One disappointing aspect of the otherwise superb Samsung Blackjack is its lack of built-in wi-fi. It does have other internet support such as G3 and EDGE, so it can get the job done. However, not everyone can afford an unlimited data plan, especially since Cingular the new AT&T the old Cingular new AT&T insists on calling the Blackjack smartphone a PDA and charging the higher PDA data rates.
Spectec micro SD Wi-Fi Card
So it was welcome news to Blackjackers and other micro SD gear owners when the Spectec wi-fi micro SD card was announced last October. No dates or prices were given and the many internet postings repeated the same story. A couple sites pre-selling the card say June 2007 is the expected date.
Read BlackjackShack: WiFi On The BlackJack?
Read CrunchGear: Spectec Brings WiFi to Windows Mobile Devices via MicroSD
Read Chip Chick: SpecTec’s MicroSD Card with Wifi
Responsive Spectec
However, an email to Spectec in Taiwan got an immediate reply - by which I mean five minutes - that said it would be another two months. I have to say that the quick reply from Spectec was so unexpected that it bought a load of repect and patience from me. Heads up to other businesses: you can learn a thing or two from that.
Will It Work On The Blackjack?
There is some concern about whether the Blackjack supports SDIO, but I found some specs that say it supports SDIO. Also, the Spectec site says Smartphones, but says it requires Windows CE, but of course I hold out hope that Windows Mobile Standard (WM5 or WM6) will make the grade.
Still Waiting For Wi-Fi
The news of a summer without Blackjack wi-fi is disappointing, but the device is so otherwise capable that I think I can manage (this post is being drafted on mine and will be easily sent off over the interweb). Hopefully when August rolls around, it will be clear that the card works on Windows Mobile and isn’t priced too high.
