Windows Phone Italy

Due to an e-Mail SNAFU, my column got stuck in my inbox and didn’t get to be posted as part of the normal update, usually occurring on Friday.  We’re publishing this so it appears now, and then I ♥ WinMo will reassume its normal schedule of new content on Friday.

Despite my problems with the Samsung Epix, I am considering a couple different Samsung phones from AT&T – The Samsung Jack i637 and the Samsung Propel Pro i627.
Let’s take a quick look at what they have to offer...

With the many problems I am having with the Samsung Epix, I am seriously considering the acquisition of another phone. I’m due for an upgrade on my line, and I’m looking long and hard at both the Samsung Propel Pro and the Samsung Jack (spec sheet on PDAdb.net appears to be pending).

Both devices run WM Standard 6.1 and have a 528 MHz processor.  Interestingly enough, the Propel Pro has a WM 6.5-like home screen, while the Jack WILL run Windows Mobile 6.5 according to the press release.

Samsung Propel Pro Spec Hi-lites:

• Windows Mobile 6.1
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Tri-band HSDPA (850/1900/2100) and Quadband Edge (850/900/1800/1900)
• aGPS
• 528 MHz processor, 256MB ROM/256MB RAM
• Display: 2.6 inches, 65k, TFT, Color, 320 x 320 pixels
• Connectivity options in Bluetooth 2.0 EDR and USB 2.0
• Pointing Stick
• 3.1MP camera
• Dimensions 2.4 x 3.9 x 0.6 inches (61 x 99 x 15 millimetres)
• Weight 4.8oz (137 grams)
• 1440 mAh battery - Talk Time: 7 hours/Stand-by Time: 12 days
• Connectivity options in Bluetooth 2.0 EDR and USB 2.0
• 32GB external memory support via microSD
• Proprietary Headset Adapter (not included)
• Slide up QWERTY keyboard
• shorter than the BJII
• 2 Yr Contract Price: $ 199.99 (146.93 Euros)

Samsung Jack Spec Hi-lites:

• Windows Mobile 6.1
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Tri-band HSDPA (850/1900/2100) and Quadband Edge (850/900/1800/1900)
• aGPS
• 528 MHz processor, 256MB ROM/256MB RAM
• Display: 2.4 inches, 65k, TFT, Color, 320 x 240 pixels
• Connectivity options in Bluetooth 2.0 EDR and USB 2.0
• 5-way navigation with Turbo Scroll
• 3.2MP camera
• Dimensions: 4.4” L x 2.4 W x 0.5” (112 x 61 x 13 millimetres)
• Weight 3.6 oz. (102 grams)
• 1480 mAh battery - Talk Time: 7 hours/Stand-by Time: 12 days
• Connectivity options in Bluetooth 2.0 EDR and USB 2.0
• 16GB external memory support via microSD
• 3.5mm Headset Adapter
• QWERTY keyboard
• 2 Yr Contract Price: $ 99.99 (73.46 Euros)

There’s a lot to like about both devices.  Both are quick and have a goodly amount of RAM. While the Jack has twice as much as the Propel Pro, 128MB of RAM is very respectable, and should run everything I need just fine.  While the Jack is lighter and thinner, the Propel Pro feels very sturdy and solid.

So far, there’s no indication that the Propel Pro will get a WM 6.5 upgrade, though the Samsung recently announced that the Jack WILL get one, once the software is made available and everybody and their brother jumps through all of the necessary hoops.

Interestingly enough, Samsung has included Wi-Fi in both devices.  I’m not a big Wi-Fi user... I have an unlimited data plan for my device. Everywhere I would want to use Wi-Fi, I have a cellular data connection, and since it’s unlimited... well, I just never found the need for it (though your mileage may vary...).  However, it is nice to know that if I do find myself in need of connectivity and I don’t or can’t get a cell signal and Wi-Fi is available, either device will get me connected.

I know... I know... you’re probably wondering why I am considering a Samsung device again after the issue and problem with the Epix.  There are a couple of reasons.

First, I loved the original Blackjack. I used it as my daily driver for almost a year. That’s FOREVER for a guy like me.  I’m usually in a phone no more than 6 months.  I’m pushing 7 with the Epix, and the problems I have been having with it have really made consistently using it a huge problem. I have no guarantee that either the Propel Pro or the Jack won’t exhibit similar (or completely different, yet equally debilitating) problems.

Secondly, I am a Windows Mobile guy.  I’m not crazy about the Fuze, and the Q9h is out of the question.  Goodbye Moto... with THAT company’s problems, I don’t need to buy that device... it’s not worth the potential problems and hassle. I’m also tied into AT&T and not taking the family off that carrier.

So far, I’m leaning towards the Propel, as it’s got the slider, I’ve never had the slider before, and it will be something a bit new.  I’ve had a Blackjack before, and while it’s an awesome phone, I do wants something that’s a bit more on the edge.  The Propel Pro does that without taking me too far off the familiar path of WM Standard.

What do YOU think?  Which device should I buy – the Propel Pro, the Samsung Jack, or another WM based device on AT&T’s network?  Please respond back and let me know your thoughts (though, you must know that my Italian is HORRIBLE ... Just ask Diego... if you can get him to stop shaking his head that is...)