i-MATE GETS ORGANISED 09/11/2004

Mobile device manufacturer i-Mate is coming out from the behind the scenes and into the spotlight with the JAM, its first branded handheld in the UK. It’s a voice-enabled PDA with a compact form factor, giving smartphones some serious competition.

The tri-band JAM will be available SIM-free, so businesses and professionals willing to pay for the right device can choose the carrier they want. It’s powered by Windows Mobile for Pocket PC 2003 Second Edition, which is an operating system for PDAs with phone capabilities. Not to be mistaken for a smartphone, the JAM has full organiser capabilities. Wireless connectivity takes the form of Bluetooth as well as GPRS for mobile Internet access. Users have 64MB RAM for file storage, with an SDIO/MMC expansion slot for adding a memory card or a GPS receiver. The 18mm-thick silver casing is slightly larger than your average mobile phone and fits comfortably in your hand, so you won’t feel silly holding it up to your ear in public.

In the way of multimedia functionality, the JAM offers an integrated 1.3-megapixel camera for high-resolution printable pictures or mugshots for use with photo contacts and caller ID. The recently launched Windows Media Player 10 is also included for playing music and video.

i-Mate customers can take advantage of real-time online support, interactive multiplayer games, email accounts and more on the Club i-Mate website. The i-Mate JAM will be available online through Expansys, at a subsidised cost of roughly £200, by the end of November. Although still subject to approval, Vodafone and O2 will likely be among the available operators.

Contact: www.imate.com, www.expansys.com