i-mate JAQ

The quadband i-mate JAQ pocket PC phone device measures at 4.8 x 2.7 x 0.8 inches and weighs at 5.6 ounces, making it feel a bit too large in the hand, which may pose as a problem for those subscribers who have smaller-sized hands. The i-mate JAQ's design, which is mainly responsible for making it undesirable to most subscribers, sports a relatively goods-sized snap-on thumb QWERTY keypad and touchscreen which measures 2.8 inches with 320 x 240 megapixels, but is overshadowed by its bulky design, due to the jutting battery compartment at the back, and seemingly cheap buttons. Dialing can become a difficult task, especially since the number keys are the same color as the rest, and operating the touch screen can become a chore since you need to exert a firmer touch, which can be tiring at times.

The i-mate JAQ's main features include a standard calendar and contact applications, which are powered by Windows Mobile 5.0, enabling it to support push e-mail. It also has an Anti-Virus, Blackjack, and wireless backup and ability to wipe data in the user's device if stolen provided by a free 30-day subscription to i-mate. It has a Bluetooth 1.2, supports Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, a mini SD card slot where you can plug in your mini SD card in order to increase your pocket PC's internal memory of 64MB of RAM for storage to up to 2GB of memory. Plus, this package comes with an extra stylus, a belt-clip case, a power cord and a USB cable. It does not, however, sport GPS and 3G features.

The i-mate JAQ's design, which is actually similar to that of the Samsung Blackjack, is made up of plastic with a non-slip surface which has a black finish. Although the i-mate JAQ is wide and tall, which is why it will suit most people who have large hands, it is still considered to be one of the thinnest pocket PC phone out in the market today. The device's keypads are designed to enhance one-handed operations, wherein the large, easy to use d-pad in the middle is surrounded by Windows Start Menu, OK, IE and e-mail buttons, as well as the two usual softkeys for Windows Mobile.

The keyboard keys and buttons are slightly domed and raised with backlights that stays lit for about 5 seconds. This will help its users avoid hitting the wrong buttons and keys when dialing or typing. The scroll-wheel, camera and OK button can be found on the left side of the device, while on the right are the insert power button, 2.5mm stereo headset jack, and the standard mini USB sync combined sync and charge port.

The i-mate JAQ's 2 mega pixel camera can take MP4 and 3GP formats of video with resolutions of 176 x 144, and has a 4x digital zoom, as well as pictures with 640 x 480 resolution at 4x digital zoom, 1280 x 960 resolution at 2x zoom, and 1600 x 1200 resolution at no zoom, although it can only produce quality pictures in well-lit settings such as the outdoors. i-mate JAQ's operating system is based on Windows Mobile 5 with AKU 2.5, which is centered around the remote management system of i-mate. It includes Mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and MSN just to name a few. Aside from these, i-mate JAQ also has some of the more standard features that you can find on Pocket PC Phones, which are messaging, whether through email, MMS or SMS, phonebook, calendar, tasks and notes.

Pros

• Thin at 0.57"
• Nice touchscreen display and keypad
• Good software

Cons

• Too large for sers with small hands
• Slow Wi-Fi speed
• So-so camera
• Device functions are slow

Overall

Overall, the i-mate JAQ is great for people who are looking for a pocket PC that has a very usable keyboard. Unfortunately, the i-mate JAQ's great feature set only looks good on paper but performs poorly in actual use.