Major features...
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2G: GSM 900/1800/1900MHz network compatibility
The i600 should have you covered almost everywhere around the globe with its 2G network connectivity. The handset supports the GSM 900, 1800, and 1900MHz network bands and has support for GPRS and EDGE data protocols.
3G: UMTS 850MHz network compatibility
The 850MHz UMTS network support on the Samsung i600 includes support for the HSDPA protocol, which offers data speeds of up to 14.4Mbp/s. The i600 supports HSDPA up to 1.8Mbp/s. Other 3G network bands (like 2100MHz) are not supported by the handset. If a 850MHz network is not available, the handset will automatically fall back to a 2G network.
GPRS, EDGE, and HSDPA packet data protocols
To download e-mails and browse the web, the i600 has three data protocols: GPRS, EDGE, and HSDPA. GPRS and EDGE are 2G services, available when the handset is utilizing a GSM 900/1800/1900MHz connection. They offer slow (in comparison) speeds, and downloading large e-mails and multimedia content will take some time.
HSDPA data, on the other hand, is very fast! The network is theoretically capable of up to 14.4Mbp/s, but the i600’s support is only up to 1.8Mbp/s. This is still much faster than any other 2G (or 3G) data protocol, and is perfect for streaming video and downloading large files.
65,536 colour TFT LCD @ 320 x 240 pixels
The Samsung BlackJack has a horizontally aligned 320 x 240 pixel TFT LCD which supports up to 65,536 colours. The display is not touch-screen capable, but the handset itself has a 5-way navigational pad, two soft keys, and several dedicated function keys for browsing around the Windows Mobile 5 operating system.
Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system
Windows Mobile 5.0 is installed on the BlackJack, and it comes with many pre-installed applications and additional functionality. The Home Screen has been customized slightly by Samsung, and it now displays a wealth of information in a “drawer” that can be hidden or displayed at any time.
TI OMAP 1710 220MHz CPU
A 220MHz CPU is the brains behind the i600, and it does a reasonable job. There was quite a considerable amount of lag when using some functions of the handset which is never ideal, but most users will not find this a huge issue.
128MB of ROM and 64MB of RAM
Out of the 128MB of ROM, only around 54MB is available as storage for the user. The 64MB of RAM is used for system processing.
MicroSD memory card expansion slot
To expand the i600’s memory, users can purchase a microSD memory card up to 2GB in size. The i600’s sales package does not come with a microSD memory card in the sales package, which is a shame.
Bluetooth version 2.0 and USB version 1.2 connectivity
Transferring data to and from the handset with a PC is easy via wireless Bluetooth or the wired USB protocol. A USB data-cable and all the software necessary for synchronization and transfer of data is included in the sales package. Although the USB support is only version 1.2 compliant, it is still very fast and one of the easiest ways to transfer data to the handset.
Bluetooth can also be used with wireless accessories like headsets and stereo headphones.
1.3mpx digital camera with video recording
The 1.3mpx digital camera on the i600 can capture still images up to 1280 x 960 pixels, and video clips at 320 x 240 pixels. The camera application has quite a few advanced features – including effects, frames, white balance, and zoom. The camera application is full screen and captured images/video are as is to-be-expected from a 1.3mpx digital camera.
Full QWERTY keyboard
It’s easy to type out long SMS and e-mail messages with the i600’s full QWERTY keyboard. Each key on the keyboard has more than one function, some with three possible characters depending on which shift keys have been pushed.
Each button is brightly backlit and is soft to the touch. I found writing on the keyboard very comfortable and it’s very easy to get used to the keyboard layout (and using two thumbs instead of a full hand).
Java application environment
Unlike some Windows Mobile smartphones, the i600 comes with integrated Java application support. Windows Mobile does not come as standard with Java support, and it must be integrated by the manufacturer. Installing Java applications on the i600 is as easy as transferring the .jar package and hitting a few buttons!
Picsel Viewer with wide file format support
The Picsel Viewer application on the i600 includes support for .doc, .pdf, .ppt, .xls, and many other major document formats. It can also view image files, including the ever popular JPEG format.
Internet Explorer Mobile and RSS Reader
The Internet Explorer Mobile application installed on the Samsung i600 is fully capable of rendering HTML web pages, and even has a full screen mode for larger viewing. With the HSDPA data protocol, downloading large images and multimedia content has never been faster.
The i600 also comes with a built-in RSS Reader for syndicating feeds. I find this a great feature for mobile phones because RSS feeds are small in size (saving on download costs), and you only access the articles that you click – saving on download costs again!
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