Pocket PC Dubai - i-Mate JASJAR First Impressions

Since its first appearance a few months, the JASJAR (HTC Universal) has been on the top of the list for every single gadget-geek (like me) on the face of the planet. Our daily prayers suddenly included something new, a wish for a JASJAR.

A lot of expectations have been placed on the JASJAR, and they should be as it is a device capable of doing almost anything except giving you a backrub I will be posting a full review later on in the coming weeks, but would like to give you guys a rough idea about what this BEAST is all about and what it is capable of. So lets begin…

1) Specifications: Top of the line specifications. HTC has taken great care to give the device the very best but at the same time leave’s some facets to be desired. It has most of the high-end specifications such as a VGA screen and a 520MHz processor but still leaves out practical requirements such as Quad-Band and EDGE. This will hit the users in the USA the most as both these requirements are pretty much on the top of the list for them. Barring these 2 requirements, this device is top-notch.

2) Ergonomics: A largely shared opinion is the fact that the device is too big and heavy. For those users who have been using the HTC Blue Angel (PDA2k), this will not be a shocker. The JASJAR is relatively heavier (by 70g) but not that much bigger. It is broader than the BA, but by a very small margin. It fits well in the hand, but best useable with both hands. Those who prefer single-handed functionality; this device is not for you. But I would like to advice these users also to try this device out as it really gets you hooked onto it.

3) Feel: The feel of the device is absolutely great. It is really sturdy and doesn’t creak anywhere. The only part of the device that could have been better was the back cover which is a little thin, but it has a minute tiled pattern on it to provide a good grip on the device. Feels very strong overall.

4) Functionality: I am very comfortable using the device. Most of the time I use it in notebook style rather than PDA style. If a call comes in, I just flip it open, see who’s calling, close the flip and press the green button on the side to answer the call. All this takes less than 5 seconds. The extra hardware buttons including the power button are well placed but they could have had a better tactile feel to it.

5) Bluetooth: It got along with my GPS and my Notebook like they were childhood buddies. I can Active sync without a problem and can keep the flip closed while doing so to prevent battery from being used up. In fact, most of the time, my device is closed but connected to Active sync through BT. Range is also very good on the device. I will write in a little more detail about BT and its compatibility with headsets and Caller ID later on when I do a full review.

6) Voice Speed Dial: Just plain superb. All you have to do is record voice tags for your contacts and you are good to go. Just press on the VSD button and it is in listening mode. You can also use VSD to start any application after recording a voice tag for it. It is surprisingly accurate. HTC has done a good job with this.

7) Keyboard: This is without doubt my favourite part of the device. Very responsive, good tactile feel, well spaced. Unless you have hands the size of a Yeti, you are going to enjoy using the keyboard. Once you get used to it, you can type surprisingly fast. I hardly use the stylus anymore, in fact I depend entirely on the keyboard for 99% of the functions. Where, I need to use the stylus, I just use my index finger (does the job).

8) Screen: I for one was stunned when I saw the screen. I have never used a VGA screen before, but I now realise what I have been missing out on. I just don’t know why this hasn’t become an industry standard (it will soon). The colours, the fonts, the display are just stunning. Backlight can be switched on and off using a dedicated backlight button on the front of the device.

9) Speakers: Although they are announced as proudly as the coronation of the Pope, the stereo speakers don’t give you the 5.1 surround feel because they are spaced by just 7-8cms. However, when in speakerphone mode, it is uncomfortably loud if you are in a quiet surrounding. If you are in a noisy surrounding, its still audible, although I am sure the person at the other end of the call would probably be swearing at you

10) Camera: Finally a camera to make you throw away your 6MP camera. Oh get serious, that’s not going to happen anytime soon!!! On a more serious note, the camera is very good in comparison to its predecessors. Its takes good quality images at 1MP and 2MP (interpolated). There are various settings that can be used such as Auto, Night, Sepia etc. I must mention here about the Night mode which really improves the picture quality. Since this device supports Flash (which is very powerful), taking close-up pictures in the night is rather easy.

Things I don’t like about the device right now:

1) ~~Boot time: Takes longer than its predecessors, roughly about 40 seconds~~

Update September 17, 2005: I would like to let you guys know that the "40 second boot time" that I had mentioned earlier has now cut down to just about 18 - 20 seconds after uninstalling SPB Pocket Plus. The 40 second thing was bugging me too, but now its all good

2) Too bulky when placed in case, have to carry in hand. You can place it in the jacket pocket on the side but it might make you look like a man with one bre***

3) IR port creaks even if a little pressure is used on it. Most of the time, when you open the flip from the front, you end up pressing on the IR port. I suppose it might cause a little trouble in the long run, will have to wait and see.

4) Cannot use Fn + Numerical keys for shortcut function like with notebooks.

5) Battery cover is a tad on the flimsy side, but it’s not a big issue.

These are just petty things, which absolutely should not make any difference when deciding to purchase this device.

A few more pictures to make you guys go Ga-Ga

JASJAR means "perfection". Its almost there. More in-depth details will be mentioned in a review coming soon to a screen near you

Some pictures to force you to use your credit card

Box