erinnyc's Full Review: Samsung BlackJack II Smartphone
I previously had the HP IPAQ 6515, and loved that device. But, alas, as with most cellphones, it didn't quite make it to the end of my phone plan. I purchased the red Blackjack II because it had nearly all of the features my HP had, and was only $50. refurbished from AT&T.
I love the windows mobile software mainly because I can sync my phone with my contacts list in Outlook. I require that over 200 landlord phone numbers be available while I am out showing apartments. The rest of the windows software doesn't really work that well. I can place excel and word documents on my phone, but I can't necessarily read pdf documents if they were scanned. The phone is not able to create or change word or excel documents. At least I haven't figured out how to create them. This is a disappointing failure.
The lack of a touchscreen is annoying. And the screen size is quite small. The 3G internet connection is fast, but the screen is too small to enjoy using the internet for any length of time.
I have had a terrible time using email on this phone. I have had to set up the connection to my pop server repeatedly; pretty much every time I want to send a message. Often the messages never get sent. I just stopped using the phone for email because it is such a hassle. If I try to send a message through an internet server, like google or yahoo, it takes forever to get to those webmail servers, and then I often cannot enter my account information to gain access to my account. The login button appears, but there are no fields available to enter my user name and password.
The external memory capacity is awesome. I have a 4 gig micro SD card installed with tons of music and documents at the ready.
I had a hard time getting a converter for the headphone jack. It is an odd jack that is unique to this phone, so you can't just go out and buy earbuds or headphones that will fit. After searching Radio Shack and other local stores, I finally found a converter online. Samsung should really provide the jack with the phone, but I'm sure they want to make money selling peripherals. The same is true regarding a car charger. One is not provided,but should be.
The USB syncing cable also charges the phone. However, it will not charge if the battery is too low. How low is too low? One never knows. The light on the phone will show that the phone is charging, but it will not be charged once you unplug the USB cable. This is a drag if you are about to head out the door. To be safe, charge the phone with the charging cable. Don't rely on the USB charger.
As to the phone itself, the connections are great, and the volume in call is consistently clear and loud. It stores a huge number of call records. The ringer is far too quiet. If my phone is in the other room, I can't hear it ringing until it is too late.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 50 Recommended for: Professionals On-the-Go - Internet and Email is a Must!
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