Cingular Announces BlackJack - Samsung i607 Smartphone

[Mike Temporale]

We just got our hands on the press release from Cingular for the hot new Samsung i607 Smartphone. This is the BlackJack that we've heard and seen so much about over the last couple months. As expected, it will be a 3G Smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard. You should be able to pick one up on November 16th (yes, just a couple days from now) for $199 with a contract. For those of you that are interested, the full press release can be found below. It looks like a winner to me! So, who else is going to buy one?<img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Temporale-20061113-CingularBlackJack-Small.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <!> <i>"CINGULAR, SAMSUNG HAVE ACE IN HANDWITH LAUNCH OF NEW BLACKJACK™ SMART DEVICE New Cingular Exclusive Offers Ultra-Thin Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Smart Device With Fully Integrated QWERTY Keyboard in Sleek 3G-powered Form FactorAnd for those Entertainment Enthusiasts, BlackJack also offers Access to Cingular Music – the Ultimate Mobile Music ExperienceAtlanta, Dallas and Redmond, Wash. – November 13, 2006 – Cingular Wireless, Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) and Microsoft Corp. today unveiled the BlackJack™*, a robust, slim smart device packed with the power and functionality desired by business customers and consumers alike. With the BlackJack™ customers can get rich entertainment features, powerful business applications and the familiar look and feel of Windows Mobile® 5.0, turbo-charged by Cingular’s 3G-enabled BroadbandConnect service in an ultra sleek design.The stylish and compact BlackJack™ will be available exclusively from Cingular in the U.S. in mid-November for as low as $199.99 (with a two-year activation and unlimited data plan). This ultra-thin 3G device features a fully integrated QWERTY keyboard with a large high-resolution QVGA color screen.Built to satisfy everyone from the music fan to the business user, BlackJackTM includes a bevy of cutting edge features:• MP3 player and access to Cingular MusicTM, the most comprehensive music subscription service of its kind ever offered by a U.S. wireless carrier, including access to online subscription music content from eMusic, Napster and Yahoo!• Cingular Video - Cingular’s on-demand streaming video service featuring exclusive content such as HBO• High speed Internet browsing over Internet Explorer® Mobile optimized for Cingular’s 3G and EDGE networks• 1.3 mega pixel digital camera with video capture capabilities• Stereo Bluetooth® version 2.0 with stereo headset support• QWERTY keyboard for fast email and textingIn addition, the BlackJack™ provides users easy wireless access to business and personal email accounts through such solutions as Good Mobile Messaging, Microsoft® direct push technology with Outlook® Mobile and Cingular Xpress Mail. The BlackJack™ also offers over-the-air synchronization of calendar, contact and to-do lists and access to enterprise applications.“The BlackJack is a winner,” said Stan Sigman, president and CEO of Cingular Wireless. “The BlackJack represents the best that Cingular, Microsoft and Samsung have to offer in terms of innovation and collaboration. We have hit on the right formula in developing a handheld device that will appeal both to the most discerning business users and the most entertainment savvy consumers.”"Blackjack is a true converged product that serves voice and data needs with strengths in multimedia and organization satisfying today's on-the-go consumer," said Kitae Lee, president, Samsung Telecommunication Network Business. "Samsung is excited to be working with Cingular and Microsoft to bring the Blackjack to the US market.FAMILIARITY AND EFFICIENCY OF THE DESKTOP, MINUS THE DESKTOP With Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, Cingular BlackJack users have access to mobile versions of many of the familiar Microsoft features found on their desktops, such as Windows Media® Player 10 Mobile, Internet Explorer® Mobile and Outlook® Mobile.“Cingular and Samsung really hit the jackpot with BlackJack,” said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft. “It shows how far we have come in our efforts to make Windows Mobile truly easy to use. For millions of mobile professionals, this is the device that will be the bridge between work and play.”The BlackJack™ also includes the Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0, which provides support for Microsoft direct push technology to keep e-mail, calendar, tasks and contacts always up-to-date, as well as security features such as remote device wipe and rich-security encryption features.ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDThe BlackJack™ offers users a host of entertainment options from listening to music to viewing video clips to browsing the Internet or shopping at Cingular’s MEdia Mall for ringtones, games and graphics. The BlackJack also includes access to Cingular’s latest, exciting entertainment? offering, Cingular Music – an integrated, on-the-go music experience that delivers “your music, your way” by providing simple access to the most robust collection of music content available today, including XM Satellite Radio, which comes pre-loaded on the device. BlackJack users can easily access and enjoy 25 commercial-free music channels from XM Satellite Radio through the XM Radio Mobile service.With Cingular Music, the new BlackJack? connects users to a one-stop shop for everything music on the handset, such as full-track songs, music videos, ringtones, music news, MusicID, music chat rooms, streaming music and more. Cingular is the first U.S. carrier to offer subscription music to the handset, including music from leading online retailers Napster, Yahoo! and eMusic.For the visually oriented, the BlackJack™ will feature Cingular VideoTM, Cingular’s on-demand streaming video service. With Cingular VideoTM, users can watch a large selection of video clips of their favorite television shows, sports, news and weather, entertainment and premium content, including such hit HBO programs as “The Sopranos,” “Entourage,” “Sex and The City,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”With an amazing color screen, wireless broadband capabilities, 1.3 mega pixel digital camera that can record video and a full media experience with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, customers can stay entertained with the BlackJack™ while on the go. It also includes a speakerphone and features Bluetooth® version 2.0 with stereo headset support to enjoy music wirelessly.Cingular customers who use the BlackJack™ can take the 3G-powered Cingular BroadbandConnect experience with them using the largest national wireless data network and get 3G performance in more than 130 markets in the U.S. surrounding more than 50 major metropolitan cities. They also can use the BlackJackTM seamlessly outside of BroadbandConnect coverage areas via Cingular’s nationwide* EDGE wireless data network as well as overseas in more than 115 countries.AVAILABILITY AND PRICINGThe BlackJack™ will be available November 16, 2006 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a two-year activation, a qualified voice plan and an unlimited data plan. Customers can purchase the device in select Cingular Wireless retail stores nationwide, from select dealers and national retailers, on <a href="http://www.cingular.com">http://www.cingular.com</a> and through Cingular’s B2B direct sales team.*Model Number: SGH-i607"</i>

