.

Thanks Shawn, I stand corrected, why do you think I was looking for you here yesterday.....

Originally Posted by Charlyee

Shawn, where are you? I could use some help here you know? .........

PS: At least we got some activity going in the Windows Mobile Forum....

[CWick]

Originally Posted by Charlyee

PS: At least we got some activity going in the Windows Mobile Forum....

Guess it's usually pretty dead in here? You mean it's not usually swinging hip with Steve and his Chinese algebra? BRRRAAAHHHAAHHAHHAH

[larry]

Do I sense this thread could be heading in the wrong direction? If so let's please get it back on track.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by larry

Do I sense this thread could be heading in the wrong direction? If so let's please get it back on track

Yes Sir, I will give it try....

Unlocking the Blackjack:

Good News - I got the unlock code in 3 days.

Bad News - The unlocking instructions were completely wrong.

Here are the instructions I got:
1. Power on the handset
2. Enter #0 1 1 1 1* unlock code #
3. Press SEND key - display should read "Personalization Cancelled" - if the display reads "Not yet Personalized" the handset was already unlocked.

Here is what works:
1. Insert a non-Cingular SIM in the handset.
2. Power on.
3. Enter the unlock in the rectangle that comes up saying to enter unlock code.
4. The phone will say "personalization cancelled" (or something similar) and finish booting up.

PS: I saw the following instructions on HoFo but I have no idea if they work:
1.Keep Cingular SIM in the phone.
2. Enter *7465625*638* unlock code# SEND

[CRC]

Great review Charlyee! Question...is this the phone that you can subscribe to a program in order to watch TV on it? And is that progam called "MobiTV"? A co-worker is interested in this phone...so just wondering.

Thanks!
Chris

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by CRC

Great review Charlyee! Question...is this the phone that you can subscribe to a program in order to watch TV on it? And is that progam called "MobiTV"? A co-worker is interested in this phone...so just wondering.

Thanks!
Chris

Thanks Chris, yes you can watch TV on this. It is called CV (Cingular Video). Most of the channels are free only HBO and something else (I forgot what, sorry) need subscription. The catch though is if you don't subscribe to an unlimited data plan (Media Max, Smartphone connect or PDA connect) it will not let you accress it.

Hope it Helps.....

[CWick]

Originally Posted by larry

Do I sense this thread could be heading in the wrong direction? If so let's please get it back on track.

I wouldn't think of it....

[nKrypteD1]

Originally Posted by CRC

Great review Charlyee! Question...is this the phone that you can subscribe to a program in order to watch TV on it? And is that progam called "MobiTV"? A co-worker is interested in this phone...so just wondering.

Thanks!
Chris

MobiTV and MobiRadio are low bandwith streaming applications that are best suited for Edge Connections, some s/e handsets come bundled with these applications, now don't get me wrong I may be off basis here and there maybe a higher bandwith/clarity version. Just sharing what I know.

Originally Posted by Charlyee

Thanks Chris, yes you can watch TV on this. It is called CV (Cingular Video). Most of the channels are free only HBO and something else (I forgot what, sorry) need subscription. The catch though is if you don't subscribe to an unlimited data plan (Media Max, Smartphone connect or PDA connect) it will not let you accress it.

Hope it Helps.....

You will also need to subscribe to Cingular Video, it comes bundled with the 29.99 Media Package and I believe with the new devices they are now integrating it into the PDA Connect plan as well. I think it's a 5 or 10 dollar access fee if not. Aside from that Cingular Video, at least when it was demo'd to me at an Atlanta Area Cingular Store, has great quality for a streaming Television service suited for a phone. Give it a whirl if you get a chance.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by nKrypteD1

MobiTV and MobiRadio are low bandwith streaming applications that are best suited for Edge Connections, some s/e handsets come bundled with these applications, now don't get me wrong I may be off basis here and there maybe a higher bandwith/clarity version. Just sharing what I know.



You will also need to subscribe to Cingular Video, it comes bundled with the 29.99 Media Package and I believe with the new devices they are now integrating it into the PDA Connect plan as well. I think it's a 5 or 10 dollar access fee if not. Aside from that Cingular Video, at least when it was demo'd to me at an Atlanta Area Cingular Store, has great quality for a streaming Television service suited for a phone. Give it a whirl if you get a chance.

I have unlimited Cingular Video on the $19.99 unlimited media bundle. Are they not offering it on the $19.99 data plans anymore?

-Jay

[nKrypteD1]

I must be thinking outdated, I'll look into it specifically and repost my findings. However, when the bundles first came out it only was bundled on the MediaMax Plans along with text messaging.

Ok editing after research:

Q. How do I get Cingular Video?

A. First, you will need a new 3G phone and a plan with unlimited MEdia™ Net usage. Access your phone's menu and launch 'CV'. That's it. Any video that you pick will start playing. Data charges will apply, so Cingular strongly recommends a plan with unlimited MEdia Net usage. A plan like the MEdia Net Unlimited package will pay for itself in no time.

from http://www.cingular.com/learn/messag...ment/video.jsp

seems I was most definetly out of date, however, I'm still not sure if it comes bundled with the higher PDA and Smartphone packages, that's something worth asking a rep should someone pickup another blackjack or a 8525.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by nKrypteD1

I must be thinking outdated, I'll look into it specifically and repost my findings. However, when the bundles first came out it only was bundled on the MediaMax Plans along with text messaging.

Ok editing after research:

from http://www.cingular.com/learn/messag...ment/video.jsp

seems I was most definetly out of date, however, I'm still not sure if it comes bundled with the higher PDA and Smartphone packages, that's something worth asking a rep should someone pickup another blackjack or a 8525.

