Samsung Blackjack Review

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

I wouldn't think of it....

 

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

 

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/messaging-internet/media-entertainment/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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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!

 

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

 

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.

 

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).