While it doesn't carry forward its name, the slim, sleek Samsung Epix is the spirtual successor to the popular Blackjack smartphone series, and it adds innovative new features including and advanced touchscreen and new optical mouse technology. It also features a full QWERTY keyboard, integrated Wi-Fi networking and GPS for use of AT&T Navigator turn-by-turn directions, a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, MicroSD memory expansion, and a long battery life with up to 7 hours of talk time.

With the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, the Samsung Epix supports Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager, which provides single-point access to line of business and corporate data such as applications, files and other information located on the corporate network. It also provides push email for immediate send and receive on Corporate Microsoft Exchange servers as well as editing of Microsoft Office documents.

The Samsung Epix smartphone runs the Windows Mobile 6.1 OS and features an innovative combination optical mouse/navigation pad.

Service
This phone can handle high-speed data connectivity via any GSM 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The  3G network uses the tri-band UMTS/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 MHz network, which provides download speeds ranging from 700 Kbps to 1.7 Mbps, and upload speeds ranging from 500 Kbps to 1.2 Mbps. This makes it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services.

In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go. You'll also enjoy quad-band GSM connectivity, which allows you to make calls in more than 190 countries and access data applications in the more than 135 countries where AT&T offers international data roaming.

With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access  Video Share service, which enables you to send a live, one-way video stream to another compatible phone during a standard voice call. The service also allows you to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call. (Customers must be in an area served by the company's 3G network and have a Video Share-enabled phone.) A majority of users in the architecture, engineering and construction industries rated the ability to share live video through Video Share highly, according to research commissioned by AT&T. Video Share lets you see progress on a job site or review the day's work without having to drive from an office or other site to do so.

You can take advantage of the AT&T Navigator GPS software and service, a full-featured premium navigation application that includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps (additional charges applicable). AT&T Navigator offers several other features to make your commute more enjoyable and reliable, including mobile access to Yellowpages.com. Additionally, AT&T Navigator is the only mobile phone-based GPS service that provides integrated speech recognition for address entry and points of interest search.

With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access  Cellular Video (CV) service and the Internet while on the go. Cellular Video features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more. And you get access to AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the, access the Napster and eMusic subscription music services, stream music video, discover what's playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what's hot with The Buzz music news portal. (A MEdia Max subscription bundle is recommended for accessing AT&T's Internet, video, and music services.)

It's also pre-loaded with AT&T's Mobile Banking application, which is compatible with accounts from banks including Wachovia, SunTrust, Synovus, and BancorpSouth. Mobile Banking from AT&T affords you the flexibility to stay on top of your banking needs while you're on the move, enabling you to check your account balance, securely transfer funds between your eligible accounts, view and pay bills, and review your transaction history. AT&T customers pay no additional fee to access mobile banking and, because the application resides on the handset, the service is optimized to reduce the number of new page views necessary to complete a transaction. Minimal data usage charges apply and vary based on individual use.

Phone Features
The Samsng Epix makes it easy to navigate menus with its large 2.5-inch touchscreen (65K colors, 320 x 320-pixel resolution) that features haptic feedback when pressing buttons. It also includes the first-ever implementation of optical mouse technology on a phone sold in the U.S. Located in the center of the device between the right and left soft keys, the optical mouse allows for quick and easy navigation by simply sweeping a finger over it. To make a selection, a single click will bring you to your desired location within the phone's menus. The optical mouse can also be switched to a four-way navigation key for more traditional navigation.

With Windows Mobile 6.1, the Epix brings a powerful personal computer experience to the small screen. You'll be able keep track of schedules and contacts through Outlook Mobile, browse the Internet by using Internet Explorer Mobile, as well as manage Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents using Office Mobile. Windows Mobile 6.1 also supports HTML e-mail so that you can view and compose e-mail messages in their native format with live links to Web sites, support for images, tables and bullets.

In addition to a robust feature set, the Epix provides access to multiple e-mail accounts, both personal and business, through Microsoft Direct Push technology with Outlook Mobile and AT&T Xpress Mail, which includes most major POP3/IMAP providers. The BlackJack II also offers over-the-air synchronization of contacts, calendar and task lists with Microsoft Exchange Server or AT&T Xpress Mail.

This phone provides Bluetooth version 2.0 wireless connectivity, and includes profiles for mono and stereo headset, handsfree, dial-up networking, object push, file transfer, and basic print. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server. It also offers USB 2.0 wired connectivity and USB mass storage capability.

Other features include:

• Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g)
• 2-megapixel camera with video capture, digital zoom, and multi-shot capabilities
• Multiple digital audio file format compatibility, including MP3, WAV, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WAV
• MicroSD/MicroSDHC memory expansion compatible with media up to 32 GB
• 624 MHz processor; 256 MB ROM / 150 MB RAM
• Email: Microsoft Direct Push, Good Mobile, IMAP4, POP3, Outlook
• Messaging: SMS, MMS, IM (Yahoo, AOL, MSN)
• HTML browser with RSS feeds
• Bluetooth version 2.0 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BPP (basic printing profile for text, email), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), HID (support for mice or joysticks), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures), PAN (personal area networking), PBA (transfer contacts), SPP (serial port profile)

Vital Statistics
The Samsung Epix weighs 4.4 ounces and measures 4.6 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches. Its 1800 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7 hours of talk time, and up to 336 hours (14 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies and 850/1900/2100 UMTS/HSDPA frequencies.

Powered by Windows Mobile 6.1
Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.1 offers a number of handy features that make searching through email, editing Microsoft Office documents, and staying on top of your most important communications even easier. Emails can now be viewed in their original rich HTML format and now offer the ability to visit embedded links. It also includes Windows Live for Windows Mobile, which provides a full set of Windows Live services, such as the Windows Live Messenger IM application, which now enables you to chat with more than one person at one time or send a file.

With Windows Mobile 6.1, your phone will finally be able to emulate the power and features of your PC's Microsoft Office suite. You'll be able to neatly view, navigate and edit Word documents and Excel spreadsheets in their original formatting--without affecting tables, images or text--as well as view PowerPoint presentations.

• Microsoft Office Word Mobile features include spell-check, Find and Replace commands, bulleted lists, text formatting, and support for tables for the first time.
• With Excel Mobile, you're not just confined to editing charts: with the new Chart Wizard you can create charts quickly and easily.
• PowerPoint Mobile allows you to view the full presentation, rehearse timings, check the order and any live links you may have in your presentation. You can then email comments back to the team or communicate via MSN Messenger for an immediate response.
• After creating or editing a Word document or Excel spreadsheet, you can synchronize it with your PC and it will automatically be converted to the PC version.

All Windows Mobile 6.1 powered devices include Direct Push Technology for up-to-date e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars, tasks and contacts through Microsoft Exchange Server. It also offers a set of important device security and management features that include the capability to remotely wipe all data from a device should it be lost or stolen, helping ensure that confidential information remains that way.