New I-mate Pocket PCs and Smartphone

I-mate, major international vendor of Windows Mobile devices since 2003, will introduce six innovative machines based on the new Windows Mobile 5.0 (WM 5) OS and software suite: two Smartphones, one Pocket PC, and three new Pocket PC Phone Edition devices.

One of the most noticeable changes in the WM 5 user interface is the addition of two "soft keys," which are displayed at the bottom of the screen and give the user access to commonly used features quickly and easily. Smartphones have always had soft keys, but they are not found on all Windows Mobile devices. On Pocket PCs and Phone Edition devices you can tap on the touch screen to activate the soft keys. In addition, two of the hardware buttons on Phone Edition devices have been assigned to activate them. (A more thorough discussion of the features of the Windows Mobile 5.0 user interface can be found in the July 2005 issue of Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine: http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_archives/jul05/winmobile.aspx .) In addition, i-mate adds some useful applications to its devices, including Camera (on devices with integrated cameras only), ClearView PDF viewer, Club i-mate Mail, CommManager, Download Agent, eTrust Antivirius, MIDlet Manager, ModemLink, Pictures and Videos, SIM Manager, Skype, Voice Speed Dial, and Zip.

I'm always in search of the perfect pocket companion, and am still not sure whether I should pack a regular Pocket PC and mobile phone, or go with a converged handheld like the Smartphone or Phone Edition devices. Fortunately, i-mate provides many exceptional choices.

The JASJAR is the Rolls Royce of converged handhelds, not only because it's one of the most expense ($1,200), but because it has outstanding features. With its swivel screen, built-in QWERTY keyboard, and integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth it has all the features of a (very small) Tablet PC. And it's also a Phone Edition device with an unlocked 3G-capable GSM/GPRS phone built into it. (All of i-mate's GSM phones are unlocked, allowing you to swap SIM cards from your existing GSM wireless service.) The JASJAR is based on the HTC Universal and I won't go into more detail about it here because the Universal was reviewed twice in the September 2005 issue (http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_archives/sep05/).

Weighing a little over 10 ounces, it's one of the heaviest Windows Mobile devices available. This is due mainly to the swivel screen design and built-in keyboard. And though rich in features, it only has a single SD card slot and a 520 MHz processor. (For $1,200 I think they should have included two card slots and the faster 624 MHz processor. Finally, it's a little awkward to hold up to your ear and use as a mobile phone. I prefer setting it on my desk and using its built-in speakerphone whenever possible.

You can fold the JASJAR's display over the keyboard and use it as traditional Phone Edition device. However, if you look closely at the photo you'll notice that there are no Call, End, or application launch buttons on the face of the device. These illuminated buttons are located on the side edge of the device for easy access regardless of the position of the screen.

The JASJAR is still an amazing piece of equipment with lots of WOW appeal. For some users (especially those with smaller fingers), it would be a reasonable alternative to a laptop. As such, the $1,200 price tag becomes more justifiable.