Blackjack II review, sometimes called Blackjack 2
The Blackjack II is a stunningly capable phone. It is better than the Blackjack I in almost every way with only a few minor issues. It is faster, with Windows Mobile 6, has an improved keyboard, has a built in GPS chip, repeat, it has a built in GPS chip, this is a huge feature that makes it better than an iPhone in my eyes. It has a better Camera (a 2 megapixel) and it has ditched the side jog wheel for a d-pad with an integrated scrolling wheel, that acts just like a classic ipod for scrolling.
Telenav with the phone is a marvel as it uses live traffic data to re-route you if there is an accident or just lots of traffic. Telenav is, of course, great and also a fine feature upgrade, but, there is also a new free program that will work with the phone that is CLOSE to Telenavs functionality. The new Live Search Mobile, by Microsoft, works great and has a cool new speech interface (say, “Marriot” and it shows you the closest Marriot). Remember the classic iPhone commercial where the guy says, “I want to get Calamari” then he gets directions on his iphone? Well not only did he have to type Calamari, he had to know where he was on the map (what if he was from out of town?). With this phone and tools like Telenav and Live Search Mobile, you can find anything and never have to rent a car with a navigation system or struggle with Internet map print outs.
Like the Blackjack I, it has Bluetooth Stereo A2DP so you can listen to Bluetooth stereo, however, the Blackjack I used a proprietary Samsung Bluetooth stack that created problems with lots of third party software, the most notable being the excellent Microsoft Voice command 1.6 for smartphone ($39.99 on Handango). Voice command on the Blackjack II allows you to give voice commands though your A2DP headset! The full list of commands is staggering, you can say “call home” or “play artist coldplay” all without ever touching the phone. On the negative side, however, there is no programmable button on the side of the Blackjack II so when you’re not using Bluetooth you have to program an awkward two button launch, such as “function z” on the front keypad.
Some other minor complaints is that I miss the Blackjack I’s rubberized surface. The Blackjack II has a shiny smooth surface that shows fingerprints too easily and makes the phone feel not as sturdy. Also, strangely, the cable from a Blackjack I will not work with a Blackjack II, so you have to get an all new car charger (that is not even available yet!). These complaints aside it is a great phone. Its increased speed makes for a near perfect Slingbox video picture that is visibly better than on my old Blackjack I, even though its also running Windows Mobile 6. This is proof that the phone is faster, since all other things being equal (network speed and OS) the Blackjack II decodes the video smoother and speaking of video, it will also decode video from mobile youtube! This was a surprise addition to the Blackjack II since youtube wont work on an 8525 with a WM6 upgrade or pretty much any other windows mobile device I have tried.
This is truly a great phone. Also, watch for the "wine" color unit in the next couple of weeks.
Telenav with the phone is a marvel as it uses live traffic data to re-route you if there is an accident or just lots of traffic. Telenav is, of course, great and also a fine feature upgrade, but, there is also a new free program that will work with the phone that is CLOSE to Telenavs functionality. The new Live Search Mobile, by Microsoft, works great and has a cool new speech interface (say, “Marriot” and it shows you the closest Marriot). Remember the classic iPhone commercial where the guy says, “I want to get Calamari” then he gets directions on his iphone? Well not only did he have to type Calamari, he had to know where he was on the map (what if he was from out of town?). With this phone and tools like Telenav and Live Search Mobile, you can find anything and never have to rent a car with a navigation system or struggle with Internet map print outs.
Like the Blackjack I, it has Bluetooth Stereo A2DP so you can listen to Bluetooth stereo, however, the Blackjack I used a proprietary Samsung Bluetooth stack that created problems with lots of third party software, the most notable being the excellent Microsoft Voice command 1.6 for smartphone ($39.99 on Handango). Voice command on the Blackjack II allows you to give voice commands though your A2DP headset! The full list of commands is staggering, you can say “call home” or “play artist coldplay” all without ever touching the phone. On the negative side, however, there is no programmable button on the side of the Blackjack II so when you’re not using Bluetooth you have to program an awkward two button launch, such as “function z” on the front keypad.
Some other minor complaints is that I miss the Blackjack I’s rubberized surface. The Blackjack II has a shiny smooth surface that shows fingerprints too easily and makes the phone feel not as sturdy. Also, strangely, the cable from a Blackjack I will not work with a Blackjack II, so you have to get an all new car charger (that is not even available yet!). These complaints aside it is a great phone. Its increased speed makes for a near perfect Slingbox video picture that is visibly better than on my old Blackjack I, even though its also running Windows Mobile 6. This is proof that the phone is faster, since all other things being equal (network speed and OS) the Blackjack II decodes the video smoother and speaking of video, it will also decode video from mobile youtube! This was a surprise addition to the Blackjack II since youtube wont work on an 8525 with a WM6 upgrade or pretty much any other windows mobile device I have tried.
This is truly a great phone. Also, watch for the "wine" color unit in the next couple of weeks.
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