[Jerry Raia]

This thing just doesn't ring my bell. I think I'm going to pass on it.

[Pete Paxton]

It certainly doesn't make me want to trade in my Dash but I think Cingular really needs this phone.

[iJITSU]

And this the THE device I've been waiting for: 3G, sleek form factor, QWERTY, landscape screen. Cannot wait!

[Pete Paxton]

Great preview with pics of the i607 here: http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/samsung_blackjack/

I'll say this for Cingular, with the E62, 8525, possible palm 750 and 680 and now the i607 - I think Cingular overall has the best smart/PDA phones.

[andydempsey]

No Wifi, sucks.

I was going top get this phone, but not without wifi.

[lagsun]

Wow, the end of this week I'll have a hard decision to make when I decide to upgrade my SMT-5600 on Cingular. Should I go with the 8525 with 3G and WiFi or the i607 with 3G but probably a better phone/form factor? 3G is important and I guess WiFi or better phone/form factor is a toss up.

I might just lean towards the i607 since it will be cheaper if I sign up for another 2 years.

I'll probably change my mind a 100 times this week, but at least I finally have options :D

[Rocco Augusto]

ah, this is the phone i have been waiting for. the lack of wifi doesn't really bother me as i never used it even when i had it but i gladly welcome the addition of 3G as i have been annoyed with EDGE service in my area lately. :)

[Pete Paxton]

Two questions: Does this phone have the type of keyboard that when you hold a key for more than a second it chooses the alternate key? I love this feature on the dash. Also, how's the battery life on the i607?

