i-mate JAQ Pocket PC Phone

[Brandon Miniman]

When the community heard tell of i-mate's first non-HTC device, the JAQ, we became excited. The enthusiasm faded a bit when we saw images of the JAQ's thick battery compartment. i-mate has been turning out terrific Windows Mobile devices in the past, so why should this be an exception? We'll put the JAQ through a top to bottom evaluation. Read on to see if we have a winner!

[cgavula]

It's funny. A year ago I would have said that "no camera" was a definitely a negative. But a lot of companies, including the one I work for now, insist on no camera if you are going to carry a personal cell phone.

It's getting harder to buy a phone without a camera, especially if you want it as a second phone (without a new contract) for work. It's considered a "feature" in some business plans. So again, I'm not certain that I'd consider that lack a negative, especially in a business setting. It's kind of like you having to pay for the privelege of NOT being listed in the phone book! :-)

Now the lack of 3G/WiFi is definitely a negative in my book!

--Chris

[ChrisSpera]

So, I think I'm hearing that this is just your basic mobile communicator, and that it ain't gonna do much more than mail and casual web surfing, which is ok, if you want a fat, all plastic device.

That's fine, I guess; but I'm really into converging right now... I'd like to do all that, plus GPS as well (can you say 65/6900??). Despite that this device is $100 cheaper than the 6900, I'm not certain that it would be something that I would consider. i-mate's support issues have been the subject of many discussions, and their lack of a serious presence in the US has me questioning future purchases.

[FallN]

Whoa, JAQ! Baby got back, lol! Talk about a big booty momma. ;)

The bulky, bottom heavy form factor and glaring lack of WiFi kill this device for me. The iPaq 6900 series (and even the 6500 series) blow the doors off the JAQ in specs. But I guess if someone wants an entry level mobile communicator and doesn't need WiFi or other high speed data connection or a camera and can look past the JAQ's big romp, then they'll be all right I guess. :)

As for me, I'm sticking with my brand new iPaq 6945. ;)