The Mobile Phone Saving Network

i-mate JAM 128MB

Wireless/Mobile Phone/Cell Phone

Rated 4.0 out of 5

The i-mate Jam is the smallest integrated Windows Mobile PDA and phone you can put in your hot little hands. Key features include Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC (second edition), a 416 MHz Intel xScale processor, 128 MB of RAM, Bluetooth, a 1 megapixel camera, and a 240 x 320 color touch screen. For folks who want to do it all on the road without the all the bulk should give the Jam a serious look. The phone is unlocked and will operate on your existing GSM network service.

Design
At just .72 inches thick, the Jam fits into a pocket with ease, and its minimalist design is sure to turn heads. It's also easy to use, thanks to a simple control layout which offers quick access to your Outlook calendar, contacts, and key phone functions. Alternatively, the device can be directly controlled with an included stylus that slides out of the Jam's case. While the Jam contains 128 MB of internal memory, a SecureDigital (SD) card slot is provided, allowing you to expand memory to your needs. The slot is also SDIO capable, meaning it supports peripherals such as wireless LAN (wi-fi) cards. The Jam's TFT display supports up to 65,000 colors and the Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC operating system is completely touchscreen-enabled. The screen also features advanced handwriting recognition that is compatible with all of the device's applications. The rear of the Jam houses the camera and there's a standard stereo 2.5mm headset jack, while USB data and charging is handled by docking ports on the bottom of the device.

Calling Features
Many of the Jam's calling features are integrated with the Windows Mobile operating system. For instance, the included Pocket Outlook software features a contacts list that is cleverly combined with the phone's dialing functions. Meanwhile, the phone's handwriting recognition software can be used to dial numbers and enter contact information. The Jam's built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Polyphonic ringtones are available, as is a vibrating alert. Custom ringtones, as well as a picture ID system are also supported. Lastly, the Jam's Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to sync the unit with a wide range of handsfree, wireless headsets and car kits.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
The Jam is designed as a complete mobile office solution, so Internet and messaging capabilities are robust. The unit comes packed with pocket versions of Outlook, Internet Explorer and MSN Messenger. In addition to keeping track of contacts, Pocket Outlook features integrated calendar and email functions. Microsoft's ActiveSync software keeps the device synced with all of your PC's Outlook information (via USB, IR, or Bluetooth connection). Users who want Internet connectivity on the road with their laptop or PDA can tap the Jam's wireless modem capabilities (carrier data plan charges apply). In addition to Outlook/Exchange Server email connectivity, the Jam also supports POP3, IMAP4 and BlackBerry email protocols. The unit fully supports basic text messaging, as well as multimedia messaging (MMS).

A generous toolset ships with the Jam's Windows Mobile 2003 software. Pocket Outlook includes to-do lists while pocket versions of Word and Excel are included so you can review and edit documents on the go. A calculator, alarm clock and voice memo recorder round out the tools package.

Entertainment
Using the Jam's integrated media functions, you can store MP3 files and easily exchange them with your PC. The included Windows Media Player application can also play videos for even more mobile entertainment. You can also use the Jam's megapixel camera to capture photos, or videos in MPEG4 format. Gaming on the device is also fully supported.

Vital Statistics
The i-mate Jam weighs 5.29 ounces and measures 4.25 x 2.28 x .72 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3 hours of digital talk time, and up to 180 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS 850/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Jam handset, stylus, stereo wired headset with microphone, AC adapter, carrying case, USB cable, user manual, quickstart guide, software CD.

Features of i-mate JAM 128MB:

2.8" 240 x 320, 64k color tft color screen with 1.3 mega-pixel camera
64mb rom / 128mb ram, built-in mmc/sdio card slot
bluetooth v1.2 compatible
unlocked for use with your existing gsm 850 mhz, gsm 900 mhz, gsm 1800 mhz or gsm 1900 mhz service provider and sim card. note: this phone does not come with service or a sim card.
windows mobile pocket pc second edition

Reviews:

I-mate Jam 128MB Grey Phone

Rating: 4

Delivery was on time. No Delays, Phone itself was received New unopened. This is a pretty small PDA phone compared to other brand name PDA. The phone had everthing except for a built in Wifi for wireless networking. I had to spend another 100 bucks for the SD Wifi card. This phone also lacked a speaker phone when only in phone mode. I would preferred to have purchased the "I-mate Jamin" model with built in Wifi and a 2 megapixal camera.

Good PDA, acceptable phone

Rating: 4

I've replaced my Nokia 6310i with this phone. It's not much larger than the Nokia, and can do sooo much more. I use it for everything from keeping shopping lists through web browsing to GPS navigation.

As a PDA it functions great, and due to its tiny dimensions, you can have it with you all the time.

The drawback is that as a phone it is average at best. The speaker isn't loud enough in some cases, the microphone is a bit weak (unless you use the included headset or a BT headset) and the software (from Microsoft) is very-very basic and has a bunch of small bugs. Some of the bugs are so obvious, in fact, that I can't believe any of the developers have ever actually tested the software before shipping it.

So try the phone part before you buy and make sure you can live with the limitations. If you can, the versatility of the device will more than make up for the shortcomings as a phone.

By i-mate