Samsung Blackjack Review

[hiddendragon]

In order for Cingular to release the code, you must be a Cingular customer for at least 90 days, in good standing (i.e. no unpaid bills). Other than this requirement, they should give it to you quickly. It took them 1 day to give me mine.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by Briandead What was the process in getting Cingular to send you the unlock codes? ............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).

I am actually worse, I don't like touching the touch screen with my fingers to dial like a lot of people do, using the stylus ofcourse takes away from any one handed operation.

Back to unlocking, over and above what hiddendragon said you also need to have International Roaming activated on your account and tell them you need to unlock it because you are going overseas.

They are getting a little more strict, after all the phones they have sent me unlocking codes for, this is the first time I got a mini lecture that went something like "are you aware that Cingular offers some very good international plans and you don't really need your phone unlocked?"

WELCOME to WA and I hope you get the Blackjack, I like mine very much.....

[Charlyee]

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. 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!

Thanks hiddendragon and yes Cingular is still learning how to deal with something like the Blackjack, that people are going to use for much more for data because of the 3G.

Originally Posted by SteveW Yes, this is what Charlyee has been saying. Everything is cool

LOL, yes Steve everything is cool.....

[nKrypteD1]

Originally Posted by Charlyee I am actually worse, I don't like touching the touch screen with my fingers to dial like a lot of people do, using the stylus ofcourse takes away from any one handed operation. Back to unlocking, over and above what hiddendragon said you also need to have International Roaming activated on your account and tell them you need to unlock it because you are going overseas. They are getting a little more strict, after all the phones they have sent me unlocking codes for, this is the first time I got a mini lecture that went something like "are you aware that Cingular offers some very good international plans and you don't really need your phone unlocked?" WELCOME to WA and I hope you get the Blackjack, I like mine very much.....

It's nice to know that someone else feels the same way I do about touching the screen on a PDA with bare hands. I freak when someone intentionally touches my screen, unless I have a screen protector on top of it. The reason for it is that it deposits oils onto the screen surface which require cleaning. The more you clean the screen the more "rough" you make it and the easier it scratches. I'm very protective if you guys can't tell.

[VZWfiend]

Originally Posted by SteveW ... - 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...

OK, I hate to "beat a dead horse" but why does Cingular demand a PDA Connect data plan to qualify for the rebate? I am reading the actual rebate PDF that states for the Blackjack only:

"†Requires activation on an unlimited data rate plan plus a Cingular Voice Plan with a minimum monthly access rate of $39.99 or higher."

Why is this stipulation only listed for the Blackjack? Has Cingular changed the rules to qualify for this rebate? I have an unlimited data plan (not PDA or Smartconnect) and $39.99 calling plan, would I not qualify for the rebate based on the current rules of the rebate? I'm not playing devils advocate, just reading the rebate rules as they are written. Anyone?????

P.S. Please excuse my screen name.. I'm no longer a Verizon fiend!

[hiddendragon]

Because they are money grubbers and want to exploit the 3G capabilities of the BJ by reclassifying it as a PDA instead of a smartphone.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by VZWfiend OK, I hate to "beat a dead horse" but why does Cingular demand a PDA Connect data plan to qualify for the rebate? I am reading the actual rebate PDF that states for the Blackjack only: "†Requires activation on an unlimited data rate plan plus a Cingular Voice Plan with a minimum monthly access rate of $39.99 or higher." Why is this stipulation only listed for the Blackjack? Has Cingular changed the rules to qualify for this rebate? I have an unlimited data plan (not PDA or Smartconnect) and $39.99 calling plan, would I not qualify for the rebate based on the current rules of the rebate? I'm not playing devils advocate, just reading the rebate rules as they are written. Anyone????? P.S. Please excuse my screen name.. I'm no longer a Verizon fiend!

The best answer I can give you is "I don't Know". As you know on the rebate form, the requirement for the 8525 is specificcaly spelt out as the PDA connect plan and the requirement for the Blackjack is what you stated.

When I pointed this out to them, both the store and Cingular CS said I will not qualify for the rebate unless I have the PDA plan.

I decided to forfeit my rebate becuase it takes 10-12 weeks to come and since I have the $14.99 plan now, I would be paying $35/month more which could wipe out the $100 rebate even before I get it.

I was also concerned that if I did go with PDA connect plan I will not be able to down grade to what I want later.

I have read about Blackjack owners that have sent in for the rebate with either the Media Max or the Smartphone connect plan but no one has reportd back that have actually got the rebate.

As others have mentioned, Cingular is pushing the PDA connect plan because they see the Blackjack as a data phone and being used for data more than other Smartphones.

[Charlyee]

I got a battery saving tip from another forum:

Go into Settings/Connection/Beam and uncheck "Receive Incoming Beams". Apparently this is for IR which the device does not have.

It is too early to say whether there is a significant difference but I have had the usual day of voice calls, text messages, BT syncing, web browsing and playing with the phone, and I have not lost any bars yet. Usually by this time it goes down by 1 or 2 bars.