As long as we're talking about Cingular Video, does anyone know the URL for it? I'd like to use Cingular Video on my unlocked Motorola A845.

-Jay

[nKrypteD1]

Quote from Cingular Users forum member Willcre (moderator)

Cingular video is part of the cingular firmware, unless it is there now, you wont be able to get it.

You would need a845 firmware from cingular with the application.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by Jay2TheRescue

I have unlimited Cingular Video on the $19.99 unlimited media bundle. Are they not offering it on the $19.99 data plans anymore?

-Jay

Jay , yes they are still offering the $19.99 plan it is called Media Max 200, which is unlimited data and 200 text messages.

Originally Posted by nKrypteD1

I'm still not sure if it comes bundled with the higher PDA and Smartphone packages, that's something worth asking a rep should someone pickup another blackjack or a 8525.

Shawn, I am not quite sure what you mean my if it comes bundled with the PDA or Smartphone Package. All Cingular 3G phones have CV, if you have an unlimited data plan of any kind you are all set to go. If you don't CS can enable it for you but you will run over your data allocation pretty quickly.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by nKrypteD1

Quote from Cingular Users forum member Willcre (moderator)

You would need a845 firmware from cingular with the application.

Cingular never released firmware for the A845. It was released by AT&T pre-merger in a few markets, and Cingular is doing everything they can to not support it anymore. It is however the only 3G Motorola released with the US 850 band on it.

-Jay

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by Charlyee

Jay , yes they are still offering the $19.99 plan it is called Media Max 200, which is unlimited data and 200 text messages.

Yeah, Media Max 200 is what I have on my plan. I was just wondering if they changed things, you know to make people pay more...

-Jay

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by Jay2TheRescue

Yeah, Media Max 200 is what I have on my plan. I was just wondering if they changed things, you know to make people pay more...

-Jay

Fortunately, this one they haven't yet. They also have the Media Max 1000 for $29.99 and I think the Media Max 3000. I am looking at the MediaMax 1000 after my unlimited promotions are over.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by Charlyee

Fortunately, this one they haven't yet. They also have the Media Max 1000 for $29.99 and I think the Media Max 3000. I am looking at the MediaMax 1000 after my unlimited promotions are over.

This works for me. I usually use 150 - 250 megs a data a month, but less than 10 text messages. I hate typing on cell phone keypads. I don't even text with my iPAQ. Its just much easier and cheaper to call someone.

-Jay

[hiddendragon]

Charlyee, I'm glad that you were able to circumvent the PDA connect plan for your smartphone! I still say that Cingular doesn't have a way of forcing people to a PDA connect plan with smartphones, especially with MediaNet packages being more popular.

Nonetheless, Cingular is still learning how to properly deal with smartphones...the bottom line is that they will try to get away with everything to the unsuspected or uninformed buyer!

[SteveW]

Originally Posted by SteveW

Everybody agrees. This is a marketing/sales ploy by Cingular, not a technical issue. As Charlyee said below, the distinction between "PDA" and "Smart", in this case, only affects which data plan qualifies for the $100 rebate.

Originally Posted by SteveW

OK, so this is what I've learned:

- There are two versions of Windows Mobile 5: Pocket PC and Smartphone

- Given the applications that Charlyee has on her Blackjack, it seems to be a Smartphone. PhoneScoop and CNET agree.

- Cingular says it's a "PDA phone" (their term) either because they don't understand the phone, want to make more money, or both.

- Cingular doesn't force anybody to get the PDA Connect data plan, they simply define which data plans qualify for the rebate. Since Cingular classifies the Blackjack as a PDA, only the PDA Connect plan gets you the rebate.

- Charlyee has kept her $14.99 Media Bundle + a short-term unlimited-everything promotion. She'll decide on her data/text plan going forward, after the promotional period.

Originally Posted by hiddendragon

Charlyee, I'm glad that you were able to circumvent the PDA connect plan for your smartphone! I still say that Cingular doesn't have a way of forcing people to a PDA connect plan with smartphones, especially with MediaNet packages being more popular.

Yes, this is what Charlyee has been saying. Everything is cool

[Fire14]

Originally Posted by nKrypteD1

Quote from Cingular Users forum member Willcre (moderator)

You would need a845 firmware from cingular with the application.

I would be somewhat careful of what Wilcre post's over there, he may be right on the upgrade, being he is a CSR. And he is not a moderator over there, at least he isn't suppose to be from my knowlege of the forums at Cingular.

[nKrypteD1]

Originally Posted by Fire14

I would be somewhat careful of what Wilcre post's over there, he may be right on the upgrade, being he is a CSR. And he is not a moderator over there, at least he isn't suppose to be from my knowlege of the forums at Cingular.

Irregardless he makes a point I do believe, CV is a firmware residing application. In order for Jay to get it he would need Cingular proprietary Firmware for his phone as cingular has not released the CV application as a standalone app.

[Briandead]

Originally Posted by Charlyee

What was very easy to do:

1. Blue tooth pairing with my laptop and 6131.

2. Setting up Active Sync.

3. Customize my quick list

4. Getting Cingular to send me the unlock code in 3 days.

What was the process in getting Cingular to send you the unlock codes? I heard a few years ago that they actually had an email address that a customer can send unlock requests to. When I bought my Motorola MPX220 almost two years ago, they were not that friendly about unlocking it. I eventually had it unlocked in Vancouver (Chinatown). I have been getting by with my MPX220 and have stuck with it since I love the clamshell design. However, I am outgrowing its incapabilities and seriously considering the Blackjack. I am fully aware of smartphone vs Pocket PC. I have a pocket pc I don't even use anymore. I heard many people complain of the Treo touchscreen when actually using the phone feature (brushing against their cheek).