Hello Everyone, 

I am so happy for those of you preparing to purchase your first mobile Smartphone. 

As far as I am concerned, there are few things more thrilling than buying a new mobile phone, except of course getting ready to eat a pound of crispy bacon.  (Smile)

The following is an answer I posted to a mailing list in response to a request for suggestions on how best to purchase the Samsung Blackjack II Smartphone from AT&T Wireless.

Even though my answer is skewed towards the purchase of a BJ2, it is equally as valid for purchasing any wireless Smartphone, for the first time. 

1.
Make sure you purchase your BJ2 from a corporate A T & T Wireless store and not, under any circumstances from an authorized retailer.

2.
Personally, I only purchase equipment from the on-duty store manager, not a sales representative.  If you can establish a positive rapport with the store manager, it will save you so much unnecessary aggravation down the
proverbial road.     

3.
There is every chance that the BJ2 you purchase will have Windows Mobile 6.1 already installed.  Be sure to ask the manager which operating system is installed on the device.  If you notice any hesitation, request that she/he power on the device before agreeing to continue with the purchase. 

4.
It is A T & T Wireless’ policy to not upgrade the OS for their customers, in store; however, I believe that one can have the device upgraded by sending it in to central A T & T support.

5.
If the device has not been upgraded to WM6.1, unless you have a phone tech geek readily available, request that the manager show you how to both insert and remove the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card.  For the record, the SIM card is the smart card inserted inside all GSM phones.  Among other things, it identifies the customer’s account to the network.

Knowing how to insert and remove the SIM card is crucial if you are going to upgrade the device, yourself.  Before upgrading, you must remove the SIM card. 

6.
While I am thinking of it, with the above caveat not withstanding, request that the manager demonstrate how to attach any peripherals that are either included in the phone’s package or that you decide to purchase.  If financially feasible, I strongly suggest that you purchase the A T & T Wireless leather fitted case for the phone.  Please note that I did not say universal case but, rather the fitted case that is made for only the BJ2.
This case, which cost approximately $40, will protect the display screen while allowing comfortable access to the QWERTY keyboard, camera lens, and accessory ports.  If the store does not have any of these cases in stock, do not be concerned for you can order them directly from A T & T Wireless. 

I also suggest that you purchase an 8GB high capacity SD storage card, as well.  If purchased from an AT&T Wireless corporate store, the 8GB high capacity SD storage card comes with a USB card reader.

NOTE:
I suggest that those who are blind or low vision not attempt to upgrade the device without sighted assistance; keep in mind, during the upgrade process, there is no mobile screen reader access and, more importantly, once the upgrade process begins, it cannot be stopped until it is successfully completed or you run the risk of “bricking” your device.

7.
You can find the download instructions and WM6.1 installation files at Samsung.com.  Read, read, and re-read the instructions over and over until you are completely comfortable with them.  Assuming that you successfully complete the upgrade process, you will never have to do it again on your device.  Because of this, some mistakenly try to rush through the process thinking they will “wing it” as they go.  (Big mistake!  Don’t do that, OK?)  Take your time.  Trust me, it will be well worth the effort.
OK, I think that’s it. 

Good Luck and welcome to the Blackjack II side of town.  (Smile) 

Mark