I do most of my web browsing on the Blackjack in the evenings, so I will know for sure tomorrow.

Just wanted to share....

[nKrypteD1]

Originally Posted by Charlyee I got a battery saving tip from another forum: Go into Settings/Connection/Beam and uncheck "Receive Incoming Beams". Apparently this is for IR which the device does not have. It is too early to say whether there is a significant difference but I have had the usual day of voice calls, text messages, BT syncing, web browsing and playing with the phone, and I have not lost any bars yet. Usually by this time it goes down by 1 or 2 bars. I do most of my web browsing on the Blackjack in the evenings, so I will know for sure tomorrow. Just wanted to share....

Actually incoming beams are for not only IR but also bluetooth PIM transfers. Ie. The transmittal of Bluetooth Business Cards.

[nKrypteD1]

Originally Posted by VZWfiend OK, I hate to "beat a dead horse" but why does Cingular demand a PDA Connect data plan to qualify for the rebate? I am reading the actual rebate PDF that states for the Blackjack only: "†Requires activation on an unlimited data rate plan plus a Cingular Voice Plan with a minimum monthly access rate of $39.99 or higher." Why is this stipulation only listed for the Blackjack? Has Cingular changed the rules to qualify for this rebate? I have an unlimited data plan (not PDA or Smartconnect) and $39.99 calling plan, would I not qualify for the rebate based on the current rules of the rebate? I'm not playing devils advocate, just reading the rebate rules as they are written. Anyone????? P.S. Please excuse my screen name.. I'm no longer a Verizon fiend!

Actually the same was true on my 8125 and I believe on some palms as well, in regards to requiring the PDA Connect. Come to think of it I never did send my 8125 Rebate in, go figure.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by nKrypteD1 Actually incoming beams are for not only IR but also bluetooth PIM transfers. Ie. The transmittal of Bluetooth Business Cards.

Shawn, thanks for the clarification. I only use the BT for Active Sync ( the firewalls on the system do not allow the USB connection) and occcassionaly for my headset, so I should still be okay turning of the "Beam". I can always turn it back on if someone wants to BT a business card over. There is some noticeable improvement in battery usage by turning it off.

[nKrypteD1]

Originally Posted by Charlyee Shawn, thanks for the clarification. I only use the BT for Active Sync ( the firewalls on the system do not allow the USB connection) and occcassionaly for my headset, so I should still be okay turning of the "Beam". I can always turn it back on if someone wants to BT a business card over. There is some noticeable improvement in battery usage by turning it off.

Yes there most certainly is, also you'll notice you'll have a lot better time if any of your pc's have IR enabled, if not no matter where you point then dang eye you'll hear the notification sound (on the pcs mind you) letting you know that there's a device around.

Edit: I forgot that the blackjack doesn't have IR but this applies to other WM5 PPC's as well.

[paulmac]

You are all probably aware of this already, but RIM is now suing Samsung over this device!! Here is a link to the article, interesting if nothing else.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16184141/

[azcellphonejunkie]

Here is a link to a story about the extended battery for the unit. I like the design and think it is better for a slim device like the Blackjack versus the one they have for the Q.

http://mobilitytoday.com/news/007262...battery#c10620

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by azcellphonejunkie Here is a link to a story about the extended battery for the unit. I like the design and think it is better for a slim device like the Blackjack versus the one they have for the Q. http://mobilitytoday.com/news/007262...battery#c10620

Hi AZ, thanks for posting the extended battery information. I was looking into it myself, and I agree it is a very good design. I am not sure I will get one though. I don't really have a problem with the battery life, it lasts 24 hours without any problem and having the second fully charged battery on hand does help.

I am liking the Blackjack even more after using it for a month, it has amazing voice quality, call clarity, and rf. The best I have seen of the Cingular line-up now and in the recent past and in par with the 6682.

I did have the CDMA Samy A670 with the same attributes and I am happy the Samsung is able to carry this into the GSM world....

[hiddendragon]

The ONLY drawback to the BlackJack: MSFT Voice Command does not work over bluetooth which is a deal breaker for me...

[nKrypteD1]

Originally Posted by hiddendragon The ONLY drawback to the BlackJack: MSFT Voice Command does not work over bluetooth which is a deal breaker for me...

Depends on which version. 1.6 should work over bluetooth 1.5 never has and never will.

[hiddendragon]

Originally Posted by nKrypteD1 Depends on which version. 1.6 should work over bluetooth 1.5 never has and never will.

I beg to differ! http://www.mobilitysite.com/2006/12/...command_16.php

[kjo]

Nice Review Charlyee

It looks like a nice phone.

Do you miss the flip or politically correct clamshell factor of a cell phone like your Nokia?

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by kjo Nice Review Charlyee It looks like a nice phone. Do you miss the flip or politically correct clamshell factor of a cell phone like your Nokia?

Thanks Kelli,

I am really enjoying the phone. I actually like bar phones better than flips, there are no moving mechanical parts that can be slightly out of alignment and irritate the the heck out of me.