[runbuh]

Maybe I just can't read today (it IS Monday), but can anyone tell me:

How many bands are supported on the HSDPA?

What kind of USB connector does it have (I'm really not happy with HTC's direction on connectors)

Thanks!

[me]

How does this differ from the i320?

Anyone know if it will eventually be available on T-Mobile (USA) as well? With wi-fi?

[Pete Paxton]

I don't think this phone will ever be on Tmo. Tmo doesn't have 3G and they already have the similar Dash and it has wifi.

[Tim Williamson]

I think the Samsung looks great, I'm extremely happy with the Dash, but a little competition never hurt. ;)

[Mike Temporale]

Two questions: Does this phone have the type of keyboard that when you hold a key for more than a second it chooses the alternate key? I love this feature on the dash. Also, how's the battery life on the i607?

Not sure. I'm interested in knowing this as well.

[Mike Temporale]

Maybe I just can't read today (it IS Monday), but can anyone tell me:

How many bands are supported on the HSDPA?

What kind of USB connector does it have (I'm really not happy with HTC's direction on connectors)

Thanks!

IIRC it's quad band phone and it's my guess that it's the same stupid connector that the i320 has. :?

[Mike Temporale]

How does this differ from the i320?

Anyone know if it will eventually be available on T-Mobile (USA) as well? With wi-fi?

The i320 is Tri-band and it's European tri band, not what's used in North America. So the reception isn't as good. The i607 should be Quad-band which means much better reception here.

[Kris Kumar]

The official press release related materials:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/cingular/26058/

Videos and specs.

[Pete Paxton]

The official press release related materials:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/cingular/26058/

Videos and specs.

While your there, click on the word "'download" under the pic of the BJ for the best hi res pics I've seen yet! This thing is going to be HUGE for Cingular.

[Mike Temporale]

While your there, click on the word "'download" under the pic of the BJ for the best hi res pics I've seen yet! This thing is going to be HUGE for Cingular.

Wow! Those are nice. :drool:

[Pete Paxton]

Did you play the videos below that? Cingular has done a great job advertising this phone. I really think it's gonna be huge. After seeing the videos, I am beginning to really like the design of the phone. I actually considered this one but I still have another 1 1/2 yrs with tmo. If I bought the BJ I wouldn't get 3G service for quite some time and would lose wifi also. I think I still like the design, keyboard, feel, and battery life on the Dash a little better but the BJ is just a hair behind. But for someone with Cingy, it's a great smartphone.

[Jerry Raia]

Have some dignity here guys. Mike quit drooling! :twak:

[Pete Paxton]

Cute little Dash video can be found here:


http://www.america.htc.com/products/dash/default.html

[HalM]

Walked into my Cingular store this afternoon and the guy behind the counter was playing with the Blackjack. I said "I want one of those" and 15 minutes later I was out of there with it.

3G is incredible. I did a DSLREPORTS speed test with a 1Mb file and it reported 812 Kbs!

Initial impression is very good: keys are easy to type on, screen is excellent, no problem installing a 3rd party certificate and it feels good in the hand. A couple of negatives are that no case was shipped with it and there is no charging indicator light on the phone itself.

Full report to follow after a few days with it.

[Tim Williamson]

Wow, they have 'em in store already? Rad! Now I'm gonna have to go over there and show off my Dash... ;)

[Mike Temporale]

Walked into my Cingular store this afternoon and the guy behind the counter was playing with the Blackjack. I said "I want one of those" and 15 minutes later I was out of there with it.

3G is incredible. I did a DSLREPORTS speed test with a 1Mb file and it reported 812 Kbs!

Initial impression is very good: keys are easy to type on, screen is excellent, no problem installing a 3rd party certificate and it feels good in the hand. A couple of negatives are that no case was shipped with it and there is no charging indicator light on the phone itself.

