i-mate is introducing the i-mate JASJAR, one of the first Pocket PC Phone Edition devices based on the new Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system and compatible with UMTS 3G networks.
The i-mate JASJAR offers an advanced set of features a full 3.6” VGA screen (640x480 pixel), 520MHz Intel processor and 128MB of Permanent Memory. Memory expansion is possible via a SD card slot.
As part of the package, i-mate includes Computer Associates eTrust Antivirus software, Skype internet telephony software, an i-mate global warranty and access to the exclusive support and services at club i-mate web portal.
The device comes in an original swivel-clamshell form factor that sports a full QWERTY keyboard and VGA screen. It measures 81mm x 127.7mm x 25mm and weighs 285g with battery.
This tri-band GSM/GPRS device with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth also connects to 3G (UMTS) mobile networks, automatically switching to the best network mode available. Users can benefit from videoconferencing and multimedia with dual cameras, built-in flash, large VGA-screen and dual loudspeakers for stereo sound and are able to send photos and recorded videos quickly when connected to a 3G network.
The 180 degree swivel screen design means you have the versatility to use the i-mate JASJAR either as a traditional PDA similar to a notebook style, or in clamshell mode to be converted into a virtual miniature laptop. In clamshell mode, the screen automatically adjusts to landscape mode.
The basic software package also includes a Picture and Video Viewer, Microsoft PowerPoint Mobile & ClearVue PDF Viewers in addition to Outlook Mobile, Windows Media Player 10, Pocket Internet Explorer, MSN Messenger, Word Mobile and Excel Mobile.
The device is based on the HTC Universal platform, and is similar to recently announced devices from T-Mobile Germany and Orange. O2 is also rumoured to release this device soon.
I finally got to play with one of these at Tech Ed: not necessarily the i-Mate branded version, but chances are I suppose it eventually will be (since this was at the Vodafone booth).
It was unfortunately one of the white ones, but still very cool. They're much lighter than I expected, and actually look smaller than other VGA Pocket PCs (I think that's because of a smaller physical screen size). Deep of course, but not absurdly so.
One oddity: there are easy to find keys on the keyboard that map to the Soft Keys on the screen, which is great for at last bringing us stylus-free menus - but I couldn't find any equivalent hardware buttons for the Soft Keys in portrait mode, which would be a bit of a blow for one-handed operation. On the other hand, there *were* two rubbery bumps which although they didn't appear to be mapped as keys did look very much as if that was their purpose, so I'm hopeful.
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