i-mate Launches the JAQ3 and PDAL

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.clubimate.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.clubimate.com/</a><br /><br /></div><i>"i-mateTM the specialist in Windows Mobile® devices and solutions, is now further extending its product portfolio with the launch of two new products to continue satisfying the needs and preferences of its thriving customer base. In line with the strategy of offering more mid-range Windows Mobile® devices that appeal to a wider audience, the JAQ3 and PDAL both deliver the many familiar applications of Microsoft® Windows Mobile® 5.0 for Pocket PC at a lower price point."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20061121-jaq3.jpg" /><br /><br />They may not be on the i-mate web site (yet), but you've seen both the <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=51426">JAQ3</a> (no, not that <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=51216">hideous thing</a>) and <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=52342">PDAL</a> before. They've got your standard 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a 2.0-megapixel camera, and Windows Mobile 5.0, and the JAQ3 packs a QWERTY keyboard too. Yes, we know what you're thinking: "nothing innovative, nothing exciting". We agree. Next.<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> An official list of specs for the <a href="http://www.clubimate.com/t-DETAILS_JAQ3.aspx">JAQ3</a> and <a href="http://www.clubimate.com/t-DETAILS_PDAL.aspx">PDAL</a> are now available.

[SteveHoward999]

I collapse in fits of laughter at this form factor.

Apparently we cannot have VGA converged devices because no one wants to carry a big machine. Look at this, and tell me how much bigger the keyboard is comparted to the teeny ickle screen.

Hands-up all those who would be happy with a device this big if it had more space given over to a VGA screen, and maybe a slide-out keyboard instead of that monstrosity ...

[virain]

I am sorry, I-MATE Who? :devilboy:

[bnycastro]

interesting the UBI-blah 501 doesn't have a jog dial wonder if this one works like the Hermes' or is just a rocker system. Then again the TI OMAP proc and no UMTS is a let down :( I'd probably get something with this form factor if it had a better processor and faster radio. Maybe the JAQ4 or 5? :P

[saru83]

I'd probably get something with this form factor if it had a better processor and faster radio. Maybe the JAQ4 or 5? :P

this phone with an intel 416MHz would be all i want

[bnycastro]

I hope htc takes more interest in this form factor they have the excalibur for the wmsp platform and it looks like its selling well.

[hamishmacdonald]

Hear hear to SteveHoward999's point about the screen size. I would move to a converged device, except that all the current models have small QVGA screens that make them more a souped-up phone, less a working computer. And the screen on this thing is like a ridiculous afterthought.

[Darius Wey]

I've updated the original post with links to the lists of specs. There should be no surprises. Both are essentially the same, except the JAQ3 has a QWERTY keyboard.

[Jason Lee]

I really like the JAQ3 form factor. I have to have a device with a keyboard now but the more i use a sliding keyboard the more i want the new HP or a treo. But i don't want to deal with the square screen. This looks very nice. But i don't think the specs are good enough to justify and upgrade from my 8125. Maybe there will be more devices like this in the future.

[whydidnt]

I seem to be in the minority here with Jason as I like this form factor. The device is a little longer than the iPaq 69XX, but is narrower and thinner, despite having a higher resolution screen. I would definitely be all over this device if it had a faster processor and 3G connectivity. Hopefully the JAQ5 will have it. -- Whatever happened to the JAQ2 anyway? I think we went right from 1 to 3 in this product line. :lol:

[mmidgley]

i agree there should be a vga phone device with a slide-out keyboard. that would be interesting. there are too many wm5 ppc phone devices that are too similar (but i am happy with my JAMin).

whydidnt wrote:
> ...despite having a higher resolution screen...

yea, any 2.4" display with the same number of pixels is of course a higher resolution (meaning dpi). size and dpi are what makes a nice display.

m.

[bnycastro]

After spending 5 months with a Wizard [dopod 838] and getting on to my 6th month with my Universal [O2 xDA Exec] I am on the other side of the fence. I want devices with an always exposed front facing keyboard. Much like the JAQ3, I am seriously contemplating going down to 240x240 [palm Treo 750v or FS T830] because I want less moving parts on my PocketPC and so far these are the 2 that have the nicer specs. So right now I'm lost... if I get sub-qVGA device I get the form factor but I loose even more apps to display compatibility, people are always saying that 240x240 is being supported but in reality mos apps still won't work at sub-qVGA come to think of it some of them don't even display well on VGA, might be best to stick with the normal qVGA resolution for maximum coverage on applications.

[whydidnt]

yea, any 2.4" display with the same number of pixels is of course a higher resolution (meaning dpi). size and dpi are what makes a nice display.

m.

Actually the JAQ3 has more pixels - 240 x 320 vs. 240 x 240 on the iPAQ. The additional pixels make a big difference (at least to me) in the amount of information you can view on the screen. For me, I'm having a difficult time adjusting to the 240 x 240 screen on the Treo 700wx, despite the fact I love most everything else about it from a usability standpoint. However, I find myself using it almost exclusively as a phone and carrying another PDA to use for PDA functions - I could do the same with a cheap giveaway phone, couldn't I? :oops: