Sprenzy Shopping Blog: Tag review

Perfect Pushup

Chuck — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:17:00 -0400

After 20+ years of doing straight-bar bench presses, swinging at tons of volleyballs and throwing too many footballs, my right shoulder is screaming… no más!!!

I’ve finally listened to my shoulder and quit bench pressing with a straight-bar and switched to using dumbbells, which alleviates the shoulder stress. When I can’t get to the gym, I like doing pushups but the simple pushup position still tweaks my right shoulder.

From the many ads and claims of the Perfect Pushup, I decided to buy a set and give them try…

“The Perfect Pushup puts a new spin on one of the oldest exercises, the pushup. Invented by someone who knows a lot about pushups, former U.S. Navy SEAL, Alden Mills, the Perfect Pushup’s rotating handles allow your arms to rotate naturally when you do pushups the same way they do when you throw a punch or press up a dumb bell. This unique feature accelerates results by engaging more muscles in the arms, chest, shoulders, and back. It also helps reduce strain on wrists and elbows, and helps to stabilize and strengthen the shoulder joint by engaging the scapular and rotator cuff muscles. You will notice the comfort and effectiveness of the Perfect Pushup on the very first try!”

When I opened the box, I was expecting a metal base but the Perfect Pushup is made of lightweight plastic. Despite the plastic build, they are quite sturdy. After using the Perfect Pushup a few times, I’m very pleased with them. The elevated platform provides a deeper range of motion and a better pump than regular pushups. More importantly, the rotating handles eliminate the stress and pain in my shoulder.

But is it worth the $40? Or should you just get a cheaper set of pushup bars? If you don’t have any joint issues, then go with pushup bars. They are cheaper, take up less space to store and you’ll get a similar pump from the elevated platform. However, I would highly recommend the Perfect Pushup to anyone with shoulder or wrists issues. The rotating handles put you in a much better ergonomic position than normal pushups and should reduce or eliminate joint pain.

I don’t know if it’s the perfect pushup device but compared to doing normal pushups it is perfectly better.

Digital Camera Research - Canon Powershot SD850 IS

Chuck — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 19:53:00 -0400

Over the last several months, I’ve been researching compact digital cameras to replace my current Canon S500. I find researching digital cameras as one of the hardest product categories to navigate. There are so many cameras available and it seems a new model is released every day. And once you are ready to buy, the questions come up — Should I buy it now or wait for the price to drop? Or should I wait for the release of the next model? This conundrum takes the fun out of buying a new camera.

My strategy to camera buying is to take the value approach. Buying the newest model might get you the latest features, but you’ll pay a premium price for the camera. I think it’s best to find a model that meets your needs, but isn’t the newest camera in the manufacturer’s product line. You’ll get the best bang for the buck with this approach and won’t have as much buyer’s remorse when a new model comes out. It’s too hard and expensive to keep up with the Joneses when digital cameras have such a short product development cycle.

Back to my camera research, I started a new food blog recently, which is dictating my camera requirements. Taking close up pictures of food presents unique challenges, particularly at restaurants. Obviously, a digital SLR with a macro lens would produce the best images but SLRs are expensive, and it’s hard to be discrete using a big SLR. Therefore, my key digital camera requirements are…

Compact or ultra-compact format - allows for discrete picture taking and ultra portability
Macro focus of 3 cm or less - macro shots are the best for food
Image stabilization (IS) - taking close up shots requires a steady hand and IS prevents blurry images
2.5 inch LCD screen or larger - a large LCD screen allows better picture framing
At least 7 megapixels resolution - allows cropping of images while retaining picture quality

Based on these criteria, I have researched many cameras, including the Sony DSC-T100 and Nikon Coolpix S50. Ultimately, based on my biased towards Canon and their reputation for good color and image quality, I believe the Canon Powershot SD850 IS is the best camera for my needs. Here’s a review roundup for the SD850…