[Briandead]

Originally Posted by Charlyee Back to unlocking, over and above what hiddendragon said you also need to have International Roaming activated on your account and tell them you need to unlock it because you are going overseas. They are getting a little more strict, after all the phones they have sent me unlocking codes for, this is the first time I got a mini lecture that went something like "are you aware that Cingular offers some very good international plans and you don't really need your phone unlocked?" WELCOME to WA and I hope you get the Blackjack, I like mine very much.....

Charlyee,

I finally went down to my local Cingular store and saw the Cingular rep that sold me my previous phone. I bought my phone from him previously because he was the most knowledgeable of all the diffent cell phone companies I visited. I asked him this time about unlocking the phones and he said that he was not aware that Cingular offered that service. All he could tell me was to call "Customer Care" and ask them. Can you tell me what exact steps you took to request the unlock codes? I have not bought the phone yet since I just saw their Cingular 3125 phone, which is a clamshell design (which I normally prefer).

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by Briandead Charlyee, Can you tell me what exact steps you took to request the unlock codes? I have not bought the phone yet since I just saw their Cingular 3125 phone, which is a clamshell design (which I normally prefer). Thanks in advance for your feedback.

I have had 3 phones unlocked from Cingular within the last year but as I mentioned before with this one I did get some flak about I should be using Cingular's International Roaming Plans.

The steps I took were all the same. I called Customer Care (actually the first call I made with my Blackjack as I drove back from the store)and told them I was travelling internationally and needed my phone unlocked so I could use a local SIM. They verified that I had been a customer for atleast 90 days, my account was in order, and I had international Roaming activated on my account. Then they noted my IMEI number and told me it would take 3-5 days to get the unlock code and I would get it by the E-Mail address that was on my account.

I got the unlock code, earlier than expected by E-Mail.

Hope this helps.

[jrakai]

Dear Charlyee - I also greatly appreciate your review and have been debating the same with regards to switching from my PDA to this phone. I've decided to at least look into it since, worst case scenario, I could return it within 30 days. My question pertains to watching streamed videos. Can the display be adjusted to full wide screen or would the image be confined to a default smaller size? If the latter, than has anyone figured out how to or what would be required to permit changing to full screen? I have several programs on my iPaq which I'm wondering if they could be downloaded onto the phone via activesync to permit this capability. Any assistance would be great.

jrakai

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by jrakai Dear Charlyee - I also greatly appreciate your review and have been debating the same with regards to switching from my PDA to this phone. I've decided to at least look into it since, worst case scenario, I could return it within 30 days. My question pertains to watching streamed videos. Can the display be adjusted to full wide screen or would the image be confined to a default smaller size? If the latter, than has anyone figured out how to or what would be required to permit changing to full screen? I have several programs on my iPaq which I'm wondering if they could be downloaded onto the phone via activesync to permit this capability. Any assistance would be great. jrakai

I am glad my review helped you. Unfortunately I have not played with Streaming Video, so I really cannot answer your question. On this other forum there are a lot of Blackjack users and I do recall discussions about it. If you can wade through the garbage that gets posted in there you probably find an answer to every Blackjack question you have.

From my experience in general none of my IPAQ programs have worked on my Blackjack though.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Let us know if you decide to get one.

PS: WELCOME to WA

[jrakai]

Thanks for your reply. How can I obtain the DJ Baby theme for the BJ just in case.

[wirles]

Well, I did it. I sold my 8700c to a coworker and got a Blackjack yesterday. It will take me a few days to get used to the layout of the menus and such since I haven't had a Windows Mobile device since my Axim X5 in 2001. Heck, I have carried a Blackberry/Rim device since 97 or so. I need to spend some time on HowardForums and here to learn the tips and shortcuts. I think I finally got my email working on the POP3 set up. I wasn't able to get the Exchange server to work properly.

Charlyee: I will be picking your brain at some point, I guarantee it.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by wirles Well, I did it. I sold my 8700c to a coworker and got a Blackjack yesterday. Charlyee: I will be picking your brain at some point, I guarantee it.

and I gurantee that I will pick yours many times.....

Congratulations, I hope you like it and have fun playing with it.

[walkguru]

Originally Posted by Charlyee I really don't plan to watch video on a itty bitty screen (borrowed word from WG's vocabulary). I did however browse WA with my WiFi enabled IPAQ when I was not near a terminal at home. I have been doing the browsing with my Blackjack now and unlimited data would be the way to go for me. I can always downgrade if I find myself not using it that much.... PS: In the process of messing around with data plans, somehow I ended up with free unlimited text messaging until 2/03/07. What a great ammunition to bombard my text messaging friends with......

im finually getting around to catching up on this thread, he he.

[wirles]

Speed Test Results (3G UMTS/HSDPA)

Tethered via USB:


I'm not sure why it thinks my ISP is VZW since I am using Cingular.

[walkguru]

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.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.

fyi, i have had a unlimited plan, for a while. when i got my lg cu500 in july i had cv, no add. cost. thank you very much.