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BlackJack III: Sneaky Pre-Release Hands-On, Coming in October


We've been tracking the Samsung i788 saga for quite awhile here at WMExperts. It all started with our hands-on with the non-US-compatible i780 back at CES in January, followed by news that a US-compabitible version called the i788 was not only coming, but it was likely coming on AT&T. Lastly (and perhaps most bafflingly), we heard that it was going to be called the BlackJack III.

Thanks to an enterprising tipster, we have confirmation of all of the above, plus a bit more: It should be dropping in October, the camera is superb, it's just a “little thicker than the BJII,” and that little pointer device that replaces the standard d-pad “works well but takes some getting used to.” All in all, it sounds pretty sweet quality to us, but we gotta wonder: why “BlackJack III?” We like the first two BlackJacks as thin, WinMo standard devices, why do Samsung and AT&T have to go muddying the brand waters like that?

Anyhow, come October you'll be able to judge the Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro, 320x320 Touchscreen, 528MHz processor, 3 megapixel camera, A-GPS, WiFi, and 3G goodness on AT&T for yourself. With specs like that, AT&T can call it pretty much anything they want.



Comments (10)

Well that is extremely frustrating. What that means is we won't see the update to Windows Mobile 6.1 for the Q9h until sometime after October. I've been saying all along that AT&T is holding of on releasing the completed update (since March) in order to promote sales of new phones with WM 6.1.

How is battery life and any est. of cost with 2 year agreement.

I think battery life will be an issue. Especially if it performs With the touch screen, won't you be eating more juice?

I'm also concerned what this does to the WM update for the BJII? With the announcement of Pink and Blue models coming out, one would think the BJII will be around for some time. Then again, they could be out back painting the devices in hopes of clearing them off the shelf by October. I think if we see a drastic price cut in the BJII that will be a good indicator as to the device's longevity.

Personally, I have grown to like the WM Standard and would have preferred Samsung to start another model line than change streams with the BJIII. The device does look promising but WM Pro isn't for everybody and if the BJII goes the way of the dinosauer, WM Standard choices get slimmer for ATT customers.

I'm also concerned what this does to the WM update for the BJII? With the announcement of Pink and Blue models coming out, one would think the BJII will be around for some time. Then again, they could be out back painting the devices in hopes of clearing them off the shelf by October. I think if we see a drastic price cut in the BJII that will be a good indicator as to the device's longevity.


I don't think that just because the BJIII is coming out it means they are getting rid of the BJII. You could still get the original BJ for quite a long time after the BJII came out.

On another note, this looks like a good reason for me to upgrade my BJ. I didn't find anything terribly compelling about the BJII that necessitated an upgrade, but the touchscreen, wi-fi, and better processor in roughly the same size and format sounds pretty sweet.

Is it just me or does that look like a 320x240 landscape screen? Didn't look square like my Treo's screen at all.

The BJII has been by far the best smartphone I have had to date combined functionality and form factor. The best thing I like about it is its form factor beyond usability as a smartphone. It is the thinnest smartphone I have had, especially after a brick of a Treo. The BJIII seems like a sweet package but would be perfect if they could keep it the same size as its predecessor.

Saw the BJIII was announced for SK Telecom which is CDMA. It's nice to know there's a CDMA variant already in production somewhere.

Maybe it will get picked up by in the US by Verizon or Sprint as a replacement the ridiculously obsolete Ace.

Announcement for SK Telecom also said it will have 1480mAh battery, but is less than 13mm thick and weighs only 120g.

Well if the BJII will stick around (and I really have no indication to the contrary) I hope Samsung, or anyone for that matter, will come out with a higher capacity battery.

The sneak pre release vid of the BJ III resembles the BJ II big time from the camera in the back and it looks like it has the same finish which is good since I like the form factor and look. If its just a little thicker, but its worth it with all that it packs.

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