EngadgetMobile reports on the i-mate JAQ3, i-mate’s rebrand of the TechFaith UBiQUio 501. It’s expected to sport the following features:

* Pocket PC
* 64MB flash memory
* 802.11b/g
* Bluetooth 1.2 with A2DP
* 2 megapixel camera
* miniSD slot
* mini USB port

Link.

i-mate JAQ3 Reviews

MobileTechReview has a review of the i-mate JAQ3 and writes, “If you’re hankering for a Pocket PC with a front facing keyboard and aren’t a Cingular customer (or are allergic to the Treo and iPAQ square screens), the JAQ3 is worth a look. It’s an attractive device with a very usable keyboard. Though the livin’ large dimensions might throw your pocket for a loop (OK, it is thin). Unfortunately the stock phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none” comes to mind. The JAQ3 has a great feature set that looks great on paper, but doesn’t execute as well as we’d like on several of those features: the device is slow, WiFi speeds are surprisingly low, Bluetooth (the older 1.2 standard) doesn’t provide good audio with Bluetooth headsets and battery life could be better given the low CPU speed and lack of 3G.” Link.

Mobility Site has a review of the i-mate JAQ3 and writes, ” I have sort of mixed feelings about this device. I like the thinness but dislike the length. The design for one handed use is spectacular yet the size of the numbers and letters on the keys can cause some frustration especially in poorly lit areas. I was pleased with the ability to use Wi-Fi. … Clearly this device is a mid-range Windows Mobile device designed to appeal to a lower price point audience. There are enough features on this device that would make me look closely at it if I wanted a basic pocket PC. However if your needs are for a workhorse, then this is not the one for you.” Link.

CNET has a review of the i-mate JAQ3 and writes, “General performance was subpar. The smart phone is powered by a 200MHz processor and there’s only about 20MB free to run programs, so when we had numerous applications open, the device slowed to crawl. Also, the screen froze on us several times, and we had to power the handset off then on again to get back on track. Web browsing on the Jaq3 was fairly quick with EDGE speeds, though we would much prefer 3G. Multimedia performance also was pretty bad. … While the I-mate Jaq3 offers a number of improvements over its predecessor, this Windows Mobile smart phone falls way short of the competition with poor performance.” Link.

Brighthand has a review of the i-mate JAQ3 and writes, “There’s no question that the JAQ3 is a vast improvement over its predecessor in almost every way. It’s got better hardware, a better design, and a broader user appeal. While I can’t say that I’ve been particularly awestruck by any given feature of the JAQ3, the simple truth is that it’s about as close as you’re going to get to the physical design of the Cingular BlackJack or Motorola Q while still having full Pocket PC software compatibility and features. If that’s your goal, then you’ve got a winner. Otherwise, the JAQ3 is decent, but some other device may be more fitting to your needs.” Link.

LaptopMag has a review of the i-mate JAQ3 and writes, “With a combination of features rarely found in one smart phone, including a touchscreen display, QWERTY keyboard, and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, the i-mate JAQ3 certainly impresses on paper. Unfortunately, a number of critical components–processing performance and call quality, in particular–fail to measure up, seriously undercutting the JAQ3’s potential. Furthermore, U.S. carriers don’t currently offer the device, which leaves you to contend with the harrowing full retail price of $499.” Link.