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Blackjack 2: Slimmer, Sexier, and a Better Battery

Noah Kravitz
Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2007
by Noah Kravitz, Senior Editor, Consumer Products and Services
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Samsung unveiled the Blackjack 2 today during Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's keynote address kicking off the CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment Conference in San Francisco, CA.  The Blackjack 2 is the follow-up to the Blackjack smartphone, and will be available in two colors - Black and Wine Red - as an AT&T exclusive when it launches later this year.

Blackjack 2 features a slimmer form factor with a larger battery compartment that Samsung says will address battery life issues that plagued the original design.  The new device will run Windows Mobile 6, and features a 2 megapixel camera and compatibility with AT&T's HSDPA 3G data network.  Gone is the side-mounted thumb scroll wheel, replaced by an iPod-like jog dial mounted front and center beneath the LCD display.

Blackjack 2 also features an improved QWERTY keypad and larger screen as compared to its predecessor.  I got a chance to play with the new device and the keypad is definitely a bit easier to work with than the original Blackjack's - the spacing is better, and the keys themselves have a textured finish that provides better tactile feedback.

Check out my hands-on video overview of Blackjack 2 for a comparison with the original model. 

Closely Related Stuff

Noah Kravitz
Tuesday, October 30, 2007Joe:  No WiFi.  3G and EDGE data, Bluetooth and GPS, but no WiFi.
Noah Kravitz
Tuesday, October 30, 2007Icer: According to the Samsung press release, Blackjack II features "A louder and clearer speakerphone," as compared to the original.  My brief test at the show confirmed that, at least as well as I could tell in the chaos of the convention hall.  I can't really speak to a comparison with the Tilt.  As far as specs, here you go, again from the press release:


- Windows Mobile 6, including HTML email support and Office Mobile
- 2.4" QVGA display
- AT&T Video Share compatible
- Built-in GPS
- Tri-band 3G UMTS/HSDPA and Quad-band EDGE/GPRS
- RSS Reader
- 2.0 MP camera with video-capture
- Increased standard memory
- "BlackJack II provides users with access to multiple e-mail accounts, both personal and business, through Microsoft Direct Push technology with Outlook® Mobile and AT&T Xpress Mail™, which includes most major POP3/IMAP providers. The BlackJack II also offers over-the-air synchronization of contacts, calendar and task lists with Microsoft Exchange Server or AT&T Xpress Mail.
"
- Support for Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008
- Access to AT&T Mobile Music, XM Radio Mobile, and "CV" streaming video
- Stereo Bluetooth support
- Windows Media Player Mobile 10

and, of course

- "The BlackJack II is expected to be available by the end of the year for $149.99 with a two-year contract and mail-in rebate."

Mattlan Pounds
Tuesday, October 30, 2007$149.99? is that correct? that's all? sounds too good to be true. i was gonna get the orginal but i might as well wait for 2..
Fred Star
Monday, October 29, 2007YEAAAAAA...I WAS GONA GET THE I780 WHICH IS HOT TOO, BUT I THINK ILL BE HAPPY WITH THIS ONE..I HAVE THE ONE AND I LOVE IT, SO THIS ONE GOTTA BE HOT.
Joe Griffen
Tuesday, October 23, 2007Does the phone support Wifi???
Icer Mize
Tuesday, October 23, 2007I'd be curious to know how the sound quality both with and without the speakerphone compares to that of the Tilt. I love the Tilt but find the speakerphone volume much too low. Any additional information regarding specs. would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance for any info. Icer M.

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