Full report to follow after a few days with it.

Oh man! That's awesome. I want one 8)

[Jerry Raia]

Ahem, yes I heard something about that, somewhere.

:lilangel:

[Jerry Raia]

This thing just doesn't ring my bell. I think I'm going to pass on it.

Damn thing!

[Kris Kumar]

Yikes! You have BlackJack.

We need pictures, comparison with Q, the works. Tell us how much it sucks. Tell us how lousy the battery life is. Tell us wish you had purchased a Dash instead. :lol:

[Jerry Raia]

Well right now I would just like to find a users guide. There is none to be found. Nothing on the CD, Nothing on Samsung's web site. Cingular doesn't even know they have the phone yet on their web site.

[edgar]

What do you mean - its been on the front page (lower middle) since 6pm PST
http://www.cingular.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-details/?q_list=true&amp;q_phoneName=Samsung+BlackJack&amp;q_sku=sku300002&amp;_requestid=11353

Link will prompt for zip then go to the page

[Jerry Raia]

Ok hadn't been there since 4p when I picked this puppy up. Still needing a manual for a few things though.

[edgar]

WAIT A SEC!

You bought one, Mr "I'll skip this one?"

You have HSDPA down there in La La land? Surprising it doesnt minimally have a help file installed on the device

[Jerry Raia]

WAIT A SEC!

You bought one, Mr "I'll skip this one?"

You have HSDPA down there in La La land? Surprising it doesnt minimally have a help file installed on the device

Hey stop reading ALL my posts ok? :twak:

It was an accident! Accidents can happen to anyone! Believe it or not no HSDPA in Los Angeles. I was told only in San Diego and Bakersfield so far. The sales guy did say I might get it in certain parts of LA though. My home doesnt seem to be one of those places. :(

No guide anywhere and no help file. :?

[edgar]

What's your "one day comparison tot he Q" gut feeling?

I have a Q here from the office, dont like the slick feeling all that much. Which "feels" better and which keys better?

[Jerry Raia]

I'll be doing a front page post for the weekend. The first thing that struck me was how small the BlackJack is. Not much bigger that the 3125 when it is closed! Initial impressions are good over all.

[Pete Paxton]

Anyway you can compare it to the dash?

[Jerry Raia]

No I don't have a Dash. I have never even seen one.

[Kris Kumar]

No I don't have a Dash. I have never even seen one.

You are missing out, buddy!

[Jerry Raia]

No I don't have a Dash. I have never even seen one.

You are missing out, buddy!

I have a BlackJack now so... :twak:

[billcalle]

I just picked up one of these babies on the way home from work tonight. What a sweet phone! I've only had it for 30 minutes or so but so far it blows away my 2125 and my SP5. Obviously those aren't similar phones as the old two aren't QWERTY phones, but the Blackjack is so much faster than the other two phones that I'm simply amazed.

So far my only concern is that one handed operation while driving is made more difficult than it should be by the smooth soft buttons. They should have put a dimple on them to help make locating them easier. I also hadn't considered that one handed dialing would be more difficult as its tough finding the much smaller number keys while driving. It is nice that the in-between keys, i.e. the R key that falls between the 1 and 2 keys also works as a number (in this case the 1) so that I don't have to be as precise with my aim, but it certainly isn't anything I can dial without looking at the keypad.

I was bummed that the no headphones were included with the device. Not that I would have kept them anyway, but there is basically no way to connect any headphones to the device without buying an adapter for their wierd connecter. I noticed that Cingular has some on sale for $39 (http://www.cingular.com/cell-phone-service/accessory-details/?q_sku=sku1050370) but that doesn't fit the bill. Does anyone know of an adapter that I can plug my old headset into?

[BruceA]

I've been an SMT5600 user for two years. Looking to upgrade in the next few weeks to a newer unit with a QWERTY layout, I've been considering the DASH. But I stopped at Cingular today after I heard the Blackjack had been released, and was able to play with one for about 10 minutes.