Canon Powershot SD850 IS Review from Digitalcamerareview.com - “The Canon SD850 IS is a stylish, well-built compact digital camera that produces great quality images and color while requiring minimal involvement from its operator. The camera lacks manual controls, but offers a number of specialized scene modes in addition to the standard “auto�? shooting mode, as well as image stabilization, up to 1600 ISO sensitivity and good shutter response time. The 4x zoom lens lacks the focal length to bring distant objects truly close, but for normal subjects the camera performs admirably.”
Canon Powershot SD850 Review by Steve’s Digicam - “the SD850 continues their tradition of stylish and durable cameras that capture great photos with fast performance and loads of appealing features (optical IS, 8-megapixels, 2.5-inch LCD, etc.) With 8-megapixel of resolution, the printing possibilities are almost endless, from tightly cropped 4x6s to huge poster size prints!”
Canon SD850 Review from KenRockwell.com - “I use the older version of the SD850 every day and won’t leave home, or even walk around my home, without it. If I needed another camera today I’d buy an SD850 in an instant. Enough said?”

I’m pretty much sold on the Canon SD850, but I’m waiting for the price to drop to $300. Another popular Canon camera is the SD1000, which is slimmer and cheaper than the SD850. It has everything I need except for image stabilization. I’m sure if I wait a little longer, Canon will release a new model similar in size as the SD1000 with IS. There’s the digital camera buying conundrum again!

180-Hour Tivo HD

Chuck — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 16:34:00 -0400

Tivo is releasing a new 180-hour Tivo HD at the end of August. The new Tivo HD offers almost all the same features of the highly praised Tivo Series 3 HD (S3), but at a more affordable sub $300 price. For the lower price tag, you’ll have to sacrifice THX certification, a larger hard drive and a back-lit remote control. It’s not much to give up, considering you’ll save $300 over the S3 and will still be able to record high definition programming.

Here’s a review roundup on the Tivo HD…

Tivo HD review from PC Magazine
Tivo HD review by PC World
A Review of the Tivo HD by Tivo Lovers

For less than $300, the 180-hour Tivo HD makes it really compelling to upgrade my series2 Tivo. The primary reason I’m hesitating is due to the monthly subscription fee, which is $13 to $17 depending on the commitment time frame. I think I’ll wait a little longer and hope Tivo offers a product lifetime service transfer to a new Tivo HD.

However, if you are currently paying a monthly Tivo fee, upgrading to a Tivo HD is a good deal to be able to record and watch high-definition programming.

iPhone - A Simply Amazing User Interface

Chuck — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 23:26:00 -0400

iPhone… Overhyped? Overpriced? Poor business phone? Bad network? Maybe. Is it the ultimate all-in-one converged device? I think it’s the best one available right now. Say what you want about the iPhone, just make sure you test one out to really appreciate its simple, elegant and absolutely amazing user interface (UI).

I have owned a Windows Mobile 5.0, a Pocket PC and a Palm device and it always took me a few days to completely figure out how to use the phone and operating system. The iPhone’s UI is so well designed, it only took me a few minutes to understand it. There’s truly no need for a user’s manual.

I can’t say enough about the iPhone’s interaction design and functionality integration (between the phone, iPod, Internet, etc.). Using your fingers to scroll, zoom and navigate is pure joy and puts a smile on my face each time I use the iPhone.

Here’s a review roundup:

Apple’s iPhone: an initial (but in-depth) review from AppleInsider
Apple iPhone review by PC Magazine
Review: Apple IPhone Rocks, Rolls, and Doesn’t Disappoint by Wired
iPhone Review at Engadget

I love my new iPhone, but it’s not without flaws, which are highlighted in most reviews. Despite these flaws, it’s still hands down the best and most entertaining phone I’ve ever owned. The beauty of the iPhone is that its deficiencies can be fixed through software updates. The only thing that can’t be fixed with the iPhone is 3G data connectivity.

I didn’t plan on buying an iPhone and was going to wait for the 2nd Gen phone. But after reviewing my Verizon bill, the $50 a month I pay for unlimited data and 250 text messages is a complete ripoff. So on Saturday morning, I went down to the Apple store in San Francisco and picked up an 8 GB iPhone. I’ll be saving $40 a month by switching to an AT&T plan, which means I’ll break even in 15 months compared to sticking with Verizon’s overpriced data plan.

Sorry Verizon and Motorola Q, it was fun, but there’s a better and cooler gadget that you can’t come close to competing with… Hello iPhone!

Wake Up To an iLuv i177 Clock Radio

Chuck — Mon, 07 May 2007 01:01:00 -0400

My girlfriend needed a new clock radio and iPod docking system. Her requirements were a dual alarm and a simple, aesthetically pleasing design. Sound quality wasn’t a top priority because we have a nice vacuum tube amp and Definitive Technology tower speakers in the bedroom. My requirements were a display dimmer and a gentle alarm.

I did some research and found iLounge’s clock radios ratings. Based on our requirements, I narrowed the products down to the Timex Ti700 and iLuv i177. My girlfriend preferred the iLuv i177’s design and appearance so we bought the iLuv.

After a week of use, we are both pretty happy with the iLuv i177. The i177 is intuitive to use. The volume of the alarm can be adjusted if waking up to an iPod or radio, which at the lowest setting is the perfect volume for us. It’s loud enough to wake the girlfriend but not too jarring for me. The LCD display has three dimmer settings and an off mode, which I prefer, because I like a completely dark room. The sound quality is more than adequate given our needs and actually better than expected from a small clock radio.

The only negative is the default buzzer alarm if you don’t have an iPod docked. It’s extremely loud and is piercing like a fire alarm. I highly recommend not using the buzzer alarm. Additionally, setting the time using the dial knob is annoying because you have to spin it until you hit the right time linearly, i.e. there are no hour or minute buttons. But this is a non-issue after the initial time and alarm setting.

Playlistmag.com has a good iLuv i177 review along with a review of the JBL On Time. Playlist concludes…

“Both the iLuv i177 and JBL On Time are nice clock radios, and each has strengths and weaknesses. In short: If it’s an alarm clock you want, the iLuv i77 is the best choice and includes nice extras such as a remote and an iPod shuffle port. If you desire something more akin to a small stereo, with the added benefit of a clock and alarm, go with the On Time.

Overall, I found the iLuv to be a better value, while the On Time had far superior sound. Yet, while I would highly recommend the iLuv—as an alarm clock—I can’t say the same about the On Time; although it performs well as both a clock and a stereo, it doesn’t truly excel at either.”

I agree with this conclusion. The iLuv i177 is a great iPod alarm clock, just don’t use the buzzer alarm unless you like be jolted out of a sound sleep.

Garmin Edge 305 And MotionBased Equals Training Bliss

Chuck — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 01:09:00 -0400

Since May 2006, I’ve been using the Garmin Edge 305, a GPS-enabled cycle computer, on my road bike. I also have the heart rate monitor (HRM) and the speed/cadence sensor accessories. As a data junkie, I absolutely love my Edge 305.

But I have to admit, I hadn’t used the full capabilities of the 305 until recently. At the end of May, a friend and I are going on a Giro biking trip through the Italian Dolomites, which means there is a ton of climbing. My friend lives in New York City, so I’ve been training All By Myself.

Thankfully, the Garmin Edge 305 has been a great training tool and has really helped me to stay motivated. I’m finally using the training features (workouts and courses with a virtual partner). Additionally, I’m using MotionBased, a web application that allows you to upload, analyze and visualize your ride data. MotionBased (MB) is a much superior post ride analysis tool to the Garmin Training Center software that comes with the Edge.

After each ride, I upload my ride data to MotionBased and I’m able to conduct post ride analysis, keep motivated to train and improve my performance. I want to point out that MotionBased is not limited to just cycling and supports many GPS devices (Garmin Forerunner 205/305, Garmin 60CSx, eTrex Vista Cx and more) to upload and analyze running, hiking, Nordic skiing or any activity you track with a GPS device.

Instead of writing a review on the Edge 305 and MotionBased, I’m going to provide a review roundup and highlight key features of the 305 in the remainder of this post and MB in a follow-up post.

Garmin Edge 305 Review Roundup:

Garmin Edge 305 cycling GPS system review from PocketGPSWorld.com - by far the best and most detailed review; covering specs, installation, features, user testing and analysis software.
Garmin Edge 305 Review from Arena Red - a good overview of the Edge 305 with comparison pictures of the 305 next to iPods and a Moto Razr.
Tech Review: Garmin Edge 305 by Jeremy Bostron - a list of positives and negatives comparing the 305 to the Polar 725 bike computer.
Mini-Review: Garmin Training Center for Mac from Arena Red - short review of the Garmin Training Center Mac version.

If you read the PocketGPSWorld.com review, you should have a very good understanding of the features and the wealth of data captured and displayed by the Edge 305. For someone looking for a simple cycling computer, the 305 is complete overkill. However, for the data obsessed, the Edge 305 is a dream come true. Highlighted below are the features that I enjoy the most.

Key Features:

Custom Data Fields - the Edge 305 allows customization of the following displays: Bike Computer 1, Bike Computer 2, Maps, Workouts and Courses. When I’m riding, I like to see my speed, heart rate, cadence, grade, distance and elapsed time in one view. On my previous bike computer, a Ciclosport HAC4, I was able to only see two data points at a time. On the Bike Computer view, the Edge 305 can display up to 8 data fields. There are 33 data fields from which to choose. Since there are two Bike Computer views, it’s possible to display 16 data points between the two views! With the 305, I spend less time pressing buttons, scrolling thru views and more time with my hands on the bars and eyes on the road.
Virtual Partner - when training by yourself, the Virtual Partner is the ultimate pacer. Used during quick workouts or courses, the Edge 305 displays how far ahead or behind you are relative to the Virtual Partner. Since I don’t have a training partner, I’ll take a virtual partner instead of no one.
Workouts and Courses - workouts are excellent training tools. Quick workouts (Distance and Time, Time and Speed or Distance and Speed) display a Virtual Partner to keep you motivated during your workout. You can also setup interval workouts based on time/distance and rest time/distance. But the most realistic training tool is the Courses feature. You can create or edit courses based on a previously recorded ride. Then you can race against the Virtual Partner on the course and see if you can beat your previous performance.
Cadence/Speed Sensor - is a single wireless unit, which is installed on the rear chainstay. The speed sensor is used when there isn’t a quality GPS signal or when GPS is turned off. Because the sensor is attached on the rear wheel, the Edge 305 can be used on a bike trainer. Most other cycling computers have two sensors, one on the fork for speed and one on the chainstay for cadence.
Data Analysis Software - the 305 comes with the Garmin Training Center software, which allows you to download and analyze your ride data. You can overlay various data fields (distance, elevation, heart rate, speed, etc.) and analyze your performance. Unless you have Garmin map products, the map view is very limited and only shows major roads and cities. This is were MotionBased excels and I’ll cover MB in a follow-up post.

My only complaint with the Edge 305 is the short battery life (less than 10 hours with a good GPS signal). It’s a rare event that I’ll ride longer than 10 hours, but that’s the one I’ll definitely want to record and review post ride. A current solution is a DIY battery charger, but that’s a little clumsy for this high tech cycling computer.

Furthermore, a great feature enhancement would be a low cost power meter, which would make the 305 even better and provide more data to geek out on. I would also like to see compatibility with Polar’s Wearlink transmitter and strap, which is the most comfortable HRM I’ve ever used.

Overall, the Garmin Edge 305 is an amazing GPS cycling computer. With GPS functionality, an HRM and a speed/cadence sensor, it provides more than enough features and data recording to blow away the competition. It’s also a great training tool, which keeps you motivated to ride farther and faster.

Amazon Unbox on Tivo - Needs Improvement

Chuck — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 02:33:00 -0400

As a long time Tivo owner and Netflix user, I had hoped their partnership would provide the ultimate on-demand video service. Unfortunately, the venture ended with nothing to show.

I was naturally excited about Amazon Unbox on Tivo. Amazon Unbox allows you to rent or buy movies and TV shows and download them to your PC. With the new Unbox on Tivo service, you can now download videos directly to a broadband connected Tivo.

The key selling point for me is movie rentals. I have a stack of DVD movies that collect dust because I never re-watch them. I love Netflix, but I don’t watch enough movies to justify the monthly fee anymore. Currently, my preferred video viewing model is my cable provider’s on-demand/pay-per-view service, with instant gratification, decent video and audio quality and complete control of playback for 24 hours. The only negative is the on-demand movie selection is very limited.

With great anticipation, I tested out Amazon Unbox on Tivo today. By registering my Tivo before April 30th, I received a $15 Unbox credit. The cost to rent a movie is $3.99, $14.99 to purchase a movie and $1.99 to buy a TV show. For my Unbox test, I rented The Illusionist and bought Casino Royale. Renting or purchasing a movie is an easy one click process and the movie automatically began downloading to my Tivo within 15 minutes. According to the Unbox on Tivo FAQs, download times vary depending on your Internet connection speed. On my broadband connection, it took over 1.5 hours for a 109 minute video and 2.5 hours for a 145 minute movie. Unfortunately, video playback is not available until the movie is completely downloaded to your Tivo.

Once a movie rental is downloaded, you have a limited window, 30 days, to begin watching it. After you start watching the rental, it’s available for 24 hours and then is automatically deleted, much like a cable provider’s on-demand movie service. Rental can be downloaded to either your PC or Tivo but not both, and therefore not available for re-download from Your Media Library on Amazon Unbox. If you purchase movies, the videos are “available for re-download from Your Media Library and can be downloaded on up to 2 (two) different personal computers or Tivo DVRs and can be transferred to up to 2 (two) portable devices at any one time.”

According to Tivo, Unbox videos “are of better quality than videos recorded at the Best Quality setting on a TiVo Series2™ DVR.” After watching part of the movies on my Tivo, the video quality is about the same as the Best Quality setting. However, the video and sound quality is only adequate for viewing TV shows. I expect DVD quality video and digital surround sound while watching movies. The Tivo Series3 is capable of digital audio; however, I believe Unbox videos are only offered in stereo sound.

The video quality, using the Unbox player to watch videos on a PC, isn’t much better than on the Tivo. But I’m more forgiving of video on PCs versus an HDTV and I usually don’t watch videos on a PC unless it’s free. One positive on the Unbox player is the progressive download feature, which allows you to watch videos while it’s downloading.

Overall, I’m disappointed with the Unbox on Tivo service. I was hoping for a service that would replace my cable provider’s pay-per-view service and Netflix. With a limited rental library, the inability to immediately watch videos and poor video quality, I don’t plan on using Unbox on Tivo unless it’s the last option. Additionally, there’s no point in purchasing a movie from Unbox when you can buy the DVD with superior video and audio at the same price. It’s the same reason I don’t buy any movies or music from iTunes. Why pay the same price for inferior video or audio?

Despite my disappointment, Unbox does allow you to easily download video to your Tivo in just one click. As a movie renter, I’ll add Unbox on Tivo as an option but it will be third on my list after DVD rental (Netflix, etc.) and pay-per-view/on-demand. I’ll gladly move Unbox on Tivo up my list and even to the top with the following improvements:

Improve video and audio to DVD quality
Allow video playback during video downloading
Expand video rental library

If Amazon and Tivo can make these improvements, I would also finally pony up the $650 and upgrade to a Tivo Series3 HD DVR. Until then, I’m keeping my eye on the Apple TV (no rentals is a downer) and the SlingCatcher.

Bike Mini Pump Throwdown

Chuck — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 03:35:00 -0400

Twice after a flat and a tube change, I wasn’t able to re-inflate my road bike tire to a decent pressure using CO2 cartridges. On one occasion, I caused another pinch flat changing out the tube and ran out of CO2 cylinders. Thankfully, a passing cyclist gave me a spare cartridge.

