Pocket PC Dubai - i-Mate JAMin PREMIÈRES IMPRESSIONS

For those wondering, that’s French for “First Impression’s”. Ok, that’s enough of French class for today.

A little history before we get into the drool-fest . The JAM (HTC Magician), when announced more than an year ago created a stir worldwide, not only for its capabilities, but primarily for its form-factor. It could do almost everything any other Pocket PC could do (native WiFi support being the exception). Not only was it a practical device to have, it was also the “it” thing. It would be silly of HTC not to cash in “again” on this little powerhorse, hence the birth of JAMin!!!

Please bear in mind, these are my first impressions ONLY. This does NOT indicate my final take on this device. Within the next 2 weeks, a full-fledged review will be published, so don’t bring out that credit card just yet!

1) Specifications:

I can honestly say that this is an “almost” perfect device. It has the standard 64Mb/128Mb RAM/ROM configuration, Quad-band, GPRS, E-GPRS (EDGE), WiFi, BT 1.2. Consumers in the States are going to love this as it supports 850Mhz band and does EDGE too Only thing that bothers me as of now is the 200Mhz TI OMAP processor. Don’t get me wrong here, the device still hasn’t given me a reason to pick on this aspect, but a lot of K-Jam (HTC Wizard) users have complained about the slow processor and I fear that the JAMin might share the same fate. Whether it does or not, you will find out in the final review.

2) Ergonomics:

The size/weight of the device is what made the JAMin’s predecessor, the JAM a runaway hit. Well, the JAMin is not staying behind, its got the same size/shape/weight/build and hence manages to have the same charm the JAM did. Has plenty of buttons, new “windows” and “ok” buttons have been added. Buttons for the soft-keys are also present (which can be remapped ). All this makes the device use a smooth ride

3) Feel:

As I mentioned above, the build quality is the same as JAM and I don’t recall anyone complaining about it then. No creaking anywhere, even the battery cover is quite good. Overall, the build quality is very good. The buttons/slider are all well-placed and have a good tactile feel.

4) Bluetooth:

It has the same stack as the newer i-mate devices such as the K-Jam and the Jasjar i.e. MS stack. Unfortunately, It doesn’t have A2DP yet! AKU 2.0 is on its way, so all WM5 devices will be able get A2DP Range is good, about 7-8 metres without any static, same as the other i-mate devices.

5) Camera:

Without doubt, this is the best camera on a WM device that I have ever seen. Infact, I can even go to say that the camera is as good as the Sonyericsson K750i which everyone knows takes superb pictures. I don’t know if they have used a higher quality camera module or tweaked the camera software (now shows Ver.3.02), but the image quality is simply fantastic. Many people who have wished for a WM device with a good camera will be mighty happy with this device.

6) Screen:

2.8”, 65k color screen, similar to its predecessor. For me, the screen size is hard to digest especially after using the Jasjar which has a wonderful 3.7” VGA screen. Still, this is not a reason to diss the JAMin’s screen. It is bright with vibrant colors and there are no signs of a yellow hue whatsoever. A well-responsive touch screen adds icing to the cake!

Overall, a very promising device which has a lot going on for it. USP of this device is definitely the camera and for those in the US, IT HAS QUAD-BAND and EDGE!!! This will definitely be a run-away hit in the states.

Doubts? Well, only the 200Mhz OMAP processor. I intend to use GPS on it and that will definitely be able to decide if this petite beauty has any brawn at all!!!

Alright, let the drool-fest begin. Here are a few pics to tide you guys till the final review is ready!

Comparison