Prolific Windows Mobile device producer i-mate has now added a twelfth device to their roster. The JAQ is designed to compete in the mobile messaging device market, which is making a push to compete with the BlackBerry from RIM. This group is getting more and more crowded every day and includes the HP 6500 and 6900 series, Treo 700wx, Samsung BlackJack, Motorola Q, and several others.

Clear screen, big keyboard

The most striking feature when you first power up the JAQ is its crystal clear 2.8 inch diagonal (320x240 pixel) color touch screen. It is among the clearest and sharpest I have seen on the Pocket PC units in its class. It is also one of the lightest Phone Edition devices, but its form factor is a bit longer than most and I did not find it as attractive as the Treo 700w. To be fair, the length accommodates a keyboard that provides a little more space between the keys so that big-thumbed people like me have an easier time hitting them correctly.

The JAQ runs a 200 MHz processor, has 64MB of RAM, and an ample 128 MB of flash ROM. It's powered by a 1,440 mAh battery and ships with an AC power adapter, USB sync/charge cable, wired stereo headset with microphone, carrying case, and spare stylus. Memory expansion is accomplished via a miniSD card slot, which is accessible on the right edge of the device. There is no built-in digital camera.

The JAQ is a long device accommodating a spacious keyboard, making it easier for big-thumbed people to hit the right key.

Targeting a converged mobile user

I-mate is targeting people who want to carry only a single device instead of a PDA and a cellular phone. Wireless carriers like this market because the users of these devices tend to generate more revenue for the carrier with the combination of voice and data plans. Windows Mobile devices in this market have consistently been bulky and awkward, and the ever-aware consumer is now demanding devices that are more compact and stylish. Unfortunately, most of the manufacturers are failing to deliver. This market demands a permanent (not a slide-out) physical keyboard on the device and a form factor similar to (or ideally smaller than) the popular RIM BlackBerry.

The phone is based on quad-band GSM technology, which means it works with the Cingular and T-Mobile networks, but not Verizon or Sprint. The GSM technology also means it will have broad support in Europe and most of the world. It also supports EDGE data services which gives it very high speeds of data access (100K to upwards of 400K) on an EDGE network. In addition to GSM, it has Bluetooth for short range wireless connections with headsets and other accessories. It does not have built in 802.11 Wi-Fi, which will be a deal breaker for a few users. However, the vast majority of users buying these phones aren't using them on Wi-Fi connections, and the high-speed EDGE network is rather peppy for downloading. It also comes with Modem Link software, allowing it to be used as a modem for laptops, which is convenient for road warriors who want to sync up their laptop e-mail while on the go.

The dimensions are 4.8 x 2.7 x 0.8 inches, and it weighs 5.6 ounces. This makes it one of the longest and lightest Phone Edition devices, and is similar in size and weight to the Nokia E62 and older BlackBerry devices like the 7780. The JAQ and other Phone Editions with permanent keyboards are nowhere near as slim and light as the Motorola Q Smartphone. However, unlike the Smartphone, they incorporate the more feature-rich Pocket PC application suite and can run the larger library of third-party applications and games designed for the Pocket PC.

In terms of call quality, the JAQ stacked up about the same against the Windows Mobile phone-enabled devices using GSM technology, which is to say it is solidly mediocre. Not all phones are created equal and I haven't tried every one, but Pocket PC Smartphones have been widely criticized for their call quality, so this is an area that all the manufacturers need to work on. In general, I have experienced better call quality using CDMA-based Pocket PC devices such as the Treo 700w on the Verizon network.