Immediate impression is - thin, elegant, not a Blackberry-form, more sophisticated looking than the DASH. Great screen, excellent call quality on my end, and the person I called said it was noticeably clearer than my SMT5600. Fits great in my pant pocket - less than 1/2" thin.

I'll be honest - some of features in the phone are beyond my immediate needs for Outlook syncing and email responses while out of the office. You're gonna lose me on most of the tech specs. But, as a business consumer who relies on his phone to add value to his day, this Blackjack is going to be a winner for many people like myselft. But it offers features that I could certainly learn to grow into.

DASH has a race on its hands. The unlimited Cingular data plan is only $ 19.95. There's no compelling reason now to switch.

I came back to this forum after being away for almost two years. The information here has been invaluable to get me up to speed quickly on some of the choices and issues. Thanks for your unwavering help!

[Pete Paxton]

I have a dash and I love it but if you live in a 3g area and are already with Cingy, I think the BJ is the phone for you. I actually think the Dash looks a bit more elegant but that's going to be each person's opinion.

For the earlier post about the adapter, try this site:

http://www.apscell.com/audio-adapter-converter-emu-to-stereo-headset-motorola-v3-v3v-v3m-razr-pebl-u6-slvr-l7-l6-l2-v360.html

I've never actually purchased anything from this site but it's a pretty cheap price for the adapter.

[billcalle]

crispeto thanks for the link, unfortunately that adapter is designed to work with the Motorola and the connector on it doesn't look the same as that for the Samsung. That is exactly the type of product I'm looking for. Cingular cells headphone that plug into the Samsung connector, but I'd really rather use my own headphones. I'm simply shocked that for a phone they push as an entertainment phone they wouldn't have simply included the adapter or headphones in the box. I guess they really want people to buy Bluetooth headphones, but I like the small in-ear type and I'm not ready to trade my nice Shures for a bulky over the ear model.

[edgar]

OK this baby rocks. 3G at my house, unlimited data for $19.99 (plus I get a 20% biz discount 8) )

Jerry the manual is at
http://www.samsungmobileusa.com/samsungblackjack/en/

[Jerry Raia]

OK this baby rocks. 3G at my house, unlimited data for $19.99 (plus I get a 20% biz discount 8) )

Jerry the manual is at
http://www.samsungmobileusa.com/samsungblackjack/en/

Thanks! Yesterday that link lead to the front page of the manual with a picture of a cat on it, thats all. I'm not kidding! :lol:

[edgar]

Anyplace unlocking these babies yet?

[Mike Temporale]

Anyplace unlocking these babies yet?

Not that I've seen - not yet. Keep your eye's on these guys http://www.imei-check.co.uk/

Can anyone confirm that it is SIM locked?

[edgar]

Mike, I wrote them, they don't - yet

It accepts a SIM from AT&amp;T and Cingular both. It failed for a Ukrainian SIM, but I think it failed because it found no network.

The guy at the store said he thought they might be unlocked right now

Anyone try a TMo chip in it yet?

[Jerry Raia]

Everytime I pick up this Blackjack I like it more. :P

[edgar]

[Jerry] This thing just doesn't ring my bell. I think I'm going to pass on it.
_________________



So anyways, anyone tether this via BT to a PPC yet?
How's it done?

[Jerry Raia]

I don't know what you are talking about.

OK so I had a weak moment! I'm only HUMAN!

[stumpy]

Picked one up today at the store. :D Had to change to a 39.99 data plan instead of my 29.99 so I can get the 100$ back. Anyone have a case for this yet?

[Jerry Raia]

Anyone have a case for this yet?

It looks too good for a case. :mrgreen:

[edgar]

Tethering to a Wm03 or Wm05 PPC?

Anyone, anyone - Bueller, Beuller?

