Samsung SGH I617 BlackJack II

Advantages: buttons set up like a keyboard
Disadvantages: buttons hard to press if you have fingernails

I don't think I knew what I was getting myself into. Doing a small amount of texting but mostly needing this for making simple phone calls, I am in over my head a bit. If you're a data person & wanting a phone for surfing the web, sending IMs, emails, & texts, this is the phone for you. As a busy mom (with finger nails which make it impossible to use these buttons), it's not the phone for me. My favorite things about the blackjack II are the keyboard ...
...the 'home' screen, which displays the features you have most frequently used. It's fairly easy to use the camera (the photos didn't turn out as well as they did with my sync). It also has an easy-to-lock system, which is great for the purse & the crumbcruncher's fingers who get a hold of my phone on occasion. ... Read review

Advantages: 3G that provides email and Internet connectivity
Disadvantages: can't think of any

I've had my BlackJack II for several months now and I just love it. I originally had the black one, but was able to exchange for the burgundy version. It is very stylish and fits a techie girl's personality. I used to carry a laptop around all the time, but found that it was too heavy and was hurting my shoulder. Now with the BlackJack II, I can leave the laptop home and still have access to all my email accounts. I installed Yahoo to Go 2.0 and ...
...and even access my Facebook account using it's 3G protocol. With the slingbox mobile I can even watch live baseball games or prerecorded programs. I've also installed some mp3's on it, so i don't have to carry a separate mp3 player. It truly has allowed me to keep in touch without the heavy burden of carrying a laptop. And, yes, it is good for phone calls. It was easy to transfer over my old contacts and establish my calendar. All in all , it's a ... Read review

The Blackjack is a great phone, but I wanted a phone that would also substitute for an mp3 player and this phone is not good for this...if you want your phone to do this then don't get the Blackjack.