i-Mate, who are now opening their range to include non-HTC devices, have recently launched the i-Mate JAQ (QWERTY device) and i-Mate SPL (RAZR-esque Smartphone). Their press release makes it clear that they're on a mission to "hit" as many different types of user as possible and these new handsets were just the start. We didn't carry the story until today because we wanted to get more information on the devices.
The JAQ, designed by Inventec, has a fairly decent specs-list however it's journey from a computer graphic to fully-fledged device has been a tad bumpy. In fact, it looks like someone forgot to do the measuring. Engadget rip it to shreds stating..
"We're re-christening it from here on out: the i-mate JAQ is now to be referred to as the ZAQ because it's the largest, ugliest, most plasticy Windows Mobile phone we've ever used. Seriously, straight up like that. We know it's not i-mate's fault -- they didn't design Inventec's reject of a QWERTY phone -- but we really think they should do the real Zack proud and stick with HTC."
Oh dear. Meanwhile the "we think it's from TechFaith" SPL device can also be seen in these pictures. We should perhaps warn you though about the colour and design of the carpet in the background.. bleugh..
Link - i-Mate JAQ and SPL Pictured - iMate.com
Two new mid-range devices from i-mate™ to meet rising demand for work-leisure
mobility
Worldwide Innovator of Windows Mobile® solutions targets broader audience with
lower priced devices
12 September, 2006 Dubai, UAE – i-mate™ (London AIM: IMTE), the
specialist in Microsoft Windows Mobile® devices and software applications, today
announced at CTIA Wireless IT 2006 in Los Angeles the launch of two new
mid-range hybrid devices to appeal to a wider audience that demand all the
benefits of Windows Mobile® powered devices at a lower price point.
i-mate™ global sales director Jack Craine reveals, “Consumers and business users
alike have been turning to i-mate™ for the latest Windows Mobile 5.0 devices and
solutions, and we are glad to now offer a new i-mate range at a lower price.
These new devices will maximize the work-life balance by providing on the go
professionals all the benefits of Microsoft® Windows Mobile® powered devices in
their pockets.”
“We are pleased that i-mate is bringing its innovative device design to a
broader range of consumers,” said Chris Hill, group product manager, Microsoft
Corp. “Windows Mobile is committed to a vibrant partner ecosystem that offers
customers a wide variety of devices to meet their professional and personal
needs. From rugged to sexy, the i-mate JAQ and i-mate SPL provide consumers with
new ways to keep connected and informed while on the go.”
The i-mate™ JAQ has everything the busy professional needs to do business on the
move in a Windows Mobile® powered heavy-duty device. The i-mate™ JAQ is a
quad-band device that operates on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0. The device
features a full QWERTY keyboard, 128 MB ROM/64MB RAM, 64k 2.8” color LCD screen,
MiniSD memory card expansion, integrated antenna, Bluetooth® compatibility.
The i-mate™ SPL is a great-looking device that will attract professionals that
want a stylish device plus the benefits of the Windows Mobile® platform. For
business or pleasure, it’s got what it takes for users who want the
functionality and features of an affordable Windows Mobile powered device. The i-mate™
SPL is a GSM/GPRS tri-band device featuring 128MB ROM/64MB RAM, 65k 2.2” color
LCD screen, MiniSD memory card expansion, integrated antenna and Bluetooth®
compatibility.
A complimentary 30-day trial version of i-mate™ Suite (www.clubimate.com/t-imatesuite.aspx)
is pre-installed on both phones. i-mate Suite is i-mate’s advanced management
solution for mobile devices that gives you IT support in the field, safeguards
data, and allows secure access and information transfers on the go.
Club i-mate™, the world’s largest online Windows Mobile® user community,
provides support and content to i-mate™ users, including 24/7 live multilingual
support, software patches, device tutorials, current ROM upgrades, a free Hosted
Exchange® email account and a wide variety of content including games,
ring-tones and productivity software.
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