[billcalle]

One minor annoyance: unlocking the phone requires 3 button presses instead of two (power key, unlock soft key, * key). As I do this dozens of times per day, I'm not to thrilled with this "enhancement".

[mbranscum]

[Jerry] This thing just doesn't ring my bell. I think I'm going to pass on it.
_________________



So anyways, anyone tether this via BT to a PPC yet?
How's it done?

Here you go...Merry Chistmas! :)

http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1046047

[edgar]

Mike, hopw about to a HX4700 PPC?

[ifonline]

Picked one up today at the store. :D Had to change to a 39.99 data plan instead of my 29.99 so I can get the 100$ back. Anyone have a case for this yet?

I got an el-cheapo no-name case from Fry's Electronics that almost fits it perfectly. I say almost because I am counting on it stretching a little over time so that it is easier to get the BlackJack out smoother than I can now. It is a black leather vertical case with belt clip (spring style, not post and swivel style) and a top flap. Pretty nice.

All that being said, when a real case for the BlackJack comes out, I'll be getting it, I expect.

I also ordered a second USB data cable and a stereo earbud cable from eBay. Supposedly OEM, but who really knows for sure. Total cost for the cables was roughly 20 bucks, cheaper than buying them from Cingular online.

[billcalle]

ifonline what type of stereo earbud cable did you buy? Is it an adapter for using existing earbuds? If so I'd appreciate a link! Thanks in advance...

[ifonline]

ifonline what type of stereo earbud cable did you buy? Is it an adapter for using existing earbuds? If so I'd appreciate a link! Thanks in advance...

Here is the eBay link for the earbuds: Samsung OEM Stereo Earbuds (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;item=300050926136)

They are not adapters for "standard" earbuds, but are earbuds that fit into the wafer-thin USB port on the BlackJack.

Oh, and the OEM USB Cable (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;item=290050182590) for those that are interested.

[mbranscum]

Sorry if some of these are reposts...

A. Change network selection from 3G to Edge
1. Enter *#1546792*#
2. Select Option 3 Network &amp; Call Settings
3. Select option 5 Network Mode
4. Select GSM

B. Connect laptop via blueooth to BJ (Teathering)
1) A BlackJack (Samsung i607)
2) A data plan
3) A Bluetooth adapter
4) Windows XP SP2's Bluetooth stack (others may work, not tested yet)

Step 1: Pair the computer and your Blackjack using steps discussed in the manual.

Step 2: Launch the "Internet Sharing" application on your BlackJack. It can be found in the \Windows folder. (To locate it: Start -> Applications -> File Explorer -> \Windows -> Internet Sharing)

Step 3: Choose "Bluetooth PAN" as the PC connection, and "MEdia Net" as the network connection

Step 4: Hit "Connect" (left soft key)

Step 5: On the PC, go to Start > Network Connections. Click on the "Bluetooth network connection" icon. Choose your BlackJack, and hit Connect.

C. A shortcut list you can edit and add to...
Hold the scroolwheel in for a second or two and it will bring up a verical list on the right side. Use the edit option to add and change programs.

D. Pushmail is a battery hog...
I was barely getting through the day with push set to "as arrive." I changed the setting to every hour and had about 50% battery life left at the end of the day.

E. Task manager shortcut...
Press and hold the home key.

F. Camera Shortcut...
Press and hold the back key on the side below the scroll wheel.

G. Shortcut using the Fn key...
Fn + W PIE
Fn + B Bluetooth
Fn + Caps Caplock
(There may be others)

H. Shortcut to symbol above a letter...
Press and hold that key for a second.

I. Change profiles or turn off radio, etc...
Press and release top power button.

There are others, I just can't remember them now. I am really loving this device! :D

[Jerry Raia]

Thanks for taking the time to post all that. I'm sure it will help people out. :D

[Mike Temporale]

Sorry if some of these are reposts...


Sounds like a lot of the same things that they packed into the i320. Now you guys understand why I like this phone so much. Samsung has put some serious thought into it. :D