After this incident, I purchased a CrankBrothers Power Pump Pro as a fall back option. The Power Pump Pro (PPP) is the smallest bike pump with a gauge and it can handle presta or schrader valves. It also has a high volume/high pressure switch to save your arm muscles at higher pressures. Weighing in at 120 grams, the PPP is lightweight.

On paper the Power Pump Pro looks pretty good. In practice, the PPP’s performance is very poor. If you are looking to get a good arm workout, then the pump is great. I have never been able to get more than 55 psi using the PPP. This tire pressure is adequate to get you rolling but I would want to get more pressure as quickly as possible.

Today, I received a new mini pump, the Topeak Micro Rocket CB. Admittedly, I am a complete weight weenie and the carbon fiber Micro Rocket is a svelte 55 grams. It’s also very sleek in appearance and won a red dot product design award last winter. The Micro Rocket only accepts presta valves and max pressure capacity is supposedly 160 psi. I would be happy with half of that pressure.

This afternoon, I had a mini pump throwdown between the PPP and the Micro Rocket CB. After 300 pumps using the Power Pump Pro, I was only able to get 25 psi in my tire. At 150 pumps, it starts getting very difficult and requires a lot of force to use the PPP. Switching to high pressure mode makes pumping easier but there’s barely any air flow.

Using the Topeak Micro Rocket CB, 300 pumps produced 60 psi. The effort required to use the Micro Rocket wasn’t significantly different from pump 1 through 300. After 500 pumps, I was able to obtain 75 psi. It’s a nice arm workout between pumps 400 - 500, but much easier than using the PPP. At 600 pumps, I got 85 psi but it was very difficult to use the Micro Rocket so I stopped. Total time for 600 pumps was less than 10 minutes.

Compared to CO2 cartridges, it’s time consuming to use the Micro Rocket. But at only 55 grams, I am definitely carrying the Micro Rocket CB on every bike ride I take. The Micro Rocket pump also comes with a water bottle side mount bracket. The picture on the right shows the side mount bracket attached to my 2005 Orbea Orca. The carbon fiber finish of the Micro Rocket matches my bike perfectly.

As you can see, the Micro Rocket CB is slightly longer (length = 16 cm/ 6.3 in) than my water bottle cage. The mounting bracket contacts the frame at the bottle mounts and doesn’t touch the carbon seat tube. The Micro Rocket fits very snugly in the mounting bracket and is secured further by a rubber gasket.

The mount for the Micro Rocket CB is a simple and an excellent way to secure the pump to a bike. I used to carry the PPP underneath my saddle bag, which caused the bag to vibrate over rough road and make an annoying rattle noise.

Overall, I’m extremely happy with the Topeak Micro Rocket CB. For the weight obsessed, it’s extremely light and able to produce an adequate amount of tire pressure. From an aesthetic standpoint, the Micro Rocket CB is simple, clean and attractive. At $32, it’s relatively inexpensive. You can get a stainless steel version, Topeak Micro Rocket AL, for only $19. That’s if you can deal with the extra 10 grams of weight! There are also mountain bike versions, Mt. Rockets, that fit both presta and schrader valves.

As far as the mini pump throwdown, it was no contest. The PPP has officially been retired and replaced by the Micro Rocket CB.

Online Tax Software Review

Chuck — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 20:06:00 -0500

Did you know that Emancipation Day is Monday, April 16th and also a holiday in Washington D.C.? Therefore, this year’s tax deadline is Tuesday, April 17th. Just because we have an extra two days to file our taxes doesn’t mean we should procrastinate even more. To help you get the tax ball rolling, Toptenreviews.com reviewed 10 online tax software programs. The top rated products are…

TurboTax Deluxe - “The service is easy to use and can quickly advise you on your future investments and tax strategies. For those that are eyeing the next tax year, TurboTax can put you on the path to optimizing your 2007 return and retirement options. TurboTax improves every year and once again is the best do-it-yourself tax preparation product on the market.”
TaxCut Premium - “Overall, TaxCut is an excellent tax product at a low price; TaxCut Premium + State is just $39.95. The user interface is very simple and easy to understand and the help menu is very useful in finding the answers to all tax questions.”
TaxACT - “The TaxACT 2006 Ultimate Bundle is an exceptional tax service deal. Although we did not review their other products, they also offer other reasonably priced online services; TaxACT is definitely worth looking into.”

