Samsung Jack Hits AT&T on May 19th for $99 after Contract

Oh, hello Samsung Jack on AT&T.  You'll be available on May19th for $99 after contract?  Sounds good!  You're actually a big upgrade to the Blackjack II?  How's that?  Oh, we see:

  • Windows Mobile 6.1
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
  • Tri-band HSDPA (850/1900/2100) and Quadband Edge (850/900/1800/1900)
  • aGPS
  • 528 MHz processor, 256MB ROM/256MB RAM
  • Display: 2.4 inches, 65k, TFT, Color, 320 x 240 pixels
  • 5-way navigation with Turbo Scroll
  • 3.2MP camera
  • Dimensions: 4.4” L x 2.4 W x 0.5” D/Weight 3.6 oz.
  • 1480 mAh battery - Talk Time: 7 hours/Stand-by Time: 12 days
  • Connectivity options in Bluetooth 2.0 EDR and USB 2.0
  • 16GB external memory support via microSD
  • 3.5mm Headset Adapter
  • An arguably better keyboard
  • shorter than the BJII

Well, let's be fair, Jack, not all of those features are new.  But we're liking your looks and we're happy to see WiFi is in the mix.  Very happy to meet you.  Still no 3.5mm headset jack, Jack?  That's ok, we still think you look very svelte.  We're curious to hear about this "Turbo Scroll" thing too, do tell someday, ok?

What's that, you have a corporate-sponsored hands-on video?  Sure, we'll post it after the break. Anything for you, Jack.  A press release and a side shot too? Shucks, Jack, you bet.

(Update: Jack, you sly dog, the press release says you're upgradable to Windows Mobile 6.5.  We don't see a Windows Start flag button, though -- can you explain that one, Jack?)

AT&T COMPLETES ITS FULL HOUSE OF SMART DEVICES

WITH THE NEW SAMSUNG JACK™

Compact, Elegant Handset is Powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 and features Wi-Fi, 3.2 Megapixel Camera and Integrated aGPS Technology

DALLAS, May 14, 2009 — Smartphone fans have an ace in hand with the latest Windows Mobile device from AT&T and Samsung. AT&T* and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) announced today the May 19 availability of the Samsung Jack™, the next generation Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone available exclusively to AT&T customers in the U.S and powered by the nation’s fastest 3G network.

The Jack is a sleek and compact handset with an optimized keyboard for easy and accurate messaging, including SMS, instant messaging and access to multiple e-mail accounts.  Microsoft Direct Push is available for enterprise and small business users, while AT&T Xpress Mail offers access to most major personal e-mail accounts. The Jack also features over-the-air synchronization of contacts, calendars and task lists with Microsoft Exchange Server or Xpress Mail.

“The Samsung Jack will be another hit crossover smartphone in the tradition of the Blackjack and Blackjack II,” said Mike Woodward, vice president, Mobile Phone Portfolio, AT&T Mobility Corporation. “The Blackjack series has been the number one selling franchise in Windows Mobile history.”

The Jack combines the familiar look and feel of a Windows desktop with a stylish, streamlined device ideal for customers looking to simplify and increase the productivity of their business and personal lives. Additional key features of the Jack include 256 MB RAM, a 3.2 megapixel camera with video-capture capabilities, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) to connect with home or office networks, and built-in aGPS for use with AT&T Navigator, AT&T Navigator Global Edition and other GPS-based applications for personal and business use.  AT&T Navigator is available to try at no cost for 30-days.  Data usage charges apply.

“Samsung has a long tradition of bringing award-winning smartphones to our customers and the Jack is our next flagship device,” said Bill Ogle, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Telecommunications America. “The Jack takes the best messaging features, coolest multimedia options and cutting-edge productivity tools and packs them into a high-tech phone.”

Make Your Life Easier with Pocket-Sized Productivity

Windows Mobile 6.1 puts your desktop computer in the palm of your hand.  Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile on the Jack keeps enterprise and small business customers connected with synchronization of schedules and contacts, Internet Explorer Mobile provides improved quick and easy Web browsing and Office Mobile enhances productivity with the ability to manage Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents. Additional Windows Mobile 6.1 features on the Jack include threaded SMS messaging, and Voice Command.

The Jack also supports Microsoft’s System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, an enterprise-grade mobile solution for managing and protecting Windows Mobile 6.1 phones. Mobile Device Manager provides users with software distribution capabilities and security-enhanced access to company data while they are away from the office. The Samsung Jack will also be upgradable to Windows Mobile 6.5.

Entertainment On-The-Go

Style meets substance with the robust feature-set of the Samsung Jack. AT&T Mobile Music, an integrated, on-the-go music experience that delivers “your music, your way” by providing simple access to a robust collection of music content, including access to XM Radio Mobile™ and more.

For the visually oriented, CV (Cellular Video) from AT&T gives viewers access to thousands of video clips — news, sports, weather, entertainment, and more — via streaming video. The Jack also includes features such as stereo Bluetooth® technology, Windows Media Player 10 Mobile and microSD™ memory card slot for external storage of up to 16GB of data.

AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. AT&T customers can use the Jack to make or receive a phone call in more than 215 countries and check e-mail, browse the Web or perform other data functions in more than 170 countries, including in more than 80 — such as Japan and South Korea — that have deployed 3G networks.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung Jack will be available May 19 through select AT&T retail locations or at www.wireless.att.com for $99.99 after mail-in rebate with a two-year service agreement. (Pay $199.99 and after mail-in rebate receive $100 AT&T Promotion Card.  Two-year agreement and voice plan of $39.99 or more, plus a Personal PDA data plan.)

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.

Dieter Bohn