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The big question on the table is can a PDA really live up to being a
mini-laptop? Years ago many companies tried to make Handheld PC's based
on Windows CE as a sort of mini-laptop. While many enjoyed these
products, I never was thrilled with them. With the i-mate JasJar, i-mate
has decided to resurrect the concept of a Handheld PC but running the
latest software from Microsoft, Windows Mobile 5.0. But do not get that
statement wrong, the i-mate JasJar is not outdated hardware by any
means. The JasJar packs every punch of a device on the market and it has
some new features as well. It can do it all including everything any
other PDA can do as well as other phones and even some laptops. Thanks to
Dennis over at "Convergent Technology", for the opportunity to review this amazing device.
Basic Internals
Either this should be called the Advanced Internals
section or I should just list what the JasJar is missing inside. It is
powered by an Intel XScale Bulverde 520 MHz processor with 128 MB of ROM
and 64 MB of RAM. The 3.6" VGA screen shows 16-bit color on the
180-degree swivel screen. The phone is tri-band GSM/GPRS with UMTS
support. Two external antennas are support. WiFi (802.11b) and Bluetooth
are both embedded. There are two speakers and a built-in microphone,
with full duplex support. For cameras it includes both a 1.3 mega pixel
and a VGA camera. An SDIO slot is included. There is a standard
headphone jack which also supports headsets. The battery is 1620 mAh. Of
course the device is powered by Windows Mobile 5.0.
Device Style
The i-mate JasJar packs a unique style with it swivel
screen and other features. i-mate is partially picking up on the old
style Handheld PC they also are not the first company to introduce a PDA
with a swivel screen, it is a new style for the Windows Mobile space. At
first glance, the JasJar is a clamshell style. The top of the JasJar
when is closed is about the only surface without functionality. Inside
the device is the landscape screen with phone ear piece to the left and
directional pad to the right. Also there is a VGA camera for video
conferencing. Also inside is the 62-key keyboard that features
one-handed use keys, phone keys, quick launch buttons, and more. Around
the edge of the JasJar is where the connectivity options are located. At
one end is the SDIO card slot. On the back is the mini-USB port, reset
button, and headphone/headset jack. Also on the back is extra send/end
buttons for when the screen is swiveled into PDA style mode. ON the
front is a number a buttons include backlight, camera, voice command/recorder,
an up/down switch and dual speakers. The back of the device features a
1.3 mega pixel camera with flash. Part of the back removes for access to
the batter and SIM card slot.
As a Phone
As a phone, the JasJar is relatively large. I don?t
really think anyone would consider this device if they only wanted a
phone but still that is obviously a major feature of the device with the
additional send and end buttons, the inside speaker, and the microphone.
The unique swivel screen makes the JasJar convert from almost a
clamshell phone (with the headset going the ?wrong? way) into a candy
bar style device. Like the PDA2k and other i-mate Phone Edition
products, the screen of the JasJar rests on your face while you are
talking on the phone, which is fine as long as you have a good screen
protector that doesn?t collect smudges from your face. The phone really
only works in this position. I was thinking that you could simply use it
while it is in its laptop style just with a bunch of device in your
hand. But that really isn?t practical. Dialing can be done either from
the screen or using the keyboard. Obviously it is even easier than
normal to find contacts because you have a full keyboard along with all
the one handed functionality of Windows Mobile and the Phone Edition
functionality. But the best way to use the JasJar as a phone is also the
main reason I think Bluetooth was included. That?s right, a Bluetooth
headset. It simply makes the most sense for the JasJar because it allows
you to continue using the device (of course Windows Mobile 5.0 supports
multitasking like other versions of Windows Mobile) and don?t have to
have it up to your face. While a wired headset (which is actually full
headphones) is included, and the headset is extremely nice, you just
have to go Bluetooth with this device. Very cool.
