Far be it from me to criticize any handset manufacturer for revamping a handset design; functionality and attractiveness need to go hand in hand for a mobile unit’s sales to be successful. But slapping a new paint job on a 1989 Mercedes just leaves you with a gussied-up out-dated vehicle — just like Samsung’s “new” BlackJack II in fashion-friendly pink and blue.

In fairness, there are some elements of the Samsung BlackJack that have been updated to match the paint job. Perhaps a better comparison would be to say the 1989 Mercedes caught a tune-up, some sleeker rims and a paint job. The BlackJack II has a slightly more attractive form factor (not hard to do, considering the rather garish sharp edges of the first iteration), new color options, a 2-megapixel camera and 3G data capabilities.

With all that said, I can’t say I’m particularly wowed. Announcing a phone has 3G capabilities these days just isn’t that exciting, considering most responsible GSM networks in the states either have or or close to unveiling 3G data networks. Our friends across the pond in the U.K. and Europe (not to mention China or Japan) have enjoyed much faster data transfer speeds for us for some time, so it is simply expected that new handsets coming out be equipped with higher speed data capabilities.

The website for the Blackjack II claims that Samsung’s handset is equipped with the “the most advanced OS to date,” Windows Mobile 6. I pray that Samsung means Windows Mobile 6.1 (which, strictly by definition, would be more advanced than Windows Mobile 6). Even then, I scoff at anyone who refers to Windows Mobile as the most advanced OS to date.

The iPhone has arguably the most “advanced” OS in existence today, and Google aims to compete with that level of advancement when Android is debuted later this year. Windows Mobile is a slow, half-hearted attempt at delivering business functionality to handsets. If you’re really dying to be business-ready, why isn’t there a Blackberry in your pocket?

Though I try to stay away from debates over whether cameras are really a necessary addition to phones, I’m going to lay it out in very clear order for any of you that are curious: camera phones are a complete waste of money, at least until high-resolution cameras with ISO settings, flash, auto-focus and all the other features typical of real cameras are standardized in handsets. I’m not going to be thrilled by a 3.0 megapixel camera if all that resolution only gets me some dimly lit image with motion blur, and I’m certainly not going to be impressed with your 2.0 megapixel camera for the same reasons.

Coming in at $99 (with new contract), it would be fair to assume that Samsung and AT&T don’t really think of the Blackjack II as a next-gen handset (unlike the Instinct). I guess my only question is this. If a business handset is a Blackberry, the prices of which are dropping to compete with the iPhone, and the iPhone 3G is available for a mere $100 more, why are you wasting your time on a pink or blue phone that really doesn’t shine in any category besides being attractive to fans of pastels?

Related:

Entry was posted on Monday, July 21st, 2008 at 3:08 pm under Uncategorized.

Read more entries by Triston McIntyre.
Stumble It!