Toptenreviews.com has an excellent comparison chart of the ten reviewed tax programs. It’s definitely worth checking out if you need help determining which tax software to use.

TurboTax has always been my choice and is very easy and intuitive to use. Since I only have experience using TurboTax, I have no basis for comparison with the other tax software. Regardless of which tax software you choose, file your taxes early and enjoy Emancipation Day if you’re fortunate enough to have the day off.

Samsung BlackJack - Free After Rebate

Chuck — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 02:16:00 -0500

Looking for a thin, stylish smartphone? Well, Amazon.com is offering the Samsung SGH-i607 BlackJack for free after a $75 rebate. The offer is good for new customers purchasing a 2 year service plan. The BlackJack is a super slim, feature rich smartphone that competes in the same category as the Motorola Q. The key differentiator of the BlackJack is its multimedia capabilities.

PC World reviewed the BlackJack and noted…

“The new Samsung BlackJack i607 from Cingular is the spitting image of the black Motorola Q. While the two PDA/phones look alike, the BlackJack features a lighter, narrower design and more-robust multimedia capabilities (such as streaming music and video). Overall, the BlackJack plays a good game, but it could use a performance boost and a few design tweaks.

The BlackJack’s major selling points include multimedia features that other PDA/phones in this class lack. Unlike the Verizon Wireless-based Q, for example, Cingular’s BlackJack streams XM radio (for $9 a month), as well as video content from CNN, HBO, and more (fees vary). One disappointment, though: Cingular doesn’t offer an over-the-air music download service. You can transfer songs from your PC, and then store them in the BlackJack’s meager 64MB of RAM. You’re better off buying a MicroSD card for music, video, photo, and other file storage.”

Additionally, Mypocketpcmobile.com has a detailed review of the Blackjack that compares it to the Motorola Q, T-Mobile Dash and the HP iPAQ hw6915. They conclude…

“The Samsung Blackjack is a slim, compact and stylish smartphone. It is a very good choice for those who want a mobile device powered with Windows Mobile 5.0 that has a design similar to the normal cell phones. It has 3G support and the user can experience the great advantages offered by Cingular’s 3G services like Cingular Video and Cingular music. The battery life can last for 5.5 hours talk time and 11 days standby. The price of $200 is very attractive.

On the negative side the Cingular Samsung Blackjack has not built-in Wi-Fi; the screen is small (2.2 inches), the expansion slot is a MicroSD, and the camera is only 1.3 mega pixels.

From the 4 devices we have seen in this review the Samsung has the smallest and lightest structure. The Motorola MotoQ has the most attractive design, the T-Mobile Dash has a built-in Wi-Fi but no 3G and the HP iPAQ hw6915 has a much more bulky design but with a complete set of connectivity options including a built in GPS receiver. The choice is up to the user”

And if you need a third opinion with more phone comparisons, check out MobileTechReview.com’s BlackJack review.

It’s unfortunate all these super slim PDA/phones are offered exclusively by only one carrier. I would prefer buying unlocked phones at reasonable prices and then using it on the carrier of my choice. It’s a shame that I have to switch carriers to be able to use the Samsung BlackJack or the Apple iPhone. Unfortunately, that’s the ~~business model~~ game the cell phone providers want to play to lock subscribers into long term contracts.

Enough of my mini-rant on cell phone providers. If you’re interested in the free Samsung BlackJack, make sure to read the fine print (2 year contract and Conditional $250 Equipment Discount). The $250 conditional discount basically states that Amazon has the right to charge you $250 if you don’t keep your Cingular account in good standing or terminate your service before a 181 day period. Don’t worry, I’ve bought multiple cell phones from Amazon without any issues.

Personally, I’m still happy with my MotoQ. I would have no complaints if the iPhone wasn’t just announced. It’s funny how such a cool, hip phone by Motorola can become instantly passé. Thanks a lot, Apple!