As a PDA
Instead of saying that this device is a PDA, I almost
feel like it should be classified as a sub-sub-laptop. i-mate considers
the device a mini-laptop which could be a good descriptor. Technically, you could throw in a Bluetooth mouse like the one
from Think Outside and it would be even more like a laptop. Almost the
phone time I had the device I didn?t even use the stylus except for some
software where it just wasn?t practical to use a keyboard. It is
important to note that I am very much a fan of keyboards on PDA?s, but
still, I think that most users would find the keyboard to be the
predominate method for use. Unlike previous versions of Windows Mobile,
Windows Mobile 5.0 includes quite a bit of strong functionality for
accessing Windows Mobile functionality for the device. Of course keys
like the Windows key and OK (not enter, there is an OK key) are very
important to navigating Windows Mobile, but the new one-handed use keys
for accessing options and menus in Windows Mobile 5.0 is great. I found
I was tapping the screen less the longer that I used the device because
I was getting used to the keys. It does take a little getting used to
but navigating from the keyboard works well and can replace the stylus
for basically all built-in Windows Mobile 5.0 software. With Word
Mobile, Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile, and the functions of Outlook, I
was almost forgetting the device wasn?t a Windows laptop and was in fact
a Windows Mobile 5.0 based device.
The Keyboard
Obvious one the major features of the JasJar is the
keyboard. Without a good keyboard, what is the point of the style of the
device. I have been wary of soft button keyboards. Usually they simply
don?t have the feedback that is needed for easy use like a hard button
keyboard or a real key keyboard. But the JasJar does it. While the
keyboard might take a little getting use to simply because of the
structure and feed, it is a quick learn for the thumbs. Even with my
rather large thumbs, I was able to easily use the keyboard. What is
great is that the keyboard has a light sensor. If it detects that it
might be too dark for you to see the keys, then it with turn on a
backlight so you can see what the keys are. I was actually quite
surprised at the brightness as I wasn?t expecting it to show through the
keys as much as it does. The keyboard is structured very similar to a
standard keyboard except is uses the function key to add extra
functionality and key support. As I said previously there is even a
special OK button which will close or ok out windows. The keyboard also
includes buttons for phone functionality, specifically send and end. But
for anyone that wants to send text messages, I think a keyboard on a
device is the only way to go. My text message bill will decrease quite a
bit when I have to return the JasJar as the keyboard is so much easier
than T9 or stylus input?for me at least. I am willing to take a little
larger device if I can tap out messages and other text easier. Even more
than text message, the keyboard makes it easier to use Word Mobile, surf
the internet, and use MSN Messenger.
Accessories and
Connectivity
The stylus blends into the back of the device. It is
actually kind of difficult to find the stylus. An extra is included in
the box though I would be worried about losing both because the stylus
seems like it could easily fall out. Like other i-mate products, the
JasJar does not include a dock or a cradle, but then again, if you
consider this device to be an alternative to your desktop or laptop
computer, you figure you either will be connected through the mini-USB
port or connect via Bluetooth. I think that the JasJar makes the most
sense if you think about it as an extension of your coming as a real
mobile alternative to your desktop or laptop computer. Obviously it is
also your phone so it goes everywhere with you so the JasJar is always
available for you to get your work done wherever you are. While the
device is expensive, it seems to me to be built strong so you don?t even
really need a case for the JasJar. Remember, the screen and keyboard
both are protected when the device is closed. About the only thing that
is not protected is the camera on the back of the device. A case is
included in the package which the device can slide into, though it may
add quite a bit of bulk for some users.
Final Thoughts
The biggest downfall of the i-mate JasJar
is simply the price. At over $1000, the JasJar is not in the price range
for everyone and likely mostly makes sense for business professionals
and IT professionals that need powerful computer that fits in their
pocket. I wish that the device was cheaper so that more people could
have access to all the features of the product and Windows Mobile 5.0
because the JasJar really connects with Windows Mobile and makes a
complete solution. (I think it would be great to see a version with the
same style but without things like the phone and dual cameras with a
cheaper price tag.) But the price tag does say one thing, there isn?t
much more you need to add to this device. It come with everything. You
don?t need a phone because that is built-in. An add-on keyboard isn?t
need, WiFi is included, Bluetooth is included, and there are two
cameras. About the only thing you need to add, in some cases, is more
memory. Many users won?t even need extra memory. So it comes down to the
fact that if you want it all and you really want a device that can act
almost like a laptop but still be a PDA, the price tag shouldn?t matter.
Simply put, the JasJar is an absolutely amazing product.
Dave's Score - 9.5
This means, this product is about as close to
"the best" as you can get. This product embodies
quality in its design and application, and is something I would use.
Though you still should consider it for yourself, most would
probably be happy with this product even if they were unable to try
it prior to purchase.
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