i-mate Announces the JAQ

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.clubimate.com/t-DETAILS_JAQ.aspx' target='_blank'>http://www.clubimate.com/t-DETAILS_JAQ.aspx</a><br /><br /></div><i>"i-mate (London AIM: IMTE), the specialist in Microsoft Windows Mobile® devices and software applications, today announced at CTIA Wireless IT 2006 in Los Angeles the launch of two new mid-range hybrid devices to appeal to a wider audience that demand all the benefits of Windows Mobile® powered devices at a lower price point... The i-mate JAQ has everything the busy professional needs to do business on the move in a Windows Mobile® powered heavy-duty device. The i-mate JAQ is a quad-band device that operates on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0. The device features a full QWERTY keyboard, 128 MB ROM/64MB RAM, 64k 2.8” color LCD screen, MiniSD memory card expansion, integrated antenna, Bluetooth® compatibility."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20060821-imatejaq.jpg" /><br /><br />For the record, I <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=50735">still think</a> that the JAQ has left the ugliest trail of destruction yet in the world of Windows Mobile. If one were to open a dictionary and look up "atrocious", there would be a picture of the JAQ. What could have been an elegantly curved device all over has been tarnished with a sawed-off top. The in-your-face branding consumes potential button or screen real estate. Specs-wise, it's somewhat reasonable: TI OMAP 200MHz processor, quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, Bluetooth 1.2 (note, no Wi-Fi), a miniSD slot, QWERTY keyboard, and Windows Mobile 5.0. Design-wise, I'll reinforce the point - it offers JAQ. Rant mode off.

[whydidnt]

I agree regarding the looks, but I still think the original PDA2K was even uglier - AND I bought one of them! :devilboy:

Is this a full WM device or is it WM for Smartphone? If it's full WM and they find a way to add true 3G access, I'd probably buy it despite it's looks. Maybe the next generation will deliver this too me.

[Darius Wey]

Is this a full WM device or is it WM for Smartphone?

Not sure if "full" is the right word. This is a Pocket PC, if that's what you were referring to.

If it's full WM and they find a way to add true 3G access, I'd probably buy it despite it's looks.

It's not going to happen. In this device's case, 3G support isn't added via the software layer. Hardware-wise, the JAQ offers no 3G connectivity. Best you can get is EDGE.

[whydidnt]

If it's full WM and they find a way to add true 3G access, I'd probably buy it despite it's looks.

It's not going to happen. In this device's case, 3G support isn't added via the software layer. Hardware-wise, the JAQ offers no 3G connectivity. Best you can get is EDGE.

Yes, I figured that was the case. I was just thinking out loud about how I'd like to see them add 3G connectivity to the next version of the device...that would get me interested, despite the looks.

[Mexico]

http://daverattigan.typepad.com/the_grace_pages/images/frankenstein.jpg

[beedee]

Actually, except for the branding, I don't think it is really ugly! I think I have seen a black &amp; silver version earlier which was really kind of ugly and resulted in a completely different look. But this all-silver version looks much, much better - incredible what color can do! Infact, I find the design quite appealing. I am sure the bi-color optics distracted the eye. This one looks really good!

[Jason Lee]

I think it is a great device for those who like the Moto Q but want a full pocket pc.
Or those who like the new HP phones but don't want the square screen issues.

I myself don't want one but i can see a market.

[Damion Chaplin]

Design-wise, I'll reinforce the point - it offers JAQ.

A word to the wise: Never give your product a name that can be easily turned into a disparaging name/remark about itself... :)

[Darius Wey]

A word to the wise: Never give your product a name that can be easily turned into a disparaging name/remark about itself... :)

:devilboy:

[ctmagnus]

Jaq the UBS guy. Google it.